Tuesday, September 23, 2025

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel - Waterfront Ballroom I

---

Details

The TDM in Oncology sub-committee is pleased to propose a symposium on " Food-drug interaction in oncology: Implications for dosing, toxicity and economics of care". Food-drug interaction are perhaps the earliest documented interactions but least appreciated. Cancer drugs like irinotecan, tamoxifen, and paclitaxel exhibit significant variability in pharmacokinetics among different patients, influenced by genetic, physiological, and environmental factors, including diet. Besides, majority of these drugs typically have a narrow therapeutic index. Food is perhaps the only factor that varies significantly across ethnicities in terms of protein, fat and micronutrient content. Besides, the unique nutritional supplement consumption practices across populations can potentially exacerbate the variability of cancer drug exposure and consequently its safety and efficacy. Foods that modulate drug-metabolizing enzymes (eg. grapefruit) or affect drug absorption (high-fiber foods), can lead to unpredictable plasma levels of cancer drugs. Additionally, pharmacodynamic interactions (eg. catechins in green tea inhibit the action of bortezomib) may impact drug response. This symposium would enable oncologists and clinical pharmacologists to share evidence-based insights on such interactions. By addressing how food impacts drug PK-PD, this forum aims to promote safer, more effective cancer treatments that account for each patient's unique response, ultimately reducing adverse effects and improving therapeutic success.