The Biochemistry of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and The Role of Nursing in Cancer Care. | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Chemistry | ||
| Volume 67, Issue 13, December 2024, Pages 1361-1371 PDF (539.8 K) | ||
| Document Type: Review Articles | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2024.336211.10794 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Ohud Yousef Fahad Almutlaq1; Rasheed Dohaim Abdulah Aldosari1; Munira Masmar Misfer Al-Qahtani1; Refah i Ibrahim Fahad Aldawsar2; Hanan Ahmed Alhomain3; Norah Saed Ali Alamri4; Shamsah Saeed Ali Alammri5; Abdulaziz Khalid Alzaagi6; Wafaa Mohammed Alhamed7; Malikah Mohammed Hathal Alanazi8; Amnah Mohamad Hadi9; Mohammad Hossan Al Hoaidy5; Amani Mabkhoot Mohammed AlSaiari10; Fatma Ali Al Anzezi11; Fatimah Mosa Kriry12 | ||
| 1First Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 2Al-Yamamah Health Center in Al-Kharj, the first health cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 3Al-Kharj, the first health cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 4King Khalid Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 5Riyadh First Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 6King Salman Hospital, the First Health Cluster in Riyadh, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 7Aljazerah primary health care center, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 8Dhahrat Al Badia Health Care Center, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 9Al-Jouf Gathering, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 10Al Eman general hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 11Second health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 12Nursing, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Introduction: Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment. This includes therapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. Several cancers, including melanoma, lung, kidney, and colorectal cancer, are treated using ICIs. However, despite their efficacy, ICIs are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that can range from mild to life-threatening, affecting various body systems such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and endocrine organs. Aim: This article explores the biochemistry of immune checkpoint inhibitors, their mechanisms of action, the impact of irAEs, and the crucial role of nursing in managing these adverse events. It emphasizes the need for nurses to monitor, educate, and intervene to mitigate the risks associated with ICIs, ensuring better patient outcomes during cancer treatment. Methods: A comprehensive review of current literature, clinical guidelines, and case studies on the mechanisms, types, and management of irAEs related to ICIs was conducted. The review also covers the nursing interventions necessary for the early detection, management, and education of patients receiving immunotherapy. Results: Immune checkpoint inhibitors work by disrupting the immune system’s negative regulation, restoring the body's immune response against tumors. However, irAEs occur as a result of this enhanced immune response, leading to systemic inflammation that can damage healthy organs. Nurses play a critical role in identifying early signs of irAEs, educating patients on symptoms, and coordinating care to minimize these effects. Nursing protocols include monitoring patients for signs of toxicity, providing symptom management, and educating patients on reporting adverse symptoms, even those occurring long after treatment cessation. Conclusion: While ICIs have revolutionized cancer treatment, their associated irAEs require vigilant monitoring and management. Nurses are at the forefront of ensuring safe and effective cancer care through early detection, prompt intervention, and continuous patient education. Integrating these practices into routine clinical care can improve patient outcomes, reducing the severity of irAEs and enhancing the therapeutic benefits of ICIs. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| : Immune checkpoint inhibitors; cancer treatmentand patient education; immunotherapy; toxicity management; cancer nursing; PD-1; CTLA-4 | ||
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