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Oral chemotherapeutic agents: understanding mechanisms of action and drug interactions
1University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. goodin@umdnj.edu
Purpose:
The mechanisms of action and drug interactions of oral chemotherapeutic agents are reviewed.
Summary:
The mechanisms of action, indications, and potential for drug interactions vary for oral chemotherapy. Traditional oral chemotherapy agents cause damage to cancer cells by non-specifically interfering with cellular division. Many of the newer agents have novel targets on cancer cells preferentially, resulting in a different spectrum of toxicity. Since cancer patients are at high risk for drug interactions, usually because of age-related organ dysfunction and the need for concomitant drug therapy for comorbid conditions, understanding these agents and potential for interactions is imperative for all healthcare providers.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of the mechanisms and metabolic pathways for the oral chemotherapeutic agents allows the potential to predict possible drug interactions and response while minimizing the risk of adverse outcomes.
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