Common Drug-Drug and Drug-Food Interactions in Antineoplastic Agents: A short update review

Cancer treatment regimens often combine chemotherapeutics, supportive therapies, and medications for comorbidities, increasing the risk of drug-drug (DDIs) and drug-food interactions (DFIs). These interactions can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticancer agents, potentially leading to treatment failure, severe adverse events, or hospitalization. Elderly patients, polypharmacy, and the narrow therapeutic index of many chemotherapeutics further compound these challenges. This review explores the mechanisms underlying DDIs and DFIs, focusing on absorption, metabolism, and transport protein modulation—key processes influencing drug bioavailability and toxicity in oncology. Clinically relevant examples are provided to illustrate these interactions. The review underscores the critical role of pharmacy services in identifying, preventing, and managing these interactions, offering actionable strategies to enhance patient safety and treatment efficacy. By addressing these interactions, healthcare providers can mitigate risks, improve therapeutic outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients.