Lamia Samrin-Balch, MRPharmS PGDip, Independent Prescriber Pharmacist, MSc Clinical Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK, highlights some of the challenges associated with treatment with antibodies such as blinatumomab and dinutuximab in pediatric patients. Since antibodies are given continuously over long periods of time, it is important to ensure that parents can use at home infusion pumps and that patients are carefully monitored. In addition, immunotherapy is associated with unpleasant side effects, in particular with dinutuximab where patients often experience pain, blood pressure changes and mobility issues. Nevertheless, the quality of life (QoL) of pediatric patients treated with immunotherapy should be significantly better than in patients treated with chemotherapy. This interview took place at the BOPA 2021 virtual meeting.
