Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: Considerations for Oncology Nurses.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the young adult population has increased during the past several decades, which is concerning to healthcare professionals. Awareness of CRC needs to be at the forefront for healthca.

GUIDE Communication Framework: Developing Skills to Improve Nurse-Patient Interactions.

GUIDE is a communication framework that helps nurses to empower patients through guidance and support. The five letters in GUIDE stand for gaining insight into the goals of treatment and care, understanding the gaps in the patient's knowledge, informing and educating, directing to additional support, and empowering patients. With the GUIDE communication framework, nurses are supported in being active members of the interprofessional team and participating in shared decision-making. The Ask-Tell-Ask model also allows nurses to discover patients' knowledge gaps and provide efficient education.

Chemotherapy Education and Support: A Model for Use in the Ambulatory Care Setting.

BACKGROUND: Oncology nurses are challenged to coordinate an effective, evidence-based approach to comprehensive patient education, symptom management, and psychosocial support for patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancers during chemotherapy. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to develop and evaluate a nurse-led psychoeducational intervention using a multimedia tool. METHODS: Development and testing of the intervention was grounded in the Science and Practice Aligned Within Nursing model for evidence-based practice implementation. FINDINGS: Forty-five participants completed the study (29 with pancreatic cancer and 16 with colorectal cancer). Patient knowledge increased significantly in patients with pancreatic cancer following the intervention (p = 0.05).

Managing toxicities associated with antiangiogenic biologic agents in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Toxicities commonly associated with antiangiogenic agents include hypertension, proteinuria, wound-healing complications, bleeding or hemorrhage, thromboembolic events, hypersensitivity reactions, and gastrointestinal perforation; however, toxicities most often attributed to chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, neuropathy, mucositis, hand-foot syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions, and myelosuppression. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who receive an antiangiogenic agent in combination with chemotherapy may experience toxicities related to both chemotherapy and the antiangiogenic agent. If possible, evidence-based interventions should be used for the management of toxicities. Patient education about expected toxicities and optimal toxicity management can promote the optimal use of therapy to improve survival and quality of life. Oncology nurses are well positioned to educate patients and their families on anticipated treatment and management of side effects. This article summarizes the incidence of toxicities associated with the antiangiogenic biologic agents aflibercept and bevacizumab, in combination with chemotherapy for patients with mCRC, and provides strategies for managing these toxicities based on clinical practice guidelines.

Managing toxicities associated with colorectal cancer chemotherapy and targeted therapy: a new guide for nurses.

This article will provide an overview of the principal toxicities associated with commonly used chemotherapy treatment regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and explore the role of the oncology nurse in the management of treatment-associated toxicity. Although patients with mCRC have benefited considerably from recent therapeutic advances, the use of more complex treatment regimens has inevitably resulted in an increase in treatment-related toxicities. This can ultimately lead to dose reductions, delays, or discontinuation of therapy, which may negatively affect efficacy outcomes. Early identification and treatment of toxicities often can allow treatment to continue as planned or at a lower dose, if required. The oncology nurse is ideally positioned to assist with the timely recognition and management of side effects. This allows therapy to be continued on schedule and at the appropriate dose, enabling patients to achieve a better clinical outcome and maintain or improve their quality of life.