Patient-Specific Vaccine Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Introduction to B-Cell Disorders

Healthcare professionals have a good understanding of B cells in normal immunity. Although the role of lymphocytes and the lymphoid system in lymphoma is understood, the role of B cells is less clear in several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This article will present an overview of malignant and nonmalignant B-cell disorders. Experts hypothesize that some monoclonal antibodies can deplete the B-cell population and prevent B- and T-cell responses in autoimmune diseases. Nurses should understand the data surrounding monoclonal therapy, which are not always presented clearly. Nurses' ability to interpret data is important to their patients and colleagues.

Treatment approaches and nursing applications for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a malignancy that manifests in the lymphatic system, is one of the most commonly occurring hematologic disease types in the United States and other Westernized countries. NHL is divided into a range of subtypes with differing clinical features and outcomes. Depending on the type of NHL and the patient's overall clinical presentation, treatment varies from systemic combined chemotherapy regimens with or without immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, and transplants to investigational options. Oncology nurses play a vital role in implementing successful treatment and management of patients with NHL as oncology care moves into an era of novel targeted therapies.

Dendritic cells: emerging roles in tumor immunotherapy

The purpose of this article is to examine the use of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) as immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. DCs can be stimulated either from circulating blood or bone marrow progenitor cells using cytokines, particularly granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (e.g., sargramostim, Leukine). GM-CSF has been shown to promote maturation, mobilization, and antigen presentation of DCs in vivo or ex vivo as a therapeutic cancer vaccine. Once stimulated, DCs can present tumor antigen to naive T cells to initiate an immune response. In addition to myeloid-related DC stimulation, antitumor properties of GM-CSF include direct cytotoxicity, antiangiogenesis properties, and potential upregulation of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Oncology nurses need to be knowledgeable regarding new therapies. Using knowledge gained through reading professional journals and self-education, nurses can inform patients of new therapies, which may increase patients' hope.

Treatment Approaches and Nursing Considerations For Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

To discuss some common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subtypes, and current systemic approaches including chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, radioimmunotherapy, and vaccines.

DATA SOURCES

Research and review articles, textbooks, and guidelines

CONCLUSION

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is one of the most common types of malignancies for both men and women. It manifests itself in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and extranodal sites, with or without B symptoms (fevers, sweats, weight loss) and it continues to be on the rise. Recent advances in treatment options have improved the potential for cure within its various subtypes, although much more work remains to be done.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Management of side effects remains a major challenge to nurses when caring for patients undergoing treatment.