Quick Facts Myelosuppression in patients receiving chemotherapy for CRC may manifest as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or anemia Irinoteca...

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Quick Facts Proteinuria results from alterations in the permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier for protein Proteinuria is close...

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Quick Facts Oxaliplatin may be listed as an irritant or as a vesicant Knowing the risks of extravasation and following your institution’s ...

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Quick Facts Patients receiving bevacizumab are at increased risk of developing HTN Bevacizumab-associated hypertension should be treated a...

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Quick Facts Depression or adjustment disorder is often underdiagnosed in patients with cancer Depression is often hidden within clusters o...

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Quick Facts Visual changes have been attributed to a number of chemotherapeutic agents such as the antimetabolites, alkylating agents, taxanes,...

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 Neurotoxicity is a dose-limiting side effect of many different agents used in chemotherapy treatments; in particular, platinum drugs, including oxaliplatin, are associated with neurotoxicity. Oxaliplatin is an integral part of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the adjuvant and metastatic setting. However, neurotoxicity is a dose-limiting side effect of this agent, limiting its use in select patients. The incidence of oxaliplatin-associated neurotoxicity has been estimated to be 82% to 92% (all grades), with 7% to 19% grade 3.¹ The unique presentation of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity can make it a challenge for oncology nurses to manage. Oxaliplatin can cause acute and cumulative neurotoxicity, with cumulative toxicity serving as the dose-limiting effect.

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Skin rash associated with HER1/EGFR therapy is generally considered mild to moderate in nature,1,2 affecting more than 50% of patients receiving treatment. The incidence of severe rash (grade 3) is reported in 16% to 18% of patients.2,3 The cutaneous eruptions appear primarily on the face, neck, and upper torso, as seen in Figure 1, and the face is often the first area affected by the rash.4

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Human sexuality is a broad term that encompasses sex, gender, identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction.1 Our views on sexuality are influenced by cultural, social, ethnic, and religious/spiritual beliefs and practices. These views may change throughout our lifetime and life experiences.

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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) defines cancer-related fatigue (CRF) as “a distressing, persistent, subjective sense of tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual functioning.”1

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Diarrhea, a common symptom among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), is characterized by frequent, watery stools, impairs quality of life, can lead to other complications, and may even be life threatening. Diarrhea occurs in 6% of hospitalized patients with cancer, up to 10% of patients with advanced cancer, 20% to 49% of patients undergoing abdominopelvic irradiation, 50% to 87% of patients receiving fluoropyrimidines (5-fluorouracil [5-FU]) and topoisomerase inhibitors (irinotecan), and in 80% of patients with carcinoid tumors.1

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