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Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction between ginger and crizotinib
Bruno Revol1,2, Elodie Gautier-Veyret2,3, Capucine Arrivé4,5
1Centre Régional de Pharmacovigilance, Pôle Santé Publique, CHU Grenoble Alpes, France.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|February 1, 2019
Summary
The use of herbal remedies alongside cancer treatment is rising, increasing the risk of dangerous herb-drug interactions. This case highlights a serious interaction between ginger and chemotherapy, underscoring the need for awareness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has significantly increased among cancer patients, rising from 25% in the late 20th century to 49% after 2000.
- This growing trend elevates concerns regarding potential herb-drug interactions, posing a public health challenge.
Discussion:
- This paper documents the first reported case of a severe interaction between ginger, a common herbal remedy, and an anticancer drug.
- The interaction had serious adverse consequences for the patient, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance.
Key Insights:
- Clinicians and patients must be educated about the potential for interactions between herbal products and conventional cancer therapies.
- Awareness of herb-drug interactions is crucial for patient safety in oncology.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to identify and quantify risks associated with common herbal remedies used in conjunction with cancer treatments.
- Developing guidelines for safe CAM use in oncology is essential to mitigate herb-drug interactions and improve patient outcomes.
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