FORTA-Based Pharmacist Review Cuts Medication Problems in Older Cancer Patients

This trial provides the first randomized evidence that a pharmacist-led, FORTA-guided medication review substantially improves prescribing quality in older cancer patients with polypharmacy during oncological rehabilitation.

FORTA listmedication reviewdeprescribingpolypharmacypotentially inappropriate medicationsgeriatric oncologyproton pump inhibitorsNSAIDsbeta blockersvaccinationrandomized controlled trialOPTIMAL trialpharmacist-led intervention Ambulatory Care / MTM

Background Information

Pharmacist-led reviews reduce inappropriate medication in older cancer patients.

Older cancer patients often experience polypharmacy, leading to medication-related issues. Improving medication quality can enhance their overall care. The pharmacist-led medication review resulted in a mean FORTA score reduction of 3.7 points and decreased inappropriate medication, underuse, and overuse by 41.3%, 35.5%, and 30.7%, respectively. This study supports pharmacist-led interventions using the FORTA list to optimize medication regimens in older cancer patients, improving safety and efficacy. Pharmacist-led medication reviews significantly improve medication quality in older cancer patients with polypharmacy.

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Authors: Degen M, Kopp-Schneider A, Vlaski T, Carlsson S, Hallermann P, Jewlanowa L, Barinoff J, Goede V, Lüders C, Kiefer-Trendelenburg T, Lüftner D, Doll J, Wagner J, Leibbrand B, Brenner H, Schöttker B

Citation: Degen M, Kopp-Schneider A, Vlaski T, et al. Cancer co-medication quality in older patients with polypharmacy: A large randomized trial testing a medication review versus usual care. Journal of internal medicine. 2026. doi:10.1111/joim.70161

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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