Oral targeted therapy for cancer

Christine Carrington1

  • 1Assistant director of pharmacy, Senior consultant pharmacist - cancer services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane.

Australian Prescriber
|December 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Oral targeted cancer therapies require specialized health professional training. Managing potential adverse effects like skin reactions and diarrhea is crucial for patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oral targeted therapies are a growing treatment modality for cancer.
  • These therapies target specific molecules or pathways crucial for tumor growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of specialized training for healthcare professionals managing patients on oral targeted therapies.
  • To emphasize the need for awareness and management of adverse effects and drug interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on oral targeted therapies and their management.
  • Analysis of common adverse effects and drug interactions.
  • Discussion of essential skills for healthcare providers.

Main Results:

  • Oral targeted therapies, despite their selectivity, can cause significant adverse effects.
  • Common toxicities include skin reactions, diarrhea, and altered organ function.
  • Effective management necessitates awareness of potential drug interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare professionals must possess adequate training to manage patients on oral targeted therapies.
  • Proactive identification and management of adverse effects are essential for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Understanding drug interactions is critical for safe and effective treatment.

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