9.3 Implement Nutritional Strategies to Impact Hematological Wellness
3 min read•june 18, 2024
Biologic response modifiers are game-changers in cancer treatment. These powerful agents boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. From interferons to monoclonal antibodies, they offer a range of options for enhancing the body's natural defenses.
Understanding how these modifiers work is crucial for nurses. They stimulate immune cells, target cancer antigens, and regulate cell growth. Side effects can be significant, ranging from flu-like symptoms to autoimmune reactions, so careful monitoring and patient education are essential for successful treatment.
Overview of Biologic Response Modifiers in Cancer Treatment
Key features of biologic response modifiers
Top images from around the web for Key features of biologic response modifiers
Cancer Moonshot Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN): accelerating the clinical ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Epigenetic Modifiers Avert Therapy Resistance ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Reaction of Human Monoclonal Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Proteins With Tissue Antigens ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Cancer Moonshot Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN): accelerating the clinical ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Epigenetic Modifiers Avert Therapy Resistance ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Key features of biologic response modifiers
Cancer Moonshot Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN): accelerating the clinical ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Epigenetic Modifiers Avert Therapy Resistance ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Reaction of Human Monoclonal Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Proteins With Tissue Antigens ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Cancer Moonshot Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN): accelerating the clinical ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Epigenetic Modifiers Avert Therapy Resistance ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Stimulate or restore immune system's ability to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases
- Derived from natural sources (human, animal, or microorganism proteins) or produced in laboratory
- Types used in cancer treatment:
- Interferons (IFNs) boost immune response and inhibit cancer cell growth
- Interleukins (ILs) regulate immune cell growth and differentiation
- Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) stimulate production of blood cells in bone marrow
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) target specific antigens on cancer cells
- Cancer vaccines stimulate immune recognition and attack of cancer cells
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells
- Can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery)
Mechanism and side effects of modifiers
- Interferons (IFNs) and Interleukins (ILs):
- Stimulate immune system to attack cancer cells and enhance immune cell function
- Regulate immune cell growth and differentiation
- Side effects: flu-like symptoms, fatigue, depression, liver dysfunction
- Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs):
- Stimulate blood cell production in bone marrow
- Help recover from chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and
- Side effects: bone pain, fever, allergic reactions
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs):
- Target specific antigens on cancer cells leading to their destruction
- Used for targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or drug delivery
- Side effects: infusion reactions, fever, chills, weakness, nausea, rashes
- Cancer vaccines:
- Stimulate immune recognition and attack of cancer cells
- Preventive (HPV vaccine) or therapeutic (sipuleucel-T for prostate cancer)
- Side effects: injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms, autoimmune reactions
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors:
- Block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells
- Examples: anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab), anti-PD-1/PD-L1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab)
- Side effects: autoimmune reactions (colitis, pneumonitis, endocrinopathies)
Immune System Components and Their Roles
- Cytokines: Signaling molecules that regulate immune responses and cell communication
- T cells: Crucial for cell-mediated immunity and destroying infected or cancerous cells
- B cells: Produce antibodies for humoral immunity and act as antigen-presenting cells
- Natural killer cells: Provide rapid responses against virus-infected cells and tumors
- Antigen-presenting cells: Process and present antigens to activate T cells
Nursing Considerations and Patient Education
Nursing considerations for modifier administration
- Assess patient's health status and immune function before initiating therapy
- Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions during and after administration
- Manage side effects promptly with appropriate interventions (antipyretics, analgesics)
- Observe for signs of infusion reactions (dyspnea, hypotension, urticaria) and be prepared to manage anaphylaxis
- Ensure proper storage, preparation, and administration of BRMs according to manufacturer's instructions
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care and support to patients receiving BRMs
Patient education for modifier recipients
- Educate patients about purpose, benefits, and potential risks of BRM therapy
- Instruct patients to report signs or symptoms of adverse reactions (fever, chills, rash, difficulty breathing)
- Encourage healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest)
- Advise patients to avoid close contact with people who have infections or recent live virus vaccinations
- Emphasize importance of adhering to treatment schedule and attending follow-up appointments
- Provide emotional support and resources for coping with physical and psychological challenges of cancer treatment
- Inform patients about potential long-term effects of BRM therapy and need for ongoing monitoring and follow-up care
- Explain the risk of developing autoimmune disorders as a potential side effect of some biologic response modifiers
Key Terms to Review (25)
Anemia: Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced number or impaired function of red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This can have significant implications for an individual's overall health and wellness, particularly in the context of nursing practice and the management of various medical conditions.
Ascorbic Acid: Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained through dietary sources or supplementation.
Bioavailability: Bioavailability refers to the degree and rate at which a substance, such as a nutrient or medication, is absorbed and becomes available for use or storage in the body. It is a crucial concept that connects the consumption of nutrients, minerals, and supplements to their ultimate impact on physiological processes and health outcomes.
Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine when gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is consumed. This leads to inflammation, damage to the intestinal lining, and impaired nutrient absorption. Celiac disease is closely tied to various aspects of nutrition and health, including minerals, supplements, digestive function, gut health, hematological wellness, and gastrointestinal conditions.
Cultural sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity is the awareness and respect for cultural differences in beliefs, values, and practices. It involves understanding how these differences impact health behaviors and interactions.
Dietary Modification: Dietary modification refers to the process of intentionally altering an individual's dietary intake to achieve specific health or nutritional goals. This term is particularly relevant in the context of assessing and analyzing the impact of nutrition on the hematological system, as well as implementing nutritional strategies to impact hematological wellness.
Dietary Supplements: Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet and provide additional nutrients, vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, or other substances to support overall health and wellness. These supplements can be taken in various forms, such as pills, capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids, and are often used to address specific nutritional needs or deficiencies.
Erythrocytes: Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells (RBCs), are the most abundant type of blood cells in the human body. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs, playing a crucial role in the hematological system.
Erythropoiesis: Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell (erythrocyte) production and maturation. It is a crucial component of the hematological system, responsible for maintaining adequate red blood cell levels to ensure efficient oxygen transport throughout the body.
Ferritin Test: The ferritin test is a blood test that measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. It is a key indicator of iron status and is used to assess iron deficiency, iron overload, and other hematological conditions.
Folate: Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in the body, including neurological, hematological, and cardiovascular wellness. It is particularly important during periods of rapid growth and development, such as pregnancy and early childhood.
Health literacy: Health literacy is the ability to obtain, read, understand, and use healthcare information to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment. It is crucial for effective communication between healthcare providers and patients.
Heme Iron: Heme iron is a form of dietary iron that is highly bioavailable and efficiently absorbed by the body. It is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the excessive absorption and accumulation of iron in the body's organs and tissues, leading to a range of health issues if left untreated.
Holistic nutritional assessment domains: Holistic nutritional assessment domains are various aspects used to evaluate a patient's overall nutritional status including physical, psychological, and social factors. This comprehensive approach ensures all potential influences on nutrition and health are considered.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, relapsing inflammatory conditions that primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD can significantly impact an individual's nutritional status, digestive function, and overall well-being, making it an important consideration across various nursing and nutrition-related topics.
Iron Supplementation: Iron supplementation refers to the intake of additional iron beyond what is obtained through diet, typically in the form of oral iron supplements or intravenous iron infusions. This practice is employed to address iron deficiency or prevent iron-related health issues, particularly in the context of the hematological system and overall wellness.
Leukocytes: Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are a critical component of the immune system responsible for defending the body against infection, disease, and foreign invaders. They play a vital role in maintaining hematological wellness across the lifespan.
Malabsorption: Malabsorption is a condition in which the body is unable to properly absorb and utilize essential nutrients from the food consumed. This can lead to deficiencies and a range of health issues across various bodily systems.
Menstruation: Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining in individuals with a uterus, typically occurring every 28 days. It involves hormonal changes that can impact various physiological and nutritional needs.
Non-Heme Iron: Non-heme iron refers to the form of iron that is not bound to the heme molecule, which is the iron-containing component of hemoglobin and myoglobin. This type of iron is found in plant-based foods and some animal-based foods, and it is less readily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron.
Phytates: Phytates, also known as phytic acid, are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods, particularly grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. They are considered antinutrients due to their ability to bind to and reduce the bioavailability of essential minerals, such as iron, zinc, and calcium, in the human body.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of medications that work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and other gastrointestinal disorders by inhibiting the action of the proton pump, which is responsible for the secretion of stomach acid.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the proper functioning of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells, and the maintenance of DNA. It is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble nutrient that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. It is required for the proper functioning of the immune system, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and antioxidant protection, among other important functions. Vitamin C is particularly relevant in the context of nutrition, vitamins, supplements, and the wellness of various body systems.