Promotion of multidisciplinary collaboration in cancer chemotherapy — basic knowledge of medicines for clinical nurses

Cancer chemotherapy outcomes have improved markedly after the introduction of cytotoxic anticancer drugs, molecular target medicines, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) into clinical practice. Chemotherapy regimens are specified treatment plans that include the dose of each anticancer drug, duration of treatment, and other supportive care drugs such as antiemetics. A chemotherapy regimen leads to the standardization of cancer pharmacotherapy, leading to medical safety and efficiency. Most molecular target medicines and ICIs have companion diagnostic agents (CDxs) that predict the treatment effect based on the gene variant (driver gene) and its expression level. In addition, oncogene panel tests have recently become covered by health insurance in Japan. However, there are some strict regulations and problems with their clinical use. Most molecular target medicines and ICIs have various side effects that are different from those of cytotoxic anticancer drugs. To provide more effective care and nursing to patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, clinical nurses need to understand the basic pharmacologic characteristics of each cancer medicine and provide patients with information about side effects and potential effects on daily life.