The Advanced Practice Provider Perspective: Treating Patients With Immuno-Oncology Combination Therapy Across Tumor...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are FDA-approved for various cancers.
• Combination immuno-oncology (IO) therapies offer potential additional benefit.
• Approved IO combinations include nivolumab/ipilimumab and pembrolizumab/atezolizumab with chemotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy and safety of IO/IO and IO/chemotherapy combinations.
• To discuss the role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in managing immune-mediated adverse reactions (IMARs).

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical efficacy and safety data for approved IO combination regimens.
• Discussion of IMARs associated with IO combination therapy.
• Emphasis on the APP's role in patient counseling and toxicity management.

Main Results:

• IO combination therapies are associated with increased incidences of IMARs compared to monotherapy.
• APPs are crucial in educating patients and identifying IMAR manifestations.
• Management strategies are essential to prevent organ dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• IO combination therapies require vigilant monitoring for IMARs.
• APPs are integral to the multidisciplinary team for managing IO-related toxicities.
• Awareness of IMAR presentation, onset, and management guidelines is critical for APPs.