Basic principles of cancer therapy

Abstract

Oncology pharmacists (OPs) as health advisors in oncology settings have positive contributions during cancer therapy. The oncology pharmacists are involved in the cancer therapy effectively with their knowledge on chemotherapy administration guidelines, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs. Cancer is the second cause of deaths in America and it is estimated that over 600,000 people by 2020. Although the mechanism of cancer has not been fully elucidated yet, there are currently using and developing various drugs and methods for cancer therapy. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are the mainly types of cancer therapy. These therapies are used alone or in combination. The basic principles of cancer therapy determine the application of these treatment modalities for specific cancer types and each patient. In this chapter; basic principles of cancer therapy will be reviewed under the subtitles of "stage of cancer, " patient characteristics (age, body surface area, comorbidities and performance status), drug related factors (cell cycle specificity, combination therapy and adverse effects). © 2021 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.