National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2015). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®): Survivorship [v.2.2015]. Retrieved from  http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/survivorship.pdf

Purpose & Patient Population

PURPOSE: To provide clinical guidance for the management of cancer survivors
 
TYPES OF PATIENTS ADDRESSED: Adult cancer survivors after the completion of cancer treatment and clinical remission through the balance of life

Type of Resource/Evidence-Based Process

RESOURCE TYPE: Consensus-based guideline  
 
SEARCH STRATEGY:
DATABASES USED: PubMed through Sept 2013
KEYWORDS: Cancer and survivors
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Clinical trials, meta analyses, and systematic reviews or guidelines

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship

Results Provided in the Reference

All recommendations were based on lower level evidence and consensus.

Guidelines & Recommendations

Physical activity and memory aids were recommended for cognitive impairment. SSRIs and SNRIs were recommended for depression as first-line treatment, and benzodiazepines were recommended as first-line treatment for anxiety. Physical activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and the consideration of psychostimulants were recommended for fatigue.

Limitations

  • Mainly consensus for most recommendations
  • Limited database use  
  • Full results of search not provided

Nursing Implications

This guideline gave numerous recommendations and suggestions for various aspects of patient needs. Most recommendations were consensus-based.