Acute and Long-term Adverse Events Associated With Checkpoint Blockade

To provide an overview of the spectrum of immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint therapy, including presentation, evaluation, management, and nursing considerations.

Peer-reviewed articles, published literature, national guidelines, Internet.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies are have become a therapeutic treatment options for many cancers. These therapies promote activity of a patient's adaptive immune system to eradicate cancer. The agents are associated with a unique side-effect profile called Immune-related adverse events. Most of these are low severity. However, if they become more severe, they can be life-threatening or result in permanent organ dysfunction. The key to optimizing therapies is collaborative monitoring, evaluation, documentation, management, communication.

Oncology nurses are the front line of patient care. Nurses must have a thorough understanding of the mechanism of action, potential immune-related adverse events, clinical implications, and management strategies. They are responsible for educating patients about immune checkpoint therapies and the potential side effects that may develop, triage management strategies, and coordination of care.