Clinical Impact of Pharmacist Interventions in Oncology Chemotherapy Protocol Optimization: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Cancer chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of oncologic care but is frequently associated with narrow therapeutic indices, complex dosing regimens, significant toxicity profiles, and high risks of medication-related errors. The integration of clinical pharmacists into oncology care teams has emerged as a critical strategy for optimizing chemotherapy protocols, enhancing treatment safety, and improving patient-centered outcomes. This comprehensive review critically examines the scope, mechanisms, and clinical impact of pharmacist-led interventions in oncology chemotherapy protocol optimization. Evidence from observational studies, randomized trials, and real-world clinical programs demonstrates that pharmacist involvement contributes to improved regimen selection, individualized dosing, enhanced adherence to evidence-based guidelines, proactive toxicity management, and cost containment. Furthermore, pharmacist-driven interventions have been shown to reduce medication errors, prevent adverse drug reactions, improve quality of life, and support multidisciplinary decision-making. This review synthesizes current evidence, outlines methodological approaches adopted in oncology pharmacy research, and highlights practical implications for integrating pharmacists into cancer care pathways. The findings support the expanding role of oncology pharmacists as essential contributors to high-quality, safe, and value-based cancer therapy.