Oncology Series | Center for Professional Practice of Nursing | UC Davis Health

The oncology series is a collection of educational lectures designed to share evidence-based practices, current clinical guidelines, and emerging trends in oncology care. These sessions aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of nurses and other healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. The goal is to improve clinical outcomes and the overall experience of patients with an oncology diagnosis across all stages of treatment and recovery.

Oncology Series: Adult Palliative Care & End-Of Life (Apr. 2024)  

The Adult Palliative and End-of-Life Care lecture is designed to educate healthcare providers on key concepts in palliative and end-of-life care, with the goal of increasing provider knowledge and improving patient outcomes. Topics will include the definitions, similarities, and differences between palliative care and hospice care, including their core values and guiding principles. The lecture will also address common challenges in both areas, including ethical considerations. Finally, it will outline the hospice and palliative care services available at UC Davis and throughout the greater Sacramento region.

Oncology Series: BMT Introduction (May 2024)

This lecture will provide an introduction to Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) as it relates to nursing care. It will include an overview of hematopoiesis and outline the various types of transplants, along with their indications. The session will also cover treatment and preparative regimens, as well as common side effects. Attendees will gain a broader understanding of BMT and how to support patients and their families throughout the transplant process.

Oncology Series: Family Caregiving and Financial Toxicity in Cancer Care (Aug. 2024)

This lecture will provide an overview of the current roles and challenges caregivers face when supporting loved ones with a cancer diagnosis. Strategies and tools to assist and empower caregivers will be reviewed. The session will also address financial toxicity, including recent data and trends, with a focus on its impact on patients and families. Interventions aimed at alleviating the financial burden will be discussed. Participants will gain insights to enhance their clinical practice and apply best-practice strategies in the care of patients and their families.

Oncology Series: Radiation Oncology Procedures and Insights into the Patient Experience (Sept. 2024) 

This Oncology Series lecture will provide an overview of radiation therapy (RT) procedures, including Computed Tomography Simulation (CT Sim), external and internal RT techniques such as External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), Gamma Knife, High-Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy, and Space OAR. The session will also include a discussion of the various roles within radiation oncology and explore common procedural barriers and challenges encountered throughout a patient’s radiation therapy journey. The lecture will conclude with strategies to address diversity in care and optimize treatment goals and patient outcomes.

Oncology Series: Advances in Cancer Pain (Aug. 2025)

This Oncology Series lecture will provide an overview of severe immunotherapy-related complications, including Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS). The session will review high-risk agents associated with increased incidence of CRS and ICANS, along with strategies for early recognition and symptom management. Participants will gain practical tools to enhance clinical practice, optimize patient care, and improve health outcomes—particularly for patients receiving immunotherapy.

Oncology Series: Perioperative Management of Pancreatic Cancer (Nov. 2025)

This Oncology Series lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of pancreatic cancer care. Participants will learn about the epidemiology of pancreatic cancer, usual diagnostics and perioperative evaluation strategies, technical aspects of surgical resections, common postoperative complications and their management, and principles of postoperative care and long-term surveillance. The session is designed for all healthcare providers seeking to enhance their knowledge, apply evidence-based practices, and optimize patient care throughout the patient’s care continuum.

Oncology Series: Advancing Care with Bispecific Therapies-A Clinical Symposium (Jan. 2026)

The symposium will provide a comprehensive and clinically focused overview of bispecific therapies and their role in oncology. Topics will include review of bispecific agents, mechanism of action, and their clinical indications. Emphasis will be placed on administration, monitoring, and the management of side effects, including treatment-emergent complications. The education program will conclude with a focus on patient education and care coordination strategies that support optimal outcomes for patients receiving bispecific therapies. 

Continuing Education Contact Hours

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider number CEP 26.

Coordinator

Sandy Phan, D.N.P., R.N., N.P.D.A.-B.C., E.B.P.-C.
Professional Development Specialist