Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Sep 2020
Parecoxib as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of refractory non-surgical cancer pain.
Evidence for the use of short-term daily parenteral parecoxib for refractory or uncontrolled non-surgical cancer pain is limited. This study aimed to characterise the real-world off-label use and report on clinical experiences in an Australian cancer cohort. ⋯ In this real-world study, parecoxib was utilised as adjunctive therapy in a select patient cohort to contribute to reduced pain scores with no new safety signals. Prospective randomised studies in larger cohorts would improve understanding of the effects of parecoxib.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Sep 2020
Measurement of the leak rate of masks used for anticancer drug handling using a mask fitting tester.
Exposure to inhalation of anticancer drugs is frequent in anticancer drug handling. Using an activated carbon mask with the ability to remove particulates and vapors of anticancer drugs may be effective. Mask fitting performance is important, because low fitting performance leads to inhalation via bypassing the mask filter (leak). This study evaluated the leak rate of multiple-shaped masks. ⋯ A difference was found in the leak rate between masks used in anticancer drug handling. Based on the low leak rate, the cup-type activated carbon mask was thought to be effective.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Sep 2020
Practical strategies to manage cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly Experts recommendations.
During COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients are considered one of the most vulnerable to infection since they tend to have advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and are often immunosuppressed by their cancer or therapy. Hence, the Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly has issued recommendations to reduce the frequency of cancer patients' visits to oncology centers during the pandemic while maintaining the access to cancer therapy and minimize the risk of exposure to coronavirus disease. ⋯ In conclusion, delivering cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic carries significant challenges. This paper addressed suggestions to properly manage cancer patients during difficult times. Implementing changes in practice mandates a national collaborative effort from different sectors to guarantee the quality and continuity of care. The SOPA expert panel developed these recommendations, to ultimately contribute in maintaining access to cancer therapy while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Sep 2020
Current state assessment survey of challenges of pharmacogenomics within oncology pharmacy practice.
The goal of this survey was to identify opportunities for health systems to increase implementation and adoption of oncology-focused pharmacogenomics services. ⋯ Oncology pharmacists reported substantial challenges in implementing a pharmacogenomic program. Future efforts to assist in developing pharmacogenomic efforts should focus on increasing pharmacist involvement, expanding education and training, and improving clinical decision support tools.