Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Apr 2020
A survey of global biosimilar implementation practice conducted by the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners.
The International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) Biosimilars Task Force was charged to develop educational activities and resources to assist members when implementing biosimilar medicines into their local practice. To facilitate the process, the task force conducted a survey in order to understand biosimilar implementation practice by ISOPP members across the world and the challenges that oncology pharmacists face when adopting biosimilars into their clinical practice. ⋯ The results of this survey reinforce the need for greater education and training for health care professionals in the use of biosimilars, the importance of sharing good practice, and a need for standardization.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Apr 2020
Evaluation of cardiomyopathy in acute myeloid leukemia patients treated with anthracyclines.
Acute myeloid leukemia patients receive anthracycline-containing induction chemotherapy. Anthracyclines cause cardiotoxicity; however, there is a paucity of data reflecting the risk of cardiotoxicity in the acute myeloid leukemia population, and risk factors for development of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction are not well established in this population. ⋯ In this retrospective analysis, we observed that acute myeloid leukemia patients experienced reduced left ventricular ejection fraction more quickly and at lower doses than previously reported in the solid tumor population. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction was at least partially reversible in most patients started on medical management. Although no factors were significantly associated with decreased cardiomyopathy risk, future assessment of cardioprotective medications may be warranted.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Mar 2020
Safety analysis of long-term phenazopyridine use for radiation cystitis.
Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic indicated for short-term treatment of irritation in the lower urinary tract. Despite the lack of evidence for extended use, it is often used in varying durations for supportive care for cancer patients with radiation-induced cystitis. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of adverse drug reactions in patients with radiation cystitis receiving long-term phenazopyridine (>14-day supply) compared to a matched comparator group. ⋯ There was no difference in adverse drug reactions among patients receiving phenazopyridine for >14 days compared to a matched comparator group. The overall incidence of adverse events in both groups was low.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Mar 2020
Safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism and stroke prophylaxis in patients with hematologic malignancies.
Low-molecular-weight heparins are currently the recommended antithrombotic therapy for treatment and prevention of malignancy-related venous thromboembolism. Currently, the evidence evaluating direct oral anticoagulants versus low-molecular-weight heparins or a vitamin K antagonist in cancer patients with hematologic malignancies is limited. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism treatment or stroke prevention for non-valvular atrial fibrillation in patients with hematologic malignancies. ⋯ Direct oral anticoagulants may be a safe and effective alternative for anticoagulation therapy in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, larger prospective studies comparing direct oral anticoagulants to low-molecular-weight heparins or vitamin K antagonists are warranted to compare efficacy and safety outcomes in this patient population.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Jan 2020
Multicenter StudyCharacteristics of hospitalizations among patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors at a community teaching hospital.
As immune checkpoint inhibitors continue to acquire new indications, it is important to understand the impact their use has on patients. This study adds to current literature by presenting an analysis of hospitalizations in this population. The primary objective was to assess the reasons for an emergency department visit or hospital admission in patients who receive immune checkpoint inhibitors. Secondary objectives included identifying the frequency of suspected or confirmed immune related adverse events, types of immune related adverse events, number of preventable admissions, duration of immunotherapy, and length of stay. ⋯ Reasons for admission in the study population were comparable to those identified in the general cancer population, with immune related adverse events being associated with a minority of both total and potentially preventable admissions.