[Anticancer drugs off label used of: what do the experts think about?]

Bull Cancer. 2004 Oct;91(10):769-77.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Anticancer drugs off label used in Tenon hospital were analysed by a panel of 12 experts not working at Tenon hospital. They distinguished 3 groups of off-label prescribing according to scientific evidence, labelling anticancer drugs alternative in presence and patient's characteristics: justified off label used (62%), unjustified off label used (26%) and prescriptions for which no consensus had been reached between the experts (12%). Nineteen per cent of unjustified off label used had labelling alternative and 7% did not have anticancer drugs labelling alternative. Questions who experts had to answer to analyse drugs prescribing could be systematically asked when a chemotherapy is prescribed. It could allowed to take into account scientific, economic and ethical requirements. This method proposed by the local drug committee could be used to regulate economic resources and to justify financing of some expensive anticancer drugs.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Labeling*
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Humans
  • Medical Audit
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents