Safety and Adverse Event Management of VEGFR-TKIs in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs), alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, are part of the standard of care in treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). VEGFR-TKIs are associated with acute, chronic, and potentially dose-limiting toxicities requiring treatment modifications and discontinuations.

OBJECTIVES

This article summarizes evidence-based practices that oncology nurses may use to manage VEGFR-TKI adverse events and improve quality of life in patients with mRCC.

METHODS

Pivotal clinical trial publications of VEGFR-TKIs in mRCC were reviewed to evaluate the adverse event profile of each drug and effective management strategies.

FINDINGS

Patients with mRCC treated with VEGFR-TKIs can benefit from education about potential side effects, consistent monitoring, and early detection of adverse events, as well as appropriate interventions to improve treatment tolerability, adherence, outcomes, and quality of life.