Challenges of Caregivers of Cancer Patients who are on Oral Oncolytic Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To describe the major challenges faced by caregivers of patients receiving oral oncolytic therapy (OOT).

Data sources: Published literature, national clinical practice guidelines, standards of care.

Conclusion: Caregivers of patients receiving OOT have unmet needs. Caregivers need standardized OOT education and coping support to improve patient outcomes through enhanced drug safety practices, better management of complex treatment regimens and adherence, patient symptoms, treatment side effects, care decision-making, and financial assistance for costly OOT.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses are well-positioned to take leadership roles in facilitating optimal utilization of multidisciplinary health care resources necessary to support caregivers and improve outcomes in patients receiving OOT.

Keywords: cancer; care training; caregivers; education; oral oncolytic therapy.