RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To provide education strategies to health care providers caring for patients receiving immunotherapy and who are managing the various potential adverse events related to these treatments. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed literature. CONCLUSION: Delivering patient education on immunotherapy based on a thorough educational needs assessment and identification of learning barriers may contribute to effective patient outcomes and patient safety. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: It is a critical role of the nurse to educate and empower patients and caregivers with the ability to identify early signs of impending toxicities related to immunotherapy regimens. With continuous learning and clinical experience, oncology nurses are at the forefront for providing high-quality immunotherapy education to patients and caregivers.
Asunto(s)
Cuidadores/educación , Inmunoterapia/efectos adversos , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Enfermería Oncológica/métodos , Educación del Paciente como Asunto/métodos , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy, specifically the use of checkpoint inhibitors, offers patients with cancer an alternative to chemotherapy, targeting different pathways to destroy cancer cells. The side effects of immunotherapies, as well as their impact on normal tissue, need to be assessed and managed based on their mechanisms of action. OBJECTIVES: This article presents an overview of immune-related adverse events (AEs). â©. METHODS: Common immune-related toxicities, as well as rare and refractory toxicities, are reviewed. â©. FINDINGS: Immunotherapy treatment is an option for many patients with cancer, and nurses must understand the distinct side effect profile of these agents. Prompt identification and expert management are the cornerstones of success when dealing with immune-related AEs, and oncology nurses play a key role in improving patient care.
