Optimising medications for patients with cancer and multimorbidity: The case for deprescribing

Justin P. Turner (Lead Author), Kumud Kantilal, Kavita Kantilal, Holly M. Holmes, Bogda Koczwara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The majority of patients diagnosed with cancer are aged over 65 years and have two or more chronic conditions in addition to cancer and the risk of chronic conditions increases further after cancer. The presence of multimorbidity adds complexity to care, as patients' goals of care and the focus of treatment can change with a diagnosis of cancer. Multimorbidity is frequently associated with polypharmacy, the use of potentially inappropriate medications, the presence of adverse drug reactions and potential drug–drug interactions: all of which impact on health outcomes and the cost of care. Consequently, it is vital that a systematic approach is taken to regularly review cancer patients' medication regimens to ensure that they support an optimal balance of benefits with acceptable levels of harm. Several patient and clinician resources are presented to guide the process of medication review and deprescribing.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)609-617
Number of pages9
JournalClinical Oncology
Volume32
Issue number9
Early online date17 Jun 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sep 2020

Keywords

  • Clinical oncology
  • deprescribing
  • multimorbidity and cancer
  • polypharmacy
  • potentially inappropriate medications

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