Biotherapy Side Effects Quiz

Common Side Effects of Biotherapy

• Biotherapy stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells, which may inadvertently harm healthy cells, leading to various side effects.
• Side effects can vary significantly among individuals and may occur at any point during or after treatment.

Immune Reactions (Hypersensitivity)

• Higher risk for immune reactions due to strong body reactions to the treatment.
• Symptoms can be immediate (within minutes) or delayed (days to weeks) and range in severity.
• Common symptoms include:
  • Itching, rash, or hives
  • Swelling of tongue, lips, or eyelids
  • Facial redness (flushing), fever, chills
  • Cough, nausea, joint/muscle pain, shortness of breath
• Patients should report any changes in how they feel during treatment immediately.

Flu-Like Symptoms

• Patients may experience symptoms like:
  • Fever, chills, weakness, nausea, vomiting
  • Muscle/joint aches, fatigue, headache
• Important to notify a doctor for any flu-like symptoms, especially temperatures over 100.4°F.
• Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil can be taken unless contraindicated.

IV Site Reactions

• Possible reactions at the IV site include:
  • Pain, swelling, soreness, redness, itchiness, rash
• Patients must inform their infusion nurse of any reactions during treatment and notify their doctor for post-treatment reactions.

Skin, Hair, and Nail Changes

• Biotherapy can cause side effects like:
  • Rash, redness, and burning sensation on the face
  • Dry and itchy skin, sensitive to sunlight
  • Hair loss or scalp irritation, cracking around fingernails
  • Blistering and purpura on hands and feet
• Advise patients to use effective sun protection and moisturizers and to inform doctors about skin changes.

Diarrhea

• Can occur due to swelling or inflammation of the colon; different from chemotherapy-related diarrhea.
• Report symptoms like:
  • More than three watery stools daily, changes in stool consistency
  • Abdominal pain, blood in bowel movements
• Patients should maintain hydration and avoid certain foods and medications without consulting a doctor.

Peripheral Neuropathy

• May occur leading to:
  • Sensations of heaviness, "pins and needles," and increased sensitivity to temperature
  • Difficulty walking due to pain or balance issues
• Instructions should include safety precautions and daily skin examinations of extremities.

Fatigue

• The most frequent side effect; includes weakness, constant tiredness despite rest, and low energy.
• Recommendations to manage fatigue:
  • Prioritize important tasks, maintain a balanced diet, engage in light physical activity, and schedule rest.

Immune-Related Side Effects

• Can develop immediately or up to two years post-treatment; require prompt medical attention.
• Symptoms to watch for include:
  • Lung inflammation (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
  • Joint and muscle pain (new or worsening)
  • Liver inflammation (jaundice, severe pain, drowsiness, tea-colored urine)
  • Colon inflammation (diarrhea with blood, severe cramps)
  • Hormonal issues (persistent headaches, extreme fatigue, weight fluctuations)
  • Vision problems (blurry or double vision, eye pain)
  • Brain inflammation (headaches, confusion, hallucinations)

Patient Education

• Encourage patients to report any new or worsening symptoms promptly to their healthcare provider.
• Emphasize the importance of hydration, skin care, and safe handling of side effects to enhance comfort during treatment.

This quiz covers the common side effects of biotherapy, particularly focusing on how the immune system may react when stimulated to combat cancer. Learn about the potential immune reactions and variations in experiences among different individuals. Gain insights to better understand the treatment and its implications.