Anna Żuk, Justyna Orzechowska

The pharmacist’s role in the care of oncology patients

2025-12-11

The pharmacist’s role in the care of oncology patients

Cancer diseases, as well as oncological treatment, are associated with numerous disorders affecting both the physical and psychological spheres of the patient. Pharmaceutical care is a set of activities carried out by the pharmacist both in relation to the patient and in collaboration with the medical staff, aimed at improving the quality of treatment and ensuring appropriate patient care. An important aspect of pharmaceutical care is providing the patient with information about medications and their adverse effects and preventing drug interactions, as well as alleviating the side effects of therapy. To achieve the highest  effectiveness of therapy and ensure the best possible condition of the patient,  prompt diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment, along with   the development of a detailed therapeutic plan, are essential. This plan should be implemented by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychologists, who, by working together, ensure a comprehensive approach to therapy.

Pharmacists play a key role in the care of oncology patients, being an integral part of the therapeutic team in hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, and community settings. With their expertise in anticancer therapies, pharmacists help to ensure the optimal use of available treatments by maximizing their effectiveness and minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Oncology pharmacists are integral members of interdisciplinary therapeutic teams, contributing to the optimization of anticancer therapies and the improvement of patient outcomes.

In light of the ongoing development of oncology, the future of the pharmaceutical profession in clinical oncology is also linked to the growing importance of personalized therapies, such as gene and cell therapies. Pharmacists are essential in ensuring the safe and effective use of these innovative treatment modalities, which further emphasizes their role in modern oncology patient care. Given the increasing incidence of cancer and the growing complexity of treatment regimens, pharmacotherapy is gaining importance, and consequently, so is the role of the pharmacist.

Keywords: therapy, patients, pharmacist, pharmaceutical care, oncology pharmacy.

© Farm Pol, 2025, 81(5): 301–311