These guidelines apply specifically to the use of oral cancer drug therapy in the treatment of adult cancer though we strongly believe they are broadly applicable and address important gaps and concerns regarding safe use and handling of these hazardous drugs in any practice setting.
The information needs of patients who are prescribed oral cancer drug therapy and their caregivers, the occupational health and safety concerns of their care providers, and the overarching patient safety concerns remain constant even when settings change.
Therefore, providers and administrators working in other care settings where oral cancer drug therapy is used, including community pharmacy, home care, pediatric and young adult cancer care, long-term care, penitentiaries, hospitals, respite and other day care facilities should, at minimum, review these guidelines to determine their relevance in each practice setting.
Further, to ensure the full suite of recommendations regarding safe use and safe handling are considered, readers are strongly encouraged to use this document as a companion rather than stand alone reference.
