Safety and computer-aided design of chemotherapy plans.

Previously, generic principles were derived empirically from examples of reasoning about the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy. Some of the principles were used in a prototype decision-support system for managing patients through chemotherapy. It reminded clinicians which, how, and when drugs were to be given; suggested treatment modifications as a result of detected adverse events; and warned how unplanned actions undermine efficacy or exacerbate hazardous side effects. Here, we investigate the reuse of these safety principles to generate symbolic and textual representations of new chemotherapy plans. In clinical trials of chemotherapy, a written protocol is essential, especially in obtaining ethical approval. The symbolic representation, from which textual extracts are derived, can be used in conjunction with software for managing chemotherapy.