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BACKGROUND: Frailty is defined as a disability in those of advanced age, often with comorbidities, poor nutritional status, cognitive decline, and reduced functional status. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to discuss the concept of frailty, assess the use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), and understand the implications for treatment to maintain or enhance physical, functional, and cognitive health of older adult patients with cancer. METHODS: Literature about frailty in older adult patients diagnosed with cancer was reviewed to determine evidence-based assessment and treatment options. FINDINGS: About half of all older adult patients with cancer experience some degree of frailty. CGA is a useful way to evaluate frailty and the extent of limitations. Many frailty-specific tools have been developed. Evidence-based strategies are available to address limitations associated with frailty in older adult patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Treatment advances offer options for cancer treatment in older adults that are less invasive and have fewer side effects. Geriatric assessment is a key component of treatment planning to identify functional and physiologic status and is the basis of decision making. OBJECTIVES: This article discusses the role of geriatric assessment, treatment options (e.g., surgical, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), survivorship issues, and palliative care strategies for older adults with cancer. METHODS: Literature was reviewed to identify geriatric assessment implications, current treatment strategies, and survivorship and palliative care interventions for older adults with cancer based on a case study approach. FINDINGS: Geriatric assessment is key to identifying deficits and disabilities in older adults with cancer and is a critical component in oncology treatment planning. Evidence-based, less invasive treatment options are available and offer older adults more tolerable oncologic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To describe and assess physical and psychosocial concerns and care processes related to cancer and treatment in gynecologic cancer survivors. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 44 survivors of gynecologic cancer at City of Hope National Medical Center in southern California were enrolled. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: A descriptive mixedmethods approach was used. Data were collected on survivorship care plan implementation, supportive care referrals, and barriers to receiving care. Participants completed questionnaires assessing quality of life, unmet needs, and other outcomes at three, six, and nine months after enrollment. Changes over time were analyzed, and quantitative and qualitative results were compared. FINDINGS: The most common unmet needs were stress reduction, side effect management, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), and perception of adequate communication among the care team. Qualitative themes centered around communication, care coordination, FCR, financial distress, and need for information about peer support and healthy lifestyles. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses play a key role in coordinating care, assessing symptoms, and addressing psychosocial concerns. Providing education and coaching can reduce stress and facilitate survivors' self-management and self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objectives: To ascertain the critical issues in current advanced practice nurse (APN) roles in oncology. Design: Descriptive. Setting: National. Sample: 368 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) APNs in oncology practice. Methods: Subjects completed an 11-page self-administered questionnaire comprised of 62 multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Subjects were asked to identify level of importance for ONS to address selected issues in each section. Main Research Variables: Demographic information and APN issues regarding practice, outcomes, prescriptive authority, reimbursement, education, continuing education, licensure and certification, legislation, and challenges facing oncology APNs. Findings: The majority of APNs were nurse practitioners working in a hematology/oncology practice in an urban setting providing direct patient care. Priority practice issues were lack of agreement among state boards of nursing related to privileges, lack of understanding of the role by patients and healthcare professionals, and lack of an APN definition. Important APN outcomes were symptom management, quality of life, patient/family satisfaction, and cost of care. Priority educational topics were oncology disease management, pharmacology, advanced physical assessment, and reimbursement. Challenges facing oncology APNs were lack of an APN definition, reimbursement issues, documentation of outcomes, prescriptive authority, variance in education, merging of current roles, certification, loss of cancer specialty, and second licensure. Conclusions: Numerous APN issues continue to be unresolved. APN outcomes research is needed to validate the oncology APN role in cancer care. Implications for Nursing Practice: Survey results and specific recommendations have been forwarded to the ONS Steering Council and Board of Directors for implementation... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the research highlights of the 6th National Conference on Cancer Nursing Research from February 8 to 12, 2001 at Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida. Capability of the around-the-clock dosage of analgesics in treating outpatients with cancer-related pain; Risks faced by female patients with cancer-related pain; Comparison of the side effects of sentinel and axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer.

Presents a case of a patient who experienced catheter malfunction. Background on catheter malposition; Mechanisms of catheter malposition; Nursing interventions.

Presents the results of several research on clinical oncology. Use of ductal lavage procedure in the identification of premalignant and malignant breast cells; Role of gene and radiation therapy in improving local tumor control in patients with non-small cell lung cancer; Treatment which may reduce bone pain related to prostate cancer.

The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of pilot and feasibility studies in oncology nursing research. It is stated that advantages of conducting a pilot or feasibility study include assessing the adequacy of study methods, identifying potential participant retention problems, and assessing the effectiveness of sampling techniques. It is stated that one limitation is that pilot and feasibility studies cannot calculate sample size because they are based on a small sample size.

Examines information-seeking behaviors of patients with cancer, partners and healthcare professionals. Information flow of partners of women with breast cancer; Applications to patient care.

Presents updates on cancer-related research as of September 2000. Effectiveness of combination therapy for elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer; Clinical activity of thalidomide against AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma; Risk of prostate cancer recurrence after surgery.