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Adherence to therapy with oral antineoplastic agents.
Ann H Partridge1, Jerry Avorn, Philip S Wang
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|May 2, 2002
Summary
Patient adherence to oral anticancer medications is crucial but highly variable, ranging widely from under 20% to 100%. Improving adherence measurement and interventions is essential for better cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Adherence Research
Background:
- Oral anticancer agents are increasingly used, raising concerns about patient adherence to treatment regimens.
- Limited research exists on adherence to oral antineoplastic therapy compared to intravenous chemotherapy.
- Understanding adherence is vital for optimizing cancer treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on adherence to oral medications generally.
- To examine published studies on adherence to oral antineoplastic agents in adult and pediatric cancer patients.
- To discuss adherence challenges in cancer prevention and identify areas for future research and intervention.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on medication adherence in general populations.
- Review of studies specifically investigating adherence to oral chemotherapy in adult and pediatric oncology.
- Analysis of factors influencing adherence and methods for its measurement.
Main Results:
- Patient adherence to oral chemotherapy is highly variable and unpredictable, with reported rates from less than 20% to 100%.
- Certain populations, such as adolescents, present unique challenges to adherence.
- Existing evidence highlights the need for improved adherence measurement and predictive models.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to oral anticancer therapy is a significant clinical issue requiring further attention.
- Enhanced measurement, prediction, and intervention strategies are needed to improve adherence.
- Improving adherence assessment and implementing interventions for non-adherent cancer patients can lead to better clinical outcomes.