CAR T-Cell Therapy: Update on the State of the Science.

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy leverages the power of the patient's own immune system by serving as a bridge to connect genetically modified T cells to the surface antigens of tumor cells based on targeted ligands. Clinical trials have demonstrated compelling overall response and survival rates in individuals with B-cell malignancies. The current approved agents target CD19, an antigen commonly overexpressed in B-cell hematologic and other malignancies.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model of Neutropenia in Patients With Myeloma Receiving High-Dose Melphalan for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant.

High-dose melphalan (HDM) is part of the conditioning regimen in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). However, individual sensitivity to melphalan varies, and many patients experience severe toxicities. Prolonged severe neutropenia is one of the most severe toxicities and contributes to potentially life-threatening infections and failure of ASCT.

Detection of toxigenic colonization in patients admitted to the hospital for chemotherapy or haematopoietic cell transplantation.

Increasing evidence suggests that asymptomatic carriers are an important source of healthcare-associated infection. However, it is not known which test for the detection of colonization is most sensitive in patients with haematological malignancies. We performed a prospective cohort study of 101 patients with haematological malignancies who had been admitted to the hospital for scheduled chemotherapy or haematopoietic cell transplantation.

Polymorphism in ANRIL is associated with relapse in patients with multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplant.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells and overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobins. Treatment with melphalan is currently standard of care for younger and fit patients when followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and in transplant ineligible patients when used in combination regimens. It has been previously shown that changes in the p53 pathway are associated with melphalan efficacy, but the regulatory role of the p14ARF-MDM2-p53 axis has yet to be fully explored.

From unit based to population focused: transforming the role of oncology clinical nurse specialists.

Purpose/objectives: The aim of this study was to describe how the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role can be positioned to proactively plan and facilitate evidenced-based best practices in collaboration with a transdisciplinary, population-focused team that manages the patient across the cancer care continuum. This model capitalizes on the spheres of CNS practice (patient, nurse, and organization) through the functional roles of the CNS (clinical expert, researcher, educator, and consultant) to maximize quality care.

Background/rationale: The CNS practice in a Midwest comprehensive cancer center has been unit based, focused on nursing staff education, skills, and competencies.