PD1-1 - How Should These Be Introduced to General Clinic Practice? Problems to Introduction Into Clinical Care

Abstract

Molecular targeted drugs such as imatinib and gefitinib were first introduced into Japan more than 10 years ago. Cetuximab for colon cancer was approved for health insurance coverage in 2008, and is now safely and appropriately used for evidence-based treatment at a wide range of facilities. Cetuximab for head and neck cancer was approved for health insurance coverage in 2012. Drug therapy for the head and neck region continues, particularly using new drugs, although various problems have appeared.Clinical practice for head and neck cancer deals with a wide variety of symptoms, including airway narrowing, dysphagia, changes in physical appearance, bleeding from the tumor, unpleasant odor, alcohol dependence, and others. This range of symptoms in a variety of systems requires knowledge and experience in drug therapy, anatomical knowledge of the head and neck region, and cooperation among multiple departments (otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery, radiology, medical oncology, dermatology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, dentistry and oral surgery, and allied health professionals).In this presentation, I will discuss how to introduce new drugs into general clinical practice, based on experience gained in our facility, from the viewpoints of two types of specialists, medical oncologists and otorhinolaryngologists. Issues will include cooperation across multiple departments; the degree of understanding of the characteristics of cancer by doctors involved in drug therapy for head and neck cancer, and their knowledge and experience in drug therapy, and establishment of systems within the facility (education for allied health professionals and patients, and supportive care).