Christina T. Loguidice

A study published in the July 2010 issue of BMC Cancer found that tumor grade (T), nodal grade (pN), and histopathology were useful factors in classifying breast cancer patients who underwent surgery as having high, medium, or low risk of developing bone metastases.

Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic believe they may have developed a vaccine that could eliminate breast cancer.

Cysview (hexaminolevulinate HCL), an optical imaging agent, has been approved by the FDA for cystoscopic detection ofnon muscle invasive papillary bladder cancer in patients with known or suspected bladder cancer.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently held its 15th Annual Conference in Hollywood, Florida. The conference was entitled �Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care� and included multiple presentations with updates to the NCCN Guidelines. We cover updates to the NCCN Guidelines for breast cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and multiple myeloma.

According to a large study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010, eating well-done meat, especially red meat, may increase the risk of bladder cancer, particularly in individuals with genetic variants in their metabolism.

According to a pre-clinical study presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010, a regimen of nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) given in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) may have potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive, therapy- resistant, and highly metastatic subtypes of breast cancer.

Although KRAS gene mutation is a well-established biomarker for a lack of response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) antibodies in colorectal cancer, a study presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 sought to determine whether mutations in 9 genes known to be mutated in colorectal cancer, including AKT1, BRAF, CTNNB1, EGFR, KRAS (exon 3), NRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, and TP53, could also predict response to Vectibix (panitumumab) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Historically, most cancer treatments have been administered in oncology offices or hospitals, but oral medications are becoming increasingly common, and oral formulations of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormonal therapies are available.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure's partnership with KFC to raise funds and spread breast cancer awareness and educational messaging by selling chicken in specially designed pink buckets has generated considerable controversy, with some wondering what message this partnership is sending.

We have searched the Web for solid information on bone metastases so that you can spend less time digging and more time learning. As you will see when you peruse the resources offered by the 11 reputable resources we've identified, much can be done to both alleviate any symptoms caused by bone metastases and prevent the cancer from spreading.

Although KRAS gene mutation is a well-established biomarker for a lack of response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) antibodies in colorectal cancer, a study presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 sought to determine whether mutations in 9 genes known to be mutated in colorectal cancer, including AKT1, BRAF, CTNNB1, EGFR, KRAS (exon 3), NRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, and TP53, could also predict response to Vectibix (panitumumab) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

You have no doubt heard of online social networking giants such as Facebook or MySpace, but you may not yet be as familiar with Twitter, which is garnering mainstream attention; after all, even President Obama's office is using it, and soon Google may be indexing it.

Cloud computing, or the storage of data on the Internet, is taking off at a rapid pace, with numerous start-ups and established entities vying for consumer attention and amassing considerable user bases very quickly.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a smart pill that sends notification when it has been swallowed. The pill contains an embedded microchip and has a printed, digestible antenna on the outside made of nontoxic, conductive silver lines.

Dating can be a terrifying and frustrating endeavor, especially if you are shy or socially awkward. It may seem impossible to even meet someone when you find yourself struggling to muster up the courage to initiate a conversation.

According to a large study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010, eating well-done meat, especially red meat, may increase the risk of bladder cancer, particularly in individuals with genetic variants in their metabolism.

The Ancient Indians were the fi rst to use pens around 5000 BCE. While these writing implements were primitive, typically consisting of hollowed out reeds that could hold a small amount of ink, which was generally soot in water with a plant gum binder, they were used for thousands of years and are still used today in certain parts of Pakistan.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most common and most feared side effects of chemotherapy. When CINV occurs, it may decrease treatment compliance and result in nutritional deficiencies or dehydration, reduced performance status, and decreased quality of life.

The Ancient Indians were the fi rst to use pens around 5000 BCE. While these writing implements were primitive, typically consisting of hollowed out reeds that could hold a small amount of ink, which was generally soot in water with a plant gum binder, they were used for thousands of years and are still used today in certain parts of Pakistan.

On January 29, the FDA expanded indications for lapatinib (Tykerb) to include its use in combination with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (Femara) to treat hormone-positive and HER2-positive advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

According to a study presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology 41st Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer, held in San Francisco, California, a combination of docetaxel(Taxotere) and carboplatin almost doubled progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer.

A novel blood test identifies PAM4 (or clivatuzumab), an antigen that is present in almost 90% of pancreatic cancers and precancers.

Two similarly titled posters were presented, both of which sought to raise awareness of febrile neutropenia.

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) has announced its 2010-2011 Board of Directors.

A session at ONS discussed intergenerational differences in nursing.

A poster described ovarian cancer screening, including who it is recommended for, its effectiveness, and the significance of BRCA mutations.

This is the fourth year that CURE magazine has presented the Extraordinary Healer Award.

During ONS, Eisai launched the NSider Patient Education Tool, which provides patients and caregivers with individualized info.

Here are some dates and resources useful or of interest to oncology nurses.

Following the lively opening ceremony, was an even livelier keynote lecture, which was given by Selinza Mitchell, CNE.