Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice最新文献

{"title":"Perspectives of patients with cancer on influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in an oncology setting: Is there a role for pharmacists?","authors":"Kristoffer Johnstone, Joyce Cooper, Martina Mylrea, John Smithson, Beverley Glass","doi":"10.1177/10781552251369721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251369721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PurposePatients with cancer face an elevated risk of influenza and pneumococcal infections with increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Vaccination rates for this patient cohort however remain below international target levels, despite vaccination being the most effective strategy for preventing these infections. This study therefore aimed to explore patients with cancer perspectives on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the oncology setting, and whether they saw a potential role for pharmacists in providing vaccination services in an outpatient oncology clinic.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in the outpatient oncology department at a large regional hospital in Cairns, Australia. Participants were currently undergoing cancer treatment or had a history of cancer treatment. The 32-question self-completed survey included patient demographics and assessed vaccination status, beliefs on vaccination, and confidence in pharmacist services. Questions were developed and aligned to the constructs of the Health Belief Model.Results107 patients with cancer completed the survey. 75.7% of these patients had solid tumours and 24.3% a haematological malignancy. Self-reported vaccination rates were 55.1% for influenza (past 12 months) and 22.4% for pneumococcal (past 5 years). Despite this, 83.2% of patients were willing to be vaccinated, and 86.0% regardless of age or gender were amenable to receive at least one vaccine from a pharmacist. Patients expressed strong trust in all healthcare professionals as their preferred source of vaccine information during cancer treatment. A key barrier identified was a lack in the provision of information, with only 51.4% of patients feeling adequately informed to make decisions about vaccinations.ConclusionThis study revealed a discrepancy between low influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates and high patient willingness to be vaccinated. Patients demonstrated strong confidence and readiness to receive vaccinations from pharmacists within oncology units, suggesting that a convenient pharmacist-led vaccination service could improve vaccine uptake.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251369721"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144958176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving cancer care through electronic libraries: A survey of health professionals' experiences with Ireland's systemic anti-cancer therapy regimen library.","authors":"Grant Carroll, Fabian F Sweeney, Clare Meaney, Anne-Marie DeFrein, Michaela J Higgins, Maccon M Keane, Amjad Hayat, Patricia Heckmann","doi":"10.1177/10781552251367356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251367356","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTreatment of cancers with Systemic Anticancer Therapy (SACT) is increasingly complex due to rising numbers of medicines and the need for management of novel adverse reactions. To manage this complexity, electronic decision support systems have been developed to support clinicians delivering SACT to patients. These systems ideally provide health professionals with accurate and up-to date information in a timely manner, reducing administrative demand at hospital levels, allowing for increasing standardisation of care and ultimately improving outcomes for patients. In Ireland a national SACT regimen e-library is maintained by the National Cancer Control Programme, which aims to promote safe, effective and standardised cancer care. The aim of this study was to understand the utility and appropriateness of the regimens from a clinical end user perspective.MethodThis study adopted a survey methodology to explore the perceived value and utility of this e-library from the perspective of health professionals delivering cancer care in Ireland.ResultsHealth professionals perceive the national SACT regimen library to be useful and valuable when delivering care, with respondents suggesting a high level of integration into clinical work flows. However, uncertainty was observed regarding the governance structures that underpin the maintenance of the library.ConclusionThe regimen library supports a high standard of increasingly standardised patient care, with areas identified for improvement in terms of clinical stakeholder engagement in governance and content development.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251367356"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144958087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cardiovascular safety of CDK4/6 inhibitors in advance breast cancer: Assessing risks of QTc prolongation and thrombosis.","authors":"Alaa Shahbar","doi":"10.1177/10781552251368239","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10781552251368239","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveCyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have become a cornerstone in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer, demonstrating significant efficacy in both early and metastatic stages. However, despite their clinical benefits, emerging evidence from health databases, real-world studies, and case reports highlight potential cardiovascular risks, including QTc prolongation and thrombosis. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the cardiovascular safety profiles of the three FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitors-palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib-in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Specifically, it compares the risks of QTc prolongation and thrombosis associated with these agents.Data sourceA literature search was conducted using PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and manual searches of relevant articles.Study selectionStudies included in this review were those that reported CDK4/6 inhibitor cardiovascular outcomes, specifically QTc prolongation and thrombosis, in patients with advanced breast cancer.ConclusionThe review highlights significant differences in the cardiovascular safety profiles of CDK4/6 inhibitors. Ribociclib is associated with the highest risk of QTc prolongation, with incidence rates ranging from 4.5% to 13.3% in RCTs, while palbociclib demonstrates a more favorable profile, with QTc prolongation reported in less than 1% of cases. Abemaciclib, although not linked to QTc prolongation, has the highest reported incidence of thrombosis, ranging from 2.0% to 4.9% in RCTs. Real-world data revealed thrombosis incidence rates as high as 17% among patients treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors. Thus, future research must ascertain the cardiovascular safety profiles of different CDK4/6 inhibitors and develop effective cardiovascular toxicity prevention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251368239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144883046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bleeding risk among cancer patients receiving concurrent CYP-interacting tyrosine kinase inhibitors with direct oral anticoagulants versus alternative anticoagulation therapies.","authors":"Sean Tan, Kelly Shepard, Danielle Fry, Ya-Huei Li, Alexander Levine","doi":"10.1177/10781552251366944","DOIUrl":"10.1177/10781552251366944","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionCancer-associated stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are common, life-threatening conditions in patients with cancer. Low-molecular-weight heparin was the standard of care for cancer-associated VTE, until recent evidence supported the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). However, some tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) inhibit the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes responsible for metabolizing DOACs, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate concomitant use of DOACs and TKIs compared to alternative anticoagulation (AAC) and TKIs in order to guide clinicians in selecting therapy based on bleeding risk.MethodsThis study was a retrospective chart review of patient records from multiple centers within a healthcare system. It was approved by the system's Institutional Review Board prior to study initiation. Records of patients that received 3-months or longer of concomitant CYP-interacting TKI with a DOAC versus those with AAC therapies (enoxaparin and warfarin) from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2023, and followed through June 30, 2023, were included. The primary outcome was reported as occurrence of any major bleeds, utilizing the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis definition, requiring an emergency department visit or hospitalization, or which occurred during a hospital stay within three months of initiation of concurrent therapy. The secondary outcomes consisted of the following: minor bleeding events requiring an emergency department visit or hospitalization or occurred during hospital stay, VTE events, recurrence of VTE events, stroke, recurrence of stroke, and all-cause mortality - all within three months of initiation of concurrent therapy.ResultsOf the 456 screened patient records, a total of 280, with 140 in each cohort, met study inclusion criteria. The rate of major bleeding events in the DOAC group was 5.7% compared to 4.3% in the AAC group (p = 0.583). The rate of minor bleeding was more common in the DOAC group (35%) compared to the AAC group (22.9%) (p = 0.025). During the study, only two patients, one in each group, presented with any kind of VTE event (p = 1.000), both of which were a recurrent VTE event. No stroke events were observed, and one patient from each group died from complications of their malignancy (p = 1.000).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that there was no significant difference in major bleeding between the two groups. However, concomitant use of DOACs and CYP-interacting TKIs was associated with a higher incidence of minor bleeds compared to AAC and CYP-interacting TKIs. Other secondary outcomes showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of patients in terms of incidence of VTE, stroke, or all-cause mortality between the two groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251366944"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144873685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Atrial fibrillation following bendamustine in three lymphoma patients.","authors":"Najwa Al Himali, Khalil Al Farsi","doi":"10.1177/10781552251369445","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251369445","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionBendamustine is a chemotherapeutic agent combining alkylating activity with purine analogue properties used for a wide range of malignancies including lymphoma. It is not generally associated with cardiac toxicity.Case reportIn this report, we describe 3 cases of patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), and relapsed classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), who developed atrial fibrillation (AF) 1 to 2 days post bendamustine initiation at a dose ranging from 70-90 mg/m².Management and outcomesThe patients were managed with bisoprolol ± digoxin and anticoagulation. They continue to be in AF and are under routine follow-up by cardiology. The patients' lymphoma treatment regimens were changed to alternatives except for the last case, in which she was challenged with another subsequent exposure to bendamustine before she passed away.DiscussionOld age, hypertension (HTN), diabetes, and ischemic heart disease (IHD) were possible risk factors for AF. However, one of the reported cases is a patient without any known risk factors. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation, to identify patients at risk, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of bendamustine-induced AF.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251369445"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144873684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of the clinical pharmacist in managing rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in an elderly cancer patient: A case report from a tertiary care hospital.","authors":"Mohammed Waheeda Rahman, Abdul Ghafur, Nirumal Rakkesh, Priya A","doi":"10.1177/10781552251365911","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251365911","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundImmunocompromised patients undergoing cancer therapy are at increased risk for severe infections such as rabies. Coordinating rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with ongoing treatment requires careful planning.Case PresentationA 73-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer, scheduled to begin second-line chemotherapy, sustained a WHO Category 3 cat scratch injury. A clinical pharmacist collaborated with oncology and infectious disease teams to promptly initiate rabies PEP. Rabies vaccine and monoclonal antibody were administered per national guidelines. The chemotherapy start date was deferred by five days based on pharmacist-infectious disease team consultation to ensure optimal vaccine response. The clinical pharmacist played a central role in timing decisions, vaccine administration, and patient education.ConclusionThis case report underscores the complexities of managing infectious disease risks in immunocompromised oncology patients. The timely coordination of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in a patient undergoing cancer treatment is a clinically relevant issue, especially given the potential for attenuated vaccine responses and treatment delays. The case provides a practical example of how clinical pharmacist-driven (interdisciplinary collaboration) interventions can enhance patient safety without compromising oncologic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251365911"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144799433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovative strategies for cisplatin desensitization in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy of ovarian cancer.","authors":"Rosalaura Villarreal-González, Eduardo Navarro-Bahena, Diana Cadenas-García, Leslie De la Fuente, Oscar Vidal-Gutiérrez","doi":"10.1177/10781552251358461","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251358461","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a case of a 41-year-old female diagnosed with Granulosa Cell Tumor (GCT) EC IVB who developed a hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) to carboplatin during the sixth cycle of treatment and subsequently underwent successful intraperitoneal desensitization with cisplatin during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The patient experienced a severe HSR 30 min after carboplatin infusion, presenting with generalized rash, pruritus, nausea, chest pain, and dyspnea. The infusion was halted, and she was treated with intramuscular epinephrine (0.50 mg), intravenous chloropyramine (20 mg), and 250 mL saline, resolving symptoms. Platinum skin tests were subsequently performed and yielded negative results for carboplatin, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin. Following multidisciplinary consensus, cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC and intraperitoneal desensitization to cisplatin was planned. The patient had a peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) of 17. Cytoreductive surgery included omentectomy, appendectomy, resection of mesenteric implants, diaphragmatic and parietal peritonectomy, in bloc hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic peritonectomy, achieving a completeness of cytoreduction (CC-0). HIPEC was performed with cisplatin (100 mg/m²) at 42°C for 140 min. A desensitization protocol with intraperitoneal cisplatin (180 mg in 8 incremental steps over 140 min) was successfully completed without adverse reactions. Platinum-based chemotherapeutics are frequently associated with HSR, with increasing incidence upon repeated exposure. Intraperitoneal administration, as in HIPEC, may reduce systemic hypersensitivity risks. While prior cases have demonstrated safe HIPEC administration of cisplatin in patients with oxaliplatin-induced HSR, no documented cases exist of intraperitoneal drug desensitization in this context. Our case suggests that intraperitoneal desensitization with cisplatin may be a viable alternative for patients with systemic HSR to platinum agents. Further research is required to establish safety protocols, cross-reactivity risks, and efficacy outcomes for this approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251358461"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144784527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dexamethasone desensitization in type III hypersensitivity reaction and multiple myeloma.","authors":"Rosalaura Villarreal-González, Leslie Astrid de la Fuente, Diana Laura García-Soto, Mónica Elizabeth Hodoyan-Leal, Ana Laura Varela-Constantino, Andrés Gómez-De León, Oscar Vidal-Gutiérrez","doi":"10.1177/10781552251359192","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251359192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic cancer characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. Dexamethasone is included in preferred regimens for primary therapy for both transplant-eligible and transplant-ineligible candidates. To date, type III hypersensitivity reactions to dexamethasone have not been previously reported.Case reportA 61-year-old man diagnosed with multiple myeloma received treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone, achieving complete remission. In 2017, he experienced his first relapse and was managed with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone. In 2019, his regimen was changed to carfilzomib, which was subsequently discontinued due to hematologic toxicity. In 2022, he presented with relapse and an ankle fracture, leading to the suspension of treatment. In 2023, carfilzomib and dexamethasone were restarted at lower doses. During intravenous and oral dexamethasone treatment, the patient developed skin lesions on his lower extremities, and, following evaluation by the Allergy and Immunology team, drug-induced vasculitis was diagnosed.Management and outcomeGiven the need to reintroduce dexamethasone due to the lack of alternative therapeutic options, a dexamethasone desensitization protocol was implemented. A 5-step delayed desensitization protocol was successfully performed, with no reactivation of vasculitic lesions.DiscussionAlthough desensitization is generally contraindicated in type III hypersensitivity reactions, no prior cases of successful desensitization in dexamethasone-induced vasculitis have been reported. This is the first reported case of successful desensitization in a patient with dexamethasone-induced vasculitis. A limitation of this case report is that the mechanisms underlying drug tolerance remain unknown.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251359192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144784526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy and biologics: Outcomes and safety of 927 desensitization in Mexico.","authors":"Rosalaura Villarreal-González, Leslie Astrid De la Fuente, Diana Cadenas-García, Itzayana Ortega-Franco, Marianela Madrazo-Morales, Kathia Sáenz-Cantú, Meryl Cadena-Rosales, Rafael Piñeiro Retif, Oscar Vidal-Gutiérrez","doi":"10.1177/10781552251328346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251328346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionChemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies are increasingly associated with hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), including anaphylaxis. Desensitization modulates allergic responses to drugs, facilitating temporary tolerance to full therapeutic doses.MethodsObservational, descriptive, ambispective study from August 2020 to August 2024, including cancer patients who came for treatment administration and developed a hypersensitivity reaction, and underwent 3-bag 12-step desensitization in 5.67 h. Demographic variables, atopic and oncological history, hypersensitivity reactions, breakthrough reactions (BTR) during desensitization, and safety of the protocols were reported.Results927 desensitization in 219 patients, 20.7% with personal atopy and 84% female. The most common oncological diagnoses were: breast cancer (23.3%), ovarian (22.1%), and cervical (15.9%). The drugs of the most hypersensitivity reactions were Paclitaxel 372 (40.2%), Carboplatin 172 (18.7%), Oxaliplatin 66 (7.1%), Docetaxel 59 (6.4%), Rituximab 40 (4.3%) and Trastuzumab 40 (4.3%). The most frequent hypersensitivity reactions were cutaneous 172 (18.6%), respiratory 173 (18.7%) and cardiovascular 165 (17.8%) with a severity scale of Brown I 12.1%, Brown II 43.3% and Brown III 44.6%. During desensitization 80/927 cases (8.6%) had breakthrough reactions: cutaneous 56 (6%), respiratory 18 (1.9%) and cardiovascular 17 (1.8%), of which the majority were mild reactions. All patients completed their desensitization with no deaths reported.ConclusionsOur study reports that patients undergoing desensitization protocols had a lower percentage of breakthrough reactions compared to the previous hypersensitivity reactions, showing that this procedure is safe and effective to continue first-line oncological treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251328346"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144731873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among oncology pharmacists on cytotoxic drug reconstitution in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Rathnaweera Bopage Janani Buddhika, Dumunna Patirannahalage Chandana Kumara Pathirana, Vidana Gamage Imalka Chathumali, Nadeesha Dilmi Dias Wickraramasinghe","doi":"10.1177/10781552251361801","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552251361801","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionCancer is a significant global health challenge, often managed through cytotoxic drugs (CDs). CDs are inherently hazardous and can disrupt both cancerous and healthy cells. Cytotoxic reconstitution requires specialized training to ensure both the quality of the medication and the safety of the healthcare professionals who handle CDs.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 oncology pharmacists working across 22 government hospitals in Sri Lanka, using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on CDs reconstitution.ResultsMost participants were male (98.00%). More than 74.00% of the pharmacists identified the facilities that should be available within the cytotoxic reconstitution unit (CRU). A majority of participants had strong concerns over the potential risks of CDs; carcinogenicity (86.00%), teratogenicity (92.00%), reproductive toxicity (78.00%), and mutagenicity (68.00%). All the participants had positive attitudes towards using personal protective equipment, cytotoxic isolators, and regular cleaning. The majority (91.84%) of the participants had concerns that exposure to chemotherapy is a serious workplace issue. Formal training on CDs handling was received by 86.00% of the pharmacists. More than 85.00% of the participants in this study reported using water and chemical-proof aprons, safety goggles, half-face double-way respiratory cartridges, and powder-free surgical gloves. Over 85% of participants adhered to proper cytotoxic waste disposal protocols.ConclusionParticipants demonstrated good attitudes toward minimizing occupational exposure to the CDs and were proactive in updating their knowledge via training programmes. This study recommends the enforcement of standard guidelines for handling CDs, periodical training, and educational programmes for oncology pharmacists.</p>","PeriodicalId":16637,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice","volume":" ","pages":"10781552251361801"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144731874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}