Search

Objective: To update the clinical practice guidelines for the management of oral mucositis (OM) that were developed by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). This part focuses on honey, herbal compounds, saliva stimulants, probiotics, and miscellaneous agents.Methods: A systematic review was conducted by the Mucositis Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. The body of evidence for each intervention, in each clinical setting, was assigned an evidence level. The findings were added to the database used to develop the 2014 MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines. Based on the evidence level, one of the following guidelines were determined: Recommendation, Suggestion, No Guideline Possible.Results: A total of 78 papers were identified within the scope of this section, of which 49 were included in this review and merged with nine publications that were reported in the previous guidelines update. A new Suggestion was made for honey (combined topical and systemic delivery) for the prevention of OM in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. A new Suggestion clarified that chewing gum is not effective for the prevention of OM in pediatric patients with hematological or solid cancer treated with chemotherapy. No guideline was possible for other interventions.Conclusions: Numerous natural products and herbal remedies were studied for the management of OM. Of the agents reviewed in this systematic review, a guideline in favor was made for honey (combined topical and systemic), while a guideline against was made for chewing gum. Additional research is warranted to clarify the potential of other interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mycosis fungoides is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), yet is frequently misdiagnosed and perplexing to those who may not be familiar with the disease process and management. Therefore, nursing involvement in the interdisciplinary referral process from a generalist to a specialist is key to improving patient outcomes in the early detection of mycosis fungoides. Purpose of Study/Inquiry: This manuscript elucidates the nursing role in the referral process of patients with CTCL, the importance of clinical grasp in the interdisciplinary approach for referrals, and factors to consider when customizing patient care plans. Methodology/Methods and Analytical Approach: In effort to elucidate the nursing role in the obscure referral process in this unique patient population, an evidencebased approach is utilized to create a standardized method of care coordination to improve patient outcomes. Harvesting this method improves clinical care coordination and can result in a powerful tool to streamline the referral process. Findings/Implications: An evidence-based standardized algorithm has been created for the nurse in the generalist office referring to patients with cutaneous lymphoma to dermatology specialists. Furthermore, this manuscript will strengthen nursing clinical knowledge, define the referral process, and improve patient outcomes in the transfer of care for patients with CTCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06141-9 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy, specifically the use of checkpoint inhibitors, offers patients with cancer an alternative to chemotherapy, targeting different pathways to destroy cancer cells. The side effects of immunotherapies, as well as their impact on normal tissue, need to be assessed and managed based on their mechanisms of action. OBJECTIVES: This article presents an overview of immune-related adverse events (AEs). METHODS: Common immune-related toxicities, as well as rare and refractory toxicities, are reviewed. 
FINDINGS: Immunotherapy treatment is an option for many patients with cancer, and nurses must understand the distinct side effect profile of these agents. Prompt identification and expert management are the cornerstones of success when dealing with immune-related AEs, and oncology nurses play a key role in improving patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced care providers (ACPs) and nurses are fundamental players in the assessment and management of immunotherapy-related dermatologic adverse events (irdAE). Pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab are approved for unresectable or metastatic melanoma, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (pembrolizumab and nivolumab), metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (pembrolizumab and nivolumab), advanced renal cell carcinoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma (nivolumab). Atezolizumab is approved for urothelial carcinoma. These agents function as immune checkpoint inhibitors, activating T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses through the inhibition of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been reported to cause irdAEs, including rash, pruritus, and vitiligo, requiring an interdisciplinary approach to avoid dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment and to maintain quality of life. Advanced care providers and nurses play a critical role in the attribution, grading, and management of these untoward events and must be knowledgeable about their pathophysiology, incidence, assessment, and clinical presentation.