Clonal Evolution in MSI-H Colorectal Cancer Suggests Repeated Molecular Testing May Be Necessary
February 28th 2018Genetic changes that occur during DNA cloning in people with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer may affect the efficacy of targeted and immunologic therapies. Repeated testing may be necessary to ensure that targeted treatments keep up with the changes in DNA.
Women Who Undergo Lymph Node Dissection Regain Arm Mobility Faster With Exercise
February 21st 2018Lymph node surgery may be necessary to stop the spread of cancer, but it may cause people to have a limited range of motion. In addition to educating people about possible adverse effects, a new study suggests that nurses should also be explaining the benefits of physical therapy.
NCCN, ASCO Guide Nurses in Managing Checkpoint Inhibitor Side Effects
February 20th 2018Recognizing and understanding how to manage side effects related to immunotherapy treatements is key for nurses. To educate healthcare teams on immunotherapy-related toxicities, The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Society of Clinical Oncology issued new guidelines.
USPSTF Recommends Against Ovarian Cancer Screening in Average- to Low-Risk Women
February 15th 2018Screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women who are not known to have a high-risk hereditary cancer syndrome has no benefit and may lead to harm due to false positives, according to a new review conducted by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Therapy Dogs Reduce Stress in Families of Pediatric Patients
February 6th 2018The Canines and Childhood Cancer Study – the first and largest randomized, controlled clinical trial to measure the effects of animal-assisted therapy in the field of pediatric oncology – recently showed significant benefits to families in a time of great need.
Patients With Brain Metastases May Now Have a Better Chance of Inclusion in Clinical Trials
February 2nd 2018Patients whose cancers have metastasized to the brain or central nervous system are often excluded from clinical trials, but now, new guidelines may help researchers identify appropriate clinical trials in which these people may be included.
Brain Training Is Key in Helping Cognitive Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
February 1st 2018Changes in cognitive function, or chemobrain, are common among patients who survive breast cancer. However, limited efforts have been put in to understanding or managing these cognitive changes in survivors. Now, there is a web site that can help with just that.
Promising Agent Shows Significant Activity in Patients with Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis
December 14th 2017Results of a phase I trial presented showed that the agent BLU-285 (Avapritinib) agent was well tolerated among patients with an advanced or aggressive form of systemic mastocytosis (ASM), a rare blood disorder that originates in mast cells.