Management of skin toxicity caused by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: an evidence-based implementation project

Tetracycline antibiotics: Potential anticancer drugs

In recent years, research on tetracycline antibiotics has gradually shifted from their antibacterial effects to anticancer effects. Doxycycline, minocycline, and tigecycline as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tetracycline antibiotics have been the main subjects of studies. Evidence indicated that they have anticancer properties and are able to control cancer progression through different mechanisms, such as anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis, and promotion of autophagy or apoptosis. In addition, studies have shown that these three tetracycline antibiotics can be utilized in conjunction with chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs to inhibit cancer progression and improve the quality of patient survival. Therefore, doxycycline, minocycline, and tigecycline are taken as examples in this work. Their mechanisms of action in different cancers and related combination therapies are introduced. Their current roles in alleviating the suffering of patients undergoing chemotherapy when used as adjuvant drugs in clinical treatment are also described. Finally, the research gaps and potential research directions at this stage are briefly summarized.

Strategies to Mitigate Chemotherapy and Radiation Toxicities That Affect Eating

Background: Cancer and its therapy is commonly associated with a variety of side effects that impact eating behaviors that reduce nutritional intake. This review will outline potential causes of chemotherapy and radiation damage as well as approaches for the amelioration of the side effects of cancer during therapy. Methods: Information for clinicians, patients, and their caregivers about toxicity mitigation including nausea reduction, damage to epithelial structures such as skin and mucosa, organ toxicity, and education is reviewed. Results: How to anticipate, reduce, and prevent some toxicities encountered during chemotherapy and radiation is detailed with the goal to improve eating behaviors. Strategies for health care professionals, caregivers, and patients to consider include (a) the reduction in nausea and vomiting, (b) decreasing damage to the mucosa, (c) avoiding a catabolic state and muscle wasting (sarcopenia), and (d) developing therapeutic alliances with patients, caregivers, and oncologists. Conclusions: Although the reduction of side effects involves anticipatory guidance and proactive team effort (e.g., forward observation, electronic interactions, patient reported outcomes), toxicity reduction can be satisfying for not only the patient, but everyone involved in cancer care.

Evidence-Based Practice Competency and Related Factors Among Nurses Working in Public Hospitals

This study aimed to describe the status and related factors of evidence-based practice (EBP) competency among nurses in China. A convenience sample of 1036 nurses were recruited from 13 public hospitals in Shanghai through an anonymous online survey. Nurses’ demographic data, working data, and evidence-based nursing (EBN)-related conditions were collected by a structured questionnaire and EBP competency was assessed using the Chinese version of Evidence-based Nursing Competency Rating Scale (EBNCRS). The original score of EBNCRS among nurses was not good. The original score of evidence searching, critical appraisal, and synthesis subscale was lower than the original score of evidence transfer, situation assessment, and evidence implementation subscale. Nurses’ age, hospital level, and perceived EBN knowledge were identified as significant related factors of EBP competency. There is an urgent need to upgrade the EBP competency of nurses in Shanghai, especially competency in evidence transfer, situation assessment, and evidence implementation.