Staying Ahead of the Curve

AS WE PROGRESS through 2020, there is no time to look back at the progress that has been achieved in the treatment of cancer over the past decade without falling behind in this rapidly developing field. The constant evolution of immunotherapies and targeted therapies has led to significant progress across many cancer types, as these treatments have been life changing for patients and their families. The complexity of these new regimens and the need for coordination of care across practice and pharmacy settings has reinforced and expanded the roles of pharmacists both clinically and operationally. Therefore, it is essential for pharmacists across settings to understand the different treatment options and dosing regimens, implement methods to improve adherence, educate other health care team members, and counsel patients during onboarding and as treatment is ongoing.

To stay up-to-date on the latest in oncology pharmacy, make sure to check out the slate of programming that will be offered this year through our Directions in Oncology Pharmacy^TM series. The full-day educational meeting will provide live practical education to pharmacists in the inpatient, ambulatory, infusion, and specialty pharmacy practice settings. Sessions will focus on evolving treatment strategies, including the use of checkpoint inhibitors and targeted oral and infusion therapies for the care of patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including topics such as head and neck cancer, melanoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. The first of these sessions, “The Evolving Treatment Landscape of CLL and the Impact of the Pharmacist in Optimizing Patient Outcomes,” will be held at the Hematology/Oncology Association’s annual conference on March 13 in Tampa, Florida. Register for this session by visiting the Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^TM website at pharmacytimes.org and check back frequently this year to make sure you’re able to access the myriad resources offered.