IntroductionDrug-related problems (DRPs) represent a major challenge in contemporary oncology. In healthcare systems with limited clinical pharmacy resources, identification of high-risk patient groups and treatment settings is - from a clinical pharmacology perspective - essential to prioritize pharmacotherapeutic surveillance.MethodsThis single-centre, retrospective, high-risk cohort study analysed pharmacotherapy in 31 adult cancer patients hospitalized in a comprehensive oncology centre in Poland. Patients were selected for medication review based on clinicians' suspicion of pharmacotherapy-related problems during hospitalization. DRPs were identified and classified according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification version 9.1, focusing on pharmacotherapy-related complications rather than individual prescribing errors. Sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacotherapeutic variables were analysed. Statistical analyses were exploratory and hypothesis-generating.ResultsAt least one DRP was identified in 29 out of 31 patients (94%). The most frequent DRPs were adverse drug reactions and drug therapy without a clearly documented current indication, predominantly involving proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Antimicrobials, drugs for acid-related disorders and psycholeptics accounted for the highest number of DRPs. A numerically higher risk of DRPs was observed in patients with impaired renal function, excessive polypharmacy (≥ 10 drugs) and those receiving non-surgical treatment, particularly radiotherapy.ConclusionHospitalized oncology patients with suspected pharmacotherapy-related complications are at high risk of DRPs. From an oncology pharmacy perspective, targeted medication review appears to be a rational approach to identify and mitigate pharmacotherapy-related risks in this setting. Radiotherapy units, patients with impaired renal function, antimicrobials and PPI use or extensive polypharmacy represent priority areas for enhanced clinical pharmacy involvement.
Regulska et al. (Fri,) studied this question.