RESUMO
Malignant melanoma, the least common but most serious form of skin cancer, is increasing at a faster rate than any other form of cancer. Early diagnosis can lead to cures through surgery alone. Patients with deeper primary lesions (greater than 4 mm) or regional lymph node involvement have a high risk of relapse. High-dose alpha interferon-2b is the first agent to significantly affect the relapse-free survival of high-risk patients with melanoma in a large randomized, controlled trial. Knowledge of the stages of malignant melanoma, its treatments, the mechanism of action of interferon, and commonly experienced adverse events will contribute to the nurse's ability to manage the clinical problems patients with melanoma face.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Interferon-alfa/uso terapêutico , Melanoma/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/tratamento farmacológico , Quimioterapia Adjuvante , Humanos , Interferon alfa-2 , Melanoma/patologia , Metástase Neoplásica , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Prognóstico , Proteínas Recombinantes , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologiaRESUMO
As the incidence of melanoma continues to increase, oncology nurses will be caring for more patients receiving adjuvant alpha interferon-2b. Managing the side effects from this therapy requires expert nursing care. The nurse's role throughout the year-long therapy is critical to ensure the patient's continued adherence to the treatment schedule.
