Future expectations for critical care nurses. Competence in immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is a promising therapy for the treatment of some forms of cancer. This research therapy uses normal immune system substances such as IL-2 to stimulate the immune system to kill tumor cells while sparing normal tissues. Many side effects of IL-2 have been identified. The most serious of these effects involves the cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary systems. Patients who experience these IL-2-related toxicities are effectively managed in the intensive care unit. The critical care nurse has a major role in the monitoring and management of this patient population. Hospitals that participate in this research treatment for cancer are increasing. In the near future, competence in immunotherapy will be an expectation for many critical care nurses.
Byram
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D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007376:Interleukin-2