Pharmacokinetics based individualised dosing of anti cancer therapies for elderly patients

Abstract

The overall aim of the research presented in this thesis was to explore and improve the

outcomes of older adults with cancer with individualised dosing methods of anticancer

therapy, and ways to increase the feasibility and uptake of such methods into routine clinical

practice. Colorectal cancer and capecitabine chemotherapy were foci of the research.

In conclusion, older adults with cancer compared with younger adults experience worse

outcomes like toxicity and receive less chemotherapy. Data on the effect of age on PK of

chemotherapy in CRC is limited. Better dosing strategies may improve toxicity profile of

anticancer therapy and increase the uptake of anticancer therapy by older adults with cancer.

PK-guided dosing, using microsampling techniques, is a promising strategy that allows

personalised dosing to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy. Further validation studies are

required to determine the effectiveness of microsampling as a substitute for plasma sampling.