Aimee Keegan, PharmD, BCOP, emphasizes the importance of side effect management in ensuring adherence to CDK4/6 inhibitors for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Keegan works alongside providers at City of Hope, offering medication reviews and interventions during patient visits.

Dr. Keegan and another pharmacist review all oral chemotherapy prescriptions sent by breast oncologists to check for necessary empiric dose adjustments based on baseline lab results and ensure appropriate monitoring tests are ordered. These tests include complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) for potential neutropenia or hepatotoxicity, and electrocardiograms (ECGs) for ribociclib.

After the prescription is transmitted to the pharmacy and the patient starts treatment, Dr. Keegan collaborates with clinic nurses to follow up with patients and monitor side effects. She has collaborative practice agreements with breast oncologists, allowing her to prescribe medications to address side effects promptly. For example, if a patient on abemaciclib complains of diarrhea, Dr. Keegan can ensure they are taking anti-diarrheal medications appropriately or send prescriptions to adjust the treatment, preventing negative side effects that could lead to treatment discontinuation if left unaddressed.

Dr. Keegan highlights the importance of her role in working closely with providers and reviewing all oral chemotherapy prescriptions to ensure proper dosing, monitoring, and side effect management for patients on CDK4/6 inhibitors. She stresses that the best way to ensure adherence is by monitoring side effects and addressing them immediately to help patients be successful on their treatment.

*Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by Pharmacy Times editorial staff.