Articles

The use of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of cancer is rapidly evolving. These immunomodulating agents are associated with an increased incidence of hypersensitivity reaction. Prompt identification and effective management is essential for optimal patient care.

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Blinatumomab is the only single-agent therapy approved for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This bispecific antibody induces complete remission, as well as serious adverse events, including central nervous system toxicities and cytokine release syndrome. Oncology nurses play a critical role in early identification and intervention of these toxicities. Read More ›

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive form of lung cancer associated with high mortality rates. Most patients experience relapse after first-line therapy, and there is no approved drug after second-line therapy. With immune checkpoint therapies rapidly becoming the standard of care in the second-line treatment of metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer, there is tremendous hope that these agents will prove effective in SCLC. Read More ›

Immunotherapy represents a new era in the treatment of cancer patients. Immunomodulating agents increase overall survival and induce highly durable tumor responses in a rapidly expanding patient population. In this dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape, there is significant need to educate nurses and patients on this therapeutic class and its associated toxicities. Read More ›

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is an immunotherapeutic approach used in the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. CAR T-cell therapy utilizes gene transfer to reprogram the patient’s own T-cells to recognize and target tumor-associated antigens. Although groundbreaking and incredibly efficacious, CAR T-cell therapy has serious side effects that require prompt identification and intervention. Read More ›

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is considered a living drug. The patient’s own T-cells are genetically engineered to express CARs that recognize tumor-associated antigens. CAR T-cell therapy has proved efficacious in various hematologic malignancies, and is promising in solid tumors. Read More ›

The immunotherapeutic landscape is dynamic and rapidly evolving. Immunomodulating therapies have proved effective in enhancing overall patient survival and inducing highly durable tumor responses. In this exciting and rapidly progressing setting, there is significant need for biosafety procedures to prevent unacceptable exposures. Read More ›

Immunotherapy represents a groundbreaking advance in the care of cancer patients. It modulates the body’s immune system to promote tumor destruction, and is now considered the fourth pillar of cancer treatment. Immunotherapeutic agents are associated with higher rates of immune-related adverse events that require immediate identification and intervention to prevent treatment cessation or fatal consequences. Read More ›

Immunotherapy represents a revolutionary advance in the care of cancer patients, and is now considered the fourth pillar of cancer treatment. Immunomodulating agents promote tumor destruction and enhance patient survival. They also result in a higher incidence of immune-related adverse events that require prompt recognition for effective management. Read More ›

Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor proved to extend survival in patients with metastatic melanoma, non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). When patients receive nivolumab combined with ipilimumab, they experience higher tumor response rates and increased progression-free survival. Patients receiving combined immunotherapeutic agents experience higher rates of immune-related adverse events compared with patients receiving monotherapy. Read More ›