Identifying options for oncology therapy regimen codification to improve standardization-combined results of an expert panel and a review

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy drugs are often administered in combinations with predefined interdependent doses and cycle intervals. As yet, there is no global standardization system to describe these complex regimens in a universally comprehensive manner. The aim of this review is to identify which efforts for standardization have been undertaken and which recommendations for databases and nomenclature of chemotherapy regimens are available. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify all peer-reviewed full-text articles about oncology therapy regimen codification. In addition, the results of this search were evaluated and consensus recommendations from a European expert panel were subsequently added. RESULTS: This review gives an overview of attempts to standardize chemotherapy nomenclature described in the literature, as well as of previously published identified gaps in regimen codification. In addition, we summarized the suggestions for improvement of chemotherapy codification found in the available literature, combining them with the expertise from a European expert panel of oncology pharmacists. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: We believe that one of the most important error-prevention measures is standardization. However, there is a paucity of data how it may be achieved. Currently available data suggest that standardization has a positive impact on usability for data networks, prescription software, safety and the measurement of the quality of cancer care delivery. Standardization is also a strong pre-requisite for all discussions including oncology pharmacists and oncologists when evaluating chemotherapy regimen in countries in Europe but also all over the world. The recommendations compiled in this review can help to support overdue standardization efforts in this important therapeutic area

ECCO Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care : Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Adults and Bone Sarcoma. A critical review

Background: ECCO essential requirements for quality cancer care (ERQCC) are checklists and explanations of organisation and actions that are necessary to give high-quality care to patients who have a specific tumour type. They are written by European experts representing all disciplines involved in cancer care. ERQCC papers give oncology teams, patients, policymakers and managers an overview of the elements needed in any healthcare system to provide high quality of care throughout the patient journey. References are made to clinical guidelines and other resources where appropriate, and the focus is on care in Europe. Sarcoma: essential requirements for quality care Sarcomas - which can be classified into soft tissue and bone sarcomas - are rare, but all rare cancers make up more than 20% of cancers in Europe, and there are substantial inequalities in access to high-quality care. Sarcomas, of which there are many subtypes, comprise a particularly complex and demanding challenge for healthcare systems and providers. This paper presents essential requirements for quality cancer care of soft tissue sarcomas in adults and bone sarcomas. High-quality care must only be carried out in specialised sarcoma centres (including paediatric cancer centres) which have both a core multidisciplinary team and an extended team of allied professionals, and which are subject to quality and audit procedures. Access to such units is far from universal in all European countries. It is essential that, to meet European aspirations for high-quality comprehensive cancer control, healthcare organisations implement the requirements in this paper, paying particular attention to multidisciplinarity and patient-centred pathways from diagnosis and follow-up, to treatment, to improve survival and quality of life for patients. Conclusion: Taken together, the information presented in this paper provides a comprehensive description of the essential requirements for establishing a high-quality service for soft tissue sarcomas in adults and bone sarcomas. The ECCO expert group is aware that it is not possible to propose a 'one size fits all' system for all countries, but urges that access to multidisciplinary teams is guaranteed to all patients with sarcoma. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.Peer reviewe

ECCO Essential Requirements for Quality Cancer Care : Colorectal Cancer. A critical review

Background: ECCO essential requirements for quality cancer care (ERQCC) are checklists and explanations of organisation and actions that are necessary to give high-quality care to patients who have a specific tumour type. They are written by European experts representing all disciplines involved in cancer care. ERQCC papers give oncology teams, patients, policymakers and managers an overview of the elements needed in any healthcare system to provide high quality of care throughout the patient journey. References are made to clinical guidelines and other resources where appropriate, and the focus is on care in Europe. Colorectal cancer: essential requirements for quality care Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in Europe and has wide variation in outcomes among countries. Increasing numbers of older people are contracting the disease, and treatments for advanced stages are becoming more complex. A growing number of survivors also require specialist support. High-quality care can only be a carried out in specialised CRC units or centres which have both a core multidisciplinary team and an extended team of allied professionals, and which are subject to quality and audit procedures. Such units or centres are far from universal in all European countries. It is essential that, to meet European aspirations for comprehensive cancer control, healthcare organisations implement the essential requirements in this paper, paying particular attention to multidisciplinarity and patient-centred pathways from diagnosis, to treatment, to survivorship. Conclusion: Taken together, the information presented in this paper provides a comprehensive description of the essential requirements for establishing a high-quality CRC service. The ECCO expert group is aware that it is not possible to propose a 'one size fits all' system for all countries, but urges that access to multidisciplinary units or centres must be guaranteed for all those with CRC. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.Peer reviewe

CKD-602 Chong Kun Dang

Chong Kun Dang is developing the camptothecin analog CKD-602 for the potential treatment of cancer. By August 2000, phase II trials of CKD-602 were underway

The oncology pharmacist as part of the palliative treatment team

OBJECTIVES: Patients who are no longer eligible for curative treatment often suffer from multiple complaints and require a multidisciplinary treatment approach. We incorporated two pharmacists in the palliative team, one hospital pharmacist and one pharmacist who were trained as a community pharmacist. The objective of our study was to evaluate their contribution to the palliative team. METHODS: During 13 months, the two pharmacists participated in all regular patient reviews and rounds and were available for individual consultation by all members of the palliative team on a daily basis. Each intervention (consults at request or during the patient rounds) was logged and categorised. KEY FINDINGS: During the study period, 115 patients were under the care of the palliative treatment team. The pharmacists were actively involved in 107 of these (93%). Pharmacists interventions occurred in 76% of patients, with an average of 1.5 interventions per patient. The most common intervention types were giving general therapeutic advice, starting of a drug for an uncontrolled symptom and stopping a drug that was given as prophylaxis. When comparing the contribution of the hospital pharmacist and the outpatient pharmacist, their interventions overlapped with regard to starting drugs, choice of drugs and side-effect management. However, interventions on parenteral drugs or optimising the route of administration mostly came from the hospital pharmacist, whereas the outpatient pharmacist more often intervened in increasing adherence and stopping drugs. CONCLUSION: The palliative pharmacist team adds expertise to the palliative treatment team, with an active contribution in 76% of patients

Clinical rule on safe methotrexate prescribing and dispensing in the Netherlands

A national clinical rule for proper handling of methotrexate was developed and implemented in The Netherlands in 2010 following a number of fatal incidents. The aim was to increase patient safety by preventing dispensing errors. Interventions implemented and results obtained in two hospitals are discussed

Beliefs and perspectives on the future of oncology pharmacy - Collated results of member surveys of the European Society of Oncology Pharmacy

Introduction:The European Society of Oncology Pharmacy (ESOP) has nearly 4000 members in 66 countries. Periodically, the needs and interests of the members as well as the predictions of the members for the development of the profession of oncology pharmacy are mapped by the board of the Society. The aim of these inquiries is to help focus the Societies' advocacy works, knowledge exchange, and scientific and educational programs into those areas where the members deem this most needed.Methods:One survey into the future of oncology pharmacy was held in 12 individual countries during a national meeting on the topic of oncology pharmacy. In this survey, the forecasts of the members were researched. A second survey was held under the full membership to identify the topics of most interest within the broader field of oncology care.Results:Five hundred ninety-five colleagues responded to the future of oncology pharmacy survey and 757 to the topics of interest survey. Participating respondents came from 53 individual countries. Combined, the results show that both clinical care (in multiprofessional treatment teams) and education are important areas for the Society to continue paying attention to. The other important aspect of oncology pharmacy, which includes the practical and safety aspects of compounding, remains of great interest, especially regarding technical innovations such as robotics.Conclusion:ESOP will remain focused on its initial aim: to support optimal treatment for patients with cancer. The globally collated data from the two surveys show that both the clinical and the practical sides of the profession deserve continuing advancement