This study analyzed prescription dosages of oral anti-cancer agents (OAs) compared to FDA recommendations among 155 cancer patients. The sample was predominantly Caucasian (86%) and male (43%), with a mean age of 59.3 years. Most patients (66%) had stage IV cancer. The study found that the prescribed dosage equaled the FDA recommendation for 56% of patients, exceeded the recommendation for 19%, and was lower than the recommendation for 25%. For the drug Capecitabine, the prescribed dosage equaled the FDA level for only 5% of patients, exceeded it for 55%, and was lower for 40%. The implications are that nurses should be aware of proper OA dosages to avoid increased side effects

1. Sample Characteristics
N=155
Age 59.3 mean; standard
deviation (SD) 10.32;
Range 33-82 years
Gender Male: n=66 (43%)
Female: n=89 (57%)
Race Caucasian: n=133 (86%)
African-American: n=16
(10%)
Other, multi-racial, or not
reported: n=6 (4%)
Cancer
Stage
Of 110 who reported
n=72 (66%) Stage IV
Secondary Analysis of Oral Anti-cancer Agent
Prescription Dosages and FDA Recommendations
S. Doane, Honors College Professorial Assistant; M. Schueller, BA; & S. Spoelstra, PhD, RN
Significance & Purpose
• The use of oral anti-cancer
agents (OAs) is increasing,
and therapeutic doses are
needed for effective
treatment.
• This study compared actual
prescribed OA dosages to
corresponding FDA
recommended OA dosages
among cancer patients
prescribed treatment in oral
form.
Data Analysis
• Data on demographics and
OA prescriptions were
collected and compiled from
baseline interviews.
• Dosage recommendation
data were taken from the
FDA website. For this
analysis, dosages were
measured in total dosage
per 24 hour time period.
• Prescription dosages were
compared with FDA
recommendations.
Methodology
• This is a secondary analysis
of data from two randomized
controlled trails on text
messaging to promote OA
adherence.
• Inclusion criteria were: >21
years of age; diagnosed with
cancer; and prescribed an OA
for treatment.
• 155 patients were included.
Implications for
Practice
• Nurses should be aware of
FDA recommended dosages
for patients prescribed OAs
under their treatment
• Patients receiving dosages
that exceed the FDA
recommended may
experience increased side
effects and adverse events.
Prescription Data
28 Different OAs Prescribed
= FDA recommended n=86 (56%)
> FDA recommended n=30 (19%)
< FDA recommended n=39 (25%)
Capecitabine
35.5% (n=55) of patients
= FDA recommended n=3 (5%)
> FDA recommended n=30 (55%)
< FDA recommended n=22 (40%)
This research was supported by one grant from the McKesson Foundation, (San Francisco, California) entitled: Text Messaging to Improve Symptom Management and Adherence to Oral
Chemotherapy Agents.; and a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) R15 award entitled: Text Messaging to Improve Adherence to Oral Chemotherapy Agents.