Concomitant drugs with low risks of drug-drug interactions for use in oncology clinical trials

International audienceBACKGROUND: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) may occur with investigational drugs and affect patient safety, trial outcomes, and drug development. A list of preferred drugs with minimal risks of DDIs for treatment of symptoms or comorbidities frequently encountered by cancer patients would be helpful. METHODS: We reviewed the literature to assess DDIs reported for the main drugs available for treatment of symptoms/comorbidities frequently encountered by cancer patients. Reviews and relevant original articles cited were retrieved and analyzed, and the following data were collected and double-checked: pharmacological properties; effects, if any, of drugs on CYP enzymes, membrane transporters, and QT interval; and involvement in significant DDIs. RESULTS: A list of preferred drugs with minimal risks of DDIs was compiled. CONCLUSION: Acknowledging for heterogeneity in data sources, prevention of unexpected DDIs during clinical trials may be improved by using this list of preferred drugs for the management of study patient's symptoms