Patients on Systemic Anti Cancer Therapy or within 6 weeks of treatment
Information
The use of systemic anti-cancer treatment has expanded markedly in recent years. The number of regimes available for individual tumour sites has increased and as new agents have been developed many more tumour sites are now suitable for treatment. Systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) has changed in nature due to a better understanding of molecular biology. SACT is an overarching tem that included cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies and new novel therapies.
Although SACT will result in adverse effects for the majority of patients, these effects can usually be alleviated with careful management and support. However all patients should be closely monitored if they show any signs of toxicity or complications. Deterioration may be rapid and the consequences of delay life-threatening, as demonstrated in 2008 National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcomeand Death (NCEPOD) report.
The Oncology/Haematology Risk Assessment Tool for Primary Healthcare Professionals is a guideline to risk assess any symptom the patient on SACT may present with symptoms.
It is vitally important that the process is methodical and thorough in order for it to be useful and provide an accurate risk assessment. There are a number of questions to ask and information that will need to be collected to make sure that the correct advice is given.
M.A & J.W. 02-06-22
