Tumor markers allow Oncologists to make important decisions regarding a patients treatment plan. Often patients will blame their own actions or lack of, to increased marker levels. Because tumor markers are so important to our patients, Oncology Nurses need to be able to understand and interpret them. If you find this subject interesting, embedded in the article are links that go into further depth about how tumor markers are used, as well as a good article on cancer staging. An Overview of Tumor Markers and What They Mean
Questions
No questions for this months article, you are on scouts honor to read it because you want to improve your knowledge as an Oncology Nurse! Your participation in the Discussion Question will count towards clinical ladder credit.
Discussion Question
For most of you, this will be your last article this year for clinical ladder credit. Please comment on what topics you would like to read about next year. If you have an article that you would like to share, please send the link to me. If your article is accepted for posting you will receive double credit towards clinical ladder next year. Articles must be current, no older than two years, and between 3-5 pages in length. Please send your check off forms inter-office mail, or drop them off in the Pain Management office on the first floor. Please make sure you give me you extension, and location where the signed form can be returned.
Comments or questions? melissa.luebbe@ctca-hope.com
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteFirst, GREAT year, Melissa!
Secondly, I just want to share how I explain tumor markers to patients and their families. I would often get asked about this in Infusion, and it took me a while to formulate a response that was easy to understand:
Our body is made up of many biological substances, and proteins are but one. Tumor markers are proteins which can naturally occur in cells, in very small amounts, but which are over-expressed in certain cancers. (PSA for prostate cancer is a more common example). We can test marker levels with simple blood draws, thus giving us a “peek” into how our cancer treatments are doing in between visits with scans. Regarding scans, it takes multiple treatments with radiation or chemo before we can see a detectable difference on an imaging scan. That combined with the fact that we don’t want to exposure you to that electromagnetic energy more than is necessary mean that we don’t do scans at every visit. If you have a cancer that has a “marker,” however, we can use these periodic blood draw to see how you are doing, in the interim. They “mark” (identify) the presence of cancer.
As far as topics for next year, I think that clinical research would be a good one. I have come to realize that more often than not, patients see it as a “last resort.” However, it can be a worthwhile, up-front treatment as well.
Theresa Minniear, MSN
Clinical Research
Good explaination about tumor markers Theresa! I agree that an article on clinical trials or research would be good for next year.
DeleteTheresa thanks for the explination on tumor markers. I found it very interesting. Also clinical research would be an interesting subject to learn about.
DeleteWell said Theresa - An article on clinical trials would be great. When I retested for my OCN it was my weakest area!
DeleteTheresa, great post on the explanation of tumor markers. Often times we are at a loss for words (and thrown off a little) when a patient has received bad news or strange news such as increased level of tumor markers and is looking for comfort or just more information.
DeleteThanks again!
Well said, Theresa. Once again you have taken something very complicated and made it understandable!
DeleteGood job and very informative Theresa . God Bless.
DeleteThanks Theresa! Good information for me!
DeleteTheresa great job on explaining what tumor markers are & I will remember this easy to understand approach.
DeleteThanks for putting this into very understandable language!
DeleteAwesome year Melissa! I think articles that are on specific cancers ie lung, breast, brain etc. would be good. Maybe if there are articles that explain the cancer and treatment options for certain cancers.
ReplyDeleteTina Luckett
Radiation Oncology
Tina, I think articles on specific cancer types would be a great idea, especially with the push for OCN certification. We all need to know about ALL cancers and treatments. I would also like to hear about other cancers that aren't talked about as much---lung, pancreatic, skin, brain, etc. I worked with breast cancer patients and as much as that is my passion, it is sad to me that this is one of the ONLY cancers we hear about in the news yet lung cancer is so common too.
DeleteI agree with Tina i would like to read more about different cancers. Different treatment options and research.
DeleteThis is a great idea! I agree with Kristi, the whole breast cancer thing has really taken off but we do need more attention given to other very common cancers that are widespread like prostate cancer.
DeleteI agree with Theresa, articles on research would be great! I also think survivorship is a topic many hear but are not really sure what survivorship programs are/do. I personally could always use a little extra info on radiation as many of my patient's have radiation at some point but I'm very unfamilar with it overall. Thank you, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI would also like to see articles on survivorship
DeleteI agree with Kristi, survivorship sounds interesting
ReplyDeleteI cant believe we are almost done this year. Thank you melissa for all the interesting topic. I think topic about genetics would some interesting.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, that was a great article on tumor markers. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Outcomes in Women after Primary Breast Cancer Treatment: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. in Oncology Nursing Forum. March 2014
Thanks Melissa on some awesome topics. I learned a lot from the articles. I agree with Tina on articles about specific cancers and treatments.
ReplyDeleteI think all of the articles were great. I especially like the end of life article due to that is a hard subject for me. I think some good articles would be about new advances that come up from time to time. That would help keep us all educated on the new things. I also can't believe the year is almost over. It just flew by....
ReplyDeleteI agree! Where did the year go? :)
DeleteI agree with Victoria - I think articles about new advances that are coming up would be good. Both new advances in the Onc world at large, as well as any new advances CTCA sites are using.
DeleteThank you for this article Melissa! I did not have a significant amount of information or insight on tumor markers; I just generally know that they are used as indicators and measurements for treatments. These articles broke down the main topics of tumor markers and make it more tangible for me to understand.
ReplyDeleteI did not realize how many different tumor markers exist. Reading through my patient's treatment summary, I can follow the progress of tumor markers, but never knew which markers meant what... I won’t be able to remember all that off the top of my head, but it’s helpful having a resourceful site to reference!
As far as next year, I love the surprise you give each month with these articles! They are very practical and useful in my practice, so thank you! I do not have any specific articles in mind at this time, but generally speaking, I would love to become an OCN one day (maybe within the next year or two), so any information that pertains to further that knowledge would be wonderful!
Thanks again!
I would like to discuss an article about Surgery to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer. I think this is a hot topic and as more and more people in the public eye come out and announce that they have opted to proceed with these surgeries, we can expect more questions about this from our patients who are concerned about their family members.
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for chairing this program. You're amazing! We've already discussed an article that I would like to share...I'll email it to you asap.
Thanks again for a great year!
Kari
I echo everyones comments about the fantastic job Melissa did with this year's journal club! Kudos to you
ReplyDeleteI would like to add that an article concerning survivorship and the transition from acute disease to a chronic condition would be enlightening.
Bravo Melissa! Thank you for another great year. I'm wondering if anyone has heard rumors about ONS recommending that all nurses giving chemotherapy have a DNP by the year (2016?). This was a statement made by my instructor in my current class, "Influencing the Future of Nursing and Health Care".
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have an interest in oral chemo vs. systemic chemo. In the short time that I have been with CM, I have worked with two doctors and noticed that one prescribed more oral chemo. The patients like taking a pill. Also, Wisconsin's governor signed a bill that will prevent drug companies from charging more for oral chemo agents.
Melissa, You did a wonderful job facilitiating the Journal Club this year! Thank you! The tumor marker article was good. In regards to the PSA level, remember this level increases if sexual activity had occurred 72 hours prior to the blood test. It is good to remind our patients of this.
ReplyDeleteFor next year, I would be interested in articles on how the cancer and all the treatments (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy/hormone therapy) affects intimacy and body self image. This is a very big issue that I see daily. Another recommendation would be targeting specific cancers and the best treatments for that cancer.
First of all thank you Melissa for the great articles and your time!
DeleteI would also suggest an article on body image and intimacy. Possibly specific to prostate cancer and hormone therapy (Lupron).
Another topic would be Compassion Fatique in caregivers and healthcare professionals who are also caregivers of family members.
Sheila, I agree that intimacy and self body image would both be good topics as many patients have great concerns about these topics. Along with the chemo affects and lifestyle changes these patients are already stressed without having to worry about these topics. Great post!
Deletethanks for the info Sheila...we all learn things here that someone in another area would miss. That being said, I think I'll look for a good article on ports to send Melissa. Great articles, Melissa!
DeleteThe tumor marker article was interesting and I enjoyed reading it. I agree...... Everyone's ideas are great ones. My suggestion would be to be refreshed in and made more aware of Oncological Emergencies. This would help esp the ones who are going towards OCN certification.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Melissa! The articles chosen were very informative and of great benefit to our nursing practice. I too would like to see more articles on oncology emergencies, as patients are arriving in more critical states which warrant prompt assessment and intervention. I also think articles on HIPEC would be essential in our practice whether inpatient, outpatient, or home settings, as that is becoming an option for our patients more and more.
ReplyDeleteAgain, great job!
Nancy C
Thank you for all the great informative articles I really learned a lot from them. I would like to read more about specific cancers melanoma, sarcomas, leukemias etc., And also different chemos and treatment options. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this last article on tumor markers, much needed education. Any article on cancer would be an advantage for all oncology nurses. Being involved in surgical oncology, I would like to learn more about any future surgical advances including robotics and HIPEC. Clinical trials and research within CTCA would be interesting to learn more about. Thanks for all your time Melissa. I will be emailing you an article.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I would like to see at least one article on surgical advances in oncology next year.
DeleteThe article on tumor markers is VERY informative! Thanks for the great resource. Our patients often ask many questions regarding markers and pay close attention to the trend. This article/information will be a great reference guide for when questions are raised.
ReplyDeleteAs for suggestions on future articles, I would love to learn more about other forms of treatment such as therasphere or perhaps more information on the more advanced testing now available, such as Foundation One. Al
Yes, I agree with Jessica. Detailed information about TheraSphere treatments (what it is, how it is administered, recovery after the procedure, who qualifies) would be helpful!
DeleteThere are so many areas in cancer that I have yet to learn about but I think it would be very interesting to look into the Genetics field. I will try and look up some informative articles to contribute!
ReplyDeleteGood idea Lindsey, genetics is complex but very interesting. Genetic cancer especially is something I know very little about. Looking forward to some interesting articles!
DeleteGenetics is very interesting, and agree with Lindsey and Kirista. An article on this for next year would be great.
DeleteMelissa, I would also like to thank you for your time and effort into making Journal Club so successful with powerful, applicable information. I especially like the fact that the articles selected are written at a level that is understandable and relevant to all nurses at CTCA. The blogs are so interesting to get others perspective on a subject. I have learned a lot from the articles and insight shared by others. Thanks to all! I will certainly keep my eyes open for possible articles for next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Melissa for your dedication to keep Journal Club active and interesting. I would like to see articles next year on genetics and genomics. These are always evolving oncology specialties. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing by ONS have a journal club article each edition which provides permission to reproduction for journal club activities. Unsure if there is a way the article can be scanned into a folder within our computer system to access easily for everyone. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis was a good article, there is so much to learn. I would like to see a good overview on all the routine lab testing we do as well, and what highs and lows signify. We monitor CBC and Chem panels regularly. I know that we all know the basics, but it is always good to refresh our knowled. , especially since patients like to review those results. Thanks for your work, Melissa.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mary regarding a good overview on the lab testing we do. The LPN's presented a very good training session on this, which I found very helpful. The handout they provided is also extremely helpful.
DeleteNew ideas and learning experiences every month , this topic about tumor marker is great too. Thank you Melissa for making this Journal club as interesting and informative . God bless and keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteThis was another good article. The more we are able to learn about cancer, treatments, and the effects on individuals the better equipped we are to help our patients with what they are going through. There have been so many good ideas posted I can't wait to see what is coming up next! Thanks for all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteMelissa I echo your comments. This has been my first journal club and I have enjoyed it. Mellissa L. has done a wonderful job with it. There has been (as you mentioned) a great diversity of topics leaving us couriously awaiting what the next topic would be. Futhermore, I believe it has positively impacted patient care as I have had opportunities to employ what I have learned through this journal club into my patient teaching.
DeleteThanks Melissa Luebbe for all your hard work in leading this Journal Club.
Melissa, I thank you for all your work coordinating Journal Club! You shared some great articles this year! The tumor marker article was great too and I feel like I have a abetter understanding of this subject now! I would love to see some articles on research studies or genetics and cancer or articles on the effectiveness of HIPEC procedures.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice of topic, being new to oncology, I found it helpful. I am interested in learning more about different types of leukemia, lymphoma, and the induction process for transplant. Thank you:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the article on tumor markers, I think this is something that having a better understanding, will help us to understand what is going on with our patients when we review results.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned above, I would like to see at least one article regarding surgery and the cancer patient. I think articles on living with a long term chronic illness would be helpful in understanding our patient's lives inside and outside the hospital. Another idea might be one on anxiety and depression, since so many of our patient's suffer from these due to living with their illnesses.
Thank you for all your hard work keeping up with the Journal club this year.
Melissa, thank you very much for all your hard work with journalphoria! Interesting read on tumor markers, it was very informative. I would like to see some topics next year on care of post-surgical patients.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, keep up the great work!
I have really enjoyed Journalphoria this past year and feel Melissa has provided an excellent forum for MRMC nurses to have additional exposure to relevent information. This article on tumor markers was very comprehensive. I can honestly say I now have a greater confidence explaining multiple different tumor markers to patients and will also continue to review this article as I prepare to take my OCN certification.
ReplyDeleteNext year, I would like to see an article on our government’s health policy including a non-bias view on how the Affordable Care Act implementation has improved pt's quality of life, access to healthcare, and current challenges nursing faces to promote wellness in America.
Melissa, thank you very much for another great year,and thank you for keeping Jurnal Club active and interesting.The artical about tumor markers was great, short and informative. For next year, I would be happy to see maybe one or two articals about surgical treatments for cancer. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI agree - in addition to the great suggestions already mentioned - surgical treatments would definitely be a fan favorite for the surgical area RN's :)
DeleteMelissa, great job with the journal club this year. You picked some very informative and important topics that our cancer patients deal with on a day to day basis. Future topics that I would get a lot of questions about were sexual intimacy while on chemotherapy, toilet hygiene was another topic many patients had questions on, and what happens when chemo has failed and there are no options. Learning how to deal with the last topic would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis months article was great but I thought that some of these markers were actually genetic markers to determine if certain chemotherapies could be used in the treatment for each particular cancer. Also working with doctor Levin he stated that tumor markers can be phase reactant to other illness or injuries. I don't know whether that was true or not but at times it went along with what was happening with our patients. Also I know that not all cancers have tumors markers to follow along with treatment. Another great article. Looking forward to next years journal club. Thank you!
Pam, I too remember Dr. Levin (and other oncologists) saying that surgery and other illnesses can cause elevation in some tumor markers and that was why the oncologists looked at the entire picture of what is going on with patient. .
DeleteMelissa, Great job. I will comment with what Kelly F. has suggested. The healthcare market place is a big topic. Would love to know more about that. Also MDS with all the heavy chemo treatments pt are more prown to MDS. Thanks for a great year. Tami Z. RN CM
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this article, lots of great information with links to expand my knowledge on tumor markers. As far as future topics, I would be interested in articles about Foundation 1 testing and Holism Nursing. Thanks Melissa for heading this up, keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThis article was a great re-fresher. Since most of our Med Onc's are specialized in certain areas it was great to re-learn all the different tumor markers that I don't work with as often anymore. I also think it would be interesting to read and get more information about the changes occurring in healthcare.
ReplyDeleteThis article was very informative in helping understand tumor markers. It helps us understand the big picture when caring for our oncology patients & determining their appropriate treatment plan.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see an article on different surgeries that we do here at this hospital to help us better care for the post op patients. Also, I would interested in finding out more about depression & anxiety in oncology patients.
Thank you for all of your hard work with journal club & pain management :))
First of all, I have to say that this year has been great! There have been many great articles this year that I have learned a lot from. This article was interesting to read all of the different tumor markers. Theresa did a great job of explaining what tumor markers are and how they are protected.
ReplyDeleteFor the coming year, I would like to see information on the HIPEC or the Theraspheres. I would also like to see articles about safety in the nursing profession, such as how long after a Bone Scan the patient is radioactive and what precautions should be taken. I personally cannot recall this from school and I know while going through CBLs it states to sheild but it does not say how long to do so. As nurses it is our job to put our patient's first and this information could be helpful for the patient's family members as well.
Great article of tumor markers. It is nice to learn a little more about them. Sitting in OICC I am surrounded by patient receiving chemotherapy and fighting their cancer. It has been my observation that any news of possibly beating their cancer evidenced by a decrease in tumor marker is so important to them. I often over hear them calling friends and family and reporting that their tumor markers are going down. It seems as though they will call everyone they know to celebrate their tumor marker levels. Also I have seen and overheard parients reporting markers staying the same or going up with a tone of defeat.
ReplyDeleteThe celebration of a decrease in tumor marker levels is easy for the nurse to participate in, but when they are not trending down and the patient is looking to the nurse for support this can be tough. What are some of the ways you nurses handle this situation.
I agree with you John. I've seen patients that feel they can celebrate when they hear that tumor markers are down. But when the tumor markers are up? Nurses need to be ready to comfort patients. Sometimes being there beside them is enough to show your support and that you care about them.
DeleteMelissa, Thank You for the Journalphoria experience this year. It has been very informative with a broad spectrum of great topics. The Tumor Markers article was a great refresher. The topics that I'd like to see next year has already been mentioned in the prior blog posts above.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to thank you Melissa for a great job with the Journal Club!! I love everyone's suggestions for next year also. My suggestion would be to have some articles on Holistic Nursing, including the nursing theorist, Jean Watson, whom our nursing practice is based upon. I think it would help shed more light on the "being" part of nursing as opposed to the "doing" part of nursing. As more of us are seeking certification in Holistic Nursing, I think this will be a great place for exposure.
ReplyDeleteThank you Melissa for journal club this year. I enjoyed this last article on tumor markers as I don't see, or deal with tumor markers that frequently on the in patient unit. I actually enjoyed all of the articles this year and learned a lot. I am finishing an evidence based practice class right now and learning how to interpret and utilize research studies. Therefore, I think a good article would be how to interpret and utilize research studies. Also, we are working on more effective team work and positive patient outcomes on the floor. Perhaps an article on how to work as a medical team and effectively communicate with each other and the patient would be a good topic.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you have done a wonderful job providing a wide variety of very informative articles. I have honestly enjoyed them and have learned a lot, including this last article on tumor markers. Thank you for all the time you put into this to make it so beneficial and informative.
ReplyDeleteFor next year I would like to see an article about the Affordable Care Act (as many others have mentioned). I also feel an article about chemo treatments and fertility and the teaching/options involved would be interesting. I know I keep seeing younger and younger patients in my patient population, and feel this can often be under addressed.
Thank you Melissa for all the hard word you do to choose the articles and run the journal club. I had learned a lot this year by joining in on this. I would like to see articles about genetics, TheraSphere, Foundation 1 testing, and the Affordable Health Care Act in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think an article about theraSphere can be very interesting. Being a nurse in infusion center, i have become familiar with chemotherapies but am not very well informed on other testing/procedures that are done throughout this hospital.
DeleteThanks Melissa for doing a fantastic job on the articles for this year's journal club. I've enjoyed reading them all. This month's topic, however, has been the one i've wanted to brush up on for quite some time. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into finding these articles.
ReplyDeleteI agree Melissa - you did a great job this year with Journal Club. I enjoyed all the articles you posted. I am open to any topic that improves my ability to care for our patients. Topics including genetics and specific cancers would be interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your work this year, Melissa! I would appreciate seeing upcoming articles on the Heme cancers. Personally, this is not a strong area for myself. Any extra insight is welcomed! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteMelissa- Thank you for taking the time to put together Journal Club. This was my first time participating & loved it. Looking forward to next year's articles.
ReplyDeleteThank you , Melissa for having me on your journal club. I enjoyed the articles and the question/answer section. The article about the tumor markers was very good. More power to you!!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more hematology/stem cell articles in the future, not only because I work there but also to broaden my knowledge on the newest and latest issues. thank you again....
Despite the numerous tumor markers available,it is still imperative to do a full work up for our patients as these markers are not really diagnostic in itself;although it is a very important tool to use in cancer diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteKudos,Melissa!!! Thanks for keeping us updated with very interesting articles that i know we can use in taking care of our Oncology patients.
ReplyDeleteNext year,it would be interesting to touch base on surgery and cancer as we noticed an uptick on our surgical cases this year.
Hi Melissa and fellow bloggers! Thanks Melissa for your great work to select relevant articles to read. I enjoy reading them and the posts by others.The Tumor Marker article was a great overview and helpful! I agree that it would be helpful to have specific cancers and their treatments for review. Also specific articles on the newer treatments that patients here are receiving.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great selection of articles for Journal Club. All articles were very informative and interesting to read. All suggestions made by others are great for next year. Melissa, thank you so much for all you help in helping me through this first year of Journal Club, I really appreciate it!!!!
ReplyDelete