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Introduction: This comprehensive observational study aimed to gain insight into adherence to nilotinib and the effect of (non)adherence on exposure (Cmin) and treatment outcomes. Methods: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients using nilotinib were followed for 12 months. Adherence was measured by Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS), pill count, and Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5). Nilotinib Cmin and patient-reported outcomes (i.e., quality of life, side effects, beliefs, satisfaction) were measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Sixty-eight patients (57.5 ± 15.0 years, 49% female) participated. Median adherence to nilotinib (MEMS and pill count) was ≥ 99% and adherence < 90% was rare. Self-reported nonadherence (MARS-5) increased in the first year of treatment to a third of patients. In line with the strong beliefs in the necessity of taking nilotinib, forgetting to take a dose was more prevalent than intentionally adjusting/skipping doses. Nilotinib Cmin were generally above the therapeutic target in 95% of patients. Patients reported a variety of side effects, of which fatigue was most frequent. The mean Cmin was higher in patients who reported severe itching and fatigue. The overall 1-year MMR rate ranged from 47 to 71%. Conclusion: Substantial nonadherence (< 90%) to nilotinib was rare and nilotinib Cmin were generally above the therapeutic target. Lack of response in our group of patients was not related to nonadherence or inadequate Cmin. Nevertheless, a considerable number of patients experienced difficulties in adhering to the twice daily fasted dosing regimen, emphasizing the importance of continuous support of medication adherence in CML. Clinical trial registration: NTR3992 (Netherlands Trial Register, www.trialregister.nl) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background:: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamicdrug interactions with cytotoxic drugs may significantly influence the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy. Objective:: The purpose of this study was to identify drug interactions with irinotecan and oxaliplatin reported in the literature, to assess their clinical significance, and to examine the occurrence of these interactions in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with either irinotecan or oxaliplatin or both. Methods:: To obtain data on drug-drug interactionswith irinotecan and oxaliplatin, a literature search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted using the search terms irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and interactions (English-language studies only published between 1980 and August 2004). The interactions found were subsequently classified for documentation evidence and severity of clinical effect, according to a 5-level classification system of a standard reference text, by a study panel of medical oncologists and clinical pharmacists. Comedication of patients who were treated with irinotecan or oxaliplatin, or both, was then examined to determine the occurrence of clinically significant interactions. Results:: Ninety-eight patients (50 women, 48 men;mean age, 60 years) were included in the study. Seventeen interactions with irinotecan were found in the literature, and 11 were classified as clinically significant. Only 1 nonspecific, clinically significant interaction was identified for oxaliplatin. Irmotecan-treated patients received a mean of 8 different comedications and oxaliplatin-treated patients received a mean of 6. Apart from antiemetic and antidiarrheal drugs that were prescribed for treatment-related toxicities, only 1 patient appeared to be exposed to a possible clinically significant interaction (between irinotecan and phenytoin). Conclusions:: Eleven of the 17 interactions withirinotecan that were found in the literature were classified as clinically significant versus 1 clinically significant interaction with oxaliplatin. The occurrence of these interactions in the study patients with metastatic colorectal cancer was low. For medication surveillance purposes, however, the significant interactions should be considered in clinical practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evaluates the clinical significance of drug interactions with fluorouracil in patients with colorectal cancer. Analysis of the frequency and severity of toxicity symptoms of fluorouracil plus leucovorin in colorectal cancer patients; Classification scheme for rating the clinical significance of drug interactions; Summary of drug interactions between fluorouracil and noncytotoxic agents by clinical significance level.