Care of the patient undergoing interferon therapy

The clinical nurse specialist was a key person in planning, explaining, and implementing a treatment program of human leukocyte interferon [HuIFN-α(Le)] for Stage III (disseminated) malignant melanoma patients at UCLA. Patient adaptation to the program was the prime concern of the clinical nurse specialist, who needed to assist the patient in coping with a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychosocial disruptions. The article discusses the basics of IFN treatment and the common problems experienced by patients at UCLA.