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 term 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, K.E & J.W. 12-2-26
Who to refer:
If following assessment as per UKONS tool specialist advice felt to be required call 07798774842 to discuss with Acute Oncology Team
Who not to refer:
If in doubt please do not hesitate to call the on call oncology team.
How to refer:
Contact the Acute Oncology team at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre on 07798774842 or 0131 537 1000 and ask to speak to Acute Oncology team for oncology.
All patients on or within six weeks of treatment should be encouraged to monitor symptoms and call The Cancer Treatment Helpline (CTH; 08009177711) with any treatment-related concerns. Please note, the CTH is a call operator service provided by NHS 24, who then refer on to an acute care specialist. They cannot give specialist advice.
If the patient has been assessed by a healthcare practitioner in Primary Care, and Oncology advice/input is felt to be required, the Primary Care clinician should call the Acute Oncology team at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre (based in the WGH) and discuss directly. The Acute Oncology team can be contacted during working hours (Mon-Fri 9-5) on 07798774842; If out of hours, please discuss with the Oncology Registrar On-Call via NHS Lothian Switchboard (0131 537 1000).
If the primary care clinician requires any further guidance on the suitability of referral to Acute Oncology, they can consult Pg 10 of the The UKONS Oncology/Haematology 24 Hour Triage Toolkit.
Note if a patient has presented to primary care for assessment, the patient should NOT be advised to call the CTH themselves to pass on this information or seek further advice.
