Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Sep 2010
Implementation of a standardized protocol for prevention and management of oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Oral mucositis is a serious problem that affects a significant number of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients. There are many gaps in management, and evidence-based guidelines do not provide consistent recommendations. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop a mucositis oral care protocol for the prevention and management of mucositis in the HCT patient and to evaluate the clinical impact of its implementation. ⋯ Implementation of a standardized oral care protocol for mucositis management resulted in a decreased incidence, duration and severity of mucositis, and also reduced the global negative impact of mucositis. Future studies may further evaluate the global impact by adjusting for confounding factors.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Jun 2010
Comparative StudyOncology pharmacy practice in a teaching hospital in Nepal.
To highlight the patient care activities performed by pharmacists during their ward rounds in medical oncology ward of a tertiary care hospital in western region of Nepal. ⋯ The study evaluated the drug information provided by pharmacists, spontaneous reporting of ADRs by the pharmacists, and their intervention on treatment plan of patients during ward round. This suggests pharmacists can play a significant role on patient care when he or she joins round with other healthcare personnel in the oncology ward.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Mar 2010
Comparative StudyStability of irinotecan-loaded drug eluting beads (DC Bead) used for transarterial chemoembolization.
The aim of this study was to determine the loading efficiency, physicochemical stability, and release of irinotecan-loaded DC Beads (bead size 100-300 microm, 300-500 microm) before and after mixing with nonionic contrast medium (Accupaque 300, Imeron 300, Ultravist 300) during a prolonged period of time (28 days) when stored at room temperature or refrigerated. ⋯ Irinotecan-loaded DC Beads are shown to have adequate physicochemical stability over a period of at least 28 days when stored light protected at room temperature. Due to concerns of microbiological overgrowth refrigeration should always be considered. The preparation of admixtures of irinotecan-loaded beads with contrast medium in centralized cytotoxic preparation units is not recommended, because of rapid elution of 5-10% of irinotecan from the loaded beads. Furthermore, physicians see no advantages of admixtures due to the wide variation of mixing ratios of drug-loaded beads with contrast medium. In addition varying volumes of 0.9% sodium chloride solution are to be admixed during the chemoembolization procedure.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Mar 2010
Comparative StudyRetrospective evaluation of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in the adult cancer population.
Hospitalized cancer patients are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and it is recommended they receive pharmacologic prophylaxis unless otherwise contraindicated. The majority of data supporting this recommendation comes from sub-group analyses and extrapolation of data gathered in general medical/surgical patients. This study seeks to assess the safety and efficacy of VTE prophylaxis in cancer patients admitted to our institution. ⋯ This retrospective study showed cancer patients are at increased risk for VTE, typically with 3-4 risk factors per admission. VTEs were uncommon; however, three patients receiving heparin experienced a VTE and four had a major bleeding event. Minor bleeding rates were similar among groups.