Adverse Effects of “Teachable Moment” Interventions in Lung Cancer: Why Prudence Matters

Nuance Matters

“…The commentary by Dresler et al, 1 conceived as a response to the concerns we expressed in our commentary "Adverse Effects of 'Teachable Moment' Interventions in Lung Cancer: Why Prudence Matters," calls in turn for a reply. 2 According to Dresler et al, 1 we claim that a teachable moment approach towards a patient who continues to smoke after a diagnosis of cancer is "not sane." This is simply not true.…”

“…It is up to the patient to indicate if and when he is motivated to initiate possible modifications of lifestyle to achieve health-protecting behaviors [bold type added here for emphasis]." 2 We have referred in our commentary to studies showing health benefits of teachable moment in-terventions and we are convinced that they have psychological benefits too. However, we have raised the issue of the potential psychosocial side effects of these interventions, such as a feeling of failure in cancer patients who do not succeed in changing their lifestyle and health behaviors or the risk of further increasing the burden of the stigma of lung cancer, which have to be considered.…”

Indeed, Nuance Matters

“…Also, we acknowledge Stiefel and Bourquin's protestation of our interpretation of their article. 1 We still believe that persistent tobacco use with a cancer diagnosis must be addressed as a systematic part of management of patients with cancer-it just must be done thoughtfully. To the Editor: Antiangiogenic agents are widely used in combination with chemotherapy for many cancers, including lung cancer.…”

“…The patients were randomized to receive ramucirumab with docetaxel or docetaxel alone; significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates were noted for the patients who received combination treatment with ramucirumab. 1 In addition, clinical benefits were observed in patients with both squamous and nonsquamous cell carcinoma. 1 Herein, we report formation of a rare tracheoesophageal fistula in a patient who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and ramucirumab.…”

“…1 In addition, clinical benefits were observed in patients with both squamous and nonsquamous cell carcinoma. 1 Herein, we report formation of a rare tracheoesophageal fistula in a patient who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and ramucirumab.…”