Pharmacist-led reviews cut medication problems in older cancer patients

A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Internal Medicine highlights the urgent need to refine medication management for older adults with cancer, a population in which the majority are prescribed five or more drugs. Researchers evaluated whether an advisory letter summarizing a pharmacist‑led comprehensive medication review could improve prescribing practices for patients undergoing rehabilitation after cancer treatment.

The trial found that physicians who received the advisory letters reported a measurable reduction in common medication problems, such as drug‑drug interactions and inappropriate dosing, compared with standard care. By integrating pharmacist expertise into the communication loop, the intervention demonstrated a practical approach to mitigating polypharmacy risks and supporting safer, more effective treatment regimens for elderly cancer patients during their recovery phase.