Cancer patients receiving systemic therapy experience substantial treatment-related symptoms. Nurse-led digital health interventions, e.g., interactive voice response systems, web platforms, mobile apps, and telehealth, have emerged as strategies to strengthen supportive care. To evaluate its effectiveness, this systematic review summarizes evidence exclusively from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, four databases were searched from inception to January 2025 for eligible RCTs involving adults undergoing anticancer therapy; evaluating nurse-led or nurse-co-led interventions using digital or telecommunication technologies; reporting validated symptom or health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed. Nine RCTs (N = 3344) met criteria; seven had low risk of bias. Interventions using telephone systems, web portals, mobile apps, or videoconferencing reduced symptom burden and improved HRQoL. The Symptom Care at Home system reduced symptom burden by ~43%, with greatest effects from combined automated monitoring and nurse practitioner follow-up. Additional benefits included improved anxiety, self-efficacy, patient participation, fewer severe toxicities and hospitalization days. In conclusion, nurse-led digital interventions effectively reduce symptom burden and support HRQoL during systemic therapy. Multicomponent models integrating automated monitoring with structured nursing follow-up and decision support appear most beneficial.
Stigmatizing attitudes among nurses toward patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) represent a significant and pervasive
Breast cancer survival is shaped by a complex interaction of tumor-specific, biological, and patient-related factors. Stage at diagnosis remains the strongest predictor of outcome. Tumor size, nodal involvement, and histologic grade further aid in prognostic prediction by reflecting the biological aggressiveness of the disease. Since the early 2000s, molecular characteristics gained importance in risk stratification. Hormone receptor-positive cancers generally respond well to endocrine therapy, while HER2-positive tumors, once associated with poor outcomes, now benefit from targeted therapy. Newer agents and combinations such as CDK4/6 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors are being investigated recently. Patient factors, including age, comorbidities, and overall health, also influence outcome and treatment tolerance. Cardiovascular toxicity from chemotherapy and radiotherapy has become an important consideration, particularly in the elderly. Although modern radiotherapy techniques have reduced cardiac risks, long-term cardiovascular mortality remains a competing cause of death in many survivors. Studies comparing breast-conserving therapy with mastectomy suggest improved overall survival with the former, partly due to reduced treatment morbidity. Early detection through mammography, ultrasound, and awareness campaigns greatly improves survival, yet access remains unequal in low-resource settings. Strengthening healthcare systems, tailoring treatments, expanding multidisciplinary care and improving public education are essential. Affordable personalized therapies, better infrastructure, and international collaboration can reduce disparities and enhance global breast cancer outcomes. Our international team researched literature information as well as summarizing up-to-date opinions from global experts, including those with limited resources and war-torn regions.
Pediatric cholesteatoma is an aggressive but uncommon middle ear condition characterized by keratinizing squamous epithelium that can progressively erode adjacent structures. It is associated with faster bone destruction and higher recurrence rates in children than adults, and its symptoms often resemble chronic otitis media, which may delay diagnosis and treatment. A 4‐year‐old boy presented with persistent foul‐smelling otorrhea from the left ear and conductive hearing loss. Otoscopic examination revealed a retracted tympanic membrane with a whitish epitympanic mass. High‐resolution CT demonstrated soft‐tissue density in the middle ear with scutum erosion. The patient underwent canal wall‐up mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty, and intraoperative findings confirmed cholesteatoma with partial ossicular erosion. This case reflects the insidious clinical presentation of cholesteatoma and emphasizes that chronic otorrhea and unilateral hearing loss may indicate destructive middle ear disease rather than benign infection. Imaging plays a critical role in diagnosis and surgical planning, particularly in detecting bony erosion and disease extent. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for cholesteatoma in children with persistent discharge or unexplained conductive hearing loss is essential. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible complications and reduce recurrence risk.