Recent Developments in Oncology Immunotherapy, Implications for NPs Part 1

In the past decade, cancer immunotherapies have revolutionized oncology practices. Since the first approval in 2011 of an anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 antibody, immunotherapies have significantly improved patient survival. They differ from traditional chemotherapies in mechanism, action, and toxicity profiles. Immunotherapies may be administered over prolonged periods of time and require vigilant monitoring from the patient's health care team. This article, part 1 of 2, on immunotherapy aims to provide primary care nurse practitioners with an overview on the categories of immunotherapies, their mechanism of actions, and a brief toxicity profile.