Michael A. Postow Discusses Nurses' Role in Treating Patients Receiving Immunotherapies

Michael A. Postow, MD, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses nurses’ roles in treating patients receiving immunotherapy, especially combination checkpoint blockades, which are typically associated with higher risks of adverse events.

Postow says that nurses are closest to the patients, and often the first line of defense in managing side effects. Patients need to be forthcoming in telling their nursing staff about any occurrences, while nurses must monitor these reports carefully and know when to use immunosuppression to manage them.