TON - December 2019, Vol 12, No 6

 From the Editor - TON December 2019
The December issue of The Oncology Nurse-APN/PA (TON) is filled with important news and insights for today’s oncology nurse. We begin our coverage with a profile of the Adena Cancer Center, Chillicothe, OH, as we speak with Jina Fields, RN, BSN, who discusses her professional responsibilities at the center, some of the rewards and challenges related to her day-to-day duties, and which advances in the treatment of cancer she believes hold the most promise for improving patient outcomes. Read More ›

Cancer care can be provided by many types of institutions, from large comprehensive cancer centers to small rural hospitals. In this issue of The Oncology Nurse-APN/PA (TON), we are focusing on a rural cancer center in Appalachia—the Adena Cancer Center, Chillicothe, OH, which is part of the Adena Health System. Adena has a main campus, where the cancer center is situated at Adena Regional Medical Center, as well as 2 additional critical access hospitals in Greenfield and Waverly. Together, they serve the health needs of 9 counties in south central and southern Ohio. Read More ›

Formal Hereditary Cancer Genetic Counseling Improves Patient Outcomes
Anaheim, CA—The speed at which the genetics revolution has propelled forward in oncology has created enormous ramifications and unanticipated challenges, according to Suzanne Mahon, RN, DNSc, AOCN, AGN-BC, CNS, Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, MO. Read More ›

Engaging Patients in Their Cancer Care Through Digital Health
People who are less engaged in their own medical care have more negative health consequences, including higher readmission rates, poor care coordination, and less confidence. It is therefore imperative to keep patients engaged in their own healthcare, and current technology plays an important role in achieving this goal, according to Sangeeta Agarawal, RN, CAS, MS, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Helpsy Health, San Francisco, CA. Read More ›

Key Considerations for Implementing a Scalp Cooling Program
Although chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is often reversible, in some patients, it can have a negative impact on body image, and lead to increased psycho­social distress and/or decreased quality of life. The severity of CIA depends on several factors, including the type, dose, and schedule of chemotherapy. Read More ›

Although pancreatic cancer represents only 3.2% of all new cancer cases in the United States, it is now the third leading cause of cancer-related death.1,2 An estimated 45,750 Americans will die of pancreatic cancer in 2019, and there will be an estimated 56,770 new cases of the disease diagnosed in the same year.1 Given the poor prognosis associated with this type of cancer, researchers are striving to gain a better understanding of the biology of the disease, and to develop more effective treatments. In addition, advocacy groups are working to raise awareness about the disease and improve quality of life. Presented here are a few statistics about pancreatic cancer. Read More ›

Patient-Centered Clinical Pathways Should Incorporate the Patient’s Voice
San Diego, CA—Patient-centered clinical pathways may hold the promise of truly personalized medicine, improving value-based care and clinical outcomes. However, according to Cary P. Gross, MD, Director, Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, substantial challenges still stand in the way of including the patient’s voice in these pathways. Read More ›

Noninvasive Molecular Diagnosis Using Circulating DNA Sequencing Improves Outcomes in Cholangiocarcinoma Management
Diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is often identified at a late stage. Analyzing the tumor-specific mutation profile of a patient with CCA can improve the diagnosis and treatment for the individual patient. The molecular profile of CCA can be done through the use of circulating tumor (ct) DNA sequencing, which may help to target specific mutations and improve treatment selection for this rare type of cancer. Read More ›

Oral Parity Laws Could Reduce Disparities in Cancer Care
San Diego, CA—Great progress has been made in the fight against cancer, but not all patients have benefited equally. Disparities exist among specific populations in terms of survival and cancer-related mortality, incidence and prevalence, as well as adverse health conditions, according to Karen M. Winkfield, MD, PhD, Director, Office of Cancer Health Equity, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC. Dr Winkfield discussed the topic at the 2019 ASCO Quality Care Symposium. Read More ›

This section provides a brief overview of new cancer drugs or new indications approved by the FDA between November 14 and November 21, 2019.

  • Brukinsa Receives FDA Approval for Patients with Mantle-Cell Lymphoma
  • FDA Approves Adakveo to Reduce Vaso-Occlusive Crises in Patients with Sickle-Cell Disease
  • Calquence Receives FDA Approval for the Treatment of Patients with CLL or SLL
Read More ›


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