Readiness to Implement Novel SACT: Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy.

Objectives: Adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials. Recognizing the growing potential of cell therapies for solid tumors, oncology services need to prepare for an increasing number of trials and, in the near future, optimize patient access to TIL. Consultation with clinical trials professionals in England, however, highlighted low organizational readiness and significant knowledge gaps for use of adoptive cell therapy. The aim of this discussion paper is to provide guidance about the role of the nurse in the delivery of TIL therapy.

Methods: Guidance was written based on peer-reviewed literature and best practice guidelines between 2006 and 2024 identified through electronic database searches on PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE and expert experience of managing patients in clinical trials who are receiving TIL.

Results: TIL therapy is set to transform current care pathways with treatments that can potentially induce long-lasting tumor responses. There are, however, numerous challenges for successful and safe implementation of TIL therapy in practice. Nurses have a central role in coordinating the safe delivery and patient care of patients receiving TIL therapy. Nurses need knowledge and understanding about the regulatory processes and extensive treatment pathways involved whilst also managing novel side effects and patient expectations.

Conclusions: TIL therapy requires a specialist team to safely deliver these complex treatments and support colleagues nursing patients receiving TIL therapy. Specialist knowledge and skills and close coordination is required to ensure a smooth process from patient referral, product ordering, manufacturing, storage, and administration of the treatment to the patient.

Implications for nursing practice: Organizations planning to initiate TIL therapy should review their infrastructure, identify and address specialist knowledge and skills needs of oncology professionals, and seek guidance and support from expert teams. There needs to be a robust governance structure in place and ensure all healthcare professionals involved are trained and educated on a high level on how to care for these patients.