Potential drug interactions between targeted oral antineoplastic agents and concomitant medication in clinical practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives Our objective was to analyze potential drug interactions (PDIs) between targeted OAAs and concomitant therapy in clinical practice. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was performed in cancer outpatients who started treatment with a targeted OAA between 1 December 2015 and 31 May 2019. PDIs were analyzed using the Lexicomp® and the database About Herbs®. PDIs were classified according to severity, risk, and reliability ratings and their underlying mechanism. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify risk factors associated with PDIs. Results A total of 881 patients were included, of whom 50.9% had at least 1 PDI between the OAA and the concomitant medication. The factors associated with a higher risk of PDIs were polypharmacy (≥5 concomitant medicines) (OR = 3.64 (2.54–5.20), p < 0.001), type of tumor (prostate cancer [OR = not available, p < 0.001], chronic myelogenous leukemia [OR = 5.10 (1.08–24.05), p = 0.040], sarcoma [OR = 4.97 (1.05–23.55), p = 0.043]), and treatment with hormone therapies (OR = not available, p < 0.001). Conclusion A search of PDIs should be prioritized, especially in patients receiving targeted OAAs with risk factors, such as polymedication, prostate cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia, sarcoma, and treatment with hormone therapies.