Identifying Strategies to Optimize Care With Oral Cancer Therapy

Abstract

More cancer therapies are being administered via an oral route. This paradigm shift in providing cancer treatment has been met with both excitement and significant challenges for oncology practitioners. Multiple factors can impact the ability for patients to initiate and stay on oral cancer therapy. A major factor in patient adherence with oral cancer therapies is management of side effects. Side effects from therapy not only have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life but also can cause serious complications. In addition, they can impact the patient's ability to stay on therapy at optimal doses. New strategies must be designed for educating patients and caregivers, as well as for patient management and follow-up. When side effects are not managed appropriately, patients are less likely to want or be able to adhere to established treatment plans. This article explores several challenges related to the use of oral cancer therapies, with a focus on side effects seen with various classes of new targeted agents. Evidence-based practice strategies and areas in need of additional exploration and research are reviewed.

Oral antineoplastic agents: how do we care about adherence?

“…In order to optimize adherence, it is imperative to improve patients' education and to encourage more frequent follow‐up by healthcare providers during the course of therapy . In routine practice, adherence should not be presumed and oncologists should monitor patients for adherence by employing a strategy based on open questions about medication‐taking behaviour .…”

“…Discussing the importance of adherence with the patients may be beneficial to help those with poor adherence to improve, and to encourage those with good adherence to carry on. Furthermore, an improved dosing of pills, an appropriate education about the importance of adherence and good communication may increase adherence rates . The latter should integrate an emphasis on the expected benefits of the prescribed regimen as well as the promotion of medication‐taking systems, and should include caregiver assistance to favour patient involvement and motivation and reinforce desirable behaviour.…”

Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Oral Cancer

“…The management of oral cancer therapy is riddled with challenges, particularly concerning side effects and patients [ 75 ]. This underscores the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach involving medical oncologists, dentists, and other oral healthcare specialists [ 76 ].…”

Kemoterapi Alan Pediatrik Onkoloji Hastalarında Oral Mukozit Yönetimi: Kanıt Temelli Uygulamaların Değerlendirilmesi

“…Oral mukozit önleme çalışmalarında temel hedef ağız sağlığını korumak ve enfeksiyon riskini azaltmaktır. Hemşire, OM gelişmesi durumunda uygun tedavi planıyla iyileşmeyi sağlamakta, ağrı ve beslenmeyle ilişkili komplikasyonları yönetmektedir 44 . Pediatri hemşiresi, çocuğun ağız ve diş sağlığının yönetiminde NANDA taksonomi-II'ye göre "oral muköz membranda bozulma", "dentisyonda bozulma" ve "enfeksiyon riski" tanılarını ele almaktadır 45 .…”