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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
09:19

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo

Published on: February 6, 2015

Utilizing mobile networks for the detection of clinically relevant interactions between chemotherapy regimens and

Kevin Yi-Lwern Yap1, Cheng Shang See, En Yi Kuo

  • 1Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, International Digital Laboratory, Coventry, UK.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|February 11, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A new iPhone app, OncoRx-MI, identifies drug-CAM interactions for chemotherapy regimens, helping oncologists manage potential adverse events. This tool aids in improving pharmaceutical care for cancer patients by flagging over 4400 potential interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Mobile Health

Background:

  • Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) use in cancer patients can lead to dangerous drug-CAM interactions (DCIs) with chemotherapy.
  • These interactions may negatively impact therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe OncoRx-MI, a novel iPhone application designed to identify DCIs.
  • To aid healthcare practitioners in managing chemotherapy regimen (CReg) interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Compiled drug, CAM, and DCI data from literature and databases.
  • Developed CReg management plans and iPhone Web documents.
  • Implemented DCI searches based on CReg acronyms for mobile usability.

Main Results:

  • OncoRx-MI detects over 4400 DCI pairs between 256 CRegs and 166 CAMs.
  • 79% of DCIs are pharmacokinetic, affecting drug metabolism (e.g., cytochrome P450).
  • Pharmacodynamic DCIs include hepatotoxicity (39%) and altered drug efficacies.

Conclusions:

  • OncoRx-MI is the first mobile app to search CReg-CAM interactions via 3G.
  • The application aims to enhance pharmaceutical care for cancer patients.
  • It assists clinicians in managing complex CReg interactions.

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