Transforming Cancer Care: Innovations in Immunotherapy and the Critical Role of the Pharmacist
Pharmacists will play an integral role in this evolving field, from patient education and monitoring AEs to new therapeutic developments and treatment protocols.
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The treatment landscape for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving from traditional methods like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to innovative immunotherapies, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, which have shown promise in enhancing the immune response to these cancers. NSCLC, which has the highest incidence and mortality among cancers, often presents challenges in advanced stages, but PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have offered new treatment avenues, especially based on PD-L1 expression levels. Similarly, in melanoma, immunotherapy options like pembrolizumab (Keytruda; Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC) and nivolumab (Opdivo; Bristol Myers Squibb) are used based on tumor staging and specific patient factors.
In the cover story on page 8, authors Amin Zakkour Khudari, PharmD candidate; Tammy Harutunyan, PharmD candidate; Mohamad Zakour Khadari, MPharm, PhD candidate; Rami Madani, MD candidate; David S. Bateshansky, PharmD, BCOP; and Amir Ali, PharmD, BCOP, discuss how, despite its clinical success, immunotherapy in NSCLC and melanoma can have significant variability in patient responses.
For patients with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has demonstrated significantly improved outcomes. However, Mary McGann, PharmD, BCOP; and Brijesh Gautama, MPharm (Hons), PGDip, authors of the peer-reviewed literature review on page 14, explain that CAR T-cell therapy also introduces complex management challenges due to associated toxicities, particularly hematological toxicities.
In the peer-reviewed literature review on page 18, authors Uvette Lou, PharmD, BCOP; Brenna Rowen, PharmD, BCOP; Abigail McLaren, PharmD, MS; E. Bridget Kim, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP; Mark N. Sorial, PharmD, BCOP; J. Erika Haydu, MD, PhD; and Matthew M. Lei, PharmD, BCOP, discuss the evolving treatment landscape for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma, highlighting the role of bispecific T-cell engagers as novel therapies.
In the peer-reviewed literature review on page 30, authors Richa Shah, PharmD, BCOP; Jessie Modlin, PharmD, BCOP; Rezarta Lako, PharmD, BCPS; Yuxi Lei, PharmD; Adina Kagan, PharmD candidate; Cradesha Perry, PharmD, MBA; Luisa Giannangelo, MBA, RPh; Rebecca Pokorny, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP; and Kevin Pang, PharmD, explain that the treatment landscape in chronic lymphocytic leukemia has significantly evolved in recent years, with advancements in understanding of the B-cell receptor pathway and the development of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
The landscape of cancer treatment is rapidly evolving, with innovative immunotherapies such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy showing significant promise. However, the variability in patient responses and the complexities of managing associated toxicities highlight the need for ongoing research into biomarkers, resistance mechanisms, and optimal management strategies. Pharmacists will play an integral role in this evolving field, from patient education and monitoring adverse effects to staying abreast of new therapeutic developments and treatment protocols.
