Researchers at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria Australia have developed a series of videos for patients about to start immunotherapy. These were developed in consultation with patients, family members, nurses and medical oncologists to cover the topics most important to them, and feature patients, family and nurses.
They are “brand free” so are suitable for use by all patients, irrespective of the type of cancer they have, where they are being treated and what organisation they belong to.
Please note, there are differences between Australia and New Zealand for the following content:
- After hours care: Australia has a 24 hour telephone service. In New Zealand patients are directed to Healthline or advised to present at the nearest hospital.
- Funded immunotherapies: New Zealand currently has Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab funded (as at April 2019).
- Timeframes for infusion length: Timeframes for infusion length in New Zealand are generally 1 - 2 hours.
There are five videos in total. Each video covers a specific topic relating to starting immunotherapy treatment.
Video 1: What you need to know about Immunotherapy
Video 2: Preparing for Immunotherapy
Video 3: Immunotherapy and side-effects
Video 4: Immunotherapy and lifestyle
Video 5: Seeking support and Immunotherapy
See the Youtube channel