Considerations in the Use of Oral Oncolytics Versus Intravenous Chemotherapies

During this segment, Genevieve Kumapley, PharmD, BCOP, discusses the potential advantages and disadvantages of oral oncolytics and intravenous chemotherapies.

The use of oral oncolytics is becoming increasingly common in cancer treatment, notes Dr Kumapley; however, healthcare professionals should recognize that oral treatment options are associated with advantages and disadvantages. For instance, to patients in rural areas who live far from healthcare facilities, oral agents may offer the advantage of ease of access. However, unlike patients who receive intravenous chemotherapy in a facility under the care of healthcare professionals, patients treated with oral oncolytics take on more personal responsibility for their care. They are likely to have to manage adverse events on their own because of less face-to-face interaction with their healthcare professionals, she adds.

Dr Kumapley also discusses the factors that healthcare professionals consider when making decisions about whether to use oral oncolytic therapy or intravenous chemotherapy. Treatment guidelines, patient lifestyle factors, and patient access to treatment facilities are among the top considerations, she says.

In end-of-life care scenarios, additional considerations related to the appropriateness of oral oncolytic therapy include treatment costs, symptom management, and the patient’s cultural and spiritual beliefs. Given all these considerations, it is critical to include the multiple stakeholders involved in patient care when making treatment decisions, remarks Dr Kumapley.