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Oral oncolytic regimens have many benefits; however, patients can encounter barriers (e.g., institutional, socioeconomic, treatment) that can hinder their ability to take their medication as prescribed. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) face complex dosing schedules that challenge adherence. When patients take oral therapies at home, healthcare professionals (HCPs) can use tools to empower their patients to ensure they are taking the right dosages at the right time. HCPs—particularly oncology nurses and pharmacists—have an opportunity to embrace the roles of educators and advocates, to support and encourage patients with mCRC to overcome adherence barriers to achieve their treatment goals.
NCODA’s View: This is a excellent whitepaper by ONS detailing many of the challenges patients encounter in taking oral therapy. While the whitepaper is specific to metastatic colorectal cancer, the challenges and recommendations can be applied to all patients taking oral therapy. The Pharmacist, OCN Nurse, Pharmacy Technician dispensing staffing model advocated by NCODA dovetails nicely with the recommendations in this whitepaper.