Prostate Radiotherapy May Increase Bladder Cancer Risk

Patients with prostate cancer who undergo radiation treatment, especially brachytherapy, may be at increased risk of bladder cancer more than 10 years later, according to the results of a new study presented at the American Urological Association annual meeting.

BeBRCAware

ONS Strategic Sponsor Approximately 15 percent of woman with ovarian cancer have a BRCA mutation and every year, many patients with ovarian cancer are not tested for a BRCA mutation. Family history and age are poor predictors of BRCA status in ovarian cancer patients, which is why it is so important for all women with ovarian cancer to be tested. BeBRCAware is a movement to raise awareness about the importance of genetic testing for a BRCA mutation in ovarian cancer.

ONS Attends Cancer Moonshot Summit; Blue Ribbon Panel Works Toward Final Report; ONS Comments on MIPS, APM

Cancer Moonshot Summit Kicked Off in DC

June 29, 2016, marked the first official Cancer Moonshot Summit in Washington, DC. Hosted by Vice President Joe Biden, the summit brought together the nation’s leading oncology experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, survivors, private industry professionals and more. Many from the cancer community convened in DC with the hopes of advancing progress towards a cure.

What Oncology Nurses Should Know About the Zika Virus

Zika disease (ZIKV) is a viral infection spread to humans primarily through the Aedes species of mosquito. ZIKV can also be passed through sexual conduct and vertical transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy. In February 2016, the World Health Organization declared the spread of ZIKV to be a public health emergency, citing clusters of neurologic-related conditions and birth defects corresponding with geographical outbreaks of the illness.

Quality Measures May Lengthen Survival in NSCLC

Researchers have found that four quality measures (neoadjuvant multiagent chemotherapy, lobectomy or greater resection, sampling of at least 10 lymph nodes, and R0 resection) are associated with longer survival in patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer.

Three Innovative Ways Technology Will Shift the Landscape of Cancer Care

1909, Nikola Tesla, renowned scientist and Thomas Edison’s long-time rival, predicted that future generations would possess the power to “transmit wireless messages all over the world so simply that any individual can own and operate his own apparatus."

Promote Cancer Prevention in the Face of Cancer Treatment

Maintaining and restoring health through the promotion of disease screening and early detection is a vital part of nursing. That role becomes no less important after a cancer diagnosis. Patients with cancer remain at risk for other malignancies, and that risk may even increase depending on treatment regimens.

Checkpoint Inhibitors May Cause Pseudoprogression and Dose-Limiting Side Effects

Immunotherapy agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors, are gaining popularity and press in cancer care. The agents block pathways used to slow immune activity, taking the brakes off the immune system so killer T cells stay in action and increase cancer cell death. Side effects often mimic autoimmune activity as the immune system stays in overdrive.

The More You Know, the Better Your Care

On May 1 during the 2016 Congress, I introduced my ONS presidential platform, “Specialized Knowledge: Quality Care.” Cancer nursing requires dedication, skill, and KNOWLEDGE. Oncology nursing, as we all know, is constantly changing. New treatments. New standards. New regulations. New processes. The list goes on. Staying informed and prepared for the future of oncology is daunting for any oncology nurse.

Big Change Started in San Antonio

In an amazing four days in Texas during the ONS 41st Annual Congress, I had the opportunity to learn from experts in oncology care. Four session tracks (Clinical Practice, Leadership/Management/Education, Advanced Practice, and Research) allowed attendees to tailor learning and skill building to their specific needs. We heard from many of you about how much you appreciated the advanced learning level of presentations during interactive sessions that allowed you get the information you needed.
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