title: The challenges of oral agents as antineoplastic treatments.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Given the increasing use of oral antineoplastic agents in cancer management, patient adherence is critical to successful treatment outcomes. This article reviews the scope of the problem and issues of adherence to oral antineoplastic agents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research-based and other articles, newsletters, and conference presentations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Suboptimal adherence to oral antineoplastic agents is a significant clinical problem that may result in disease or treatment complications, adjustment in treatment regimen, disease progression, and premature death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healthcare providers need to monitor and facilitate adherence by identifying barriers and implementing strategies to assure adherence, and therefore, improve clinical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, College of Nursing, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Barb.Given@hc.msu.edu
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Given
authors.forename: Sandra L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Spoelstra
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents