Immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients from the perspective of pharmaceutical care: a scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Cancer treatment has become a significant health challenge, with notable changes in recent years due to increasing knowledge of cancer biology. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown promising results, but they can induce adverse events (AEs), resulting in serious consequences for patients. Pharmaceutical care aims to prevent, identify, and address issues related to medications, such as AEs.

Aim: The objective of this scoping review was to assess the contribution of pharmacists to the intervention and care of cancer patients undergoing treatment with ICIs.

Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies on the treatment of cancer patients treated with ICIs in which pharmacists participated. No time frame or language restriction was applied. Article screening was performed independently by two authors, with any discrepancies resolved by a third author. The studies were analyzed and included in this review following the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Pharmaceutical care encompasses a variety of interventions, including providing guidance to patients and to the multidisciplinary team, monitoring and managing AEs, conducting pharmaceutical consultations, and recommending over-the-counter medications and laboratory tests, among other actions. Pharmaceutical recommendations led to better outcomes regarding AEs.

Conclusions: Pharmaceutical care has a positive impact on oncological immunotherapy with ICIs, contributing to both health institutions through cost reduction and, most importantly, patients by improving treatment outcomes and enhancing the quality of life.