Polypharmacy in elderly patients with cancer: clinical implications and management - The Lancet Oncology
Polypharmacy in elderly patients with cancer: clinical implications and management
Published Online: 07 July 2011
Summary
More
and more elderly people with cancer are treated in oncology clinics
worldwide every year, many of whom have comorbid disorders treated with
one or more drugs. Moreover, these patients might also take
self-prescribed over-the-counter drugs or complementary and alternative
medicines, which they might not tell their doctor about. Initiation of
chemotherapy with one or more cytotoxic or targeted agents and drugs for
treatment of cancer symptoms or toxic effects related to treatment can
result in polypharmacy. We examine the clinical implications of
polypharmacy. Challenges for the medical teams who treat elderly
patients with cancer include identification of what drugs are actually
being taken by the patient, avoidance or management of any adverse
effects or drug interactions, and reassessing the patient's overall
treatment. We address these issues and propose practical recommendations
for management of treatment for elderly patients with cancer.
Article Info