Pharmaceutical care in patients with gastric cancer treated with capecitabine: A randomized clinical trial.

Cancer research · Gastric cancer

All patients who received pharmaceutical care were adherent to their treatment.

This multicentre, prospective, longitudinal study assessed the benefits of pharmaceutical care for gastric cancer patients undergoing capecitabine therapy. Patients were randomized into a control group receiving standard pharmaceutical guidance and an intervention group receiving comprehensive pharmaceutical care. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, therapeutic factors and adverse events were collected; quality of life was evaluated pre‑ and post‑treatment. Thirty‑one patients were included, 16 in the intervention arm. The intervention group completed more treatment cycles, experienced a higher but less severe adverse‑event burden, and maintained full adherence. In contrast, the control group had more dose suspensions, reductions, worsening functional capacity, and aggravated gastrointestinal symptoms. The study highlights the pivotal role of pharmacists in managing adverse events, ensuring adherence, and improving quality of life in gastric cancer patients on capecitabine.

Pharmaceutical care improves adherence, reduces treatment interruptions, and can mitigate adverse events, thereby supporting optimal therapy in gastric cancer patients receiving capecitabine.

Evidence level: Állatkísérletes. Állatmodellben vizsgálták.

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