Optimising Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the series of videos below, Suzanne Bartlett, RN Grad Cert(Can& Pall), MAdvNursPrac(NPRAC), of Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, shares perspectives and tips for optimising care during these challenging times. Note that the phase of lock down discussed in these videos was specific to the time of the recording. In addition, the extended dosing interval discussed for pembrolizumab was limited to the melanoma indication at the time of the recording.

Optimising Telemedicine

Use of Extended Dosing Intervals for Immunotherapy

Changes in Infusion Practices

Minimising the Impact on Clinical Trials

Care Step Pathways

This section provides stand-alone Care Step Pathways (CSPs) that have been customized for the Australian audience. We wish to thank Suzanne Bartlett, RN, Grad Cert(Can&Pall), MAdvNursPrac(NPRAC), of the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre for thoughtful review of these materials.

List of CSPs

For Immunotherapy (Checkpoint Inhibitors):
Ipilimumab
Nivolumab
Pembrolizumab
Nivolumab/Ipilimumab

• Skin Toxicities – View Online
• Gastrointestinal Toxicities (Diarrhea and Colitis) – View Online
• Thyroiditis – View Online
• Hepatitis – View Online
• Hypophysitis – View Online
• Adrenal Insufficiency, primary – View Online
• Diabetes – View Online
• Pneumonitis – View Online
• Arthralgia/Arthritis – View Online
• Mucositis/Xerostomia – View Online
• Neuropathy – View Online
• Nephritis – View Online

For Intralesional Therapy:
Talimogene laherparepvec; T-VEC

• Overall Side Effects – View Online

Patient Resources/Action Plans

This section contains the customizable action plans for patients with different tumor types that have been customized for the Australian  audience. We wish to thank Tamara Dawson, of the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network, for her helpful review of these materials.

Decision-Support Tool for Stage III Melanoma

Newly customized for the Australian audience, this pamphlet is a document to provide/discuss with patients that helps guide their decision making regarding next steps for stage III melanoma. We wish to thank Tamara Dawson, of the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network, for her helpful review of these materials.