October 2018

This letter from the Chairman and CEO of Oncology Nursing News gives an overview of the contents of the October 2018 print issue of the magazine.

This article reviews the types of genes included in multigene panels for breast cancer, and the risks associated with those genes.

Investigators are hopeful that idasanutlin, a novel small molecule that targets the MDM2 protein, is being tested in combination with cytarabine in the international phase III MIRROS clinical trial (NCT02545283) to see if omprove the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Smilow Cancer Hospital tested sending patients directly from the post–anesthesia care unit (PACU) to the surgical oncology unit after head and neck surgery to reduce length of stay, postoperative complications, and readmission rates of patients.

The value of axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel; Yescarta), an anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, in treating R/R MCL will be tested in the multi­center phase II ZUMA-2 clinical trial (NCT02601313).

How should oncology nurses deal with patients' spiritual needs?

Ketamine, typically used to kickstart and maintain anesthesia use, could be an option for treating patients with ovarian cancer whose pain is difficult to treat.

Is it appropriate for oncology nurses to dress up for occasions or holidays at work?

Not enough is known about immunotherapy-related adverse events, so it is important to report unusual or previously unreported ones to the FDA.

Jackie Miller, BSN, RN, OCN, works to provide emotional support for children whose parents have cancer.

Elizabeth Davis, BSN, RN, CPN, is inspired by the strength she sees in her small charges.

Nurses share the latest procedures in postmastectomy reconstruction and how to support women in recovery.