Elizabeth Meade and Maura Dowling discuss the side effects of treatment and how to address these to ensure optimal quality of life

The treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer has improved significantly in the past two decades. Several new targeted drugs and chemotherapy agents have been approved since the late 1990s, resulting in significant improvements in overall survival. However, these advances have physical, psychological and economic implications for patients and their families as treatment may now extend over many years. Oncology nurses are ideally placed to help patients manage the side effects of treatment through comprehensive assessment, education and prompt management, which will support them to maintain the best possible quality of life.