Medication reconciliation by pharmacists for pre-admission patients improves patient safety.

BACKGROUND: Medication errors related to the pre-admission medication history obtained on admission are a major cause of medication error during hospitalization. Medication reconciliation (MR) improves patient safety through the detection of inadvertent medication discrepancies at transitions of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MR by pharmacists for patients prior to hospital admission on the incidence of medication errors in the early post-admission period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients admitted to the orthopedic ward for surgery between April 2012 and March 2020 were included. Pharmacist-led MR for pre-admission patients was started on April 1, 2017. The incidence of medication errors related to pre-admission medications that occurred during hospitalization were compared between the pre- and post-initiation of pharmacist-led MR (pre-initiation: April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2015, post-initiation: April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020). RESULT: In the post-initiation group, 94.2% (1245/1321) of patients who were taking medications on admission had a pharmacist-led MR before admission. The proportion of patients whose physicians ordered the prescription of their pre-admission medications at the time before hospitalization to continue from admission was significantly higher in the post-initiation group than in the pre-initiation group (47.4% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001). The incidence of medication errors related to pre-admission medications during hospitalization was significantly lower in the post-initiation group than in the pre-initiation group (1.83% vs. 0.85%, p = 0.025). Pharmacist-led MR prior to admission was a significant protective factor against incidents related to pre-admission medication (odds ratio (OR), 0.3810; 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.156-0.9320, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Pharmacist-led MR for patients prior to hospital admission led to a reduction in medication errors related to pre-admission medications during hospitalization. Patient safety during hospitalization can be improved by accurate medication histories provided early by pharmacists.

Efficacy and Safety of Oxaliplatin-based Regimens as First-line Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is mainly a disease of the elderly. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin-based regimens as first-line chemotherapy in elderly patients with mCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited mCRC patients aged ≥75 years who were treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy from October 2011 to November 2020. Primary outcome was median progression-free survival (PFS) and incidence of adverse events, while secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), relative dose intensity (RDI) and tumor response rate. RESULTS: The study enrolled 41 patients with mCRC aged ≥75 years. Median PFS and OS were 9.3 months and 38.9 months, respectively. Median rate of starting dose per standard dose and median RDI of L-OHP were 94.6% [interquartile range (IQR)=80.0-100] and 52.4% (IQR=30.2-71.1), respectively. The most common adverse events of grade ≥3 were neutropenia (21.4%), high blood pressure (16.7%), and anorexia (14.3%). CONCLUSION: Although the RDI of L-OHP drug was low, the PFS, OS, and incidence of adverse events were similar to previous reports of oxaliplatin-based regimens not limited to the elderly. Oxaliplatin-based regimens as first-line chemotherapy may be safely and effectively adapted to patients aged ≥75 years with mCRC by continuing chemotherapy with implementation of a reduction and discontinuation of anticancer drugs depending on adverse events.

The role of pharmacists in multimodal cancer cachexia care.

Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome, and multidisciplinary management has the potential to improve patient outcomes and efficiency of care. Multidisciplinary management consists primarily of exercise, nutrition, and pharmacotherapy. The pharmacist's role in cancer cachexia is to contribute to appropriate pharmacotherapy practices. For example, anamorelin is an oral drug with ghrelin-like effects that may improve the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia by stimulating appetite and increasing food intake and body weight. Many patients with cancer cachexia are under treatment with anticancer agents, and pharmacists need to determine whether symptoms such as anorexia and nausea are due to cancer cachexia or anticancer agents. Based on that determination, they are then expected to suggest supportive care to the physician. Provision of multidisciplinary care for cancer cachexia requires communication with not only physicians but also with nurses, dietitians, and other professionals so that nutritional therapy can be provided at the time cachexia is detected. However, the role of pharmacists in the management of cancer cachexia is not well established, and there is no evidence that pharmacist interventions are of benefit to patients. In this article, to contribute to the treatment of cancer cachexia by multidisciplinary care, we describe the role of pharmacists in cancer cachexia as currently practiced at our hospital. We also consider future challenges to this type of multidisciplinary care. Evidence concerning multidisciplinary treatment of cancer cachexia is scarce, including therapeutic agents, and there is a current lack of collaboration among medical professionals and education in cancer cachexia. Solving these problems will require efforts in the practice and evaluation of treatment for cancer cachexia.

Association of albumin-bilirubin score in patients with colorectal cancer receiving later-line chemotherapy with regorafenib.

BACKGROUND: Regorafenib is recognized as a later-line standard treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In this study, we examined the association of the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score in patients with mCRC receiving later-line chemotherapy with regorafenib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib in a later line between January 2013 and December 2019. Patients were divided into a Normal-ALBI group (ALBI grade 1) and a High-ALBI group (ALBI grades 2 and 3). Primary endpoint was median overall survival (OS) and secondary endpoints were median time to treatment failure (TTF) and incidence of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Data from 60 patients were analyzed (Normal-ALBI group: 32 patients and High-ALBI group: 28 patients). Median OS [10.23 vs. 3.70 months, hazard ratio (HR): 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-3.13, p = 0.041] and median TTF (2.27 vs. 1.78 months, HR: 1.78, 95%CI 1.02-3.09, p = 0.042) were significantly longer in the Normal-ALBI group than High-ALBI group. On Cox proportional hazard analysis, ALBI score was significantly correlated with OS. The incidence of liver dysfunction (grade ≥ 2) was significantly higher in the High-ALBI than the Normal-ALBI group (42.9% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.041), whereas other AEs were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: ALBI was strongly associated with the prognosis of patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib and with the occurrence of liver-related adverse events. These findings may imply that patients with a high ALBI score should not be treated with regorafenib.

Impact of Anti-angiogenic Agents on Chemotherapy Efficacy in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Second-line FOLFIRI Plus Bevacizumab or Aflibercept.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We compared the efficacy and safety of second-line FOLFIRI with bevacizumab (Bmab) or aflibercept (AFL) in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) to clarify selection criteria for anti-angiogenic agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were patients with mCRC who received second-line FOLFIRI in combination with Bmab or AFL. The primary endpoint was median overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were median time to treatment failure (TTF), overall response rate (ORR) and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Data from 26 patients in the Bmab group and 19 in the AFL group were analyzed. Median OS was slightly longer in the AFL group compared to the Bmab group, whereas median TTF was similar. ORR tended to be higher in the AFL group. The incidence of ≥grade 2 diarrhea and proteinuria was significantly higher in the AFL group than the Bmab group. CONCLUSION: In patients given combination treatment with FOLFIRI for second-line treatment of mCRC, AFL can increase response rates compared to Bmab, which may contribute to longer survival.

Dose Adjustment of Oxaliplatin Based on Renal Function in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The effect of renal dysfunction on the toxicity and efficacy of oxaliplatin remains unclear. We investigated the association between creatinine clearance (Ccr), a marker of renal function, and the toxicity and efficacy of oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with mCRC who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment were included in this study. Primary outcome was peripheral neuropathy (Grade ≥2), while secondary outcomes included neutropenia (Grade ≥3), thrombocytopenia (Grade ≥2) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 145 patients with mCRC were eligible. Incidence rates of peripheral neuropathy (Grade ≥2), neutropenia (Grade ≥3) and thrombocytopenia (Grade ≥2) were 30.3%, 37.2% and 16.6%, respectively, and median OS was 29.1 months. Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that there was no significant relationship between Ccr and any adverse event, or between Ccr and OS. CONCLUSION: Dose reduction of oxaliplatin based on Ccr is not recommended in patients with mCRC.

Bevacizumab in Combination with TAS-102 Improves Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: TAS-102 is effective for treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study determined whether combining bevacizumab (Bmab) with TAS-102 improves clinical outcomes in refractory mCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from Japanese patients with refractory mCRC who received TAS-102 (35 mg/m2 , twice a day) with (T-B group) or without Bmab (TAS-102 monotherapy; T group) between July 2014 and December 2018. The primary endpoint was median overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints were median time to treatment failure, overall response rate, and the incidence of adverse events. Clinical outcomes were compared using propensity score matched analysis. RESULTS: Data from 57 patients were analyzed (T-B group: 21 patients, T group: 36 patients). Median OS was significantly longer in the T-B group than the T group (14.4 months vs. 4.5 months, p < .001). Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that combination therapy with Bmab was significantly correlated with OS. Propensity score matched analysis confirmed that the median OS was significantly longer in the T-B group than the T group (14.4 months vs. 6.1 months, p = .006) and that there was a significant correlation between Bmab and OS. The incidence of hypertension (grade ≥2) as an adverse event was significantly higher in the T-B group than the T group (23.8% vs. 0.0%, p = .005), whereas other adverse events were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Bmab in combination with TAS-102 is significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with mCRC refractory to standard therapies. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Combining bevacizumab (Bmab) with TAS-102 significantly improved overall survival and several prognostic indicators in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) refractory to standard therapies, with manageable toxicities. Treatment with Bmab in combination with TAS-102 is significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with mCRC.

Relationship Between Renal Function and the Incidence of Adverse Events in Patients With Colorectal Cancer Receiving Oxaliplatin.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To clarify whether renal dysfunction affects the incidence of adverse events associated with oxaliplatin, the present study was designed to investigate the relationship between creatinine clearance (Ccr) and the incidence of oxaliplatin-related adverse events. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 287 CRC patients who received the first cycle of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were eligible. Adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, were graded, and the relationship between Ccr and the incidence of adverse events was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A multivariable analysis indicated that the incidence of grade ≥2 nausea increased, while the incidence of other adverse events tended to be higher, as the Ccr decreased. Particularly, renal dysfunction (Ccr <60 ml/min) was a significant risk factor for grade ≥2 nausea (p=0.042). CONCLUSION: Care should be taken to avoid adverse events associated with oxaliplatin in patients with renal dysfunction.

High total bilirubin level is a significant risk factor for severe neutropenia in patients receiving irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

Irinotecan is effective for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and advanced pancreatic cancer (aPC). However, these treatments are often limited due to the incidence of severe neutropenia. We identified risk factors for severe neutropenia in patients with mCRC or aPC, receiving irinotecan-based chemotherapy regimens. The study selected 104 patients (mCRC: 53 and aPC: 51) who received irinotecan-based chemotherapy between January 2014 and May 2018 and who were included in the present study. The initial dose of irinotecan was 150 mg/m2 in all patients, and patients with a lower initial dose of irinotecan were excluded. Severe neutropenia (grade ≥ 3) occurred in 56 patients (53.8%). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) and serum total bilirubin (T-Bil) were significant risk factors for severe neutropenia. Moreover, with receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the cutoff for T-Bil was found to be 0.7 mg/dL. Among patients treated with mFOLFIRINOX therapy, the incidence of severe neutropenia was significantly higher in patients with high level of T-Bil (> 0.7 mg/dL) than in those without it (93.8% vs 55.0%, P = 0.006). A chemotherapy regimen (modified FOLFIRINOX therapy) and T-Bil > 0.7 mg/dL were significant risk factors for severe neutropenia in patients receiving 150 mg/m2 irinotecan.

Dose adjustment of irinotecan based on UGT1A1 polymorphisms in patients with colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Irinotecan is effective for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). SN-38 is an active metabolite of irinotecan, which is formed by carboxylesterase and inactivated by UDP-glucuronyltransferase (UGT) 1A1. The UGT enzyme activity is reduced in patients with homozygous mutation in UGT1A1 genes (*6/*6, *28/*28 and *6/*28); thus dose reduction is required for prevention of severe adverse events associated with irinotecan. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between UGT1A1 polymorphisms and the incidence of adverse events or the therapeutic effect in mCRC patients who received irinotecan. METHODS: Sixty-three mCRC patients who received irinotecan during January 2014 and May 2018 were the subjects of this study. The incidence of adverse events, including diarrhea and neutropenia, and the therapeutic effect of irinotecan were compared among homozygous group, heterozygous group and wild-type group. The initial dose of irinotecan was 150 mg/m2 in the heterozygous group and wild-type group, while the dose was reduced by 20% (120 mg/m2) in the homozygous group. RESULTS: The UGT1A1 polymorphisms occurred in 15.9%, 33.3%, and 50.8% for homozygous group, heterozygous group, and wild-type group, respectively. The average dose of irinotecan during overall cycles was not significantly different among three groups, despite the reduction of initial dose in homozygous group. There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of adverse events, tumor response, or time to treatment failure among three groups. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that dose reduction by 20% ensured safety and efficacy of irinotecan in mCRC patients with homozygous mutation in UGT1A1 genes.

Severe Neutropenia is Associated with Better Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Who Receive Modified FOLFIRINOX Therapy.

While modified FOLFIRINOX therapy is effective for treating advanced pancreatic cancer, it frequently causes severe neutropenia. The present study investigated the effect of severe neutropenia on clinical outcomes in advanced pancreatic cancer patients who received modified FOLFIRINOX. The study subjects were 51 patients (30 males and 21 females) with advanced pancreatic cancer who received modified FOLFIRINOX (2h bolus injection of oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m², 2 h bolus injection of L-leucovorin at 200 mg/m², 90min bolus injection of irinotecan at 150 mg/m², followed by continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil for 46 h at 2400 mg/m² without bolus 5-fluorouracil) during the period from January 2014 to May 2018. No patients had prior history of chemotherapy. Adverse events, including neutropenia, were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. Median overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint, while median time to treatment failure (TTF), overall response rate (ORR), and the incidence of other adverse events were secondary endpoints. Severe neutropenia (grade ≥3) occurred in 39 patients (76.4%), and Cox proportional hazard analysis identified high total bilirubin level as a significant risk factor. Median duration of OS was significantly longer in patients with severe neutropenia than in those without it (21.3 months versus 8.9 months, p = 0.020). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between OS and the grade of neutropenia (r = 0.306, p = 0.029). ORR tended to be higher, though not significantly, in patients with severe neutropenia. In contrast, the incidence rates of other adverse events were not different between the two groups. Severe neutropenia is an independent predictor of prognosis in advanced pancreatic cancer patients received modified FOLFIRINOX therapy.