Congress Abstracts 2005

94

SELF-PERCEPTION OF PATIENTS DEVELOPING CUTANEOUS TOXICITY DURING TREATMENT WITH CETUXIMAB (ERBITUX): BUILDING NURSING KNOWLEDGE. Kristin A. Cawley, RN, MSN, OCN^®, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.

The recent advances in treatment for colorectal cancer have made it an innovative and exciting time for oncology nursing. In February 2004, cetuximab was the first monoclonal antibody approved for refractory colorectal tumors expressing endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). In the advent period of clinical trials involving cetuximab, oncology nurses became challenged with managing a new and complex adverse effect when patient’s presented with skin reactions shortly after initiation of therapy. Acneform eruptions, seborrheic dermatitis, and maculopapular rash (all commonly referred to as acne) are unique cutaneous toxicities attributed to treatment with cetuximab. The acne present as lesions surfacing on the face, chest, back, and extremities, and have been described as painless. Although the severity, location, and length of time this cutaneous toxicity may last varies on the allocated regimen or cessation of therapy, current treatment measures including pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and self-protective behaviors have shown minimal improvement. Oncology nurses have the opportunity to gain knowledge into personal experiences, identify potential barriers for initiating, maintaining compliance or denying treatment; and recognize physical and psychological distress associated with this toxicity.

Oncology nurses play a pivotal role in comprehensively managing physical, psychological, and psychosocial concerns facing the patient. This presentation will explore the impact that cutaneous toxicities have on a patient by identifying and comparing patient reported self-perceptions.

Case studies will be presented to describe personal experiences described by patients, including the impact of cutaneous toxicity on their body image, disease process, compliance to treatment, stress and anxiety, self-esteem, and quality of life (QOL).

The oncology nurse who demonstrates a concise understanding of what the patient is feeling can better provide guidance and assist the patient with adjustment and adaptation to this change in physical appearance.

This collection of information will assist in building a knowledge base for nursing. In addition, it will contribute to improving clinical practice and patient care through the development of a patient assessment tool related to the impact of cutaneous toxicity; as well identify potential strategies for patients to implement in managing this.