FDA Expands Ribociclib Indication in HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced, Metastatic Breast Cancer
On July 18, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for ribociclib (Kisqali) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for pre/perimenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as initial endocrine-based therapy.
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Is Palliative Care the Answer to the Medical Aid in Dying Discussion?
Oncology nurse scientists have pioneered efforts in symptom management research, including palliative and end-of-life care studies. Healthcare providers and researchers have strong consensus that palliative interventions should begin at the time of diagnosis for patients with cancer. The Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing and Oncology Nursing Forum have published excellent articles in nearly every issue on topics of palliative care, quality of life, and symptom management issues.
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What Would You Say if Your Patient on a Clinical Trial Needs to Visit the Dentist?
One of your patients is enrolled in a clinical trial and is scheduled to receive an investigational drug today. She reports a cracked tooth and asks if it’s okay to get dental work. What should you tell her?
A. To Set up an appointment with her dentist between treatment cycles.
B. To check with her research team before setting up a dental appointment.
C. Not to have any dental work done since she’s on a clinical trial.
D. Have her tooth fixed right away and let the research team know if you have any problems.
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HHS Releases Blueprint for Affordable Prescription Drugs
Health care is arguably the top domestic policy issue and of major concern to most Americans. Coverage, access, and, most importantly, affordability are not abstract political concepts discussed in elite coffeehouse circles but rather are real-world problems that people struggle with daily. Do I need to see a physician for this problem? What impact will a diagnosis have on my life? Can I afford the medication?
FDA Approves Enzalutamide for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
On July 13, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved enzalutamide (Xtandi), for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The Case of the Coercive Consent
Betty, age 70, was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer and started treatment with FOLFOX. Her medical oncologist changed the treatment to capcitabine after Betty developed grade 3 peripheral neuropathy. Because of disease progression, bevacizumab was added to her treatment plan. She lives with her daughter, is insured by Medicare, and receives $800 per month from Social Security.
Nurse Management of cGVHD in Patients on Ibrutinib Focuses on Education
Ibrutinib is a first-in-class, once-daily inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase. In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ibrutinib for the treatment of adult patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or more lines of systemic therapy.
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Trump Officials Again Slash Funding for Obamacare Outreach Groups; Pfizer Postpones Price Hikes After Trump Criticism; Medicare for All Is New Democratic Mantra in Congressional Races
Previously, reports had emerged that the Trump administration was considering cuts to funding for Affordable Care Act (ACA) outreach groups whose aim has been to educate and assist Americans interested in enrolling in the healthcare program. On July 10, 2018, the administration officially announced funding cuts to the outreach programs, reducing their funding from $36 million to $10 million for 2019.
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What the Evidence Says About Probiotics and Health
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer health benefits following consumption, by reversing dysbiosis: changes in the composition or function of gut microbes associated with the development of many chronic and degenerative diseases. The majority of probiotics contain nonvirulent, lactic acid-producing bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium, Propionibacterium, and Enterococcus, or yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii. They are available as dietary supplements or can be obtained from yogurt and other fermented foods. Probiotics have grown in popularity over the past few decades because of perceived benefits such as improved digestion, immune function, and nutrient absorption.
Instructional Class Improves CAR T-Cell Knowledge in ICU and BMT Nurses
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has become an integral part of the advancement of lymphoma and other cancer treatments. However, educational resources and available published literature are still lacking for oncology and intensive care nurses.