Early Palliative Care Linked with Longer Lung Cancer Survival (09/01/2010)
Palliative care is care that is focused on symptom management, psychosocial issues, decision-making, and quality of life. Among patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer, the addition of early palliative care to standard cancer treatment resulted in better quality of life and mood and longer survival than standard treatment alone. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Randomized Study Does Not Support Use of Methylphenidate for Cancer-related Fatigue (08/20/2010)
The results of a Phase III study indicate that overall, long-acting methylphenidate is ineffective in the management of cancer-related fatigue. Methylphenidate may provide some benefit, however, to certain subgroups of patients, such as those with advanced cancer or severe fatigue. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Yoga Improves Sleep and Quality of Life (05/26/2010)
A four-week yoga program that included breathing, meditation, postures, and other techniques improved sleep and quality of life among cancer survivors. The results of this study will be presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Acupuncture Relieves Pain, Improves Functioning After Neck Surgery (04/28/2010)
Acupuncture may reduce pain and improve functioning among patients with cancer who have undergone surgery to the neck, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] As well, acupuncture may relieve xerostomia (dry mouth) among these patients.

Kepivance Reduces Toxicity of High-dose Therapy for Multiple Myeloma (03/24/2010)
Among patients undergoing high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma, a three-day short course of Kepivance® (palifermin) reduces the toxicity of treatment. These results were published in the Annals of Oncology.

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Bisphosphonates May Provide Breast Cancer Benefits (12/11/2009)
Studies presented at the 2009 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium suggest that the class of bone drugs known as bisphosphonates may reduce the risk of breast cancer and may help to maintain bone density in breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors.

Denosumab Reduces Bone Complications in Breast Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases (12/10/2009)
Among women with bone metastases from breast cancer, the investigational drug denosumab was more effective than Zometa® (zoledronic acid) at delaying or preventing bone complications such as fracture. The results of this Phase III clinical trial were presented at the 2009 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Denosumab Provides Bone Benefits in Advanced Cancer (09/21/2009)
Among patients with bone metastases from cancers other than breast or prostate cancer, denosumab is at least as effective as Zometa® (zoledronic acid) at reducing the risk of bone complications. These results were presented at a major European cancer conference.

Denosumab Effective in Patients with Bone Metastases (08/07/2009)
Among patients with bone metastases from cancers other than breast cancer or prostate cancer, the investigational drug denosumab was as effective as Zometa® (zoledronic acid) at reducing the risk of bone complications such as fracture. The results of this Phase III clinical trial were made available in a press release from Amgen.

Denosumab More Effective than Zometa® in Patients with Bone Metastases (07/08/2009)
Among women with bone metastases from breast cancer, the investigational drug denosumab was more effective than Zometa® (zoledronic acid) at reducing the risk of bone complications such as fracture. The results of this Phase III clinical trial were made available in a press release from Amgen.

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Early Palliative Care Linked with Longer Lung Cancer Survival (09/01/2010)
Palliative care is care that is focused on symptom management, psychosocial issues, decision-making, and quality of life. Among patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer, the addition of early palliative care to standard cancer treatment resulted in better quality of life and mood and longer survival than standard treatment alone. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Randomized Study Does Not Support Use of Methylphenidate for Cancer-related Fatigue (08/20/2010)
The results of a Phase III study indicate that overall, long-acting methylphenidate is ineffective in the management of cancer-related fatigue. Methylphenidate may provide some benefit, however, to certain subgroups of patients, such as those with advanced cancer or severe fatigue. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Yoga Improves Sleep and Quality of Life (05/26/2010)
A four-week yoga program that included breathing, meditation, postures, and other techniques improved sleep and quality of life among cancer survivors. The results of this study will be presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Exercise Reduces Chemotherapy-related Fatigue (10/21/2009)
Exercise reduces fatigue and improves strength, physical functioning, and emotional well-being in men and women undergoing chemotherapy, according to the results of a study published in the British Medical Journal.

Ask the Doctor 2008 (05/06/2009)
The cancer journey is an uncharted, unwelcome, and unanticipated course. As such it potentially has a powerful emotional impact on survivors and loved ones—from those very first words, “You have cancer,” through all the stages of living with the diagnosis.

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Kepivance Reduces Toxicity of High-dose Therapy for Multiple Myeloma (03/24/2010)
Among patients undergoing high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma, a three-day short course of Kepivance® (palifermin) reduces the toxicity of treatment. These results were published in the Annals of Oncology.

Oral Spray Reduces Mouth Sores (07/21/2009)
Among patients treated with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, mouth sores (oral mucositis) were reduced by use of an oral spray containing epidermal growth factor (EGF). These results were published in Cancer.

Update on the Management of Mucositis (11/05/2007)
A report from the 2007 International Symposium on Supportive Care in Cancer hosted by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and the International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO).

Supportive Care Issues in Head and Neck Cancer: A Report from ASCO 2007 (10/12/2007)
Several abstracts presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provided further insight into the well recognized acute and late effects of therapy as well as the novel toxicities associated with targeted agents. 

Kepivance® May Decrease Oral Mucositis Following High-dose Chemotherapy for Hematologic Cancers (01/10/2007)
Several studies presented at the 2006 meeting of the American society of Hematology in December suggest that Kepivance® (palifermin) decreases the frequency, severity, and duration of oral mucositis (OM) in patients with hematologic cancers receiving high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation.

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Early Palliative Care Linked with Longer Lung Cancer Survival (09/01/2010)
Palliative care is care that is focused on symptom management, psychosocial issues, decision-making, and quality of life. Among patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer, the addition of early palliative care to standard cancer treatment resulted in better quality of life and mood and longer survival than standard treatment alone. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Study Suggests Long-acting Patch that Prevents Nausea and Vomiting Can Be Given in Combination with Intravenous Medication (02/09/2010)
Use of a combination of Sancuso® (granisetron transdermal system; a patch that delivers granisetron through the skin for up to five days) and intravenous granisetron appears to be safe and feasible. This approach may provide immediate and extended management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The results of this Phase I clinical trial were presented at the Fifth Annual Chicago Supportive Oncology Conference.

Rezonic™ Enhances the Effects of Zofran® and Dexamethasone for Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting (05/29/2009)
The addition of Rezonic™ (casopitant) to Zofran® (ondansetron) and dexamethasone significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting compared with Zofran and dexamethasone alone, according to the results of a study published in the Lancet Oncology.

Ginger Supplements Reduce Chemotherapy-induced Nausea (05/15/2009)
According to the results of a study that will be presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), use of ginger supplements in combination with conventional antinausea drugs reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea to a greater extent than antinausea drugs alone.

Wristbands Relieve Nausea from Radiation Therapy (04/14/2009)
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, acupressure wristbands can reduce nausea among cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.

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Amgen Helps Reduce Out-of-pocket Costs for Neulasta® (07/02/2009)
Amgen’s Neulasta FIRST STEP™ Program provides assistance to eligible, low-income, commercially-insured chemotherapy patients who need help with their co-insurance or co-payment requirement for Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim).

Dose Intensity Associated with Survival in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (09/09/2008)
Relative dose intensity (RDI) remains a key factor in the outcomes of patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). These results have been validated in several multicenter clinical studies.

Neulasta® Deemed Cost-effective for Prevention of Febrile Neutropenia in Breast Cancer Patients (08/15/2008)
The prophylactic use of Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is cost-effective for the prevention of febrile neutropenia in patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The details of this study appeared in the March-April 2008 issue of Value Health.

Early Use of Neulasta® Superior to Later Use In Elderly Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy (08/08/2008)
The use of Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) after the first cycle of chemotherapy among elderly patients undergoing chemotherapy decreases febrile neutropenia and associated effects compared with its use later during treatment with chemotherapy. These results were recently published in the journal Oncologist.

Prophylactic Neulasta® Reduces Febrile Neutropenia and Early Deaths Among Patients Receiving Chemotherapy (07/31/2008)
Prophylactic use of Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy reduces the risk of developing febrile neutropenia and early death. These results were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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Nplate® Evaluated in Children with Chronic ITP (12/08/2009)
Among children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP; an autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts), treatment with Nplate® (romiplostim) stimulates platelet production and appears to be well tolerated. These results were presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.

Nplate® Approved for Thrombocytopenia in Patients with ITP (08/28/2008)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Nplate® (romiplostim) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) that does not respond to standard therapies.

Romiplostim Improves Low Platelet Levels (01/02/2008)
According to results recently presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the investigative agent romiplostim (AMG531) continues to significantly improve platelet levels. Results from previous trials have indicated that romiplostim is highly effective at improving platelet levels among patients with cancer and patients with idiopathic thrombocytic purpura (ITP). These results provide further evidence that romiplostim is an effective therapeutic agent for treatment of low platelet levels in various diseases.

Myelosuppression: A Report from the 2007 International MASCC/ISOO Symposium (11/05/2007)
At the 2007 International Symposium on Supportive Care in Cancer, hosted by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and the International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO), neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia remained active areas of discussion, with a focus on individualizing care for patients. 

Updates in the Management of Thrombocytopenia: A Report from the 2007 ONS Annual Congress (10/15/2007)
At the 2007 annual meeting of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), several aspects of managing thrombocytopenia were addressed, with a focus on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. In addition, novel treatment strategies for thrombocytopenia with differing underlying etiologies and external causative factors were discussed. 

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Early Palliative Care Linked with Longer Lung Cancer Survival (09/01/2010)
Palliative care is care that is focused on symptom management, psychosocial issues, decision-making, and quality of life. Among patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer, the addition of early palliative care to standard cancer treatment resulted in better quality of life and mood and longer survival than standard treatment alone. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Acupuncture Relieves Pain, Improves Functioning After Neck Surgery (04/28/2010)
Acupuncture may reduce pain and improve functioning among patients with cancer who have undergone surgery to the neck, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] As well, acupuncture may relieve xerostomia (dry mouth) among these patients.

Home Care Nursing Improves Symptom Management (12/04/2009)
Among breast and colorectal cancer patients treated with the oral chemotherapy drug Xeloda® (capecitabine), symptom management was better among patients who received home care nursing than among patients who received standard care. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Onsolis Approved for Breakthrough Pain (07/27/2009)
Onsolis (fentanyl buccal soluble film) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain.

Fentora® Effective for Chronic Cancer Pain (05/28/2009)
Fentora® (fentanyl buccal tablets) is safe and effective for patients with persistent cancer pain who continue to have “breakthrough pain” while taking opioids (such as morphine or oxycodone), according to the results of a study published early online in Cancer.

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Age of Blood Used for Transfusions May Affect Incidence of Infection (11/04/2008)
Blood used for blood transfusions stored longer than 29 days was associated with an increased risk of infection compared with blood stored for a shorter period. The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, held October 25-28 in Philadelphia.

Further Review of Anemia Drugs by FDA (01/11/2008)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is reviewing new data regarding erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).  ESAs are drugs used to treat anemia. They include Procrit® (epoetin alfa), Epogen® (epoetin alfa), and Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa).

FDA Issues Updated Advisory Regarding Use of Red-blood Cell Boosters (11/09/2007)
Based on advice from two advisory committees, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved revised labeling for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). ESAs are drugs used to treat anemia and include Procrit® (epoetin alfa), Epogen® (epoetin alfa), and Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa).

Myelosuppression: A Report from the 2007 International MASCC/ISOO Symposium (11/05/2007)
At the 2007 International Symposium on Supportive Care in Cancer, hosted by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and the International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO), neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia remained active areas of discussion, with a focus on individualizing care for patients. 

Myelosuppression: A Report from the 2007 ONS Annual Congress (10/15/2007)
Myelosuppression was an important topic at the 2007 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress. Two satellite symposia, two instructional sessions, and three abstracts addressed various facets of myelosuppression in cancer patients. 

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Early Palliative Care Linked with Longer Lung Cancer Survival (09/01/2010)
Palliative care is care that is focused on symptom management, psychosocial issues, decision-making, and quality of life. Among patients with newly diagnosed, metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer, the addition of early palliative care to standard cancer treatment resulted in better quality of life and mood and longer survival than standard treatment alone. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Celebrex® May Improve Cachexia in Some Patients with Cancer (08/13/2007)
According to an early online article recently published in the journal Head and Neck, treatment of patients with cancer cachexia with Celebrex® (celecoxib) resulted in weight gain, increased body mass index, and better quality of life.

Vitor™ Slows Cachexia in Cancer Patients (01/17/2006)
According to results from a recent clinical trial, the oral agent Vitor™ slows the progression of cachexia in patients with colon cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Fish Oil Appears Ineffective for Anorexia/Cachexia in Advanced Cancer Patients (08/14/2003)
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, fish oil does not appear effective at reducing anorexia or cachexia experienced by patients with advanced cancer.

Low-Dose Marinol® and Megestrol Acetate Effective for Cancer-Related Anorexia (07/01/2002)
According to results published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, both the cannabinoid agent Marinol® (dronabinol) and the hormonal agent megestrol acetate oral suspension appear to improve appetite and weight gain in patients with cancer-associated anorexia.

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