title: Monoclonal antibodies and side-effect management.
abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly becoming a standard part of clinical cancer treatment. Eight monoclonal antibodies are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer in the United States. Oncology nurses are expected to be familiar with these agents, their indications, and their adverse effects, to provide appropriate care and symptom management to patients receiving these agents, and to adequately educate patients and families about these treatments and their specific and overlapping side effects. Monoclonal antibody mechanisms of action and indications, infusion guidelines, and symptom management are outlined in this article.
authors.affiliation: National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Nursing and Patient Care Services, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. pmuehlbauer@nih.gov
authors.forename: Paula M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Muehlbauer
authors.forename: Georgie
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cusack
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents