Pharmaceutical Compounding as a Pillar of Personalized Oncology: Current Applications, Emerging Technologies, and
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo1,2, Rafael Pinheiro3, Francis Victor4
1Higher School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Rua Da Cadeia, 6300-307 Guarda, Portugal.
Abstract:
Personalized oncology is transforming cancer care by tailoring therapeutic strategies to the molecular and clinical characteristics of individual patients. However, increasing treatment complexity, interpatient variability, and the growing use of advanced therapeutics challenge the limitations of standardized medicines. This review examines pharmaceutical compounding as a fundamental component enabling the delivery of individualized oncology treatments. A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, using a predefined search strategy detailed in the manuscript. This narrative review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the application of pharmaceutical compounding in modern oncology practice. The analysis includes immunotherapy, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, genomic-guided therapy, and combination treatment strategies. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, three-dimensional printing, and robotic compounding, were also assessed, alongside regulatory frameworks, safety challenges, and quality considerations. The main findings of this study show that compounded medications support individualized care through dose adjustment, modification of dosage forms, and exclusion of unsuitable excipients, particularly in pediatric oncology, rare cancers, and patients with specific needs. The magistral and officinal preparations help maintain continuity of care when commercial formulations are unavailable. In addition, technological advances are improving the precision, reproducibility, and safety of compounding processes, and pharmacists are centrally involved in the design, preparation, quality assurance, and regulatory oversight of these therapies. In conclusion, pharmaceutical compounding remains an essential component of personalized oncology, enabling patient-centered and adaptable treatment strategies. The expanding engagement of pharmacists, together with advances in technology and evolving regulatory frameworks, is essential to ensuring the safe and effective implementation of individualized therapies in oncology care.
Insights
Pharmaceutical compounding is crucial for personalized oncology, enabling tailored cancer treatments. It supports individualized dosing, dosage forms, and continuity of care, especially for complex cases and when commercial drugs are unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Personalized oncology requires tailored treatments due to increasing complexity and patient variability.
- Standardized medicines face limitations in addressing diverse individual patient needs in cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of pharmaceutical compounding in delivering individualized oncology treatments.
- To evaluate emerging technologies and regulatory aspects of compounding in modern oncology.
Main Methods:
- A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- The review analyzed applications in immunotherapy, nanotechnology, genomic-guided therapy, and combination strategies.
Main Results:
- Compounded medications enable dose adjustment, dosage form modification, and excipient exclusion for personalized care.
- Magistral and officinal preparations ensure treatment continuity when commercial formulations are absent.
- Technological advancements enhance compounding precision, reproducibility, and safety.
Conclusions:
- Pharmaceutical compounding is essential for patient-centered, adaptable personalized oncology.
- Pharmacist involvement, technological innovation, and regulatory oversight are key to safe and effective individualized cancer therapies.
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