Medication Therapy of High-Dose Methotrexate: An Evidence-Based Practice
Guideline Division of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Chinese
Pharmacological Society
Abstract
Objectives: A lot of medication risks related to high-dose methotrexate
(HDMTX) therapy still remain to be identified and standardized. This
study aims to establish an evidence-based practice guideline for
individualized medication of HDMTX. Methods: The practice guideline was
launched by the Division of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Chinese
Pharmacological Society. The guideline was developed following the WHO
handbook for guideline development and the methodology of evidence-based
medicine (EBM). The guideline was initially registered in the
International Practice Guidelines Registry Platform (IPGRP-2017CN021).
Systematic reviews were conducted to synthesis available evidence. A
multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted by questionnaires to
evaluate patients’ perception and willingness on individualized
medication of HDMTX. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the
quality of evidence and to grade the strength of recommendations.
Results: Multidisciplinary working groups were included in this
guideline, including clinicians, pharmacists, methodologists,
pharmacologists and pharmacoeconomic specialists. A total of 124
patients were involved to integrate patient values and preferences.
Finally, the guideline presents 28 recommendations, regarding evaluation
prior to medication (renal function, liver function, pleural effusion,
comedications, genetic testing), pre-treatment and routine dosing
regimen, therapeutic drug monitoring (necessity, method, timing, target
concentration), leucovorin rescue (initial timing, dosage regimen and
optimization), management of toxicities. Of them, 12 are strong
recommendations. Conclusions: We developed an evidence-based practice
guideline with respect to HDMTX medication using a rigorous and
multidisciplinary approach. This guideline provides comprehensive and
practical recommendations involving the whole process of HDMTX
medication to health care providers.