Network meta-analysis: a technique to gather evidence from direct and indirect comparisons

The definition of antineoplastic administration sequences can help planning of therapeutic regimens in a more rational way, and thus optimize chemotherapy effects on patients, increasing efficacy and reducing toxic effects. In this way, this study aimed to evaluate the infusion order of antineoplastic agents of the main therapeutic protocols used in the treatment of colorectal and breast cancer which are used in a tertiary hospital, identifying possible interactions dependent on the infusion sequence. For the definition of protocols adopted in the hospital, medical prescriptions were used in the period of January to March 2016 and a literature review was conducted to search for studies assessing the sequence of administering the selected regimens. The databases used were SciELO, LILACS and MEDLINE, in addition to Micromedex Solutions (R) and UpToDate (R). A total of 19 protocols were identified for antineoplastic therapy, 11 for colorectal cancer and 8 for breast cancer. The selected articles provided evidence for administration order of 19 protocols, and three protocols did no report relevance of infusion sequence. Sequence-dependent interactions were mainly related to toxicity, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the drug combination. The definition of the infusion sequence has a great impact on the optimization of therapy, increasing efficacy and safety of the protocols containing combined antineoplastic therapies.

Global healthcare systems, including the National Health System in Brazil – one of the largest public models in the world –, continue to evolve, as well as populations' health needs, currently shaped on individuals feeling a greater desire to manage their own health. Self-care practices are part of several public policies and clinical guidelines in Brazil including the National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices, the National AIDS Control Program, the National Policy for Women's Health, and the Guidelines for Care of People with Chronic Diseases. There are over 100,700 community pharmacies, in the country (89.2% privately owned) employing 234,300 pharmacists, representing an important delivery point for self-care, as they are the first point of access to care for most patients. Self-medication is a common practice in Brazil (prevalence rates of self-medication ranging from 16.1% to 35.0%), especially with non-prescription/over-the-counter medicinal products (65.0%). In fact, these products represent over 25% of volume marketed of medicines, summing revenues of USD 1.9 billion per year. Studies demonstrated a positive budget impact as important savings for the National Health System due to reductions of unnecessary medical appointments and loss of working days. In addition to minor ailments management, other self-care services provided by community pharmacies that are frequently sought by Brazilian citizens (20–25% of cases) are smoking cessation and weight management (costs per service ranging from around USD 5.00–12.00). However, pharmacy services are not yet as fully integrated in Brazil to the same extent as in other countries. Barriers such as standardization of processes (from services' design, implementation, and evaluation in practice), pharmacist remuneration for the provision of services and the amount to be charged for the service are still a matter of controversy. For more rapid and sustainable advances in these practices, communication among various stakeholders, professional practice and healthcare regulations, standardization of services and financing of self-care (both publicly and privately) are urgently needed. This paper provides an overview of some self-care services provided by community pharmacies in Brazil and call attention to the ongoing challenges to move the National Health system forward.