Supportive medication in cancer during pregnancy
Flora Zagouri1, Nikolaos Dedes2, Alkistis Papatheodoridi2
1Haematology - Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 80, 11528, Athens, Greece. florazagouri@yahoo.co.uk.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|December 2, 2020
Summary
Managing cancer during pregnancy is challenging. This review evaluates the safety and effectiveness of supportive medications like Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factors and others for chemotherapy side effects in pregnant patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pregnancy-related malignancies are increasing, posing unique treatment challenges.
- Optimal management requires balancing chemotherapy efficacy with maternal and fetal safety.
- Supportive medications are crucial for managing chemotherapy side effects during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on supportive medication use in pregnancy.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of commonly used supportive agents.
- To guide treatment decisions for pregnant cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search for studies on supportive medications in pregnancy.
- Analysis of data regarding safety profiles for mother and fetus.
- Evaluation of efficacy in mitigating chemotherapy-induced side effects.
Main Results:
- Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factors, Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, Bisphosphonates, Anticoagulation agents, Antiemetics, and Glucocorticoids were assessed.
- Evidence on safety and efficacy varies across different supportive agent categories.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for some agents.
Conclusions:
- Supportive medications can be vital in managing chemotherapy side effects during pregnancy.
- Careful consideration of individual agent safety and efficacy is paramount.
- This review provides a foundation for informed clinical decision-making.
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