Cultural and Ethical Barriers to Cancer Treatment in Nursing Homes and Educational Strategies: A Scoping Review

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Unleashing the Power of Viral Vaccines, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras in the New Era of Immunotherapy

In the realm of cancer immunotherapy, a profound evolution has ushered in sophisticated strategies that encompass both traditional cancer vaccines and emerging viral vaccines. This comprehensive Review offers an in-depth exploration of the methodologies, clinical applications, success stories, and future prospects of these approaches. Traditional cancer vaccines have undergone significant advancements utilizing diverse modalities such as proteins, peptides, and dendritic cells. More recent innovations have focused on the physiological mechanisms enabling the human body to recognize and combat precancerous and malignant cells, introducing specific markers like peptide-based anticancer vaccines targeting tumor-associated antigens. Moreover, cancer viral vaccines, leveraging engineered viruses to stimulate immune responses against specific antigens, exhibit substantial promise in inducing robust and enduring immunity. Integration with complementary therapeutic methods, including monoclonal antibodies, adjuvants, and radiation therapy, has not only improved survival rates but also deepened our understanding of viral virulence. Recent strides in vaccine design, encompassing oncolytic viruses, virus-like particles, and viral vectors, mark the frontier of innovation. While these advances hold immense potential, critical challenges must be addressed, such as strategies for immune evasion, potential off-target effects, and the optimization of viral genomes. In the landscape of immunotherapy, noteworthy innovations take the spotlight from the use of immunomodulatory agents for the enhancement of innate and adaptive immune collaboration. The emergence of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as precision tools for cancer therapy is particularly exciting. With a focus on various cancers, from melanoma to formidable solid tumors, this Review critically assesses types of cancer vaccines, mechanisms, barriers in vaccine therapy, vaccine efficacy, safety profiles, and immune-related adverse events, providing a nuanced perspective on the underlying mechanisms involving cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. The Review also underscores the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies such as clinical studies, molecular sequencing, and artificial intelligence in advancing the field of cancer vaccines. These tools not only expedite progress but also emphasize the multidimensional and rapidly evolving nature of this research, affirming its profound significance in the broader context of cancer therapy.

Geriatric Oncology: From Research to Clinical Practice

The incidence of cancer in older adults is strongly increasing due to the ageing of the population [...].

Exploring the Dilemma of Ethical Issues Using the Lens of Seedhouse Can Help Oncology Nurses to Gain a Different Perspective on Caring for Older Adults with Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore ethical issues associated with older adults with cancer and the people who matter to them.

DATA SOURCES

A scoping review of the literature was conducted to inform the article using CINAHL, Medline, and Google Scholar databases using broad terms, older adults, geriatrics, cancer, and ethics.

CONCLUSION

Older adults with cancer experience ageism, which stems from a range of uncertainties on best practice in care and treatment. By employing an ethical lens, decision-making by oncology nurses can be aided by creating and promoting autonomy through impeccable communication. Best interests for individual older adults with cancer can also be served by oncology nurses working in a way that serves needs first and acts in the best interests of the person and their family.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The article is of relevance to practicing oncology globally nurses because the framework can be easily used in clinical practice.