Pharmacist-led reviews improve medication strategies for older cancer patients

There is a pressing need to optimize medication strategies in older adults with cancer, many of whom take ≥5 medications. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Internal Medicine demonstrated that an advisory letter containing the results of a pharmacist-led comprehensive medication review sent to physicians can decrease common medication problems among older cancer patients during rehabilitation.

Overall, 443 participants aged ≥65 years who use ≥5 drugs regularly were included. At the end of the trial, fewer patients in the medication review group had potentially inappropriate prescriptions compared with patients in the usual care group (29.9% versus 70.8%). Likewise, there was less medication overuse (34.2% versus 64.1%) and medication underuse (44.9% versus 73.2%). Furthermore, 337 missing vaccinations (against influenza, pneumonia, COVID-19, and/or shingles) were recommended in the medication review group.

Source:

Wiley

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