Nursing care and management of adverse events for patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer receiving encorafenib in combination with cetuximab: a review

Abstract

Encorafenib is a B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (BRAF) inhibitor, approved in the EU and USA, in combination with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab, for the treatment of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In the pivotal BEACON CRC trial, patients achieved longer survival with encorafenib in combination with cetuximab vs. conventional chemotherapy. This targeted therapy regimen is also generally better tolerated than cytotoxic treatments. However, patients may present with adverse events unique to the regimen and characteristic of BRAF and EGFR inhibitors, which produce their own set of challenges. Nurses play an essential role in navigating the care of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC and managing adverse events that patients may experience. This includes early and efficient identification of treatment-related adverse events, subsequent management of adverse events and education of patients and their caregivers around key adverse events. This manuscript aims to provide support to nurses managing patients with BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC receiving encorafenib in combination with cetuximab, by summarising potential adverse events and providing guidance on how to manage them. Special attention will be paid to the presentation of key adverse events, dose modifications that may be required, practical recommendations and supportive care measures.