PD-1 Inhibitor Therapy: Consensus Statement From the Faculty of the Melanoma Nursing Initiative on Managing Adverse Events

Background: Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor therapies are now a standard treatment for advanced melanoma and other tumor types. The immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy are drastically different from the AEs associated with chemotherapy. Because these irAEs reflect immune system activation rather than side effects of therapy, nurses should be cognizant of the range of organ systems potentially affected as well as likely clinical presentations.

Objectives: This article presents consensus statements to guide nurses in the recognition and management of irAEs associated with PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy for advanced melanoma.

Methods: Members of the Melanoma Nursing Initiative discussed the current literature and clinical experience regarding nursing interventions related to irAEs associated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy.

Findings: The care step pathways provided for select irAEs represent a proactive, comprehensive nursing care plan to support optimal outcomes for patients receiving PD-1 inhibitor therapy.