Administration of liposomal MTP-PE by the local physician: the role of the research nurse.
Accrual and retention of patients are critical for the successful completion of a research study. In clinical trials involving liposomal muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine, time commitment, loss of income, and potential treatment costs were identified as factors that might cause patients to refuse this form of therapy. As a result, the principal investigator, from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and representatives from CIBA-GEIGY Corporation entered into an unusual agreement that allowed patients to receive most of the 6-month outpatient treatment course from their local physician. The involvement of local healthcare providers in the care and treatment of study patients presented a unique challenge to the oncology research nurse managing the clinical trials. This article describes how muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine therapy was successfully implemented in several communities nationwide and highlights the various roles in which the research nurse served to prepare and support patients and local clinicians throughout the treatment course.
Gano
J B
JB
Kleinerman
E S
ES
D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008081:Liposomes; D015399:Nursing Research; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010821:Physicians, Family
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008081:Liposomes; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; C037144:mifamurtide; D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine