The increasing complexity of cancer chemotherapy makes it mandatory that pharmacists be familiar with these highly toxic agents. This column focuses on the commercially available and investigational agents used to treat malignant diseases, reviewing issues related to the preparation, dispensing, and administration of cancer chemotherapy.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network.NCCN acute myelogenous leukemia practice guidelines. The Complete Library of NCCN Oncology Practice Guidelines [CD-ROM].Rockledge, PA: National Comprehensive Cancer Network; 2001.
2.
MayerR.J., DavisR.B., SchifferC.A.Intensive postremission chemotherapy in adults with acute myeloid leukemia. New Engl J Med.1994; 331: 896–903.
3.
KaranesC., KopeckyK.J., HeadD.R.A phase III comparison of highdose ARA-C (HIDAC) vs HIDAC plus mitoxantrone in the treatment of first relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res.1999; 23(9): 787–94.
4.
CassilethP.A., LynchE., HinesJ.D.Varying intensity of postremission therapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood.1992; 79(8): 1924–30.
5.
WeickJ.K., KopeckyK.J., AppelbaumF.R.A randomized investigation of high-dose vs standard-dose cytosine arabinoside with daunorubicin in patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia: A Southwest Oncology Group study. Blood.1996; 88(8): 2841–51.
6.
FoppM., FeyM.F., BacchiM.Post-remission therapy of adult acute myeloid leukaemia: One cycle of highdose vs standard-dose cytarabine. Ann Oncol.1997; 8(3): 251–7.
7.
Esety, ElihuH.Treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia. Oncology.2002; 16: 334–56.
8.
CraigJ.B., PowellB.L., WhiteD.R.Antiemetic therapy in patients treated with high-dose cytosine arabinoside. Oncology.1987; 44: 90–2.
9.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.ASHP therapeutic guidelines on the pharmacologic management of nausea and vomiting in adult and pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy or undergoing surgery. Am J Health Syst Pharm.1999; 56: 729–64.
10.
NCCN antiemesis practice guidelines.The Complete Library of NCCN Oncology Practice Guidelines [CD-ROM]. Version 2000.Rockledge, PA: National Comprehensive Cancer Network; 2000.
11.
GrallaR.J., OsobaD., KrisM.G.Recommendations for the use of antiemetics: Evidence-based, clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Oncol.1999; 17: 2971–94.
12.
HeskethP.J., KrisM.G., GrunbergS.M.Proposal for classifying the acute emetogenicity of cancer chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol.1997; 15: 103–9.
StentoftJ.The toxicity of cytarabine. Drug Saf.1990; 5: 7–27.
15.
OzerH., ArmitageJ.O., BennettC.L.2000 update of recommendations for the use of hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors: Evidence-based, clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Oncol.2000; 18: 3558–85.
16.
LarsonD.L.Treatment of tissue extravasation by antitumor agents. Cancer.1982; 49: 1796–9.
17.
LarsonD.L.What is the appropriate management of tissue extravasation by antitumor agents?Plast Reconstr Surg.1985; 75: 397–402.
18.
LowenthalR.M., EatonK.Toxicity of chemotherapy. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am.1996; 10(4): 967–90.
19.
RazisE., ArlinZ.A., AhmedT.Incidence and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome in patients with acute leukemia. Acta Haematol.1994; 91(4): 171–4.
20.
LassJ.H., LazarusH.M., ReedM.D.Topical corticosteroid therapy for corneal toxicity from systemically administered cytarabine. Am J Ophthalmol.1982; 94: 617–21.
21.
HigaG., GockermanJ., HuntA.The use of prophylactic eye drops during high-dose cytarabine arabinoside therapy. Cancer.1991; 68: 1691–3.
22.
AceA.The cardiotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs. Semin Oncol.1992; 19: 529–52.
23.
DeSpainJ.D.Dermatologic toxicity of chemotherapy. Semin Oncol.1992; 19(5): 501–7.
24.
KintzelP.E., DorrR.T.Anticancer drug renal toxicity and elimination: Dosing guidelines for altered renal function. Cancer Treat Rev.1995; 21: 33–64.
25.
KingP.D., PerryM.C.Hepatotoxicity of chemotherapeutic and oncologic agents. Gastroenterol Clin North Am.1995; 24: 969–90.