Management of Hematologic Adverse Events Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors target suppressor receptors, including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The activated T cells are not antigen specific; therefore, the blockade of the immune checkpoint may result in the development of autoimmune adverse events. The most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are rash, colitis, and endocrinopathies.

Management of Acute Pancreatitis Associated With Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Pancreatitis is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). It is more often associated with combined immunotherapy than by any single agent. Early signs of pancreatitis may only include elevation of lipase and amylase.

B-Cell Malignancies: The Use of Small Molecule Agents for Treatment and Management.

Hematologic B-cell malignancies, which have varying behavior patterns, disease processes, and treatment responses, include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemias, and myeloma. Although monoclonal antibodies and other agents have led to dramatic advances in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, the development of small molecules have enhanced the ability to treat and manage these malignancies and their adverse events (AEs). Oncology nurses need to be educated on the unique side effects for each class of these agents so that they can administer interventions to prevent and manage AEs in patients.

Oxaliplatin: Detection and Management of Hypersensitivity Reactions.

Background: Oxaliplatin is used extensively for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer and other malignancies, with increased frequency of use in recent years. Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) can pose a major problem in clinical practice because they can limit the use of oxaliplatin in the care of malignancies in which it has proven efficacy. Nurses play an integral role in the administration of oxaliplatin; therefore, they need to be well educated in the prevention, detection, and management of HSRs.

Cancer-Related Pain Assessment: Monitoring the Effectiveness of Interventions.

Background: Cancer-related pain is a major health problem because of its magnitude, the subjective nature of the pain experience, and the complexity of the disease, making it difficult to assess and control. When assessment is not performed, poor pain control can result.
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Advances in the management of acute myeloid leukemia in older adult patients.

Purpose/objectives: To update oncology nurses on new developments in the care of older adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Data Sources: Clinical trial data, published guidelines, review articles, and conference proceedings.

Data Synthesis: Therapies for older adult patients with AML include cytarabine-based intensive-induction chemotherapy, investigational therapy, and supportive care.

Overview of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Objectives: To provide an overview of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Data Sources: Review and research articles.

Conclusion: NHLs are divided primarily into two main categories based on their rate of growth: aggressive and indolent.