Biotherapy and the oncology nurse.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a brief overview of biotherapy and the roles of the oncology nurse.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles that pertain to biotherapy and implications for oncology nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Biotherapy is the fourth modality of cancer therapy, and it can be effective alone or in combination with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Many new roles and opportunities for oncology nurses will result from the further development of biotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Professional nurses have an obligation to obtain accurate and current knowledge of new treatments. Oncology nurses with expertise in biotherapy will be needed to manage care for patients receiving biotherapy.