Page 9 - Flipbook

Monitoring ICI + VEGF

What do I watch for? Immune-related side effects from ICI
and side effects from VEGF-targeted therapy. ICI VEGF
Side effects can happen to any part of the body. Report any symptom you think could
be a side effect. Some side effects that you should be particularly aware of include:

1 Skin 3 Breathing Problems
• Skin side effects usually happen first and • Report any new or worsening symptoms
are more common than side effects related to your breathing to your cancer
affecting other parts of the body care team.
• Skin-related side effects can include • Symptoms that should be reported to the
rash, itching and/or sores in the mouth cancer care team include trouble
• Rash, redness, itching or peeling of the breathing that is worse than normal, dry
cough that is new or getting worse or
skin on the palms of hands or soles of feet a fever (temperature of 38.3˚C or 38˚C
• Report any new itching or rash anywhere for over an hour)
on the body to your cancer care team
4 Nausea, Decreased Appetite
2 Diarrhea and/or Bowel Changes (Weight Loss), Taste Disturbances
• Report any new diarrhea, cramping in the • The VEGF-targeted therapy often causes
belly, and/or blood in the stool to your nausea, decreased appetite, and taste
cancer care team disturbances
• Talk to your cancer care team before
taking anti-diarrhea medications
(ie. Imodium ) Side effects may be due to the ICI component, the VEGF
TM
component, or both which means that the list of side
effects is longer but there is less overlap than dual ICI.
(See page 12 in COMMUNICATIONS section for guidance if after hours)

How are side effects treated?

• Immune-related side effects and side effects due to VEGF-targeted treatment are always treated based on the
individual patient. Report all side effects to your cancer care team.

• DO NOT manage side effects at home without speaking with your cancer care team.
• The earlier an immune-related side effect is recognized, the better it can be managed.

• Serious immune-related side effects (e.g. symptoms that affect daily activities) are usually treated with steroids to
suppress the immune system.

• Steroids act as “water on the fire” and slow down the “hyper” immune system.
• More serious side effects may require a long duration of treatment with steroids (4-8 weeks).

• In some cases, one of the medications (either ICI or VEGF targeted) may need to be held.

• Minor symptoms (e.g. symptoms that are noticeable but do not affect daily activities) may be managed more easily with
advice from your cancer care team.

8