Session descriptions will be added as the information is provided. Please check this page regularly for updated information. For a complete outline of the program, please visit the Program at a Glance page.
Click on the links below to be directed to specific days:
- All Day (Friday, October 11 - Sunday, October 13)
- Friday, October 11
- Saturday, October 12
- Sunday, October 13
All Day (Friday, October 11 - Sunday, October 13)
Virtual Site Visits
Take a tour of five cancer centres without ever leaving the Novotel London West! Visit the Mouton Cadet room on the Second Floor at your leisure throughout the Symposium to view virtual tours of the following cancer centres.
- Raigmore Hospital, Scotland
- St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Rep. of Ireland
- The Christie Hospital, Manchester
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Liverpool
- The Royal Marsden Hospital, London
Friday, October 11
Welcome Remarks
09:00-09:45 (45 min)
Welcome Remarks by:
Alex Chan, ISOPP President, Singapore
Rob Duncombe, ISOPP 2019 Symposium Chair, Manchester, United Kingdom
Kevin Webber, United Kingdom
Opening Plenary
Key Developments in Cancer Treatments in the 2020's
John Wagstaff, Swansea University, UK
Concurrent Session 1
Clinical 1: Cancer Associated Thrombosis
11:30-12:30 (1 hour)
Beyond the abstract; the who, why, when and what’s of cancer associated thrombosis.
Simon Noble, Cardiff University, United Kingdom
The association of malignant disease with venous thromboembolism has been known for over 150 year. The risk of cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) is affected by the cancer type, its stage, treatments and associated co-morbidities. Until recently, the gold standard in treatment of CAT was weight adjusted low molecular weight heparin. However, the release of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has increased the choice and possibilities available to patients with CAT.
This talk shall critically review the data which informs current CAT management as well as considering how we should treat patients in whom the trials are unrepresentative.
- To understand the pathophysiology of cancer associated thrombosis;
- To appreciate the heterogeneity of cancer associated thrombosis;
- To explore the psychosocial impact of cancer associated thrombosis;
- To critically review the data which informs the clinical guidelines; and
- To consider factors influencing clinical decision making and shared decision making.
Fundamentals 1: Embracing the Challenges of Aseptics
11:30-12:30 (1 hour)
Aseptic Compounding Services, Past, Present & Future: The English National Health Service Experience
Tim Root, NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service, United Kingdom
Andrew Davies, NHS Improvement, London, United Kingdom
Our presentation will outline the recent history of pharmacy aseptic compounding services to the NHS in England, describe their current status and the challenges facing them, and present an overview of the findings and recommendations of an ongoing national programme of work to develop and implement a national strategy for service development.
- How aseptic compounding services have evolved in the context of the NHS in England;
- The current status of and challenges now facing those services;
- The key elements of evolving proposals to address the challenges and develop services to meet future needs; and
- What learning may be transferable to services in their own healthcare systems.
Research 1: Update from ESMO
11:30-12:30 (1 hour)
Post European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2019 Update
Dharmisha Chauhan, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
Updates from the ESMO 2019 conference held in Barcelona. The focus will be on practice changing data and on new treatments which may impact future practice. Areas covered will be on Sarcoma, Skin, Head and Neck cancers. This may change depending on data released from ESMO.
Learning objectives:
1. To gain an overview of the latest data presented at ESMO 2019
2. To gain an overview on the latest advances in immunotherapy
3. To gain an overview on practical advice on implementing new data into your clinical practice
Concurrent Session 2
Clinical 2: Navigating the Changing Landscape of RCC
14:00-15:30 (1 hour 30 min)
Manon Pillai, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Over the last 10 years there has been an explosion in the number of different medicines available for the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer with new evidence being published regularly. How do we design a treatment strategy to give patients the best possible chance of response? How should we combine and sequence current and future treatments? Is there any opportunity to personalise renal cancer treatment?
- To gain an overview of the latest evidence published in this field;
- To understand how this evidence is used to design a treatment strategy to ensure the available agents are used in the most effective way; and
- To explore the possibility of predicting response of using biomarkers to personalise or optimise the treatment of renal cell cancer.
A Life in a Day of a Kidney Cancer Patient
Mark Doyle, Director, The Method
Netty Cracknell, Emma Foreman, Fiona MacLean (Life in a Day Participants)
‘A Life in a Day is an around-the-clock immersive experience in which YOU become the patient and experience the challenges, choices and impact that real patients face everyday….’
A group of oncology pharmacists took part in the experience and will feedback on the insights they gained on what it is like to be a kidney cancer patient, and how it will change their future practice.
- Understand the educational impact of an ‘immersive experience’
- Gain insight into the lived experience of renal cancer patients; and
- How this insight can improve interactions between oncology pharmacists and their patients.
Fundamentals 2
10 Year Forward Vision for Oncology Pharmacy Professionals
14:00 – 14:45 (45 min)
BOPA GAP Committee
This session will earmark the official launch of the BOPA ten year forward view. It sets out a positive and ambitious vision for the future of oncology pharmacy practitioners based around four work streams-Academic, Hospital, Primary Care/Community and Industry.
- To showcase the significance of the contribution of oncology pharmacy practitioners;
- To highlight to the pharmacy workforce, the potential roles for oncology pharmacy practitioners (case studies from across the country);
- To demonstrate the various education and training pathways that can support the evolving careers of oncology pharmacy practitioners;
- To define pathways of impact for the future; and
- To celebrate the excellence and innovation of oncology pharmacy practice.
ISOPP Position Paper DRAFT - Role of the Oncology Pharmacy Team in Cancer Patient Care
14:45 – 15:30 (45 min)
ISOPP Credentialing, Specialization, and Scope of Practice Task Force member
The ISOPP Credentialing, Specialization, and Scope of Practice Task Force has drafted a position paper to define the role of the oncology pharmacy team in cancer patient care. The purpose of this document is to assist with advocacy for the specialty, especially in countries that are struggling to define specialty pharmacy practices. During this session we will seek comments and input from ISOPP about the content and usefulness of the document.
- To review the purpose and process for creating the DRAFT ISOPP position paper defining the role of the oncology pharmacy team in cancer patient care; and
- To seek input from ISOPP members about the content of the position paper.
Research 2
Platform Presentations
14:00 – 15:30 (1 hour 30 min)
14:00-14:15
Antineoplastic treatment and cognitive impairment among adolescent and young adult cancer patients
Chia Jie Tan, National University of Singapore, Singapore
14:15-14:30
Stability of cytarabine in an ambulatory infusion device
Siobhan Smith, Pharmacy, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, United Kingdom
14:30-14:45
Evaluation of training passport for oncology pharmacists across London
Anita McWhirter, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom and Kavita Kantilal, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
14:45-15:00
Patient factors and their impact on neutropenic events: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Pinkie Chambers, UCL/UCLH Centre for Medicines Optimisation Research and Education, London, United Kingdom
15:00-15:15
Risk assessment of hyperglycaemia induced by steroid use for immunotherapy toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients
Islam Elkonaissi and May Low, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
Cancer patient perspectives on community pharmacy diabetes screening service – a qualitative study of enablers and barriers
Antoine Sedrak, Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne, Australia
Concurrent Session 3
Clinical 3
Clinical Management of CLL - a Pharmacist’s Perspective
16:15-17:00 (45 min)
Catherine Parbutt, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom
Over the last 10 years, there have been significant improvements in the treatments available for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) - firstly with the use of chemoimmunotherapy, followed more recently by the availability of targeted therapies. This is now presenting clinicians with many more options, but also more challenges in terms of managing new and different side effect profiles. This gives Pharmacists a great opportunity to use their skills to support patients with CLL.
Learning Objectives:
After participating in this session, delegates should be able to:
- Provide an overview of current treatment options in CLL
- Outline some of the challenges associated with delivery of care to patients with CLL
- Discuss potential roles for Pharmacists in supporting patients with CLL
Update of the Cancer Drug Interactions Website and Its Application in Clinical Practice
17:00-17:45 (45 min)
Jasmine Martin, University of Liverpool, UK
Stefanie Krens, University of Liverpool, UK
To facilitate the safe prescription and use of anti-cancer drugs, the freely available website www.cancer-druginteractions.org was introduced in 2017. In this session we will provide insight in the methodology behind the website and an update of the newly added content. In addition, we will discuss a variety of clinical cases and demonstrate the use of the website and app in solving drug interactions.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Recognize common interactions with anti-cancer drugs
- Discuss the importance and complexity of interactions with anti-cancer drugs
- Assess and interpret the content presented on the Cancer Drug Interactions website and app.
- Apply this information to solve both simple and more complex clinical cases.
Fundamentals 3: Dose Banding in Oncology
16:15-17:45 (20 min per speaker, 30 min panel)
Pediatric Dose Banding – the Canadian Experience
Mary Gunther, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
As many pediatric medication are dosed by weight, dose banding provides an excellent opportunity to streamline processes and gain efficiency while reducing the risk of medication errors. Different approaches exist in both the determination of specific bands and in their adoption. The implementation of a province-wide clinical information system (CIS) in Alberta, Canada has provided the opportunity to introduce dose banding on a large scale. By the end of the presentation, participants should be able to:
- Recognize medications that may be appropriate for dose banding in pediatric patients;
- Describe the benefits and challenges of banding doses by both weight and by calculated dose; and
- Identify barriers and enablers to implementing dose banding in their practice setting.
Dosing of Systemic Anticancer Therapy in Obese Adult Patients with Cancer
Andrea Preston, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, UK
With a global increase in the incidence of obesity and accumulating evidence of increased cancer risk in obese patients, treating obese patients optimally with systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) is a significant issue.
There is evidence that dosing of SACT in obese patients varies amongst clinicians, and a significant proportion of obese patients continue to have their doses reduced (or 'capped'), despite guidance from the American Society of Clinical Oncology to dose on actual body weight. This could be compromising treatment outcomes, particularly in the curative setting.
Cancer Pharmacists have a key role in advising clinicians in this challenging area.
Learning objectives:
- Outline evidence available for optimal dosing of SACT in obese patients;
- Discuss challenges in gaining real world data;
- Evaluate extent of dose capping in clinical practice through interactive session; and
- Discuss strategies to inform clinical practice and gain a unified approach to dosing.
Calum Polwart, County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Richard Nuttall, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Dose banding within adult oncology/haematology has been used for many years in the UK, but within the last 3-4 years a standardised system has been developed for banding drugs that has been introduced across all of NHS England, with Scotland and Wales following. A detailed rule set provides a consistent approach for banding of new drugs as they come into use within the NHS. With standardised doses now being used across such a large organisation it is now possible to purchase batched doses with the financial and organisational benefits that this provides. By the end of the session participants will be able to:
- Describe the basic principles of Dose Banding (Dose Standardisation) of Systemic Anti-cancer therapies.
- Understand the approach taken by NHS England to standardize dosing across the entire health economy.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of NHS England’s implementation of Dose Standardisation.
- Consider if further evidence is required to justify implementation of Dose Banding.
Research 3
Presentation of the ISOPP Research Grant Results
16:15-17:00 (45 min)
Can Spinners Improve Understanding of Adverse Events in Patients with Cancer?
Lisa Holle, Uconn School of Pharmacy, United States
Currently, patient education about the risks of chemotherapy adverse events and subsequent decision making between treatment options has yet to be optimized. Patients with low numeracy may be at a disadvantage because they tend to overestimate adverse events risks, or ignore numbers completely and rely on their emotions to sway decision making. We evaluated an innovative method of presenting numerical information about chemotherapy adverse event risks (continuous spinner format + numerical information) to assist in decision making. The overall objective of our study was to examine the effect of using spinners on patient understanding of numerical risk of chemotherapy side effects and subsequent treatment preference. We presented participants with a hypothetical scenario whereby they were asked to imagine that they have been diagnosed with cancer and two equally effective treatment options were available. Participants were randomized to receive 1 of 3 numerical risk presentation formats: numerical information alone, numerical information + icon array, or numerical information + spinner. They were then presented with numerical risk information about 2 different adverse events for each treatment. Comparative knowledge scores of the numerical risk information were calculated, and participants indicated their treatment preference, ease of decision-making and likeability of numerical risk presentation format. Numeracy, graphic literacy, and demographic information were also collected. Results of this study will be presented, including whether use of spinners increased participants’ understanding of numerical risks of adverse events; affected decision-making; and differed between those with low and high numeracy, and those with low and high graphical literacy.
- Describe numeracy and graphic literacy and disadvantages of those with low numeracy and/or graphic literacy in medical decision making;
- Explain the effect of spinners on patients’ understanding of numerical risk of adverse events and medical decision making in the ISOPP grant study results presented; and
- List the limitations of the ISOPP grant study presented and future directions for this type of research in cancer patients.
Presentation of the BOPA Research Grant Results
17:00-17:45 (45 min)
Terry Ng, UCL School of Pharmacy, United Kingdom
The BOPA-PRUK Research Award grant supports projects in translational and health services related to oncology and haematology pharmacy with a focus on patient benefit. The focus of this award is to support pharmacy practitioners to take their first steps in research and develop their research skills.
The grant awarded in 2017 is an acceptability study for the use of web-based video consultations in patients receiving lifelong treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).
For cancer patients, travelling to their hospital appointments can be difficult because their treatment can make them feel tired and unwell. It can also be very expensive for them. If patients miss their appointments, it costs the NHS money and may affect their treatment outcome and make their condition harder to manage. If patients are able to have their follow-up appointments with their medical team without having to go to the hospital, this could help improve the patient experience and outcomes, as well as helping the NHS run more effectively. The majority of CML patients are stable, therefore if the common clinical tests needed for follow-up appointments are carried out closer to a patient’s home, a web-based face-to-face consultation would reduce the need for the patient to travel to their specialist centre.
- Outline how web-based video consultations have been used as part of the management of long term medical conditions;
- Outline existing models of web-based video consultations being used in healthcare;
- Describe CML patients’ opinions about web-based video consultations;
- Identify points to consider when introducing a web-based video consultation from the CML patient perspective; and
- Reflect on the experience of undertaking a research project from the perspective of a novice clinical researcher.
Saturday, Ocober 12
Plenary
Global Access to Good Quality Medicines
08:30-09:15 (45 min)
As cancer pharmacists, we advocate for patient access to good quality medicines. In a global context, this refers to access to medicines from an economic and availability point of view as well as good quality medicines – medicines that are genuine. This session will elaborate on efforts to promote availability of required medicines around the world and efforts to ensure that people are receiving high quality medicines.
Learning Objectives:
- To gain an understanding of access to medicines in a global context; and
- To understand counterfeit medicine issues in a global context
Awards Presentation
09:15-09:30 (15 min)
Concurrent Session 4
Clinical 4: HPV vs non-HPV Head & Neck Cancer
09:30-10:15 (45 min)
Martin Forster, University College London Hospital, UK
Fundamentals 4: Cancer Pain Management
09:30-10:15 (45 min)
Sonia Chand, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, Walsall, United Kingdom
Cancer pain management is changing, with many multimodal treatment regimens being recommended. This session will provide an overview of the latest treatments and recommendations for cancer pain. The session will also include an overview of the pharmacology of the drugs that can b e used to manage complex cancer pain.
Learning Objectives:
- To gain an overview of the mode of action of analgesics;
- Recognize the place for analgesics in cancer pain; and
- Select appropriate measures for assessing any improvement in cancer pain.
Research 4: Statistics Without Tears
Sian Willams, University of Brighton, UK
This session will introduce the underpinning concepts of statistics to help you to understand why we need statistics and what they can give us. We will look at how to select a statistical test and interpret the results of these tests. I hope the session will be interactive so please bring along an idea of what makes you cry about statistics.
Learning objectives:
- Understand what information inferential statistics can give us;
- Become more confident in selecting an appropriate statistical test; and
- Gain some experience in interpreting the results of common statistical tests.
Concurrent Session 5
Clinical 5: Role for Medicinal Cannabis
10:45-11:45 (1 hour)
Use of Plant Derived Cannabinoids by Cancer Patients - Canadian Regulatory Framework and Pharmacist Led Consultation Service
Carlo DeAngelis, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
There is growing interest from oncology patients in using plant derived cannabinoids for medical purposes for various cancer and treatment related symptoms as well as to treat cancer. In Canada plant derived cannabinoids have been widely available for medical use since 2016. Recent legalization of cannabis use for recreational purposes has heightened the interest in plant derived cannabinoid use in oncology patients. This presentation will describe the current regulatory framework for access to plant based cannabinoids in Canada, the educational gap in patients and health care professionals as well as an overview of a novel pharmacist led consultation service to ensure the appropriate and safe use of plant based cannabinoids in oncology patients.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation the participant will be able to discuss the:
- Legislative framework in Canada governing plant derived cannabinoids for recreational and medical use
- Plant derived cannabinoid education gap in healthcare professionals and patients
- Evidence for the use of plant derived cannabinoids in oncology; and
- Components of a pharmacist led plant derived cannabinoid monitoring program
Sonia Chand, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, Walsall, United Kingdom
Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2018. This session provides an overview of the role for medicinal cannabis and the products available on the market. This session will also provide an overview of the currently licensed uses of medicinal cannabis that places medicinal cannabis on the market as a viable option. The pharmacology of medicinal cannabis shall also be explained.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the mode of action of medicinal cannabis;
- Recognize the indications for the use of medical cannabis; and
- To provide an overview of the evidence around medicinal cannabis.
Fundamental 5: Community Pharmacy Integration in Cancer Care
10:45-11:45 (1 hour)
How do we utilise our biggest asset in primary care to support cancer patients?
Nishali Patel, NHS Digital, UK
Jackie Lewis, Lewis Pharmacy, UK
Fiona Flowers, Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK
This ground breaking session is designed to engage with our colleagues in community pharmacy, to help them care for their patients on the whole cancer pathway. There is the opportunity to explore potential joint working and to seek their advice on a way forward. This session will be unique to BOPA and ISOPP in having the attendance of many leading community pharmacists – who will be able to act as a sounding board for the ideas and projects that have already been generated.
The session will commence with an introduction to the BOPA community pharmacy subcommittee, it’s aims and work plan. This section of the presentation will aim to inspire with a brief overview of active work around community pharmacy and cancer care in the UK – looking at the whole cancer pathway for a patient and where the community pharmacy plays an integral role. This will be followed with a talk by Macmillan detailing a special relationship formed with the BOPA subcommittee and the exciting progress made by working together. A significant part of the session is dedicated to hearing from our colleagues in the audience; how they feel about our progress, what the future may hold and how we can all move forward together taking in to account the new community pharmacy contract.
Learning Objectives:
- Introduce attendees to the BOPA community pharmacy subcommittee, it’s aims and workstreams
- Provide a brief overview of the active work in the UK around community pharmacy and cancer care
- Macmillan talk to discuss work with BOPA community pharmacy subcommittee; and
- An interactive problem solving session to help inform our strategy for community pharmacists supporting cancer patients
Research 5: Pharmacy Practitioners as Researchers Panel
10:45 – 11:45 (60 min)
Pinkie Chambers, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation, United Kingdom
Alex Chan, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Jennifer Jupp, Pharmacy Clinical Practice Leader, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
Pharmacy has a variety of roles in research. This session will provide information on the range of research undertaken by pharmacists from across the globe, how they became research active, what their role is and the focus of their research interest (clinical, technical, scientific).
- Discuss the opportunities available for pharmacy staff to be involved in research;
- Discuss how to become research active as a member of the pharmacy team; and
- Explore which research area is most interesting to delegates.
Question Time: Ask the Expert
14:00 - 15:00 (60 min)
Winnie Wanjiku Mwangi, Oncology and Clinical Pharmacist, Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya
Steve Williamson, National Lead Cancer Pharmacist, NHS England, Swansea, UK
Jatinder Harchowal, Chief Pharmacist and Clinical Director, Royal Marsden Hospital, UK
Carole Chambers, Director, Cancer Services, AHS Pharmacy, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
A topical debate in which panelists from the world of oncology pharmacy answer questions posed by members of the audience. You can ask your question via the ISOPP 2019 registration page, using the symposium app or using the roving mic during the session. Our panelists have a huge breadth of experience and expertise between them – put it to the test!
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss burning issues / hot topics in oncology pharmacy;
2. Identify areas to improve practice; and
3. Learn from the shared experience of the expert panel members.
Plenary
Is Cancer Fundraising Fuelling Quackery?
15:00-16:00 (1 hour)
Louisa Davies, University College London Hospital Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
Michael Marshall, Good Thinking Society, United Kingdom
Around the world there are growing numbers of patients choosing to use crowd-funding websites to pursue expensive experimental and alternative therapies. There are numerous clinics advertising ‘miracle treatments’ with little or no scientific evidence to back up their claims. Does crowd-funding provide a vital opportunity for less wealthy patients to access unfunded treatments where there are no conventional options left? Or is this simply a lucrative revenue stream for charlatans who prey on the vulnerable?
Learning Objectives:
- To gain an understanding of the issue including the scale of the costs involved and the types of treatments accessed in this way;
- To understand the impact on patients and their families who have accessed treatment in this way (either through crowd-funding or raising money through friends/family/social media); and
- To explore our role as pharmacists/pharmacy technicians – what can we do to address the problem? How should we advise patients who are considering this route? What should be done on a National or Global scale to combat exploitation of vulnerable patients?
BOPA New to Oncology Meeting
16:00-17:00 (1 hour)
Are you new to working in Oncology?
Then come to our New to Oncology meeting facilitated by Emma Groves on Saturday, October 12 from 16:00 to 17:00. Emma is BOPA’s Committee representative charged with addressing the education and training needs of BOPA members who are new to Oncology. She would really appreciate your feedback on BOPA’s current education and training and hear ideas on areas of improvement. The information will help shape BOPA’s work plans in this area.
Research Hot Topic Session
16:00-17:00 (1 hour)
Hot Topic 1: Applying for Ethics, when is Ethics approval necessary?
Hot Topic 2: Grant Submission: your questions answered
Hot Topic 3: Discussing research ambitions with your manager
Hot Topic 4: Process improvement: what’s the difference?
Hot Topic 5: Providing research opportunities for pharmacy learners
Hot Topic 6: Incorporating patient perspectives into research
Sunday, October 13
Plenary
Platform Presentations
09:00-10:00 (60 min)
09:00-9:15
Real-world clinical outcomes in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with palbociclib
Felice Musicco, Istituto Regina Elena San Gallicano, Roma, Italy
09:15-9:30
Cyto-SAT: a self-assessment tool for safe handling of cytotoxic medicines in low and middle-income countries
Sandrine von Grünigen, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
09:30-9:45
Global effort required to increase the evidence base for outpatient oncology clinical pharmacy services
Sam Maleki, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
09:45-10:00
A randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of a structured outpatient pharmacy service on medication adherence in patients undergoing chemoradiation
Sam Maleki, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Concurrent Session 6
Clinical 6: Immunotherapy - What's all the fuss about?
10:00 – 10:45 (45 min)
Heather Shaw, University College London Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, UK
Fundamentals 6: ISOPP Standards Update
Shaun O'Connor, St Vincent’s Health, Australia
Research 6: Personalized Oncogenomics Project (POG)
10:00 – 10:45 (45 min)
Impact of Personalized Medicine on Evolution of Pharmacotherapy in Oncology
Shirin Abadi, BC Cancer, Canada
Carcinogenesis is a complex process, driven by a multitude of abnormal genomic patterns. These patterns can make an individual resistant or sensitive to various antineoplastic agents. By understanding the biomarkers associated with chemo-sensitivity and/or chemo-resistance, one could potentially offer more targeted and patient-specific treatment options that may positively influence patient health outcomes and safety.
- To understand the relevance and consequences of pharmacogenomics in cancer care;
- To appreciate the complexity of genomic analysis in oncology; and
- To recognize opportunities for evaluation of genomic biomarkers in patients with cancer.
Concurrent Session 7
Clinical 7: Patient Self-Monitoring
10:45-11:30 (45 min)
Collecting and utilising patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine cancer care
Kate Absolom, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Mounting evidence supports the value of utilising patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine cancer care due to the potential benefit on symptom monitoring, patient-professional communication and decision making. This session will provide background information on the key concepts in the area and provide an overview of the research conducted to date. Some of the practical barriers and facilitators to PROMs interventions being adopted in everyday practice throughout the cancer trajectory will be raised (including the role of technology in capturing PROMs). Examples from studies conducted by the Patient Centred Outcomes Research group using an internet based system for patients to remotely self-report symptoms and side effects during cancer treatment will be presented. The views of patients and health care professionals will be discussed along with the aims and challenges for future PROMs research projects and implementation initiatives.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe the beneficial role PROMs can play in patient monitoring during cancer care
- Identify differences in patients and health professionals perspectives on the routine use of PROMs; and
- Recognise the key barriers and facilitators influencing the utilisation of PROMs in cancer services.
Fundamental 7: Cancer Trial End Points
10:45-11:30 (45 min)
Bruce Burnett, Swansea University, United Kingdom
Clinical trials include a metric to describe the (clinical) benefit of a new treatment, test or intervention. This is the “outcome” measure. Choosing the most appropriate outcome measure for your own research is a key part of your trial methodology. Should overall survival be the only reported outcome measure in cancer trials or can surrogate outcome measures be used? This session will cover the interpretation of and appropriate use of outcome measures in cancer.
- Understand the range of reported trial outcomes used in cancer;
- Discuss the clinical relevance and limitations of reported outcomes; and
- Select appropriate outcome measure(s) for your own research project.
Research 7: How can we make the most of the data we have?
Brian Mackenna, EBM Datalab, UK
Data is collected in health care not only for research, but reimbursement, quality assurance and normal functioning of a health service as well. This session will highlight the challenges and opportunities around access to and utilisation of cancer data. There is a belief that project collected data is required before information can be gleaned to support practice yet we are surrounded by data. Health researchers often don't understand or have knowledge of what data there is and how to make best use of it.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify approaches to find and use available information;
- Understand how this can be used and to manage the limitations; and
- Think about analytic skills required and how to develop them.
Closing Panel
Comparing Models of Clinical Pharmacy Around the World
11:30-12:30 (1 hour)
Aygin Bayraktar, Hacettepe University, Turkey
Helen Flint, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Irene Weru, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
Glenn Myers, Horizon Health Network, Canada
Shaun O'Connor, Eastern Health, Australia
Shinya Suzuki, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan
Pharmacy profession has evolved from its conventional supply focused role to a clinically oriented patient focused role over several decades. This advancement in the clinical role of the pharmacist demands for them to be the part of the multi-disciplinary health care team, providing better care for the patients, and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the latest developments in oncology pharmacy practice in your country in terms of – new practice models, new technology and new opportunities;
- How are oncology pharmacists trained and accredited in your country? How do you ensure there are future generations of oncology pharmacists coming through?
- Are clinical pharmacists valued in your setting, and how do clinical pharmacists demonstrate their worth?
- What are the main challenges facing oncology pharmacists in your country, and how can they be addresses?