Clinical journal of oncology nursing
-
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive cancer that carries a poor prognosis. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) offers the only potential cure, but the associated morbidity is high. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) evidence-based guidelines for perioperative care for PD can be used to reduce variations in practice. . ⋯ The ERAS guidelines were feasible and safely implemented with no change in LOS, readmission, morbidity, and mortality rates.
-
Review Comparative Study
Is ondansetron more effective than granisetron for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting? A review of comparative trials.
Nausea and vomiting are two of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Guidelines recommend the use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists as a pharmacologic intervention for acute and delayed nausea and vomiting for moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Although newer antiemetics and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are available, ondansetron and granisetron still are used widely. ⋯ S. Preventive Services Task Force criteria for judging the strength of the overall evidence. Although side effects of ondansetron and granisetron have been reported, they normally are mild and of brief duration, not severe or lasting enough to warrant discontinuation.
-
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common smoking-related illness. COPD often is underemphasized as a comorbidity except when considering issues surrounding surgical treatment options. ⋯ The added burden of dyspnea, fatigue, and psychological distress related to COPD may affect the overall outcome and quality of life (QOL) of patients with lung cancer. Attention to the prevention, assessment, and treatment of lung cancer and COPD and related symptomatology will help maximize patients' QOL.
-
Review
Temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor for treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Temsirolimus is a targeted therapy that inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a central regulator of tumor cell responses to growth stimuli. Temsirolimus has a broad anticancer activity profile that impacts tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival through its specific inhibition of mTOR. In a randomized phase III trial that enrolled previously untreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and poor prognostic features, temsirolimus significantly prolonged overall survival compared with interferon-alpha, a standard therapy (p = 0.008). ⋯ Metabolic side effects include hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypophosphatemia. Most adverse reactions associated with temsirolimus can be managed medically or addressed by supportive measures. Nurses can improve patient outcomes through early recognition of side effects and prompt interventions.
-
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is legal either medicinally or recreationally in 29 states and the District of Columbia, with a majority of the U.S. adult population now living in states where cannabis is legal for medicinal use. As an advocate for patient autonomy and informed choice, the oncology nurse has an ethical responsibility to educate patients about and support their use of cannabis for palliation. . ⋯ The oncology nurse can play a pivotal role in supporting patients' use of cannabis for palliation.