Susan Goodin1. 1. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. goodin@umdnj.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: The mechanisms of action and drug interactions of oral chemotherapeutic agents are reviewed. SUMMARY: The mechanisms of action, indications, and potential for drug interactions vary for oral chemotherapy. Traditional oral chemotherapy agents cause damage to cancer cells by non-specifically interfering with cellular division. Many of the newer agents have novel targets on cancer cells preferentially, resulting in a different spectrum of toxicity. Since cancer patients are at high risk for drug interactions, usually because of age-related organ dysfunction and the need for concomitant drug therapy for comorbid conditions, understanding these agents and potential for interactions is imperative for all healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the mechanisms and metabolic pathways for the oral chemotherapeutic agents allows the potential to predict possible drug interactions and response while minimizing the risk of adverse outcomes.
PURPOSE: The mechanisms of action and drug interactions of oral chemotherapeutic agents are reviewed. SUMMARY: The mechanisms of action, indications, and potential for drug interactions vary for oral chemotherapy. Traditional oral chemotherapy agents cause damage to cancer cells by non-specifically interfering with cellular division. Many of the newer agents have novel targets on cancer cells preferentially, resulting in a different spectrum of toxicity. Since cancerpatients are at high risk for drug interactions, usually because of age-related organ dysfunction and the need for concomitant drug therapy for comorbid conditions, understanding these agents and potential for interactions is imperative for all healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the mechanisms and metabolic pathways for the oral chemotherapeutic agents allows the potential to predict possible drug interactions and response while minimizing the risk of adverse outcomes.
Authors: Susan Goodin; Niesha Griffith; Beth Chen; Karen Chuk; Mikael Daouphars; Christian Doreau; Rinku A Patel; Rowena Schwartz; Maria José Tamés; Robert Terkola; Barbara Vadnais; Debbie Wright; Klaus Meier Journal: J Oncol Pract Date: 2011-01 Impact factor: 3.840