Evaluating the Reliability of the NatMed Database for Drug-Nutrient Interactions
Author Information
Author(s): Langley Blake O., Rillamas-Sun Eileen, Huang Yuhan, Indorf Amy, Robles Michael, Feaster Rachel, D'Addario Lia, Ergas Isaac J., Roh Janise M., Kushi Lawrence H., Greenlee Heather
Primary Institution: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Hypothesis
A sufficient degree of agreement (no less than moderate agreement) after independent evaluation of output on drug-supplement interactions and antioxidant bioactivity would support the use of NatMed as a reliable central source of data for future research assessing interactions between dietary supplements and cancer treatments.
Conclusion
The NatMed database is a reliable source of data for dietary supplement interactions with doxorubicin, suggesting it can be used confidently in future research.
Supporting Evidence
- High interrater reliability was achieved for both drug-nutrient interactions and antioxidant activity.
- Substantial to near-perfect agreement was found among clinical pharmacists reviewing the data.
- Only a small proportion of monographs were not validated for interactions with doxorubicin.
Takeaway
The NatMed database helps doctors check if dietary supplements are safe to use with cancer treatments like doxorubicin, and it works well.
Methodology
Data from NatMed were retrieved using licensed endpoints for ingredient monographs with drug-nutrient interactions with doxorubicin, and interactions were reviewed by clinical pharmacists.
Potential Biases
Potential for incomplete data and variability in interpretation by different teams.
Limitations
The study relied on preclinical data, and there may be incomplete or inaccurately structured data in the database.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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