Nursing interventions for managing treatment-related adverse effects of targeted anti-tumor therapies in adult cancer patients: a scoping review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Targeted anti-tumor therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have improved clinical outcomes and survival across multiple cancers but are associated with clinically significant dermatologic, neurological, gastrointestinal, hematologic, and immune-related toxicities that compromise adherence and quality of life. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available evidence on nursing interventions used to prevent, monitor, and manage adverse effects associated with targeted anti-tumor therapies in adult cancer patients. Methods: Eligible studies were English-language publications conducted between 2015 and 2025 that focused on nurse-led or nursing-centered interventions addressing the adverse effects of targeted anti-tumor therapies in adult oncology populations. Data were charted using a standardized form and synthesized descriptively by intervention type and adverse-effect domain. Results: Of 742 records identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Study designs included two quasi-experimental studies and one randomized controlled trial protocol two cohort studies, seven narrative or integrative reviews, and two clinical practice guidelines. Five principal intervention categories were identified: patient education and self-management support; nurse-led oral targeted-drug management and continuity-of-care programs; home-based multidisciplinary interventions; telephone and telehealth-based toxicity monitoring; and symptom-specific supportive-care strategies. Across diverse settings, structured nursing interventions reduced toxicity burden, improved medication adherence, decreased unplanned healthcare use, and enhanced patient-reported quality of life and psychosocial outcomes. Conclusion: Nurse-led interventions may have an important and promising role in supporting the safe and effective use of targeted anti-tumor therapies in adults with cancer. Integrating structured education, continuity of care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and telehealth-enabled monitoring into routine oncology practice may optimize toxicity management and support treatment adherence. Further multicenter trials are needed to evaluate nursing protocols for antibody-drug conjugate-induced neuropathy and immune-related adverse events and to examine long-term clinical and economic outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: https://osf.io/5nvfe/identifier, 5nvfe.
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7163043592