BISPECIFIC IMMUNOTHERAPY ORANGE ALERT CARD: RAISING AWARENESS OF POTENTIAL LIFE-THREATENING ADVERSE EVENTS FOR PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.

Significance & Background: Bispecific antibodies are a revolutionary class of immunotherapy agents that have gained significant traction in recent years in cancer treatment. Unlike conventional monoclonal antibodies that target a single antigen, bispecific antibodies are engineered to bind to two di...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Oncology Nursing Forum Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 96 - 98
Autores principales: Dwyer, Eileen, Fischer, Heidi, Wise, Adriana, Kyrillidis, Danielle
Formato: Journal Article
Publicado: Oncology Nursing Society Mar2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Significance & Background: Bispecific antibodies are a revolutionary class of immunotherapy agents that have gained significant traction in recent years in cancer treatment. Unlike conventional monoclonal antibodies that target a single antigen, bispecific antibodies are engineered to bind to two different antigens simultaneously, allowing for a more targeted and potentially effective approach to disease. Oncology nurses across care settings are the primary educators of patients and families. The bispecific orange alert card (BSOA) was developed to educate patients and caregivers about potential life-threatening immune-related adverse events. An alert card for patients receiving bispecific therapies will highlight the potential for severe adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurologic toxicity, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) which can be fatal or life-threating. Purpose: This project will enhance the patient and caregiver with the knowledge of symptom's requiring immediate medical attention and ensure quality care during symptom management. Interventions: Patients and caregivers will be provided education on symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. A (BSOA) card will be given to reinforce the education and can also be used to educate non-oncology providers. Infusion Nurses will educate Emergency Department staff about the potential adverse reactions associated with bi-specific therapy. A post treatment phone call will reinforce education to evaluate effectiveness. Results: A bispecific patient alert wallet card will be given and reviewed by the inpatient and Infusion nursing staff prior to their first treatment. Interventions such as education on the importance of a wallet alert card that (with a post survey) can provide reassurance that the patient and caregiver have the knowledge necessary to recognize the signs and symptoms of bi-specific immune-related adverse events such as CRS or ICANS in order to seek immediate medical intervention. Discussion: An alert card for patients receiving bispecific antibodies helps by providing a concise reminder of important safety information, including potential side effects and emergency situations. It ensures that patients and their healthcare providers are aware of the drug's properties and the need for prompt attention in case of adverse events such as those related to cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity. The medical consequences of delayed treatment for patients include risk for life-threatening events, lengthy hospitalizations, economic issues, and treatment delays.