A prospective study of quality of life including fatigue and pulmonary function after stereotactic body radiotherapy for medically inoperable early-stage lung cancer.

Purpose: The study seeks to prospectively evaluate pulmonary function and quality of life (QOL) in medically inoperable early-stage lung cancer patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Methods: QOL was assessed by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) and the UCSD Medical Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Shortness-of-Breath Questionnaire before and after SBRT at 6 weeks, and every 3 months until 12 months. Clinical investigations included pulmonary functions tests and blood profile and chemistries.

Blood-brain barrier disruption and intra-arterial methotrexate-based therapy for newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma: a multi-institutional experience.

PURPOSE Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is confined to the CNS and/or the eyes at presentation and is usually initially treated with intravenous methotrexate-based chemotherapy and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). However, the intact blood-brain barrier (BBB) can limit diffusion of methotrexate into brain and tumor. With BBB disruption (BBBD), enhanced drug delivery to the tumor can be achieved.

A collaborative perspective on nursing leadership in quality improvement. The foundation for outcomes management and patient/staff safety in health care environments.

By 2004, only organizations whose institutional operating strategies are built on a continual state of readiness and include performance improvement practices throughout the organization are going to successfully meet Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards. As stewards of patient care, nurses maintain a unique role in identifying and guiding the intervention processes central to quality care, which prepares them to become key players/designers of a paradigm that demonstrates commitment to establishing and maintaining quality care. However, without recognition and support from organization leadership and physicians, the opportunity to effectively use the capabilities of nursing may be lost.