Assessment of Cardiotoxicity Incidence in Patients Receiving HER-2-Targeted Therapies for Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia.

Background: HER2-targeting therapies may increase the risk of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), potentially leading to heart failure. The growing number of breast cancer survivors due to HER2-targeted treatments necessitates long-term cardiotoxicity management.

Method: This retrospective study included HER2-positive breast cancer patients aged 18 or older who received at least 1 dose of HER2-targeting treatment between 2016 and 2020.

Evaluating the Efficiency and Staff Satisfaction of the Point-of-Care IV Activated System Versus Traditional Piggyback in Administering IV Antibiotics at a Saudi Tertiary Hospital.

Background: This study aims to compare resource utilization and staff satisfaction between the point-of-care (POC) activated system and the traditional intravenous piggyback (PB) system in hospital pharmacy settings.

Methods: Employing a pre-post quasi-experimental design from November 2019 to April 2020, the study assessed resource requirements for both the POC activated system and the traditional PB system. Additionally, a staff satisfaction survey was conducted, focusing on staff experiences related to the pharmacy preparation process and the subsequent activation of the system by nurses.

Pharmaceutical Advertising and Public Perceptions in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: As the pharmaceutical advertising landscape evolves with digital advancements, this study examines public awareness and perceptions of medication advertisements in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the effects of regulatory frameworks and evaluates how they influence public understanding and attitudes toward these advertisements.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic survey in Saudi Arabia in December 2023.

Insights into Drug Donation Practices and Public Perceptions in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Effective medication management, disposal, and donation are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. Improper handling of medications can lead to drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental damage. This study examines current practices and challenges in Saudi Arabia, identifying opportunities for improvement.

Insights into Pharmacists' Participation in Professional Certification Programs in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Professional certification programs play a crucial role in helping pharmacists develop specialized skills and establish their expertise in the field. This study explores how pharmacists in Saudi Arabia engage with these programs by examining their levels of awareness, attitudes, and participation. It also identifies the key barriers and motivators that influence their decision to pursue certification.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Enoxaparin in Treating Pediatric Arterial Thrombosis in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Thrombosis is the abnormal formation of blood clots within blood vessels; it results from an imbalance between fibrinolytic, pro-coagulant, and anticoagulant systems. Pediatric arterial thrombosis, especially related to catheter usage, is an emerging issue with limited evidence. This study evaluates the efficacy of enoxaparin in treating arterial thrombosis in pediatric patients at a single center.

Efficacy of forskolin as a promising therapy for chronic olfactory dysfunction post COVID-19.

Purpose: Olfactory dysfunction is increasingly common among COVID-19 patients, impacting their well-being. Reports have demonstrated decreased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate among patients with chronic olfactory dysfunction. A prospective randomized clinical trial was developed to demonstrate the efficacy of an oral forskolin regimen treatment, an adenylyl cyclase activator that raises intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, for the treatment of olfactory dysfunction following COVID-19, compared to placebo regimen.

Healthcare Providers' knowledge, attitudes and practice in relation to drug hypersensitivity reactions at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.

Background: Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are immune-mediated responses triggered by exposure to a drug. DHRs are responsible for serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and are considered the fifth leading cause of death. This study aims to assess and evaluate the knowledge, practice, and attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) towards DHRs.

Comparative Assessment of Drug Lag for Approved Oncology Targeted Therapies Between Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union.

Introduction: Pharmaceutical regulation on a global scale is a complex process, with regulatory bodies overseeing various aspects, including licensing, registration, manufacturing, marketing, and labeling. Among these, the USFDA plays a crucial role in upholding public health. The pharmaceutical industry contributes significantly to well-being by developing and distributing therapeutic agents.

Revitalizing oncology medications access in Saudi Arabia: Current challenges and recommendations by the Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly.

Background: Cancer care is posing immense challenges to healthcare systems globally. Advances in screening, monitoring, and treating cancer improved patient outcomes and survival rates yet amplified the disease burden. Multiple barriers might impede early access to innovative therapies.

Exploring Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy: Attitudes and Perceptions Among Saudi Pharmacists and Students.

Introduction: Entrepreneurship has recently become a focus in community development, innovation, and economic growth, including within pharmaceutical organizations. However, it remains a relatively new aspect of pharmacy education. For the effective incorporation of entrepreneurship in this field, a robust educational foundation is critical, one that emphasizes risk-taking, strategic planning, competitive spirit, and a sense of social responsibility.

Case Series: Sacubitril/Valsartan Role for Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity: An in-Depth Investigation in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is a significant problem, ranking as the second most frequent cause of mortality in cancer patients. This adverse outcome encompasses many cardiovascular problems, such as heart failure. Sacubitril/valsartan has shown potential in the management of heart failure, however, its effectiveness in treating chemotherapy-induced heart failure has not been extensively explored.

Evaluating Adherence to Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Guidelines for Gentamicin in Neonatal Care: A Retrospective Study at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah.

In this study, we assess healthcare providers' adherence to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) guidelines for gentamicin in neonates. Conducted at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from July 2020 to July 2022, it retrospectively analyzed the compliance of healthcare workers in managing neonates treated with gentamicin. Covering 410 neonates, primarily diagnosed with respiratory distress (56%) and sepsis (32%), the study revealed that while a majority of trough and peak levels conformed to guidelines, substantial deviations were noted in cases of respiratory distress.

Assessing Adherence to Cardiac Monitoring Guidelines in Trastuzumab-Treated Breast Cancer Patients: Insights From a Tertiary Hospital.

Introduction: Breast cancer is a global health concern, with a significant portion of patients exhibiting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression. Trastuzumab is one of the pivotal therapies for HER2-positive breast cancer, but it carries the risk of cardiotoxicity. Guidelines for cardiac monitoring are essential to detect early signs of cardiotoxicity.

Assessing oncology providers attitudes and practices toward nonformulary drugs and mapping current obstacles in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Formulary drug list is a continually updated list of medications routinely stocked by hospitals and other healthcare facilities and deemed effective, safe, and cost saving. Non-formulary drug (NFD) refers to medications not on the formulary, due to cost or lack of clinical data. This study aimed to examine the processing of NFD requests by oncology providers (OPs) in Saudi Arabia.

Humoral and Cellular Immunity following Five Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection because of their suppressed immunity. The available data show that COVID-19 vaccines are less effective in SOT recipients. We aimed to assess the cellular and humoral immunogenicity with an increasing the number of doses of COVID-19 vaccines in SOT recipients and to identify factors affecting vaccine response in this population.

Implementing Oncology Pharmacy Boot Camp for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Students at a Regional Conference in Saudi Arabia.

Background Upon graduation, pharmacy students are expected to possess a diverse array of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. A subject-specific boot camp may support bridging the gap between the information and skills gained during clerkships, courses required for pharmacy school after graduation, and skills needed for the job market, as well as the gap between pharmacy school and residency. This research aimed to determine whether an integrated boot camp increased Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) student self-confidence and enhanced students' knowledge in oncology pharmacy.

Awareness and attitudes of oncology specialists toward dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase testing in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Fluoropyrimidines (FP) are among the most common class of prescribed anti-neoplastic drugs. This class has severe to moderate toxicity in around 10%-40% of those who take 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or capecitabine for the treatment of cancer. In practice many patients with severe toxicities from FP use had dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency.

Risk of Lichen Sclerosus and Lichen Planus in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are recommended for various types of cancer. On the other hand, these ICIs may cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Lichen sclerosus (LS) and lichen planus (LP) are two distinct phenotypes of irAEs that occur in a subset of patients treated with ICIs.

Adherence to Hormonal Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Single-Center Study.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. Approximately three-quarters of all breast cancer patients have estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positivity. As a result, the majority of patients receive hormonal treatment for between five and 10 years.

What Is the Current State of Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Health and Non-health College Students.

Objective: To document breast cancer (BC) knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health colleges.

Methods: A 3-month cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health subject colleges affiliated to a public university. Convenience sampling was employed, and a previously validated questionnaire available in English and Arabic languages was used.