Clinical guidance on the perioperative use of targeted agents in solid tumor oncology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Increasing use of targeted anti-cancer agents in solid tumor treatment.
• Multi-modal cancer treatment frequently involves surgery, raising concerns about perioperative complications.
• Some targeted agents may negatively impact wound healing and surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review targeted agents used in solid tumor oncology.
• To emphasize clinically relevant details regarding perioperative complications associated with targeted agents.
• To assess the current evidence linking targeted therapies to surgical complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of targeted anti-cancer agents used in solid tumor oncology.
• Emphasis on clinically relevant details concerning perioperative risks.
• Analysis of existing evidence for specific targeted agents and their association with surgical complications.

Main Results:

• Overall evidence linking targeted agents to surgical complications is limited.
• Bevacizumab demonstrates the most substantial evidence for causing perioperative complications, potentially due to its long half-life.
• Limited data exist for cetuximab, sorafenib, and sunitinib; very little data are available for other solid tumor targeted agents.

Conclusions:

• Heightened pharmacovigilance is recommended for targeted agents concerning perioperative complications.
• Increased post-surgical support for patients is advised for early detection of complications.
• Further definitive data are needed to fully understand the perioperative risks of targeted anti-cancer agents.