REVIEW ARTICLE Sue Rimes, et al; ONCOLOGY Nurse Edition Vol. 25 No. 10 Patient education and counseling are essential in women at increased risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer. Women must be educated regarding the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with these cancers.
REVIEW ARTICLE John O. Schorge, et al; ONCOLOGY Vol. 25 No. 10 The timing and clinical benefit of a second debulking operation for recurrent disease is contentious. This article focuses on the recent debate regarding when—or whether—patients with ovarian cancer should undergo aggressive surgical resection.
NEWS & ANALYSIS Anna Azvolinsky, PhD Many doctors do not properly adhere to current guidelines for offering breast and ovarian cancer counseling and testing services to their female patients, according to a recent study from the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the CDC. The vignette-based national survey finds that while genetic counseling is recommended for women at high risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer, only 41% of physicians self-reported adhering to recommendations to refer for genetic counseling or testing.
REVIEW ARTICLE Maria Jose Echarri Gonzalez, et al;ONCOLOGY Vol. 25 No. 2 This article reviews the known data on the dose-effect relationship for platinum drugs in ovarian cancer, and explores why interest in platinum drugs has become the central focus of ovarian cancer treatment.
The goals of this article are to address the rationale for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, present the data supporting its use, and describe the nursing management of patients undergoing this treatment. Education of patients and staff regarding IP therapy is essential for successful patient outcomes.
This paper presents the major issues related to the surgical management of presumed early-stage ovarian cancer, surgery and chemotherapy for advanced-stage ovarian cancer in the elderly, and a proposed 21st century algorithm for dealing with these major issues in ovarian cancer in the elderly.
• Treating Older Patients With Ovarian Cancer: Another Perspective
Conventional therapy for advanced-stage ovarian cancer—ie, aggressive cytoreductive surgery followed by aggressive chemotherapy—was established more than 3 decades ago [Editor’s note: See Dr. Schwartz’s article, “Cytoreductive Surgery in the Management of Ovarian Cancer,” in last month’s issue of ONCOLOGY]. Since that time, no prospective randomized trials have been reported to confirm the efficacy of this treatment strategy.
The standard management for advanced-stage ovarian cancer was established in the mid-1970s. At a 1974 National Cancer Institute Consensus Conference on Ovarian Cancer, Griffiths presented data supporting the role for aggressive cytoreductive surgery as the first step in the management of this disease, followed by cytotoxic chemotherapy.[1]
A 43-year-old woman presented with symptoms of abdominal pain and uterine bleeding. At physical examination, a palpable mass was present in the right lower abdominal quadrant.
A 46-year-old woman presented for medical evaluation due to a 2-month history of increasing difficulty in ambulation, especially getting up out of a chair or climbing stairs. She had also noticed swelling and discoloration of both upper eyelids (as depicted).
A 58-year-old woman with recurrent/metastatic ovarian cancer involving bones, inguinal lymph nodes, and soft tissue of the back develops tender swelling and mild to moderate erythema of both legs two days after her first infusion of gemcitabine (Gemzar).
Two genome-wide studies have identified a total of 12 new genetic loci associated with a higher risk of testicular cancer. The risk-associated genetic variations could help clinicians single out higher-risk men for screening and early detection. More »
Ongoing studies are attempting to understand the reasons that tumor cells engage in aerobic glycolysis in lieu of oxidative phosphorylation. In this review, we discuss known benefits to tumor cells from this metabolic switch, and we highlight key enzymes that play a role in aerobic glycolysis. We also describe novel therapeutic options targeting glucose metabolism. More »
I looked after one of my partner’s patients who is approaching death from advanced, refractory ovarian cancer. She asked me not to talk about anything negative with her. We can’t really make any decisions without discussing negative things. Should I just remain silent about them at her request? More »
This interview covers standards for healthcare provider competency in offering comprehensive genetic services, and highlights genetics/genomics resources for nurses. More »
Emerging therapies in the management of ovarian cancer have resulted in a shift in paradigm, including in the appropriate time to institute therapy, and in the selection of therapy. This review focuses on chemotherapy and emerging biologic agents that present a therapeutic option for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. More »
CancerNetwork interviews two prominent ovarian cancer researchers from both sides of the Atlantic on the role of PARP inhibitors and the challenges of developing ovarian cancer therapies.
Primary Care Can't Thrive Without Nurse Practitioners Courtney H. Lyder, ND, May 17, 2013 With a projected shortfall of primary-care physicians, it's time for alternate solutions to patient care. Nurse practitioners are one logical remedy.