Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
-
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the United States. Cost of NMSC care primarily depends on 2 factors: care settings and treatment modalities. However, the cost efficacy of NMSC care has been insufficiently addressed in previous literature. ⋯ Electrodessication and curettage and imiquimod were also reported to be inexpensive treatments. Furthermore, a positive correlation was seen between cost and tumor size for any particular treatment modality. Given these comparisons, and the rising incidence of NMSC and potential legislative measures to regulate office-based procedures, it is important to preserve the low-cost management of this disease.
-
J Natl Compr Canc Netw · Apr 2009
ReviewA communication approach for oncologists: understanding patient coping and communicating about bad news, palliative care, and hospice.
Oncologists frequently approach patients to discuss difficult topics, such as bad news about cancer progression and referrals to palliative care and hospice. To communicate effectively in these difficult situations, it is helpful to assess what the patient knows and wants to know about their disease in general and, specifically, their prognosis. ⋯ Although this coping is normal, it is difficult for most clinicians to interpret. This article presents a framework for understanding normal patient coping and gives specific examples of how to talk with these patients during difficult transitions, such as times of disease progression, and about referral to hospice and palliative care.
-
Pancreas cancer is a highly aggressive and rapidly fatal disease. The current standard of care for advanced disease improves survival modestly at best and provides palliation for a minority of patients. ⋯ This article describes new therapeutic strategies currently under investigation and discusses possible reasons that others have failed. New potential targets in the treatment of this formidable disease are suggested based on recent findings.