Evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for drug-drug interactions with anticancer drugs; A practical and universal tool for management

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with anticancer drugs are common and can significantly affect efficacy and toxicity of treatment. Therefore, a Dutch Multidisciplinary Expert group is assessing the clinical significance of DDIs in oncology and provides recommendations for the management of these DDIs. We present an overview of methodology and outcome of an evidence- and consensus-based assessment of DDIs between anticancer drugs and non-anticancer drugs.

A literature search was performed through PubMed and EMA and FDA assessment reports, to identify potential DDI's involving anticancer drugs. For each potential DDI a concept report for risk analysis and practical advice for management was created. Subsequently, this risk analysis and the corresponding advice were assessed and weighed.

A total of 290 potential DDIs have been identified in the literature thus far. Of these 290 potential DDIs, the Expert Group has identified 94 (32%) DDIs as clinically relevant, with a need for an automated alert and a suggested intervention. Furthermore, 110 DDIs have been identified as clinically not relevant. For 86 potential DDIs evidence supporting a relevant DDI was insufficient and in these cases neither an alert nor advice regarding a suggested intervention were formulated.

A transparent risk analysis is presented for identification of clinically relevant DDIs with anticancer drugs. Integration of DDI guidelines into the national electronic prescribing system is essential to achieve optimal efficacy and minimal toxicity in patients receiving anticancer therapy. A clear overview of clinically relevant DDIs with anticancer therapy provides clinicians with a structured, evidence-based and consensus-built tool for anticancer therapy surveillance.