Perceptions and Expectations of Pharmacist Interventions in Adverse Event Management During Drug Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan.

Background

We investigated the role of pharmacists in adverse event (AE) management during renal cell carcinoma (RCC) drug therapy by surveying patients, physicians, and pharmacists. We identified the types of AEs for which pharmacist involvement is beneficial and explored measures to promote pharmacist intervention.

Methods

This was an ad hoc analysis of a questionnaire-based cross-sectional web survey conducted from May to June 2022 among patients undergoing RCC drug therapy, physicians prescribing RCC treatments, and pharmacists involved in oncology care in Japan.

Results

A total of 83 patients with metastatic RCC, 165 physicians, and 218 pharmacists were included. Among patients, 28.9% reported experiencing AEs or symptoms requiring pharmacist intervention. Most physicians (78.2%) and pharmacists (96.3%) supported pharmacist involvement in AE management. Notably, 35.6% of patients who reported no AEs or symptoms requiring pharmacist intervention acknowledged difficulty in communicating AEs to their physicians. Regarding desired pharmacist interventions for AEs, patients prioritized rash/pruritus, fatigue, and diarrhea; physicians emphasized stomatitis and anorexia; pharmacists identified constipation, stomatitis, and diarrhea. The most common reason patients valued pharmacist involvement was the reassurance of support from multiple healthcare providers. Physicians and pharmacists valued pharmacists' greater familiarity with AE management, particularly considering physicians' limited time. Raising awareness among patients and healthcare professionals, patient requests, and improving institutional support were strategies to enhance pharmacist involvement. Over 86% of healthcare professionals considered pharmaceutical outpatient clinics necessary to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions

This study highlights widespread support among patients, physicians, and pharmacists for pharmacist involvement in managing AEs during RCC drug therapy.