Current Issue
VOL 9 • NO 5 JUL/AUG 2018
The cover illustration of this issue depicts osteoclasts stimulated by malignant tumors secreting parathyroid hormone–related protein. Increased activity in bone resorption leads to the release of calcium in the bloodstream. Artwork by Alexandra Webber Baker, ©2018, DNA Illustrations, Inc., Asheville, North Carolina.EditorialTheresa Wicklin Gillespie, PhD, MA, RNHuman subject research (i.e., research) has been traditionally defined in the literature and by institutional review boards (IRBs) as a systematic approach to answering a question that is hypothesis driven, or hypothesis generating, and leading to generalizable knowledge (Shirey et al., 2011). Th...
Original ResearchChristina K. Cone,(1) DNP, APRN, ANP, AOCNP®, and Mary Lou Affronti,(2) DNP, RN, MHSc, ANPNeuro-oncology is a subspecialty that involves the neurological, medical, surgical, and oncologic management of primary central and peripheral nervous system neoplasms. Neuro-oncology practice manages the neurologic complications that result directly from the disease and provides symptom manageme...
Original ResearchMicah S. Pepper,(1) PharmD, BCPS, and Megan May,(2) PharmD, BCOPEpidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are effective agents for the treatment of a variety of cancers (e.g., breast, lung, head and neck, and colorectal) due to the overexpression of EGFR in these malignancies. Although normally EGF is responsible for the maintenance of skin health,...
Review ArticleKaitlin L. Feldenzer,(1) DNP, RN, OCN®, and Jessica Sarno,(2) MSN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP®Hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM) has long been recognized as a common paraneoplastic syndrome associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. It is estimated that HCM affects roughly 30% of patients with cancer, with many studies reporting an even higher incidence in those with advanced stage...
Review ArticleLisa Parks,(1) MS, RN, CNP, Meghan Routt,(2) MSN, ANP/GNP-BC, AOCNP®, and Allison De Villiers,(1) MSN, RN, OCN®, ACNS-BCThere are over 234 million major surgical procedures performed worldwide annually (Feldheiser, et al., 2016). Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical pathways have been developed to improve the quality of perioperative care with the goal of minimizing loss of functional capacity and enhan...
Practice MattersAimee Strong, MSN, AGACNP-BCLung cancer is the second most common cancer in men and women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Each year, more people die from lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined (American Cancer Society, 2018). The American Cancer Society estimated that for 2018 there wi...
Prescriber's CornerBradley J. Yelvington, PharmDRituximab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 transmembrane protein found on B-cells. Although the mechanism of action is not completely understood, this agent exhibits antitumor effects via direct drug-mediated signaling, complement-dependent cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependen...
Prescriber's CornerCraig W. Freyer, PharmD, BCOPAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy characterized by blood and bone marrow infiltration by malignant lymphoblasts. In 2018, 5,960 people are estimated to be diagnosed with ALL, and 1,470 deaths are anticipated (American Cancer Society, 2018). Acute lymphobla...
Tools and TechnologyWendy H. Vogel, MSN, FNP, AOCNP®, and Pamela Hallquist Viale, RN, MS, CNS, ANPAs an advanced practitioner, it is likely that you will be asked to deliver a lecture at some point in your career. Medical presentations can range from casual in-services to professional lectures given to audiences of thousands. Since public speaking is listed as one of the top fears of individu...
Diagnostic SnapshotCourtney Robb, RN, MS, CRNFA, FNP-CHistory
Mrs. C is a 58-year-old Caucasian female with a history of bilateral pleural effusions in 2012 after strenuous exercise. In 2014, a thoracentesis that ruled out cancer with unknown cause was performed on the fluid. Her pulmonologist referred her to an oncologist for closer observation and...
