The interferons.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of the biology, pharmacology, clinical application, and toxic effects of interferon and strategies for nursing management.


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, and book chapters pertaining to interferons.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferons are active therapeutic agents for hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, melanoma, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Clinical trials continue to investigate the clinical application of interferons.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses can facilitate patient self-care in managing side effects of interferon therapy, provide patient and family education, and assist with reimbursement concerns.
Skalla
K
K
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007938:Leukemia / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000451:nursing; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007372:Interferons