Abstract
Objective: To describe the studies that address nursing care for adult oncology patients undergoing outpatient systemic chemotherapy. Material and Method: Review of the literature, in the Portuguese and English languages, using electronic databases, held from May 15 to June 30, 2018. Results: Cancer encompasses a group of more than 100 diseases that have in common the irregular growth capacity of their cells that affect tissues and organs. The type of treatment is given by the type, stage and specific degree of cancer. Chemotherapy consists of the use of one or more chemical compounds (chemotherapeutics) for the treatment of cancer and diseases caused by biological agents, and can be administered concomitantly with surgery and radiotherapy. Conclusion: It is important for the nurse to have specific knowledge to act as a health educator and patient care provider in outpatient chemotherapy treatment and to promote the interpersonal relationship that will provide the patient with a more satisfactory treatment response. This education, guided by the capacity of understanding of each individual, promotes the correct understanding of the disease, treatment, management of the side effects and experiences of the patients.