July 2020

Several recent studies presented at the virtual SGO 2020 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer looked into veliparib, a potential anticancer PARP inhibitor, for treatment of various types of ovarian cancer.

The clinical trial of teclistamab sought to identify a recommended phase 2 dose for patients with RRMM, with multiple IV doses and priming doses explored.

A recent study evaluated the efficacy of venetoclax monotherapy in participants with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

As the most accessible member of the health care team, the pharmacist can provide patients with cancer with the information and support necessary to get through what might be the most challenging time of their lives.

“These new therapies allow for treatment without some of the traditional chemotherapy agents.”

A fully human monoclonal antibody, cemiplimab targets the immune checkpoint receptor PD-1 on T cells, blocking cancer cells from using the PD-1 pathway to suppress T-cell activation.

Isatuximab-ifrc is the third monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of R/R MM.

The rarity of disease states coupled with novel medication mechanisms and high costs lead to complexities in accessing treatment and optimizing outcomes.

These study results were announced by Eisai and Merck during the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology Virtual Scientific Program, May 29-31.

As clinicians, we must first understand the unique challenges that a patient is facing and then tailor our support to address their specific needs.

Pharmacists can deliver value-based oncology services as an integral part of the health care team to improve patient outcomes.

Sarcomas account for about 1% of all adult cancers and 15% of all pediatric cancers.

Many pharmacies may be missing significant, profitable opportunities...via generic pharmaceuticals.

The investigators found that patients with preexisting neutropenia could be managed on venetoclax, although use of G-CSF would likely also be required in conjunction with the treatment.

Following initial breast cancer diagnosis by mammography, MRI, or ultrasound, treatment is largely based upon the histologic subtype and staging of the tumor(s).

Data aggregation partners can provide value in their ability to pull clinical information from both the HSSP and electronic health records.

Meaningful breakthrough therapies are receiving accelerated approval based on evidence of impact on a surrogate end point rather than evidence of impact on the actual clinical benefit for which the drug is intended.

The selection of an agent for hyperglycemia management requires knowledge of both the efficacy and the potential adverse effects of each possible agent, so choosing the best therapy for any given patient can be complicated.

Results of the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium cohort study were presented during the 2020 American Society of Clinical Virtual Scientific Program.

Directions in Oncology PharmacyTM provides insight into how specialty pharmacies can improve transitional care during the COVID-19 pandemic.