As bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) become more integrated into oncology care, much of the focus has been placed on clinical protocols and operational readiness. However, less attention has been paid to the patient and caregiver experience. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ explores how it feels physically and emotionally for patients to begin and continue BsAb therapy. Grounded in real-world insights, this discussion highlights the logistical and emotional challenges that arise during the step-up period and early treatment phases and identifies opportunities for care teams to better support patients throughout their journey.
“It decreased the amount of time they had to be in the clinic, you know, because a lot of these people we're getting them back to their regular lives where they can work, they can go to you know continue on with life. So anything that we can give that's in an injection, and anything that's targeted to decrease systemic reactions is better for the patient.” - Leslie Mader
“They think, oh, this is great. I'm going to get through it with no problems. And then they get dose three or dose four, and they're like crap. You know, they get discouraged. But usually, you know, we have emergency drugs that we give them dexamethasone, and it usually resolves quickly.” - Lesie Mader
Guest:
Leslie Mader, RN, BSN, OCN
Patient Care Coordinator, Bispecific Drug Therapy and IEC Therapy, Hematology/Stem Cell Transplant
Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
Resources:
In partnership with HOPA and APSHO.
This program was made possible with support from Johnson & Johnson and Genentech.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
Understanding both the benefits to be had from offering BsAb therapy to its community and the scope of this undertaking, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center took a novel approach with its APP-led BsAb step-up dosing clinic, which won the program a 2026 ACCC Innovator Award.
