Nail toxicity is a relatively uncommon adverse effect linked to a number of chemotherapeutic agents. Clinical presentation varies, depending on which nail structure is affected and the severity of the insult. Nail changes may involve all or some nails. Toxicity may be asymptomatic and limited to cosmetic concerns, however, more severe effects, involving pain and discomfort can occur. Taxanes and anthracyclines are the antineoplastic drug groups most commonly implicated. It is suggested that the administration schedule may influence the incidence of nail abnormalities, for example reported cases linked to the weekly administration of paclitaxel.Before instituting chemotherapy, patients should be educated regarding potential nail toxicities and strategies for prevention implemented. Management includes appropriate nail cutting, avoiding potential irritants, topical, or oral antimicrobials, and possibly cessation or dose reduction of the offending agent. Cryotherapy, through the application of frozen gloves or socks, has been beneficial in reducing docetaxel-induced nail toxicity and may be effective for other drugs.

Many expensive cancer drugs are suitable for global cost-reduction strategies. Collaboration is vital to affecting change and reducing expenditure.

A survey was conducted to determine what pharmaceutical services are provided to palliative care sites in Australia and Canada, and the pharmacist's role on the interdisciplinary team. Questionnaires were sent to 100 selected sites in each country. Questions pertained to demographics and the level of duties performed. Australian 42/76 (55.3%) and Canadian 59/69 (85.5%) sites employed palliative care pharmacists. Most Australians (83.3%) and Canadians (69.8%) worked under 20 hours/week on the palliative care service. Administrative duties and basic drug supply functions were more common in Australia, whilst Canadians had greater participation in team meetings and rounds. Medication review was the most common clinical duty; approximately 70% of respondents in each country provided specific advice on pharmacotherapy, administration, treatment, adverse effects, and incompatibilities. Education was universally important, but active participation in conferences, publication, and research was infrequent. Pharmacists in both Australia and Canada are important members of the palliative care team, and provide a similar high level of unique and valuable services to patients and their families.

Aim. Numerous studies have demonstrated the high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in metropolitan cancer cohorts but few have been conducted in regional and remote populations. This study aimed to investigate the trends and regional variations in CAM use by cancer patients at a regional cancer care center in Toowoomba, South East Queensland, Australia. Methods. All English-speaking adult cancer patients attending the regional cancer care center were invited to participate. Eligible patients were provided a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on published surveys. Ethics approval was obtained. Results. Overall 142 patients completed the questionnaire and 68% were currently or had previously used at least one form of CAM. CAM users and nonusers did not differ significantly by region, age, gender, time since diagnosis, income, town size, treatment intent, or metastases. CAM users were more likely to have a higher level of education. Concurrent CAM use with conventional treatment was reported by approximately half of respondents. The most common reason for CAM use was "to improve general physical well-being." The most common sources of CAM information were family (31%) and friends (29%). Disclosure of CAM use to either the general practitioner or specialist was reported by 46% and 33% of patients, respectively. The most common reason for nondisclosure was "doctor never asked." Conclusion. This study supports previous research that CAM use is as common in regional and remote areas as metropolitan areas. Nondisclosure of CAM use to health professionals was common. Future research needs to focus on strategies to improve communication between patients and health professionals about the use of CAM.