Antineoplastic Therapy Side Effects and Polypharmacy in Older Adults With Cancer

The geriatric oncology population requires special consideration in rehabilitation care planning due to drug side effects and potential drug interactions that occur with cancer treatment. Antineoplastic therapies incite side effects that are frequently managed with additional pharmacological interventions, often resulting in a cascade of drug side effects. Moreover, this population is disproportionately affected by multiple pre-existing co-morbidities that require the use of multiple medications. The aggregate impact of these pharmacological strategies increases the risk for adverse effects. This article will review the complexities of these drug interactions and will provide insight and awareness to guide rehabilitation interventions.