Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Mar 2008
Evolving roles of oncology pharmacists in Singapore: a survey on prescribing patterns of antiemetics for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) at a cancer centre.
National Cancer Centre (NCC) is currently the largest ambulatory oncology treatment centre in Singapore that treats mainly solid tumors and lymphomas. Oncology pharmacists at NCC play an active role in the management of CINV. In order to improve the clinical services delivered by pharmacy, particularly in the utilization of antiemetics, pharmacy department conducted a survey that aimed to understand the prescribing patterns of antiemetics for CINV. ⋯ Through this survey, oncology pharmacists at NCC were able to identify areas of antiemetics utilization that needed refinement. Results from this survey provide opportunities for oncology pharmacists to collaborate with medical oncologists to further improve the management of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Jun 2007
Evaluation of the design and reliability of three elastomeric and one mechanical infusers.
Disposable elastomeric and mechanical (spring mechanism) infusers with pre-fixed flow rates are principally used for long-term antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, antiviral therapy, and chronic pain management. ⋯ The ideal infuser should be small, light, unnoticeable, easy to fill, well identified and have a flow rate barely affected by external factors. None of the infusers has fulfilled all criteria, therefore the choice of infusers depends upon the nature of the treatment. The tested elastomeric infusers are adequate for 5-fluorouracil, but not for a treatment requiring a stable administration rate.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Jun 2007
Comparative StudyManagement of platinum-based chemotherapy-induced acute nausea and vomiting: is there a superior serotonin receptor antagonist?
The last decade has witnessed the great impact of 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor (5-HT(3))antagonists in revolutionizing the management of platinum-based chemotherapy-induced acute nausea and vomiting (CINV). However, despite the availability of a variety of 5-HT(3) antagonists, little data is published to support superiority of one drug over another, leaving the choice of serotonin receptor antagonist largely empirical. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for management of chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting cleary endorse the use of serotonin receptor antagonist; however, no single agent is preferred over the rest. ⋯ No significant difference exists in the antiemetic efficacy of the three 5-HT(3) antagonists studied in controlling CINV when administered in combination with dexamethasone. Choicce of antiemetic regimen should therefore be based on drug cost.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Dec 2006
Physical and chemical stability of paclitaxel infusions in different container types.
To determine the physicochemical stability of generic (Teva Pharmaceuticals) paclitaxel infusions (0.3 and 1.2 mg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose in polyolefin (Viaflo), low-density polyethylene (Ecoflac), and glass containers at 2-8 and 25 degrees C. ⋯ Paclitaxel stability was influenced by storage temperature, with longer shelf-life at 2-8 degrees C, and also by drug concentration, where 0.3 mg/mL infusions were more stable than 1.2 mg/mL for all diluent/container combinations. Physical stability (precipitation) was the limiting parameter in each case.