Essentials

B-Cell Malignancies: The Use of Small Molecule Agents for Treatment and Management

Barbara B. Rogers

B-cell malignancies, adverse events, small molecule agents, hematologic malignancies
CJON 2020, 24(2), 199-204. DOI: 10.1188/20.CJON.199-204

Hematologic B-cell malignancies, which have varying behavior patterns, disease processes, and treatment responses, include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemias, and myeloma. Although monoclonal antibodies and other agents have led to dramatic advances in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, the development of small molecules have enhanced the ability to treat and manage these malignancies and their adverse events (AEs). Oncology nurses need to be educated on the unique side effects for each class of these agents so that they can administer interventions to prevent and manage AEs in patients.

AT A GLANCE

  • Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors are a significant component of the treatment and management of B-cell malignancies.
  • BTK, PI3K, and BCL2 inhibitors have unique AEs associated with off-target effects, which can be prevented or controlled to allow patients to continue receiving these agents.
  • Oncology nurses can educate patients on the potential for and assessment and management of AEs associated with the use of these agents in the treatment of B-cell malignancies.
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