Association of Polypharmacy with Colorectal Cancer Survival Among Older Patients.

The results of this study support the hypothesis that excessive polypharmacy, defined as use of eight or more concurrently used active substances, has a negative impact on the prognosis of older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study suggests to oncologists that performing a medication review for older patients with CRC with eight drugs or more is indicated (especially when a broader comprehensive geriatric assessment is being performed). Such a medication review should not only focus on reducing the number of medications (by deprescribing drugs without an indication) but also check the appropriateness of indicated drugs for older patients with cancer.