Effect of Immune Enhancement Intervention on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and ranks as the leading cause of
cancer-related deaths among females worldwide. After lung cancer, it is the second-largest cause of
death. Systemic chemotherapy is used to treat more than half of the individuals with BC. They are
effective at destroying cancer cells, but they can temporarily display immune dysfunction. The
immune system is critical to rebuild and maintain the immune system in optimal fighting shape.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of immune enhancement intervention on clinical
outcomes of patients with BC undergoing chemotherapy. The research design was quasi
experimental. Setting: It was conducted at the oncology center and nuclear medicine at Ain Shams
University Hospitals. Sample: A purposive sample of 100 patients was sorted into two groups:
control and study. Tools of data collection: Data were collected using a structured interviewing
questionnaire, a Scale for assessing one's quality of life, an Australia-modified Karnofsky
performance status scale & a nutritional assessment sheet that includes a lab investigation & tumor
marker. The results: The study group (60%) and the control group (68%) were married and
between the ages of 50 and 70 years old, respectively, and there was a highly significant difference
between the two groups in terms of knowledge, quality of life, performance status for usual
activities, and nutritional status post-intervention, which led to a highly significant decrease in
tumor biomarkers among the study group versus the control group. Conclusion: Patients with BC
who were undergoing chemotherapy saw a statistically significant improvement in their clinical
outcomes after participating in an immune enhancement intervention program. Recommendations:
More researches are needed to conduct training and instruction, to study the impact of the immune
enhancement intervention program on the clinically outcomes and quality of life of the patients.