title: Pseudoprogression: Patient experience and nursing in uncertainty.
abstract: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy in humans and has a limited survival (median of 14.6 months). The goal of treatment is supportive rather than curative. Patients with a GBM struggle with uncertainty related to the illness trajectory. This uncertainty is compounded when possible progression is noted on imaging. Pseudoprogression (PsP) is an early treatment-related effect where there are apparent imaging changes suggesting progression, which then improve or stabilize through time. This paper provides a review of the literature on PsP in patients with high-grade gliomas. Insights in the patient and family experience of PsP will be informed by Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Theory, research on patients' and families' neuro-oncology experience, and the author's nursing practice. Nursing implications will be proposed.
authors.forename: Catherine-Anne
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000451:nursing* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D035501:Uncertainty