ABSTRACT
Practicing nurses are returning to school to further their education. There is a growing demand for nurses with advanced degrees to meet the needs of an expanding population of patients living with cancer. However, there are many different graduate nursing degree and program options, and several considerations should be taken into account when selecting a degree and a school. Discerning career goals is key to making the best decisions.
Subject(s)
Education, Nursing, Graduate , Career Choice , Educational Status , Goals , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Elucidation of key biomarkers, as indicators and drivers of the pathologic processes in cutaneous melanoma (CM), has led to the development of effective targeted therapies. OBJECTIVES: This article provides an overview of key concepts in advanced CM, particularly the essential role of biomarkers and biomarker testing to guide treatment. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in CINAHL® and PubMed® using the following search terms. FINDINGS: Targeted BRAF/MEK inhibitors, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have vastly improved long-term outcomes in advanced CM. Deepening understanding of the biologic and genomic features of CM and their interactions with the host immune system is critical for predicting treatment and survival outcomes and developing new therapies.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Biomarkers , Humans , Immunotherapy , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/genetics , Patient Education as Topic , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Skin Neoplasms/geneticsABSTRACT
The primary cause of bleeding in patients with cancer is thrombocytopenia and it commonly is attributed to myelosuppressive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow infiltration of the malignancy. Oncology nurses have a critical role to play in the prevention and management of bleeding in patients with cancer. As part of an Oncology Nursing Society Putting Evidence Into Practice (PEP) project team, the authors of this article reviewed the current literature to identify effective interventions in the prevention and management of bleeding in patients with cancer. The authors evaluated research studies conducted since 1991, current clinical practice guidelines, and systematic reviews. The literature was reviewed, synthesized, and developed into evidence tables that were ultimately published in a PEP card. All data were reviewed by experts in the field of thrombocytopenia. The Prevention of Bleeding PEP card was unveiled at the 8th Annual Institutes of Learning in November 2007.
