Oral Cancer Drugs Not Effective When Mixed With Some Other Medications

Editor's Choice Main Category: Cancer / Oncology Article Date: 17 Mar 2012 - 13:00 PDT

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The authors determined that 23-74% of patients were taking 1 of 9 oral cancer drugs along with another medication which had the power to take away the strength of the cancer drug, and increase the dangers of it.

The cancer drugs which the researchers studied are called oral kinase inhibitors. They included:

"Whats as important is knowing what other medications the patient is on. The fact that about one quarter to 75 percent of patients on these oral drugs may not be getting the full benefit of their treatment or may in facet be putting their health at further the risk because of another medication they are taking is concerning. Our oncology pharmacists are able to alert doctors about potential medication interactions through our Drug Utilization Review programs that have a complete picture of their prescription drugs."

To determine their findings, the researchers administered drugs which may affect the potential of the oral cancer drugs to 4,617 patients. 43% of them were given one which the authors believe would weaken the cancer medication, and 68% were given meds which raised the toxicity level of the treatment.

Dr. Steve Bowlin, senior director and therapeutic areas research lead, MRI (Medco Research Institute), and co-author of the study said:

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Oral Cancer Drugs Not Effective When Mixed With Some Other Medications