Concomitant drugs with low risks of drug-drug interactions for use in oncology clinical trials

Abstract

Background: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) may occur with investigational drugs and affect patient safety, trial outcomes, and drug development. A list of preferred drugs with minimal risks of DDIs for treatment of symptoms or comorbidities frequently encountered by cancer patients would be helpful.

Methods: We reviewed the literature to assess DDIs reported for the main drugs available for treatment of symptoms/comorbidities frequently encountered by cancer patients. Reviews and relevant original articles cited were retrieved and analyzed, and the following data were collected and double-checked: pharmacological properties; effects, if any, of drugs on CYP enzymes, membrane transporters, and QT interval; and involvement in significant DDIs.

Results: A list of preferred drugs with minimal risks of DDIs was compiled.

Conclusion: Acknowledging for heterogeneity in data sources, prevention of unexpected DDIs during clinical trials may be improved by using this list of preferred drugs for the management of study patient's symptoms.

Keywords: Cancer; Clinical trials; Clinical trials as topic; Drug interactions; Patient safety; Phase I as topic.