This article discusses the implementation and development of a centralised immuno-oncology service. As the indications and licensing of oncological immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) expanded rapidly, they brought with them increasing… Click to show full abstract
This article discusses the implementation and development of a centralised immuno-oncology service. As the indications and licensing of oncological immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) expanded rapidly, they brought with them increasing challenges. The article evaluates the impact of an immuno-oncology service, focusing on the following areas: admission rates due to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), number of bed days occupied due to immunotherapy toxicity and the incidence of Grade 3 and 4 (severe and life-threatening) irAEs. The article will also give an overview of patients requiring acute and subsequent management of toxicity as a percentage of the overall patients commenced on immunotherapy. The ultimate aim of the article is to highlight the importance of toxicity management and the overall benefits of a immuno-oncology service. The article will also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the immuno-oncology service, highlighting the ways in which the team has adapted to the current environment to ensure high standards of patient care have been maintained.
               
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