Publications by authors named "Kathy Lilleby"

Novel therapies for multiple myeloma include the immunomodulatory drugs lenalidomide and thalidomide and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, which have increased response rates and survival times. However, the agents can cause myelosuppression, which, if not managed effectively, can be life threatening and interfere with optimal therapy and quality of life. The International Myeloma Foundation's Nurse Leadership Board developed a consensus statement that includes toxicity grading, strategies for monitoring and managing myelosuppression associated with novel therapies, and educational recommendations for patients and their caregivers.

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Nurses play an essential role in managing the care of patients with multiple myeloma, who require education and support to receive and adhere to optimal therapy. The International Myeloma Foundation created a Nurse Leadership Board comprised of oncology nurses from leading cancer centers and community practices. An assessment survey identified the need for specific recommendations for managing key side effects of novel antimyeloma agents.

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Objective: There is evidence that pentoxifylline (PTX) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) may protect patients from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation, which could allow further drug dose escalation. This study was conducted to determine whether oral and intravenous (IV) PTX and Cipro permits increased dose levels of oral busulfan (BU) with a fixed dose of IV cyclophosphamide (CY) in patients with breast cancer receiving autologous or syngeneic hematopoetic cell transplantation.

Methods: Sixty-seven patients received PTX and Cipro with CY of 150 mg/kg and escalating doses of BU.

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