Understanding immunotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Patients diagnosed with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (either squamous or non-squamous) have previously had limited treatment options after progression on chemotherapy. With the emergence of new drugs, particularly in the immuno-oncology setting, this is now changing. Recent clinical trial evidence demonstrates that compared with docetaxel, patients who received nivolumab had better overall survival and also significantly fewer grade 3-4 adverse events. This article reviews the clinical trial data for nivolumab and provides an overview of how this drug works. The adverse event profile of nivolumab is assessed and compared to that of docetaxel. The important role that nurses can play in supporting patients on nivolumab is also discussed.
Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist, Palliative Care Department, Guy's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Rachel
R
Thomas
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing; D000077594:Nivolumab; D024802:Nurse's Role
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077594:Nivolumab
Immune checkpoint inhibitor; Nivolumab; Non-squamous cell lung cancer; Nursing care; Squamous cell lung cancer