Clinical pathway based on Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) for chemotherapy for lung cancer

Abstract

Recently, combination treatment with cisplatin has been recommended as chemotherapy for lung cancer. However, no clinical pathway for safe and efficient use of anticancer agents has been established. We devised a clinical pathway satisfying evidence-based medicine (EBM) criteria by analyzing case records and the relevant literature. We analyzed 73 case records of hospitalized patients who had undergone chemotherapy for lung cancer on the internal medicine ward of the Showa University Hospital. Grade 3 or higher toxicities of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, vomiting, and diarrhea occurred in 30%, 51%, 14%, 5%, 8%, and 1% of patients, respectively. Therefore the checklists for these toxicities were included in the clinical pathway. The National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria were used for the evaluation of toxicities. According to the guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the US Infection Society, the indicated agents and criteria for their use were chosen for supportive cancer treatment. Pharmacists, physicians, and nurses collaborated in making the clinical pathway safe and sufficiently easy for practical use. The final version of the clinical pathway is compatible with EBM and includes items required for safe chemotherapy, which could be helpful in risk management. © 2004 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.