Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Key Principles When Educating Patients.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is a rapidly advancing area in cancer treatment.
• ICIs have unique mechanisms of action, leading to distinctive immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the awareness, assessment, and management of irAEs associated with ICI therapy.
• To highlight the importance of patient education in managing irAEs.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the public domain.
• The search focused on irAEs related to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Effective irAE management necessitates early recognition and prompt reporting.
• Patient education is critical for maximizing the opportunity for early detection and intervention.
• Educational resources should be timely, consistent, personalized, and developed with interprofessional input.
• Key messages for patients include understanding the timing of therapeutic response and irAEs, early identification, and the potential for immune effects post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing patient education is essential for the safe and effective use of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• A proactive approach to patient education can mitigate the impact of irAEs.
• Continuous review and updates of educational materials are necessary given the evolving nature of ICI therapy.