How Can Oncology Nurses and Advanced Practice Providers Reduce the Burden of Chemotherapy-Induced Febrile Neutropenia in the US?

Background: Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) are serious complications of myelosuppressive chemotherapy and present a considerable burden to patients with cancer. Febrile neutropenia is associated with increased risks of infection and hospitalization, a particular concern during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Oncology nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs; including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and pharmacists) play a vital role in the management of patients with cancer and the prevention of infections.

Optimizing Treatment of V600E-Mutant Metastatic NSCLC With Encorafenib and Binimetinib: A Practical Resource for Advanced Practice Providers.

The V600E mutation aberrantly activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, subsequently resulting in uncontrolled cellular proliferation, survival, and dedifferentiation. Approximately 2% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a V600E mutation. BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination therapy targets two kinases within the MAPK pathway.

Optimizing Palbociclib Therapy Across the Age Spectrum: Hypothetical, Illustrative Case Scenarios in HR+, HER2-Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy are a preferred treatment option for premenopausal and postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Palbociclib is a potent, first-in-class oral inhibitor of CDK4/6. To provide optimal care to patients with HR+/HER2- mBC receiving palbociclib, advanced practitioners require a thorough understanding of the efficacy and adverse event (AE) profile of palbociclib as well as the diverse characteristics and support needs of patients eligible for palbociclib treatment.

Palbociclib Plus Letrozole for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Illustrative Case Scenario.

Betty, a 66-year-old white female, was diagnosed with stage IIB, T2N1M0, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in 2007. It was detected on screening mammography when she was age 59, and she was confirmed to be postmenopausal at the time. She has no family history of breast cancer.

Nursing considerations for administering pemetrexed (Alimta) in combination with cisplatin for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

No known cure exists for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The prognosis for patients with this relatively rare, asbestos-related malignancy of the pleural lining of the lung is quite poor. MPM treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.