Dana-Farber Cancer Institute nurse scientists and clinicians are presenting key studies at the 51st annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress taking place from May 13-17, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
ONS Congress is the largest, most comprehensive oncology nursing conference in the country, featuring nurse-led presentations that highlight the intersection of clinical knowledge, research, direct patient care and advocacy resulting in innovation.
"It is always exciting to see highlights of our work at ONS Congress showcasing oncology nursing science, evidence-based practice, education and leadership initiatives led by Dana-Farber nursing," said Marilyn Hammer, PhD, RN, director of the Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services at Dana-Farber and a professor of nursing in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University.
Notable presentations by Dana-Farber nurses and researchers include:
Gaining Momentum by Slowing Down: Standardized Doxil Titration to Reduce Hypersensitivity Reactions
Up to 25 percent of patients experience hypersensitivity reactions to the chemotherapy Doxil that can lead to treatment delays, anxiety and discontinuation of therapy. In her oral abstract presentation, Marlene Reidl, MSN, RN, will share findings from a project in which a standardized titration protocol developed by a multidisciplinary team reduced reaction rates to 15 percent and improved infusion efficiency. Future steps include expanding the protocol to other oncology populations and ongoing monitoring to ensure sustainability.
Reidl will present "Gaining Momentum by Slowing Down: Standardized Doxil Titration to Reduce Hypersensitivity Reactions" at the Oral Abstract Presentation session on Thursday, May 14, 10:45 to 11:00 a.m. CDT / 11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT, in Room 302 of the Convention Center.
Managing Structural vs. Metabolic Emergencies in Bedside and Ambulatory Settings
Jennifer Servant, DNP, AGCNS-BC, is presenting how emergencies related to cancer are on the rise with the advent of novel therapies. Nurses work toward prevention, early detection and timely intervention of emergencies which can happen to patients inside the hospital, but also to outpatients. Servant reviewed emergencies relevant to patients with cancer and outlined risk factors, diagnostics, management strategies and case studies. Emergencies included critical adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome, which can occur with some forms of cellular therapy.
Servant will present "Managing Structural vs. Metabolic Emergencies in Bedside and Ambulatory Settings" at an invited session on Wednesday, May 13, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. CDT / 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT, in Hemisfair Ballroom C3 within the Convention Center.
Systematic Integration of Oncology Care into the Nursing Curriculum
Rachel Pozzar, PhD, RN, a nurse scientist in the Cantor Center for Research at Dana-Farber and associate professor of nursing at Northeastern University, and Kristen Legor, PhD, RN, vice president and associate chief nurse, Clinical Research Nursing Operations at Dana-Farber and affiliate assistant professor at Northeastern University, contributed to a presentation of research titled "Systematic Integration of Oncology Care into the Nursing Curriculum" as part of Dana-Farber's partnership with Northeastern University.
Nurses frequently encounter patients with health challenges related to cancer, but undergraduate nursing curricula include limited oncology content. Specialized training comes from residency and on-the-job training. Their findings suggest that adding oncology content to the curriculum is feasible and that students and faculty would welcome the addition.
The study will be presented by Lauren Spendley, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, an assistant clinical professor at the Northeastern University School of Nursing and an oncology nurse practitioner at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, at the poster session on Friday, May 15, from 4:55 to 5:05 p.m. CDT / 5:55 to 6:05 p.m. EDT, in the Poster Pavilion within the Convention Center.
Enhancing Non-Clinical Support: Integrating a Dedicated Nurse Navigator into New Patient Operations
Elianna Tobin, BSN, RN, will present a poster co-authored by Elizabeth Wigozki, MSN, RN, from the project "Enhancing Non-Clinical Support: Integrating a Dedicated Nurse Navigator into New Patient Operations," which reviewed the benefits of having a dedicated oncology nurse navigator perform triage of new patients, streamline workflows and improve processes.
The poster session will take place on Friday, May 15, 4:15 to 4:25 p.m. CDT / 5:15 to 5:25 p.m. EDT, in the Poster Pavilion of the Convention Center.
Refining the Raw Prototype of ACCOMPANI: Pediatric Oncology Nurse Insights on Appropriateness, Delivery Format and Workflow Integration
Ijeoma Julie Eche-Ugwu, PhD, MPH, a nurse scientist in the Cantor Center for Research, will present findings from a study aimed at refining the components of ACCOMPANI (African American Childhood Cancer Multiprong Psychosocial Nurse Intervention). ACCOMPANI, a nurse-targeted intervention, uses narrative, resource-matching and communication skills training to empower pediatric oncology nurses as frontline facilitators, supporting African American parents who often experience distress intensified by disconnected and discordant healthcare interactions as well as economic concerns. The study's findings will inform future feasibility testing of ACCOMPANI.
Eche-Ugwu will present "Refining the Raw Prototype of ACCOMPANI: Pediatric Oncology Nurse Insights on Appropriateness, Delivery Format and Workflow Integration" at the poster session on Saturday, May 16, 11:35 to 11:45 a.m. CDT / 12:35 to 12:45 p.m. EDT, in the Poster Pavilion of the Convention Center.
In addition, Dana-Farber is sponsoring the ONCC Recognition Breakfast for Oncology Certified Nurses and once again co-sponsoring the Oncology Nurse Foundation Fun Run/Walk and Wheelchair event with City of Hope.
