Safe and supportive prescribing in transgender and non-binary patients with cancer

Global prevalence rates for transgender individuals vary with estimates ranging from 0.3% to 1%, translating to a potential global population of 24.3 million to 81 million. It is estimated that one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a common medical intervention for transgender and non-binary individuals. GAHT requires careful consideration for concurrent medical care due to potential drug interactions and physiological changes. A multi-disciplinary team with expertise in transgender health, oncology and pharmacy met to develop a document summarizing current knowledge on the topic for practical use. The team included trans and non-binary authors who shaped the document's language and focus. The document gives a status update on the current understanding of GAHT and how this may intersect with the safe prescribing of systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT). The document underwent multiple review stages including internal review, review by the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) EDI Subcommittee and, finally, BOPA Executive Committee review and final approval. Key recommendations of this document include the use of inclusive and effective communication, vigilant monitoring of kidney function and cardiovascular health, and considerations for hormone receptor-positive cancers. The document also recognizes the multidisciplinary nature of transgender healthcare and where this relates to social prescribing.