Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Feb 2015
ReviewMultiple myeloma maintenance therapy: a review of the pharmacologic treatment.
Over the last decade, numerous drug therapies have emerged for the treatment of multiple myeloma including immunomodulating agents namely thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide and proteasome inhibitors namely bortezomib and carfilzomib. These agents have transformed the treatment of multiple myeloma and the role of high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation in the treatment of the disease. There are now studies that evaluate the use of drug therapy as maintenance following autologous stem cell transplantation; these studies have shown improvements in surrogate endpoints such as progression-free survival. ⋯ Additionally, patient-specific elements such as potential toxicities, end-organ function, quality of life, cytogenetics, and previous treatment should be considered. Additional studies are needed to elicit the timing for initiation and duration of maintenance therapy, determine the role of cytogenetics, further characterize possible resistance patterns, and determine the combinations necessary to achieve an optimal increase in OS. Until more data are available, the risks and benefits should be evaluated on a patient-specific basis when deciding to initiate maintenance therapy or observation.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Feb 2015
Medication safety and the administration of intravenous vincristine: international survey of oncology pharmacists.
The risk of medication errors with vincristine administration is well documented. Our objective was to ascertain how vincristine is administered worldwide and determine what strategies for preventing the accidental intrathecal administration of vincristine are in place. ⋯ Comparisons with three previous surveys are difficult as the majority of respondents in those studies were from the USA. A number of areas appear to have improved, particularly the preparation of vincristine in mini-bags, but they are far from perfect. Deaths continue to occur following accidental intrathecal administration of vincristine. International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioner members are urged to lead the way in incorporating strategies for prevention into institutions worldwide.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Dec 2014
Comparative StudyNew therapeutic options in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Can cost-effectiveness analysis help in treatment decisions?
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of abiraterone, cabazitaxel, and enzalutamide compared to placebo for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. ⋯ Based on the cost-effective analysis, and survival adjustments necessary to match placebo groups, we would recommend abiraterone for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer despite not quite falling under the usually accepted willingness to pay threshold. Further analysis should examine comparative survival across the three drugs.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Aug 2014
Case ReportsSunitinib-induced reversible purpuric rash in a patient with gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
Sunitinib which is used in the treatment of kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Although sunitinib is associated with some side effects, it is generally well tolerated. In the present case, the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor was four years ago. ⋯ The patient was admitted to the hospital with purpuric rash on her arms and body in the eighth week of treatment. No other disorders or drugs which may cause purpuric rash were detected in the patient. Purpuric rash disappeared two weeks after sunitinib discontinuation without any further intervention.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Apr 2014
Panitumumab following disease progression on cetuximab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective review.
Despite advances in treatment options for metastatic colorectal cancer over the past decade, the number of chemotherapy agents available remains limited. We report here a retrospective review of 11 patients who were treated with panitumumab following documented disease progression on cetuximab. ⋯ We conclude that the use of one epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor following failure on the other may be of benefit to patients who would otherwise have no other treatment options. However, studies to help identify the subset of patients who might benefit from this strategy are needed.