A time for hope: promising advances in the management of anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and mucositis.
The studies highlighted in this issue of The Journal of Supportive Oncology provide important and exciting data for the management of anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and mucositis. Many of these agents are based on an improved understanding of the physiologic processes and potential therapeutic targets for each of these problems. The challenge for the oncology professional is to integrate these findings with considerations of safety, efficacy, cost, convenience, established guidelines, and the individual needs of the patient. Toxicities remain an important issue in cancer treatment, and nurses play a vital role in helping patients prevent, treat, and live with therapy-associated adverse events. Integrating recent advances in supportive-care strategies is as important to a favorable outcome as selecting the best available active therapy.
Kurtin
Sandra E
SE
Arizona Cancer Center, 3838 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA. skurtin@umcaz.edu
D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D052016:Mucositis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents