Development and implementation of an immunotherapy unit in a urology department

Abstract

Introduction: Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment, with monoclonal antibodies directed against checkpoint regulatory molecules currently being the most widely used therapy. A total of six immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in various solid tumors of the genitourinary tract.

Material and methods: The literature is reviewed and the methodology, as well as our own experience, are analyzed to establish treatment with CPIs in a urology department.

Results: The requirements recommended in terms of training, logistics and procedure are described in order to safely offer expert treatment with CPIs to patients with genitourinary tumors.

Conclusions: Compliance with the proposed program ensures safe administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors in a hospital setting.

Keywords: Cáncer urológico; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Inhibidores del punto de control inmunitario; Inmunoterapia; Urologic cancer.