How-to guide for medication reviews in older adults with cancer: A Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology and Nursing & Allied Health Interest Group initiative

Abstract

Older adults with cancer often use multiple concurrent medications, a practice called polypharmacy. Polypharmacy is most commonly defined as the use of five or more medications, although definitions vary [1]. The prevalence of polypharmacy in older adults with cancer ranges from 11% to 96% depending on how it is defined [2]. Polypharmacy in older adults with cancer increases the risk of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use, defined as using a medication in which risks outweigh potential benefits, occurring from continuing a medication that is no longer necessary or where safer alternatives exist [3].