The Impact of a Follow-up Nursing Consultation in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immunotherapy

The use of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, these medications are associated with significant and potentially debilitating immunerelated adverse events or even life-threatening. It is important for the health team, and particularly the nurse team, to recognize and manage toxicities early in order to limit severe toxicity and to enhance the patient’s quality of life. The goal was to identify health gains from implementing a nursing consultation to patients with lung cancer treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Observational, longitudinal, prospective and exploratory study initiated November 1st, 2019, until December 31st, 2020, at the Portuguese Cancer Institute (IPOLFG) in Lisbon. This study included 41 men and 23 women, ranging from 31 to 90 years old (averaging 63 years of age) and ECOG PS: 1. A total of 32.8% of patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE). Of the reported adverse events, 29.7% occurred with pembrolizumab administration and 52.9% with nivolumab. The average of the AE showing up, happens after C2. The study shows the nurses’ critical need and role for appropriately engaging with, educating, assessing and managing lung cancer patients under immunotherapy. All patients benefited from the creation of this consultation. Even patients who did not experience adverse events reported a need for advice from the nursing team.