Background: Pharmacokinetic nomograms, equations, and software are considered the main tools available for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM). Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) is an advanced discipline of TDM that allows dose individualization, and requires a software for knowledge integration and statistical calculations. Due to its precision and extensive applicability, the use of these software is widespread in clinical practice. However, the currently available evidence on these tools remains scarce. Objectives: To review and summarize the available evidence on MIPD software tools to facilitate its identification, evaluation, and selection by users. Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, OpenAIRE, and BASE before July 2022. The PRISMA-ScR was applied. The main inclusion criteria were studies focused on developing software for use in clinical practice, research, or modelling. Results: Twenty-eight software were classified as MIPD software. Nine are currently unavailable. The remaining 19 software were described in depth. It is noteworthy that all MIPD software used Bayesian statistical methods to estimate drug exposure and all provided a population model by default, except NONMEN. Conclusions: Pharmacokinetic software have become relevant tools for TDM. MIPD software have been compared, facilitating its selection for use in clinical practice. However, it would be interesting to standardize the quality and validate the software tools.
The aim of this paper was to review the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of combined or sequential use of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and CAR-T cell therapies in relapsed/refractory (R/R) haematological malignancies. A systematic literature review was performed until 21 November 2022. Inclusion criteria: cohort studies/clinical trials aimed at evaluating the efficacy and/or safety of the combination of CAR-T cell therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in R/R haematological malignancies, which had reported results. Those focusing only on ICI or CAR-T separately or evaluating the combination in other non-hematological solid tumours were excluded. We used a specific checklist for quality assessment of the studies, and then we extracted data on efficacy or efficiency and safety. A total of 1867 articles were identified, and 9 articles were finally included (early phase studies, with small samples of patients and acceptable quality). The main pathologies were B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL). The most studied combination was tisagenlecleucel with pembrolizumab. In terms of efficacy, there is great variability: the combination could be a promising option in B-ALL, with modest data, and in B-NHL, although hopeful responses were received, the combination does not appear better than CAR-T cell monotherapy. The safety profile could be considered comparable to that described for CAR-T cell monotherapy.
The development of health information technology available and accessible to professionals is increasing in the last few years. However, a low number of electronic health tools included some kind of information about medication reconciliation. To identify all the electronic medication reconciliation tools aimed at healthcare professionals and summarize their main features, availability, and clinical impact on patient safety. A systematic review of studies that included a description of an electronic medication reconciliation tool (web-based or mobile app) aimed at healthcare professionals was conducted. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: registration number CRD42022366662, and followed PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed using four healthcare databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus with no language or publication date restrictions. We identified a total of 1227 articles, of which only 12 met the inclusion criteria.Through these articles,12 electronic tools were detected. Viewing and comparing different medication lists and grouping medications into multiple categories were some of the more recurring features of the tools. With respect to the clinical impact on patient safety, a reduction in adverse drug events or medication discrepancies was detected in up to four tools, but no significant differences in emergency room visits or hospital readmissions were found. 12 e-MedRec tools aimed at health professionals have been developed to date but none was designed as a mobile app. The main features that healthcare professionals requested to be included in e-MedRec tools were interoperability, “user-friendly” information, and integration with the ordering process.
6 April 2023 in Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice
Introduction: Alectinib is a potent and selective orally active tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer, which has a better safety profile than other inhibitors of anaplastic lymphoma kinase. We report a case of a mixed pattern of acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis proven by renal biopsy upon starting alectinib therapy. Case report: A 68-year-old man with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, diagnosed with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer stage IV, had 27 days previously started alectinib 600 mg twice daily. He presented at the emergency room due to vomiting, nausea, and more dyspnoea than usual. A high creatinine level and metabolic imbalances were detected in laboratory tests. Management and outcomes: After a diagnosis of acute renal failure, the patient was admitted to hospital. Nephrotoxic drugs were suspended, and haemodialysis was required. After dismissing other causes, a probable diagnosis of acute interstitial nephritis due to alectinib was established. Corticotherapy was initiated and renal function returned to baseline levels. Renal biopsy showed a mixed pattern of acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis. The patient was discharged, and alectinib therapy was modified to lorlatinib. No polymorphisms were found in a pharmacogenetic test. After 10 months with lorlatinib, renal function remains stable. Discussion: The relationship between acute renal failure and alectinib initiation is considered probable in this patient. Although it is an adverse effect reported in less than 1% of cases, it would be advisable to monitor renal function in this kind of patient.
Objective: The last decade has seen exponential growth in electronic health tools. However, only a limited number of electronic medication reconciliation tools have been developed and implemented in healthcare settings. Here, we present ConciliaMed, a mobile and web-based tool for healthcare professionals to reconcile the chronic medications of patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: A research team of pharmacists and internists worked together with a technology company to design and develop ConciliaMed. Evidence-based guidelines were collected for inclusion in the tool. A group of experts conducted a simulation with a preliminary version of ConciliaMed to identify bugs and technical improvements and to assess their satisfaction with the application. The final prototype of the tool was disseminated through clinical meetings and the Google Store. Results: Four easy-to-use and interactive modules can be used to reconcile chronic medications through the app, while the web platform is designed for consultation and learning. A higher level of satisfaction with the tool was achieved by the test participants (4.67±0.58). The triggering of dose and duplication alerts for users or the integration of ConciliaMed with electronic prescription systems were some of the more requested adaptations by the test participants. Discussion: The ability to generate an editable reconciliation report or transfer information between users are some of the features of ConciliaMed that encourage its use. The integration of ConciliaMed into the healthcare workflow is expected. Conclusion: The web platform is freely available online ( https://conciliamed.chronic-pharma.com ), as is the mobile application through the Google Store, making it easily accessible to healthcare professionals.