title: A nurse-led, patient-centred mitoxantrone service in neurology.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system for which there is no known cure. There are licensed treatments available to influence the disease course, but for a small group of patients, progression of the disease may continue at an alarming rate. Mitoxantrone, a cytotoxic agent normally used in the treatment of cancer, has been shown to reduce disease activity in patients who have this more aggressive form of MS. However, the immunosuppressive action and side-effect profile of mitoxantrone mean that this drug should be used with caution. This article describes a MS nurse-led initiative where an evidence-based, integrated care pathway was designed to ensure a safe, high-quality service provision for this select patient group.
authors.affiliation: The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Porter
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019091:Critical Pathways; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008942:Mitoxantrone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018802:Patient-Centered Care
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008942:Mitoxantrone