| Tumor Classification | Tumor Classification | Tumor Type | Tumor Type | Typical Prognosis | First-Line Regimens | Second-Line / Subsequent Regimens | Key Genetic Mutations / Biomarkers | Major Risk Factors | Key Clinical / Pharmacy Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid | Breast Cancer | Variable | Surgery ± RT; ER+ → endocrine (AI/Tam); HER2+ → trastuzumab + chemo | CDK4/6 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, ADCs | BRCA1/2, HER2, ER/PR, PIK3CA | Hormonal exposure, genetics | Subtype-driven therapy | ||
| Lung Cancer | NSCLC | Poor | Targeted TKI (if driver+); chemo-IO | Alternate TKIs, chemo, antibody–drug conjugates | EGFR, ALK, KRAS, BRAF, PD-L1 | Smoking, radon | Molecular testing mandatory | ||
| SCLC | Very poor | Platinum + etoposide ± IO | Topotecan, lurbinectedin | TP53, RB1 loss | Smoking | Rapid relapse common | |||
| Colorectal Cancer | Good if early | Surgery ± FOLFOX/FOLFIRI | Anti-EGFR, anti-VEGF, immunotherapy (MSI-H) | KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, MSI | Diet, Lynch syndrome | KRAS mutant ≠ anti-EGFR | |||
| Prostate Cancer | Favorable | ADT ± radiation | AR inhibitors, docetaxel, PARP inhibitors | AR, BRCA2 | Age, race | Hormone-driven | |||
| Brain Cancer | Glioblastoma | Poor | Surgery + RT + temozolomide | Bevacizumab, trials | IDH-WT, MGMT methylation | Sporadic | BBB limits therapy | ||
| Low-Grade Glioma | Moderate | Surgery ± RT | PCV, temozolomide | IDH1/2, 1p/19q | Genetic | IDH mutation = better outcome | |||
| Head & Neck SCC | Variable | Surgery or RT ± cisplatin | Immunotherapy (PD-1 inhibitors) | HPV-16 (p16), TP53 | Smoking, HPV | HPV+ better prognosis | |||
| Gastric Cancer | Poor | Surgery + peri-op chemo | Trastuzumab (HER2+), IO | HER2, CDH1, MSI | H. pylori | HER2 testing essential | |||
| Hepatocellular Carcinoma | Poor | Atezolizumab + bevacizumab | TKIs (sorafenib, lenvatinib) | TP53, CTNNB1 | HBV/HCV, cirrhosis | Liver function limits dosing | |||
| Pancreatic Cancer | Very poor | FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine | Nanoliposomal irinotecan | KRAS, TP53 | Smoking | Highly chemoresistant | |||
| Renal Cell Carcinoma | Variable | IO + TKI combinations | Alternate TKIs, mTOR inhibitors | VHL | Smoking | Anti-angiogenic focus | |||
| Melanoma | Poor if metastatic | Immunotherapy ± BRAF/MEK | Alternate IO, TIL therapy | BRAF V600E | UV exposure | High IO response | |||
| Bladder Cancer | Variable | Cisplatin-based chemo | IO, FGFR inhibitors | FGFR3, TP53 | Smoking | BCG for NMIBC | |||
| Thyroid Cancer | Papillary | Excellent | Surgery ± radioactive iodine | TKIs (advanced) | BRAF V600E | Radiation | TSH suppression | ||
| Medullary | Variable | Surgery | RET inhibitors | RET | MEN2 | Calcitonin marker | |||
| Sarcoma | Soft Tissue Sarcoma | Variable | Surgery ± doxorubicin | TKIs, trabectedin | KIT, PDGFRA (GIST) | Radiation | Histology-specific | ||
| Osteosarcoma | Moderate | MAP chemo + surgery | Ifosfamide | RB1, TP53 | Adolescence | High MTX toxicity | |||
| Ewing Sarcoma | Moderate | VDC/IE chemo | High-dose chemo | EWSR1-FLI1 | Pediatric | Highly chemosensitive | |||
| Gynecological Tumors | Endometrial Cancer | Favorable | Surgery ± RT | Progestins, IO (MSI-H) | PTEN, MSI | Obesity | Hormone-sensitive | ||
| Cervical Cancer | Variable | RT + cisplatin | Bevacizumab, IO | HPV 16/18 | HPV | Vaccine-preventable | |||
| Ovarian Cancer | Poor | Surgery + platinum-taxane | PARP inhibitors | BRCA1/2, HRD | Genetics | Maintenance therapy critical | |||
| Testicular Cancer | Excellent | BEP chemo | Salvage chemo | i(12p) | Cryptorchidism | Highly curable | |||
| Pediatric Cancer | Neuroblastoma | Variable | Risk-based chemo + surgery | Anti-GD2 immunotherapy | MYCN | Pediatric | Age-dependent risk | ||
| Wilms Tumor | Excellent | Surgery + chemo | Intensified chemo | WT1 | Congenital | >90% cure | |||
| Medulloblastoma | Moderate | Surgery + RT + chemo | Targeted trials | SHH, WNT | Pediatric | Neurotoxicity risk | |||
| Rhabdomyosarcoma | Variable | VAC chemo | Intensified regimens | PAX3-FOXO1 | Pediatric | Sarcoma subtype | |||
| Lymphoma | Hodgkin Lymphoma | Excellent | ABVD | Brentuximab, IO | CD30 | EBV | High cure rate | ||
| Hematologic Tumors | NHL (DLBCL) | Curable | R-CHOP | CAR-T | MYC, BCL2 | Immunosuppression | Aggressive | ||
| Liquid Tumors | Leukemia | AML | Variable | Intensive chemo ± targeted | HSCT, novel agents | FLT3, NPM1, IDH | Age, therapy-related | Cytogenetic risk | |
| ALL | Excellent (children) | Multi-agent chemo ± TKI | HSCT | BCR-ABL1 | Pediatric | CNS prophylaxis | |||
| CML | Excellent | TKI (imatinib) | 2nd-gen TKIs | BCR-ABL1 | None specific | Model targeted cancer | |||
| CLL | Indolent | Watch-and-wait or BTKi | Venetoclax | TP53, IGHV | Age | Oral therapy dominant | |||
| Multiple Myeloma | Chronic | VRd | CAR-T, bispecifics | del17p | Age | Bone & renal toxicity | |||
| MDS | Variable | HMAs | HSCT | TP53, SF3B1 | Age | AML progression risk |
Complete Oncology Reference — Unified Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment Strategies | Curative intent; Neoadjuvant therapy (before surgery); Adjuvant therapy (after surgery); Palliative therapy (symptom relief); Cancer‑free = no detectable disease; Recurrence = cancer returns after remission |
| 7 Warning Signs (CAUTION) | C: Change in bowel/bladder habits; A: A sore that does not heal; U: Unusual bleeding/discharge; T: Thickening/lump; I: Indigestion/difficulty swallowing; O: Obvious change in wart/mole; N: Nagging cough/hoarseness |
| Performance Status | Karnofsky: 100 = normal → 0 = dead; ECOG: 0 = fully active → 5 = dead |
| Cell Cycle & Agents | M Phase: Vinca Alkaloids, Taxanes; S Phase: Antimetabolites, Topoisomerase inhibitors; Non–Cell‑Cycle Specific: Alkylating agents, Anthracyclines |
| Common ADRs | Oral mucositis: sprays, emollients; Hand‑Foot Syndrome: PPE; Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: avoid chemo; Myelosuppression: ↓ platelets, ↓ neutrophils; Neutropenia: risk stratification + G‑CSF; Hypercalcemia: hydration + bisphosphonates; Febrile neutropenia: broad‑spectrum antibiotics; Anemia: ESA guidelines + iron |
| Toxicities by Agent | N/V: Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide; Mucositis: Methotrexate, 5‑FU; Diarrhea: Irinotecan, 5‑FU; Constipation: Vincristine; Xerostomia: radiation; Clotting: Tamoxifen; Cardiotoxicity: Doxorubicin, Trastuzumab; Hepatotoxicity: Methotrexate; Pulmonary toxicity: Bleomycin, Busulfan; Nephrotoxicity: Cisplatin, Methotrexate; Hemorrhagic cystitis: Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide |
| Chemo Man Mnemonic | B = Bleomycin (lungs); D = Doxorubicin/Adriamycin (heart); C = Cisplatin (kidneys/ears); V = Vincristine (nerves); M = Methotrexate (liver); T = Taxanes (neuropathy); I = Ifosfamide (bladder) |
| Dosing Limits | Bleomycin: 400U lifetime (pulmonary toxicity); Doxorubicin: 450–550 mg lifetime (cardiotoxicity); Cisplatin: ≤100 mg/cycle (nephrotoxicity); Vincristine: max 2 mg/dose (neuropathy) |
| Chemo Adjuncts | G‑CSF: Filgrastim, Tbo‑filgrastim, Peg‑filgrastim, Sargramostim; Leucovorin: MTX rescue, 5‑FU enhancement; Mesna: prevents hemorrhagic cystitis; Amifostine: cytoprotection; Dexrazoxane: protects heart from anthracyclines; Uridine Triacetate: antidote for 5‑FU toxicity |
| GENERIC | BRAND | MOA | ADRs | BBW | CONTRADUCTION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclophosphamide | Cytoxan | Alkylating Agents: NON-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | Hemorrhagic Cystitis | Myelosuppression | ALL have BBW: Myelosuppression | Must prevent w/ MESNA (Mesna) & Hydration |
| Ifosfamide | Ifex | Alkylating Agents: NON-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | Hemorrhagic Cystitis | Myelosuppression | ALL have BBW: Myelosuppression | Must prevent w/ MESNA (Mesna) & Hydration |
| Carmustine | BCNU | Alkylating Agents: NON-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | Pulmonary Toxicity | Neurotoxicity | Pulmonary Toxicity | |
| Bendamustine | Bendeka, Treanda | Alkylating Agents: NON-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | ||||
| Busulfan | Myleran, Busulfex | Alkylating Agents: NON-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | Pulmonary Toxicity | Pulmonary Toxicity | ||
| Melphalan | Alkeran, Evomela | Alkylating Agents: NON-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | ||||
| Cisplatin | Platinum-Based: Non-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | Peripheral Neuropathy, Ototoxicity, Nephrotoxicity | Myelosuppression, Anaphylaxis | Highest Nephrotoxicity & CINV | Nephrotoxicity, Ototoxicity; Amifostine for prophylaxis | |
| Carboplatin | Platinum-Based: Non-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | Peripheral Neuropathy, Ototoxicity, Nephrotoxicity | Myelosuppression | Calvert Formula used for dosing | ||
| Oxaliplatin | Platinum-Based: Non-Specific Agents (DNA disruption) | Peripheral Neuropathy (Acute Sensory Neuropathy) | Exacerbated by COLD weather | |||
| Doxorubicin | Anthracyclines: NON-Specific Agents | RED-Litrite Discoloration, Hand-Foot Syndrome, CINV | Myelosuppression, Myocardial Toxicity, Vesicant | Cardiotoxicity = related to TOTAL cumulative anthracycline dose received over LIFETIME – MAX Dose = 450-550 mg/m² | Prophylaxis = Dexrazoxane (Zinecard) | |
| Mitoxantrone | Anthracyclines: NON-Specific Agents | BLUE-Litrite Discoloration | Myelosuppression, Myocardial Toxicity, Vesicant | Cardiotoxicity = related to TOTAL cumulative anthracycline dose received over LIFETIME – MAX Dose = 140-160 mg/m² | ||
| Vincristine | Vinca Alkaloids: M-Phase | Neuropathy (Paresthesia), Constipation | IV Only – NO intrathecal | NOT Myelosuppressive | MAX DOSE = 2 mg/Dose; Dose in small IV bag (Piggy Back); MOST CNS Toxicity; Intrathecal Administration → DEATH + PARALYSIS | |
| Vinblastine | Vinca Alkaloids: M-Phase | Myelosuppressive | ||||
| Vinorelbine | Vinca Alkaloids: M-Phase | Myelosuppressive | ||||
| Paclitaxel | Taxanes: M-Phase | Neuropathy, Myalgia, Arthralgia | Myelosuppression, Hypersensitivity Reactions, Fatal Anaphylaxis | Infusion Hypersensitivity Reaction = Pre-Medicate w/ Benadryl, Steroid, or H2RA | Give Taxanes BEFORE Platinum; Fluid Retention | |
| Docetaxel | Taxanes: M-Phase | Neuropathy, Myalgia, Arthralgia, Fluid Retention | Myelosuppression, Hypersensitivity Reactions | |||
| Irinotecan | Topoisomerase 1 inhibitor: S-Phase | N/V/D, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Alopecia | Myelosuppression | Cholinergic Sx (Flushing, Sweat, Cramps); Delayed Diarrhea | Mono UGT1A1*28 causes neutropenia; Delayed Diarrhea (Early + Late) | |
| Topotecan | Topoisomerase 1 inhibitor: S-Phase | Myelosuppression | ||||
| Etoposide IV | Topoisomerase 2 inhibitor: G2-Phase | Hypersensitivity, Anaphylaxis | Myelosuppression | Infusion Rate-Related Hypotension; Use Non-PVC IV bag + Tubing; Refrigerate Capsules | ||
| Etoposide Capsules | VePesid | Topoisomerase 2 inhibitor: G2-Phase | ||||
| Fluorouracil | 5-FU | Pyrimidine Analogs: S-Phase | Hand-Foot Syndrome, Cardiotoxicity, Photosensitivity, Diarrhea, Mucositis | ↑ INR | CrCl <30 | DPD Deficiency = Toxicity |
| Capecitabine | Xeloda | Pyrimidine Analogs: S-Phase | Hand-Foot Syndrome, Diarrhea, Mucositis | Pro-Drug of 5-FU; DPD Deficiency = Toxicity | ||
| Cytarabine | ARA-C | Pyrimidine Analogs: S-Phase | ||||
| Gemcitabine | Pyrimidine Analogs: S-Phase | |||||
| Methotrexate | Folate Anti-Metabolites: S-Phase | Nephrotoxicity, Hepatotoxicity, Mucositis | Myelosuppression, Mucositis, Diarrhea | NSAID, Salicylate = DDI | Give Folic Acid, Vit-B12 for S/E; Intrathecal should ONLY be given if Preservative-Free formulation; Dose >500 mg rec, Leucovorin; Must Hydrate + IV Sodium Bicarb to ↓ Nephrotoxicity | |
| Pemetrexed | Folate Anti-Metabolites: S-Phase | |||||
| Everolimus | Zortress | mTOR inhibitor; Indication = Transplant | Dyslipidemia, Stomatitis, Rash, Interstitial Lung Disease | |||
| Temsirolimus IV | Torisel | mTOR inhibitor |
| GENERIC | BRAND | MOA | ADRs | BBW | CONTRANDICATION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tretinoin | Vesanoid | Miscellaneous Agents | RA-APL Differentiation Syndrome, QT-Prolongation | |||
| Arsenic Trioxide | Miscellaneous Agents | RA-APL Differentiation Syndrome, Hypersensitivity, Pancreatitis, Prolonged Prothrombin Time/INR | ||||
| Asparaginase | Miscellaneous Agents | Pulmonary Fibrosis | No Myelosuppression; MAX LIFE Dose = 400 units | |||
| Pegaspargase | Miscellaneous Agents | REMS Drug – Pregnancy | ||||
| Bleomycin | Miscellaneous Agents | Pulmonary Fibrosis, Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia | Fetal Risk Pregnancy, DVT, PE risk | Pregnancy | ||
| Mitomycin | Miscellaneous Agents | Pulmonary Fibrosis | ||||
| Bortezomib | Miscellaneous Agents | Peripheral Neuropathy, Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia | Give Acyclovir, Valacyclovir to prevent Herpes reactivation | |||
| Bevacizumab | Avastin | VEGF Inhibitor | HTN | Fatal Bleeding, GI Perforation | Poor Wound Healing – AVOID 28 days before/after Surgery | Affects circulatory system |
| Trastuzumab | Herceptin | HER-2 Inhibitor | Cardiotoxicity, Fetal Toxicity | MONITOR: LVEF w/ ECG or MUGA Scan @ Baseline & During Tx | ||
| Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine | Kadcyla | HER-2 Inhibitor | MED GUIDE – REMS Drug | |||
| Cetuximab | Erbitux | EGFR Inhibitor | Skin Rash | EGFR + Gene Expression = BETTER Response in NSCLC – Must be KRAS-Wild Type to use | ||
| Panitumumab | Vectibix | EGFR Inhibitor | ||||
| Ipilimumab | Yervoy | CTLA-4 Inhibitor | Myelosuppression, Viral Infection, Colitis, Hepatotoxicity, Thyroid Dysfunction, Myocarditis | |||
| Rituximab | Rituxan | CD20 Inhibitor | Must be CD20 + to use; MED GUIDE Required | |||
| Imatinib | Gleevec | BCR-ABL Inhibitor – Tx CML | QT-Prolongation, Fluid Retention | Must be Philadelphia BCR-ABL + | ||
| Vemurafenib | BRAF Inhibitor | New Malignancies | Must be BRAF V600E or V600K + | |||
| Dabrafenib | BRAF Inhibitor | |||||
| Afatinib | EGFR Inhibitor | Must be EGFR + | ||||
| Erlotinib | EGFR Inhibitor | |||||
| Gefitinib | EGFR Inhibitor | |||||
| Crizotinib | ALK Inhibitor | Must be ALK + | ||||
| Ceritinib | ALK Inhibitor | |||||
| Alectinib | ALK Inhibitor | |||||
| Lapatinib | HER-2/EGFR Inhibitor | Must have HER-2 Overexpression |
Acute Oncology: Problems and Common Causes
| Problem | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Fever | Neutropenic sepsis |
| Breathlessness | Pulmonary embolus, pleural effusion Neutropenic sepsis Bronchial obstruction and lobar collapse Tense ascites |
| Hypotension | Neutropenic sepsis Pulmonary embolus, pericardial tamponade |
| Swollen face | Superior vena caval obstruction |
| Leg weakness | Spinal cord compression |
| Mental deterioration | Hypercalcaemia Raised intracranial pressure |
| Renal failure | Obstructive uropathy, sepsis Drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate, cisplatin Metabolic: calcium, uric acid, myeloma protein, tumour lysis |
| Haemorrhage | Tumour erosion, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation |
| Bone pain | Pathological fracture |
| Acute abdomen | Intestinal obstruction and perforation |
| Jaundice | Obstructing mass liver, parenchymal destruction by tumour or drugs |
Comprehensive Antineoplastic Classes – With Tumor Types & Supportive Care Guidance
| Class / Subclass | Representative Drugs | Mechanism of Action | Tumors Treated | Key Toxicities | Monitoring Priorities | Supportive Care Additions (Oncology Pharmacy Focus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkylating Agents | Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide, Busulfan, Melphalan, Carmustine | DNA cross-linking | Hematologic (AML, ALL, lymphoma, myeloma); Breast, ovarian, neuroblastoma, CNS tumors (BCNU) | Myelosuppression, hemorrhagic cystitis (ifosfamide/cyclophosphamide), pulmonary fibrosis (busulfan) | CBC, renal/liver labs | MESNA + hydration for hemorrhagic cystitis; antiemetics (high-risk IV emetogenic); Busulfan – seizure prophylaxis (levetiracetam); G-CSF if prolonged neutropenia |
| Platinum Agents | Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin | Platinum–DNA adducts | Testicular, ovarian, lung, bladder, colorectal, head & neck | Nephrotoxicity (cisplatin), ototoxicity, neuropathy, severe N/V | CrCl, electrolytes (Mg, K), audiology | Aggressive IV hydration; electrolyte repletion; NK1 + 5-HT3 + dexamethasone antiemetic triplet; neuropathy counseling; cryotherapy (oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy) |
| Antimetabolites (Folate) | Methotrexate, Pemetrexed | DHFR inhibition | Leukemia, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, NSCLC, breast | Mucositis, hepatic injury, renal failure (high-dose MTX) | CBC, LFTs, urine pH | Leucovorin rescue protocol; urine alkalinization (goal pH ≥ 7); hydration; MTX levels monitoring; folate/B12 supplements (pemetrexed) |
| Antimetabolites (Pyrimidine) | 5-FU, Capecitabine, Cytarabine | Thymidylate synthase & DNA inhibition | Colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, AML, ALL | Hand–foot syndrome, diarrhea, cerebellar toxicity | CBC, neuro exams | DPD deficiency screening; prophylactic urea-based creams; loperamide diarrhea protocol; dexamethasone eye drops for high-dose cytarabine to prevent conjunctivitis |
| Antimetabolites (Purine) | Fludarabine, 6-MP, Cladribine | Purine synthesis block | CLL, hairy-cell leukemia, ALL maintenance | Immunosuppression, hepatotoxicity | CBC, hepatic function | PJP prophylaxis (fludarabine), antiviral prophylaxis (HSV), TPMT testing before 6-MP |
| Anthracyclines | Doxorubicin, Daunorubicin, Epirubicin | Topo-II inhibition + free radicals | Breast, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia | Cardiotoxicity, vesicant extravasation | Baseline & serial ECHO, cumulative dose | Dexrazoxane cardioprotection; vesicant extravasation kit (DMSO, cold compress); strong antiemetic regimen; lifetime dose tracking |
| Topo I Inhibitors | Irinotecan, Topotecan | Prevent DNA break repair | Colorectal, lung, ovarian, pancreas | Delayed diarrhea, myelosuppression | CBC, hydration | Loperamide high-dose protocol for delayed diarrhea; atropine for acute diarrhea; hydration |
| Topo II Inhibitors | Etoposide, Teniposide | DNA strand break | SCLC, testicular, lymphoma | Myelosuppression, hypotension, alopecia | CBC | Infusion-rate monitoring; growth-factor prophylaxis depending on regimen |
| Vinca Alkaloids | Vincristine, Vinblastine | Microtubule inhibition | ALL, lymphoma, sarcoma, breast, lung | Peripheral neuropathy, constipation | Neurologic exam | Bowel regimen (senna + PEG); avoid intrathecal administration; neuropathy dose holds |
| Taxanes | Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Nab-paclitaxel | Microtubule stabilization | Breast, ovarian, prostate, lung | Hypersensitivity reactions, neuropathy, edema | CBC, neuropathy checks | Premedication: steroid + H1/H2 blockers (except nab-PXL); cryotherapy on hands/feet; edema – dexamethasone prophylaxis (docetaxel) |
| Hypomethylating Agents | Azacitidine, Decitabine | Reactivate tumor suppressor genes | AML (elderly), MDS | Cytopenias | CBC | Infection prophylaxis (antiviral/antibacterial), transfusion support, ESA if needed |
| HDAC Inhibitors | Vorinostat, Panobinostat | ↑ Histone acetylation | CTCL, multiple myeloma | QT prolongation, electrolyte imbalance | ECG, Mg/K levels | ECG monitoring; electrolyte replacement; anti-diarrheal PRN |
| Proteasome Inhibitors | Bortezomib, Carfilzomib | Proteasome inhibition | Multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma | Peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, cardiotoxicity | CBC, cardiac/renal panels | Give bortezomib SC instead of IV to reduce neuropathy; antiviral prophylaxis vs zoster; hydration + cardiac monitoring for carfilzomib |
| Small-Molecule TKIs | Imatinib, Osimertinib, Alectinib, Sunitinib | Block oncogenic kinases | CML, GIST, NSCLC EGFR+, ALK+, RCC | Diarrhea, rash, hepatotoxicity, hypertension | Liver panel, BP, ECG | BP control (ACE-I/ARB), anti-diarrheals, dermatologic prophylaxis (urea creams, doxycycline for EGFR-rash), TSH monitoring for VEGFR-TKIs |
| EGFR-mAbs | Cetuximab, Panitumumab | EGFR blockade | RAS-WT colorectal; head/neck | Severe acneiform rash, Mg loss | Mg levels | Skin toxicity protocol: sunscreen + doxycycline + topical steroids; Mg replacement |
| HER2-mAbs | Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab | HER2 receptor block | Breast HER2+, gastric HER2+ | Cardiotoxicity | ECHO Q3-6 mo | Hold therapy if LVEF drop; limit anthracycline overlap |
| CD20-mAbs | Rituximab, Obinutuzumab | B-cell depletion | NHL, CLL | Infusion reactions, HBV reactivation | HBV screen, CBC | Premeds: steroid + acetaminophen + H1 blocker; antiviral prophylaxis if HBV+; slow titration infusion |
| Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) | Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Ipilimumab | PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 blockade | Melanoma, lung, bladder, RCC, MSI-H CRC, Hodgkin lymphoma | Immune-mediated toxicities (colitis, hepatitis, thyroiditis) | LFTs, TSH, cortisol, CXR if pneumonitis | Immune management protocol: high-dose steroids for grade ≥ 2 toxicity; PJP prophylaxis if using steroids > 4 weeks |
| Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) | Brentuximab-vedotin, T-DM1, Enfortumab | Targeted mAb + cytotoxic payload | Hodgkin lymphoma, HER2+ metastatic breast, bladder | Neuropathy, hepatotoxicity, cytopenias | CBC, liver enzymes | Neuropathy counseling; dose adjust hepatic impairment |
| Endocrine Therapy (Estrogen Blockade) | Tamoxifen, Aromatase inhibitors, Fulvestrant | ER/estrogen pathway block | HR+ breast | VTE risk, osteoporosis (AIs) | Bone mineral density | VTE prophylaxis risk review; Ca/Vit-D; bisphosphonates or denosumab if osteoporotic |
| Androgen-Targeting Agents | Leuprolide, Abiraterone, Enzalutamide | ↓ Testosterone or block AR | Prostate cancer | Hot flashes, metabolic syndrome, adrenal suppression (abiraterone) | PSA, LFTs, BP, glucose | Prednisone mandatory with abiraterone; bone protection therapy; metabolic monitoring |
| PARP Inhibitors | Olaparib, Niraparib | PARP inhibition (BRCA) | Ovarian, BRCA+ breast, pancreatic, prostate | Anemia, fatigue | CBC | RBC transfusion support; antiemetics; genetic counseling |
| IMiDs | Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide | Immunomodulation + anti-angiogenesis | Multiple myeloma, MDS 5q- | Cytopenias, VTE, neuropathy | CBC | Mandatory VTE prophylaxis (ASA or LMWH); REMS pregnancy program; antiviral prophylaxis optional |
Additional Supportive Care Protocols (Quick-Use)
|
Supportive Care Category |
Best Practices |
|---|---|
|
G-CSF primary prophylaxis if >20% regimen risk; empiric cefepime/zosyn; add antifungal if persistent fever |
|
|
Hydration, allopurinol (low–intermediate risk), rasburicase (high uric acid/high-risk lymphomas & leukemias), strict urine output monitoring |
|
|
Antiemetic Strategy |
High emetogenic chemo → NK1 inhibitor + 5-HT3 + dexamethasone; consider olanzapine if refractory |
|
Oral cryotherapy (5-FU bolus), baking soda rinses, palifermin in HSCT |
|
|
PJP: fludarabine + chronic steroids → TMP-SMX; HBV screen rituximab → prophylactic entecavir/tenofovir; HSV prophylaxis for proteasome inhibitors |
Quick Oncology Pharmacist Application Guide
Matching Class to Tumor Biology
- Breast cancer: anthracyclines → taxanes → anti-HER2 if HER2+ → endocrine therapy if ER/PR+
- Colorectal: 5-FU ± oxaliplatin ± irinotecan; add bevacizumab or EGFR mAb if KRAS WT
- Myeloma: bortezomib ± lenalidomide ± dexamethasone
- AML: cytarabine + anthracycline backbone
- NSCLC: genomic-guided TKIs (EGFR/ALK/ROS1), ICIs
High-Risk Toxicity Watchpoints
| Toxicity | Culprit Classes | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiotoxicity | Anthracyclines, HER2-mAbs | Baseline & serial ECHO; dexrazoxane |
| Immune AEs | Checkpoint inhibitors | Early steroids, endocrine labs |
| Neuropathy | Taxanes, vincas, platinum agents | Dose-reduce if worsening |
| Hemorrhagic cystitis | Cyclophosphamide/Ifosfamide | MESNA + hydration |

