Cancer: the crucial role of nurses in case of allergy treatment

The role of oncology nurses is crucial in case of allergic reaction to cancer treatment, observed in more than one third of the patients condition.

Several studies have shown that 35% of cancer patients are likely to experience anaphylactoid reactions (occurring without prior exposure) or anaphylaxis (after first exposure) to their treatment, forcing their doctor to change it to an often less effective therapy .

The severity of the reaction depends on the reuse of the product in question, as part of a process of desensitization or retry, or prescription of a new drug, said Jeanne Held-Warmkessel nurse at Cancer Center Fox Chase in Philadelphia.

Before administering to a new cancer treatment that caused him a violent allergic patient, the physician must evaluate the effectiveness of alternative approaches, assess the loss or delay of a possible cure, analyze the likelihood of new allergy and reduce patient anxiety.

Monitoring patients before, during and after they have received their treatment is particularly critical, says the nurse. The success of their care is the knowledge of the nurse on the treatment given, the risk of reaction it causes, and symptoms suggestive of allergy.

In case of unexpected reaction, the nurse should discontinue treatment immediately and provide necessary relief to the patient care. Its role is to educate the patient and his entourage to recognize the signs indicating an allergy and to report, even if they seem trivial.

"The oncology nurses are the first to respond and represent the best resource for patients at a time as difficult [as an allergic reaction to treatment]," concluded Jeanne Held-Warmkessel.