Oral Chemotherapy, Cytostatic, and Supportive Care Agents

The development of numerous oral chemotherapy agents has led to a new paradigm in cancer treatment. Oral chemotherapy can be self-administered conveniently, so patients with cancer can receive their treatments in their homes instead of in a supervised and controlled healthcare environment. Cancer now is recognized as a treatable chronic disease, and new oral chemotherapy agents have been developed that offer targeted cancer treatment. Although the newer oral chemotherapy agents offer additional treatment options, they also pose challenges for patients and healthcare providers. Patient adherence and monitoring can be challenging, and reimbursement issues abound. Oncology nurses play a key role in assessing, educating, and monitoring patients receiving oral chemotherapy. In addition, they may be involved in assisting patients with obtaining reimbursement and, in some cases, may be instrumental in locating patient assistance programs. This article discusses patient care issues related to treatment with oral chemotherapy agents and provides a historical overview of their development and use.

Section: Feature Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

A Changing Paradigm for Cancer Treatment: The Advent of New Oral Chemotherapy Agents

Bedell¹

2003

“…The amount and intensity of oral chemotherapy administered in the home likely will escalate in the foreseeable future. An estimated 20%-25% of the more than 300 new antineoplastic agents currently in develop-ment are oral products (Bowers, Silberman, & Mortenson, 2002;Thomas, Cahill, Mortenson, & Schoenfeldt, 2000). Some of these agents are new chemical entities, whereas others are drugs already available in IV form and under study as oral products.…”

Section: Feature Article Cmentioning

confidence: 99%

Safe Administration of Oral Chemotherapy

Birner¹

2003

High standards of care are desirable for patients in any setting who receive chemotherapy by any route. Patients who self-administer oral chemotherapy are subject to risks of adverse effects similar to those who receive i.v. chemotherapy. Safeguards to prevent medication error in these patients may not be achieved to the same degree as for patients receiving i.v. drugs in an institutional setting. This article describes the differences between typical administration standards for i.v. chemotherapy versus oral chemotherapy. The process of oral chemotherapy provision is examined, with examples of drug characteristics and patient features important in each step. Recommendations are made for improving the care of patients receiving oral chemotherapy medications, particularly in the home setting.

“…This trend likely will continue, and the number of available oral chemotherapy medications is expected to more than double in the next several years (Weingart et al, 2008). In fact, 25% of the 400 cancer chemotherapy agents currently in development are oral medications (Bowers, Silberman, & Mortenson, 2002;Moore, 2007;Thomas, Cahill, Mortenson, & Schoenfeldt, 2000;Weingart et al, 2008). The growing use of oral chemotherapy has affected all aspects of oncology profoundly; it has created significant safety and adherence issues and shifted some of the traditional roles and responsibilities of oncologists, nurses, and pharmacists to patients and caregivers (Weingart et al, 2008).…”

mentioning

confidence: 95%

Are Patients on Oral Chemotherapy in Your Practice Setting Safe?

Moody¹,

Jackowski²

2010

The use of oral chemotherapy is expected to more than double in the next several years. With the increase in use of oral chemotherapy and in patient responsibility, the role of the oncology nurse must change to ensure proper management. Nurses must teach patients how to correctly and safely take oral chemotherapy, help manage side effects, and research and monitor complications such as medication and food interactions, cost issues, safety, and patient adherence.