Dr. Luke on the Nurse's Role in Managing Melanoma Toxicities

Jason J. Luke, MD, an instructor in medicine atHarvard Medical School and a Medical Oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains why oncology nurses have such an important role in managing melanoma toxicities.

Oncology nurses are integral to treating patients, Luke says. Since some patients don’t get to see their doctors frequently, nurses should check in with the patients to see how they’re doing.

This is especially important in melanoma, Luke says. With immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies, which are used during treatment, side effects can become more severe over time. Luke says keeping open communication with the patient and educating them about side effects greatly improves side effect management. ​