Chemotherapy and systemic anti-cancer therapy

Our nursing team’s comprehensive training and skills include:

• The Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (SACT) Competency Passport, a programme run by the UK Oncology Nursing Service (UKONS). This gold standard achievement shows that our nurses have the competence and knowledge to work in the most advanced medical oncology centres
• Specialist training to ensure careful and accurate placement of cannulas and central venous access devices (such as an implanted port), which are often used to deliver cancer medicines directly into your body
• Highly experienced with in-clinic procedures such as blood tests, blood transfusions, monitoring and assessing side effects
• Our nurses are skilled at addressing any concerns or symptoms you may be having, recognising any problems quickly and referring you to immediate care when needed

Before starting your treatment, your consultant may request a genomic test of your cancer. Genomic tests are designed to analyse a sample of cancer cells by looking at their DNA and the kinds of proteins they contain. These can give your consultant useful information, like how quickly your cancer will grow and what type of treatments are likely to be most effective.

Scientists have developed many genomic tests, and more are being researched every day, along with specific ‘targeted’ cancer treatments. Our consultants now use these tests for many of the cancers we treat, for example, types of breast cancer, to help plan the best way forward.

You may have a test before you start treatment, or sometimes later on if your doctor thinks your cancer may have changed. Genomic testing isn’t the only type of test we use to find out more about your cancer, but it’s becoming more and more important. We’re making sure that the latest tests are always available for our patients.

Before starting any treatment, we’ll ask you to complete a Macmillan Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA). This is a questionnaire developed especially for people starting cancer treatment and is used to find out your concerns and needs. Using this, our clinicians and nurses can design your personalised care plan, and help you meet any challenges and anxieties, confidentially and sensitively. We’ll also work closely with our wellbeing specialists at Penny Brohn UK and our exercise medicine physiotherapists, so all of your care and support is planned together. You can use these at no cost.

Your assessment appointment is time we set aside to make sure you’re ready to begin your treatment, have all the information you need, and can ask any questions. You’ll meet your dedicated team, who’ll explain:

• The drugs you’ll have and how they work, how they’ll be given to you, what side effects you might experience and what to do if they happen. This will include meeting with your oncology pharmacist who will take a medication history and confirm any allergies you may have
• The emergency out-of-hours support, including a dedicated 24-hour triage line where our nurses can answer your calls at any time of day or night and quickly assess your symptoms. They’ll talk to your consultant and, if necessary, they can arrange for urgent admission to a partner hospital

Your nurse will also give you a Cancer Research UK “Your Cancer Treatment Record” booklet along with a personal Macmillan Cancer Support passport booklet. These are full of practical and up-to-date information about your treatment as well as side effects. You may have good days and not so good days. Your nursing team will be able to help you manage your side effects and offer wellbeing therapies.

You’ll be met by one of your dedicated nursing team and settled into one of our private chemotherapy suites. You’re welcome to bring any books, tablet computers or other ways to pass the time. We make our chemotherapy suites comfortable, homely and self-contained with:

• Restful treatment pods
• Any medication you need
• Your own TV
• A friendly, accessible refreshment area

We find the little details really do make a difference, such as your choice of music and refreshments. We understand you may want to bring someone to keep you company during your treatment. This can be one person and no small children except in certain circumstances. Please speak to your nurse if you have any questions. No one’s cancer experience is the same – and it can change from week to week. Many people love the calm and tranquillity of our personal suites and the chance for some quiet time. Others enjoy the opportunity to talk with their nurse, asks questions or just take their mind off their treatment.

Before you start each treatment session, you’ll have an appointment with your nursing team. During this appointment they’ll give you a quick check-up which usually involves checking:

• Your blood and other important tests
• That your weight hasn’t changed significantly
• How you’re managing side effects and to review how your treatment is going

They’ll also answer any questions you may have.