Tag: oncology
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Infusion Center Questions: “What If I React?”
It’s a question I hear pretty often. “What if I react to my infusion?” Whether it’s an iron infusion, a chemotherapy infusion, or one of the other infusions we give, it’s a valid question. What happens next? Here’s a brief overview of what your nurse will do if you react to your infusion: There are…
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“Smart Chemo”/Antibody Drug Conjugates and Breast Cancer
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are transforming oncology treatment for breast cancer patients (and other patients, too! They can be used in different cancer treatment regimens.) ADCs are founded in the concept of a “magic bullet,” which was developed by Paul Ehrlich, the founder of chemotherapy treatment. Paul Ehrlich’s work was done over 100 years ago- he…
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3 Cancer Breakthroughs from ASCO 2026 That Could Change Patient Care
And What is ASCO Anyway??? (It’s the American Society of Clinical Oncology.) 1. A New Targeted Drug Doubled Survival in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer This one is exciting. One of the most talked-about presentations at ASCO 2026 involved the investigational drug daraxonrasib for advanced pancreatic cancer. Researchers have been trying to find something that would block…
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GLP-1 RAs and HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer
Some pretty exciting research has come about regarding GLP-1 receptor agonists (think drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy). Researchers studying large populations of women found that GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with a lower incidence of HR+/HER2− breast cancer, improved overall survival, and lower recurrence rates within certain breast cancer populations. GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide-1”…
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Supporting Your Loved One With Cancer
It can be hard to know how to help someone who is going through cancer. You want to help, but may struggle with what words to say or what to do. It is natural to want to ask, “What can I do to help?” However, many patients might not be able to communicate their needs.…
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Metastatic Lung Cancer- Why Aren’t More People Getting Treated? (And what we can do about it).
Recently, a disheartening study from JAMA Oncology came out, showing that less than half of all people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer receive treatment. This is despite there being many options available which can increase life expectancy by years. The study looked at over 250,000 people over a 15-year period. So why aren’t people…
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3 Things I Tell Patients to Bring to Chemo
If you or someone you know is starting chemo, this one’s for you. People don’t always know what to bring. Here are the 3 things I tell people to bring along, especially for their first day and if they are going to be there a long day of treatment: #1 A blanket or hoodie Bring…
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Things Your Oncology Nurse Says Daily-Outpatient Edition!
“Let’s check your labs.” We check labs a lot! We want to make sure your “counts” are good for chemo. Or, we might check them if you come in for a triage visit to make sure that your hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets are okay. Sometimes, the problem is electrolytes like potassium, calcium, or…
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3 Cancer Breakthroughs Everyone’s Talking About in 2026
There are actually some exciting things happening in the research world of oncology right now, even if you’re not a scientist! There are developments in not only treating, but monitoring, detecting, and preventing cancers, including some of the deadliest. These aren’t magic cures, but are gaining serious momentum. Here are three that experts are especially…
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What Your Oncology Nurse Wishes You Knew Before Starting Chemotherapy
Starting chemotherapy can feel overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and mentally. As an oncology nurse, I’ve cared for patients at every stage of treatment, and one thing is almost always true: what people expect is not what it actually is. Expectations are based on ideas or stories or movies. Or what happened to your mom’s second cousin. But…
Writing RN 