Session Descriptions

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 Days (Thursday, March 2 - Saturday, March 4)

Virtual site visit

Check out the video created by the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH) especially for ISOPP23.  Lasting 2 minutes, this short and emotional video highlights the role of oncology pharmacists and creates a metaphor between a cancer patient’s treatment and the ocean. Starting with uncertainty but, thanks to the work of the oncology pharmacist and their customized care, the best treatment is finally prescribed, making the patient feel they are in good hands.

 

Thursday, March 2

Opening Plenary 

Burnout and Wellness in Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy

11:30 - 12:30 (60 minutes)

Jeryl J. Villadolid, Wellness and Burnout Task Force Chair, Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA), USA

Health care providers are suffering high rates of burnout and need support. This presentation will review current data focused on hematology/oncology pharmacists and highlight approaches to incorporating well-being into practice. 

Learning objectives:

  • Define the impact of burnout on health care providers and patients
  • Acknowledge key results related to hematology/oncology pharmacist burnout
  • Describe opportunities for well-being in the workforce
  • Explore potential initiatives and collaborations across pharmacy organizations

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Concurrent Session 1

Clinical 1

Patient-reported outcomes en el paciente oncológico

14:30 – 15:30 (90 minutes)

Vicente Escudero Vilaplana, Hospital General Univ. Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

The presentation will focus on giving a vision from a theoretical and practical point of view of the importance of the evaluation of patient-reported outcomes in the oncology patient.

Learning objectives:

  • Impact of PROs in the care of the cancer patient.
  • Methodology in the systematization of PROs.
  • Advantages of the use of new technologies in the evaluation of PROs.
     

Fundamentals 1

SACT Protocols - The How and Why of Different Countries

14:30 – 15:30 (90 minutes)

Shaun O'Connor, St. Vincent’s Health, Australia
Irene Weru, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
Rukhsana Yusuf, University of California Irvine, USA
Cristina Ibañez (Spain)
Netty Cracknell, Ramsay Health Care UK, UK 
Evelyn Handel, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, USA

Exploring the current state of SACT protocols around the world.

Learning objectives:

  • Explore how SACT protocols are created and provided in six different countries around the world. 
  • Learn the similarities and differences between the countries  
  • Discuss the strengths and weakness of each model 

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Research 1

Abstract Platform Presentations

14:00 - 15:30 (90 minutes)

14:00 - 14:15 

Case series: use of olaparib in uncommon locations in patients with impaired homologous recombination
Héctor C. García-Díaz, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain

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14:15 - 14:30
Real-world data evaluation of medicines used in special situations in oncohematology: a retrospective study from a comprehensive cancer institution
Sandra Fontanals-Martínez, Pharmacy Department-Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet De Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain

14:30 - 14:45
Dostarlimab in the treatment of recurrent endometrial cancer: real life experience
L. Collada Sánchez, Victoria, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain

14:45 - 15:00
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer
Loreto Dominguez Senin, Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain

15:00 - 15:15
Efficacy and safety outcomes of generic imatinib in adults with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) following the switch from branded imatinib
Maria Monro, Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust, Oxford, UK

15:15 - 15:30
Reproducibility analysis of PRONTO, chemotherapy order verification checklist
Rodrigo Spineli-Macedo, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
 

Concurrent Session 2

Clinical 2

Implementation of Pharmacogenomics: Perspectives from Spain and the UK

16:15 – 17:45 (90 mins)

Pharmacogenomics – Implementation in the UK National Health Service 
Jessica Keen, Pharmacy Lead, NHS NorthWest Genomic Medicines Service Alliance, U.K.

Pharmacogenomics describes the use of genomic information to personalise an individual’s medicine. This talk will outline the introduction of pharmacogenomic testing into routine oncology practice in the NHS and consider how pharmacy teams might support implementation of pharmacogenomics to improve care of oncology patients.

Learning objectives:

  • Introduction to the NHS Genomic Medicine Service and Pharmacy Workforce 
  • Implementation of DPYD genotyping in the UK
  • Role of TPMT and NUDT15 genetic variants on thiopurine toxicity
  • Understanding the relationship between mtRNR1 genetic variants and aminoglycoside induced hearing loss
Individualization of Irinotecan, Busulfan, Tacrolimus and Asparaginase in Clinical Practice
Pau Riera Armengol, Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain

The presentation will focus on our experience in pharmacogenetics in the field of oncology. We will summarize some of the pharmacogenes that are routinely tested in our hospital, located in Barcelona (Spain). In this sense, we will explain the role of UGT1A1 variants (particularly UGT1A1*28) on irinotecan and sacituzumab govitecan toxicity, and the relevance of their genotyping prior to the initiation of the treatment. We will also describe how GSTA1 genetic variants affect busulfan exposure and their potential value to better adjust this drug in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We will also highlight the relevance of CYP3A5 metabolizer status to tacrolimus clearance, and the clinical value of genotyping this gene to adjust the initial dose of tacrolimus in transplanted patients. Finally, we will describe the clinical utility of monitoring asparaginase activity in patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Learning objectives:

  • Role of UGT1A1 variants on irinotecan toxicity. 
  • Influence of GSTA1 genetic variants on busulfan exposure. 
  • Relevance of CYP3A5 metabolizer status to tacrolimus clearance.
  • Clinical utility of monitoring asparaginase activity. 

Download Presentation Slides

Research 2 (GEDEFO)

16:15 – 17:45 (90 mins)

Pearls 

Vanessa Domínguez Leñero, Spain

Use of olaparib in pancreatic cancer: preliminary results of the multi-centric real world study in Spain

Hector Carlos García Díaz, Spain,  

In 2019, the POLO study showed a benefit in progression free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC) gBRCA treated with maintenance olaparib compared to placebo although no differences in overall survival (OS) were observed. We conducted a multicenter, observational and retrospective real-life study in Spanish hospitals to describe the conditions of use and to analyze the effectiveness and safety of olaparib in PC. We included patients diagnosed with PC with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) who initiated treatment with olaparib from December 2018 to December 2022. Data was obtained from the clinical history, the outpatient dispensing program and collected through the REDCAP® platform provided by Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH). Twenty-six patients were included in the study, 21 of whom received olaparib on a maintenance regimen. The HRD found were: BRCA2g (57.7%), ATM (19.2%), BRCA2s (15.4%), BRCA1g (11.5%), PALB2 (3.8%), BRCA1s (3.8%). The PFS in the maintenance population was 5.7 (1.7-34) months while in the non-manteinance was 2.6 (0.2-6.4) months. The OS in the maintenance population was not reached while in the non-maintenance was 6.2 (0.6-11.1) months.  Survival rate >24 months in the maintenance setting was 33%, slightly less compared to the 37% showed in POLO. In terms of safety, 73% of patients experienced any adverse event being the more frequent: asthenia (53.8%), nausea (26.9%), headache (19.2%) and anemia (15.4%). 

Learning objectives:

  • To describe the use in Spanish hospitals of olaparib in a real-world setting in pancreatic cancer (PC) including different homologous recombination deficiency (HRD).
  • To analyze the PFS, OS and safety of olaparib.
  • To identify patients who benefit most from this therapy.
  • To compare indirectly our results with POLO study.

Download Hector Carlos García Díaz Presentation slides

Peg-asparaginase desensitization

Laura Álvarez Núñez, Clinical Pharmacist Resident, Pharmacy Service, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer in children, accounting for about 30 percent of all pediatric cancer. L-asparaginase is a critical part of the ALL treatment in children and adolescents, since it increases event free survival between 10 and 15%. Generally, L-asparaginase causes less adverse effects than other chemotherapeutic agents, but hypersensitivity reactions and/or silent inactivation caused by anti-asparaginase antibodies are important, since they can lead to a therapy modification (removing L-asparaginase from treatment protocols), achieving worse patient health outcomes.

L-asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions can develop in up to 30% of patients and requires prior exposure for sensitization. ALL guides usually recommend switching from E. coli L-asparaginase to Erwinia L-asparaginase (and vice versa) when a hypersensitivity reaction occurs. If this hypersensitivity reaction happens after the administration of both L-asparaginase types, then it would be necessary a desensitization regimen to continue with the treatment. However, for a small number of patients these measures are not enough. 

In our hospital, we assist pediatric patients suffering from ALL daily and, although it is not frequent, sometimes it is not easy to complete L-asparaginase regimen. I will introduce a clinical case of a patient with relapsed ALL who, after having experienced hypersensitivity reactions to both L-asparaginase types, as well as to L-asparaginase desensitization, was able to continue L-asparaginase therapy by adding a new drug as off-label premedication: omalizumab. 

Learning Objectives
o    Describe novel therapy alternatives for patients with L-asparaginase hypersensitivity.
o    Understand allergy test in hypersensitivity to chemotherapy agents. 
o    Highlight the importance of working in a multidisciplinary team to achieve an integrated care.

Download Laura Álvarez Núñez Presentation slides

Mª Paz Espinosa Gómez, Spain

Treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis CRS (cytoreductive surgery) + HIPEC tertiary hospital experience
INTRODUCTION 
What is it about? What type of cancers is it used in? 
HIPEC: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy 
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TECHNIQUE IN THE HOSPITAL 
RESULTS IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANCER 
CONCLUSIONS 

  • This is a technique that is being used in some hospitals and that allows us to have more options against peritoneal carcinomatosis and increase according to published studies the overall survival in selected patients. 
  • To carry out this procedure properly, good communication is required by all the services involved. 
  • We have currently started a study in our center to know the effectiveness and safety of this technique in our patients (real-life data)

Download Mª Paz Espinosa Gómez Presentation slides

Leire García López, Hospital Universitario la Paz 

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a technique that combines the intratumoral or intravenous administration of cytotoxic drugs (bleomycin or cisplatin) and the application of electrical pulses to the area of the lesion, thereby generating pores in the tumour cell membrane and allowing the cytotoxic agent to enter the cells.

This combination therapy can be used for the treatment of primary and metastatic skin tumour lesions. It is curative in patients with primary and localised skin tumours and palliative in patients with metastatic disease whose skin lesions do not respond to conventional systemic chemotherapy.
In our centre this technique has been performed with intravenous infusion of bleomycin in seven patients (Kaposi's sarcoma n=3 and secondary metastases n=4).

Two patients are excluded from the analysis of results because the procedure has just been performed.
Two patients with a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma achieved complete response in skin lesions. Two of the three patients with Kaposi's sarcoma achieved a complete response as the lesions were small (< 3 cm), while the remaining patient, despite initial clinical improvement, had a rapid progression due to the large body surface area involved.

Although experience with ECT is still limited, it is a technique that is proving very useful in the treatment of cutaneous lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma as well as cutaneous metastases secondary to other tumours, especially effective in small lesions. Due to its high response rates and few adverse effects, it is a very promising procedure with great clinical applicability.

Download Leire García López Presentation slides

Silvia Fénix Caballero, Spain

 

Hot Topic Discussion 

16:15 – 17:45 (90 mins)

Challenges with Drug Administration at Home - Crushing Tablets, PPE, Safe Handling; Nonsterile Preparation 

Facilitator: Shaun O'Connor, St. Vincent’s Health, Australia

Home based care can be more attractive to health services and patients as it removes infection exposure risk and is more convenient for patients. But what do we need to think of when implementing a hospital in the home type service for cancer patients? What logistical and cytotoxic or hazardous medicine exposure prevention issues need to be considered? What can the pharmacists role in delivering a hospital in the home type service look like?

Involving Pharmacy Learners in Research:  Benefits and Challenges.

Facilitator: Melanie Danilak, Alberta College of Pharmacy, Canada

There is growing interest among pharmacy practitioners to become involved in clinical research.  Furthermore, the benefits of early involvement of pharmacy learners in research are becoming increasingly recognized.  Despite these benefits, pharmacy learners may not have consistent opportunities to learn how to conduct research and this may vary by country and even by institution.  This session will invite you to share your experiences with pharmacy learners and research.  Through discussion with your colleagues, you will discuss ways to address existing barriers and identify ways you can incorporate the involvement of learners in research to achieve mutual benefits.

Self-Leadership for Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners 

Facilitator: Lita Chew, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore

Leadership is making things happen that on its own would not happen. It is fundamentally about taking ownership and delivering what matters. This requires one to be humble, to learn and serve, eliminate impediments, and be ‘in time for the future’. In this hot topic session, we hope to shape your thoughts on becoming an emerging leader for the profession, learn how to continue to grow and adapt to become an effective leader. And for the established and exemplary leaders, to share how you continue to inspire, harness the creativity of your people and be prepared for the future.

 

Friday, March 3

Plenary Session

Reborn from Ashes: Best Practices of Ukrainian Modern Pharmacy 

9:00 – 10:00 (60 minutes)

Victoria Zapotochna, Business Coach, Chief Consultant, General Director of Tory Group, Kyiv, Ukraine

Nowadays pharmaceutical market is extremely competitive, and businesses have to constantly stay updated in order to keep up. Even a small mistake can lead to disastrous consequences. While it is true that owners as well as senior management of businesses invest significant energy, time and resources into building and maintaining the business, sometimes a fresh perspective is needed. 

According to business needs we should improve level of patients’ care and support by different ways and don’t miss even small opportunity to get closer to our Customers. The way we experienced multichannel marketing and implemented category management with top pharmaceutical chains of Ukraine became great examples how modern pharmacy can be developed and businesses have started to grow.

Learning objectives:

o    War impact and current situation in oncology pharmacy
o    Implementation guidelines for patient care 
o    Business model of modern pharmacy in Ukraine 
 

Concurrent Session 3

Research 3

Developing a Sustainable Model for Ambulatory Oncology Pharmacy Practice: Shaping practice and tracking workload

10:00 – 11:00 (60 minutes)

Michael LeBlanc, Regional Manager of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Horizon Health Network, Moncton, Canada

Clinical pharmacy services have evolved over the last several decades and pharmacists in all areas of practice have become integral members of the healthcare team providing care that has been shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare utilization and costs, reduce morbidity and mortality and overall improve patients’ quality of life.
Until recently, most performance measures for clinical pharmacy services have focused on pharmacist workload rather than patient outcomes.
In 2015, a group of Canadian pharmacy leaders developed consensus clinical pharmacy Key Performance Indicators (cpKPI) which identified 8 evidence based activities which are key indicators for clinical pharmacy performance.  These cpKPIs have been used in Canadian hospitals to provide structured expectations for clinical pharmacists providing services to acute inpatients.
Ambulatory oncology practices in Canada and worldwide have also evolved but without consensus cpKPIs to provide much needed structure, services are inconsistent with pockets of excellence at some facilities and other sites lacking developed clinical pharmacy services.
This session will discuss the value of using cpKPIs to shape practice and outline the need for consensus cpKPIs for ambulatory oncology pharmacy services.

Learning objectives:

  • Discuss the value of using clinical pharmacy Key Performance Indicators (cpKPIs) to shape practice
  • Share the experience of a multicentre regional health authority in Canada tracking cpKPIs
  • Review the current status of ambulatory oncology pharmacy practice in Canada
  • Identify gaps and future needs to establish ambulatory oncology cpKPIs

Fundamentals 3

Desensitization to Chemotherapeutic Drugs

10:00 – 11:00 (60 minutes)

  1. Paula De Juan-García Torres, Hospital Univ. de Guadalajara, Spain
  2. Dra. Aránzazu Vega Castro, Hospital Univ. de Guadalajara, Spain

Rapid drug desensitization (RDD) has allowed first line therapies in patients with drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) to chemotherapeutic drugs (ChD) and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) during more than 15 years. RDD is a procedure in which an offending drug is administered to an allergic patient in gradual dose increments until the total dose is reached, resulting in a temporary immunotolerance. This is essential in patients with malignancies, hematological and chronic inflammatory diseases when no comparable alternative is available. 
Desensitization is a safe and highly effective procedure, not only for IgE-mediated reactions but also for those mediated by non-IgE mechanisms. The benefits of the procedure include an improvement in the overall survival of treated patients, as well as a reduction in costs. The likelihood of breakthrough reactions (BTR) during desensitization is low, and it is mainly related to mild reactions. In this lecture we present the available scientific evidence, work circuit and multidisciplinary team for the diagnosis and management of DHR to ChD and mAb, focusing on the desensitization procedure.
Learning objectives:
o    Working circuit for diagnosis and management in patients with drug hypersensitivity reactions.
o    What is a drug desensitization.
o    Which patients are candidates to desensitizate.
o    Desensitization flow chart in a multidisciplinary team
 

Concurrent Session 4

Clinical 4

Exploring the current state of Molecular Tumor Board abroad

11:30 – 12:30 (60 minutes)

David Conde Estévez, PharmD PhD, BCOP, Oncology Clinical Pharmacist, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain

Learning objectives:

  • Explore how Molecular Tumour Boards work and their different models
  • Learn about the characteristics and features of Molecular Tumour Boards
  • Discuss the challenges of implementing a Molecular Tumour Board

Fundamentals 4

Streamlining the Aseptic Dispensing Process with Robotics

11:30 – 12:30 (60 minutes)

Carole R Chambers B.Sc. (Pharm) MBA FCSHP FISOPP, FCaPHO, Pharmacy Director Cancer Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada  
Associate Professor Lita Chew, Group Director, Allied Health, SingHealth, Singapore, Singapore

Robots are coming into oncology pharmacy practice and this fundamentals session will provide two perspectives from ISOPP members on their journey to integrate robotics technology into practice. 

Learning objectives:

  • Describe a compelling case for robotic adoption in aseptic compounding
  • Recognize important consideration when preparing for a request for proposal (RFP)
  • Identify aseptic process to be streamlined in a new operating model
  • Discuss significant implementation challenges

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Research 4

Talking Taboo: The Pharmacist’s Role in Addressing Sexual Health in Patients with Cancer

11:30 – 12:30 (60 minutes)

Melanie Danilak, BSc. Pharm, ACPR, MEd, Assessment Developer, Alberta College of Pharmacy, Edmonton, Canada

With the complexity of cancer treatment and the multitude of issues arising for patients, it is easy for healthcare providers to underappreciate the significant and debilitating effects that cancer and its treatment can have on a person’s sexual health.  There is a growing body of literature describing how professions such as nursing or medicine can and should be more attentive to sexual health of patients with cancer, but the pharmacist’s potential role in this has not been well described.  
Pharmacy practice continues to evolve to become more patient-centered in many parts of the world and pharmacists are well positioned to address these concerns in patients as many issues are caused by or can be treated by medications.  However, many pharmacists feel ill-equipped to explore this area of practice.  This session will provide rationale and direction for pharmacists to address this potential practice gap and demonstrate how practice research can be used to highlight an important patient care issue. 

Learning objectives:

  • Appreciate the reasons why sexual health should be among the priorities addressed by oncology care providers in patients with cancer.
  • Explore current practices and barriers related to sexual health care of patients with cancer.
  • Recognize personal discomforts and limitations to addressing patient sexual health.
  • Create a plan for action to seek further education in this area and to begin having conversations with patients regarding sexual health. 

Sponsored Symposium

Safety and the future of Hazardous Drug Compounding - A global perspective

12:30 - 14:00 (90 minutes)

Ian Lindsley, Secretary of the European Biosafety Network

12:30 Is your pharmacy ready for new EU legislation? 
•    Reprotoxins and hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) are included in new EU legislation (CMRD) for the first time.
•    The new EU legislation includes a definition of HMPs as category 1A or 1B CMRs and a requirement for training those handling HMPs and CMRs
•    Carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances (CMRs) and HMPs must be manufactured and used in a closed system.
•    New EU guidance includes a much broader definition of HMPs as category 1A or 1B CMRs and covers all stages throughout the life cycle of HMPs from manufacture to disposal.
•    The new ETUI list of HMPs is the first and only list of HMPs used in the EU that strictly fall within the scope of the CMRD.

Darren Edward Stevens Pharm. D., a board-certified sterile compounding pharmacist and IV compounding & automation expert.

13:20 Protection for those who NEED to be protected: Confronting invisible dangers of IV compounding.

Darren Edward Stevens Pharm. D., a board-certified sterile compounding pharmacist and IV compounding & automation expert, will discuss the occupational hazards faced by healthcare workers from exposure to hazardous drugs (HD) through various means, such as surface contamination, inhalation of vapors, and ingestion. The presentation will give an overview of the importance of using a closed system transfer device (CSTD), supported by peer-reviewed studies, to significantly reduce the risk of HD exposure for all healthcare workers. Dr. Stevens will also highlight the risks associated with manual compounding, which has a 9% error rate and endangers patient safety. Furthermore, he will discuss the adoption of automated IV compounding technology to mitigate these risks, which has the potential to improve IV compounding quality, safety, and efficiency. Attendees will gain a clear perspective on the need for healthcare facilities to prioritize staff and patient safety by implementing innovative technology to reduce the chances of hazardous drug exposure and compounding errors.

Plenary

Oncology Pharmacy Around the World

14:00 - 14:45

Moderator: John Wiernikowski, ISOPP Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Canada
Panelists: 

This Panel discussion will feature Oncology Pharmacists from Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. The discussion will focus on differences and challenges in Oncology Pharmacy practice in these parts of the world;  how the COVID Pandemic impacted Oncology Pharmacy Practice and how [new] challenges were dealt with and what innovations were put in place/evaluated to address these.   Panelists will discuss what and if innovations have been successful and likely to remain post Pandemic or modified.
We invite you to come learn about Oncology Pharmacy practice(s) from diverse regions of the globe in terms of similarities/differences from your own practice, the different challenges your fellow Oncology Pharmacists face in their regions and how they have or addressing these challenges.  Conversely, you might have faced a similar challenge and be able to share how you addressed it, and help a fellow colleague.

 

Saturday, March 4

 

Plenary 

Abstract Platform Presentations

09:00 - 10:00 (60 mins)
 

9:00 - 9:15
Dose intensity of palbociclib and initial body weight dosage: implications on progression free survival in 220 patients with ER+/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer    
Eduard Fort, Hosital Duran y Reynals (Catalan Institute of Oncology), Hospitalet Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain

9:15 - 9:30 
Characteristics of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) Recipients and Clinical Interventions by Oncology Pharmacists at a Tertiary Outpatient Cancer Centre    
Maria Marchese, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada

9:30 - 9:45
Safe handling of non-carcinogenic drugs in the Ghent University Hospital: development, implementation and communication of hospital-specific guidelines    
Tiene Bauters, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

9:45 - 10:00 
Infusion of Busulfan solution through closed safety connectors Qimomale© and Qimofemale©    
Frédéric Feutry, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
 

Concurrent Session 5

Clinical 5

Cardio-Oncology: New Challenges for Clinical Oncological Pharmacists

10:00 – 10:45 (45 minutes)
Eduard Fort Casamartina, Oncology Clinical Pharmacist, Catalan Institut of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain

Over the last few decades, due to immense progress in the field of cancer treatment, there has been an important prolongation in life expectancy of oncohematological patients. However, now that traditional chemotherapy along oral drugs, immunotherapy, car-t cells and radiotherapy have improved the survival rates,its very important that the off-target adverse events are also given our  attention. In particular, complications of cardiovascular system are considered significant, and they usually lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates of patients.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe the different cardiotoxiticty produced by anticancer drugs like hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias (bradyarrhythmias, tachyarrhytmias, QT prolongation), thromboembolic events, fluid retention, exacerbation of coronary disease and autoimmune Myocarditis
  • Identify oncohematolgical patients which could be stratified according to their risk of developing cardiotoxicity during their anticancer therapy
  • Review the risk of cardiotoxicity induced by different anticancer treatments
  • Check and identify potential interactions between oncohematological treatment and chronic medication (indirect cardiotoxicity)
  • Clinical cardio-oncology unit and the important role of Oncological Clinical Pharmacist

Download Presentation Slides

Research 5 

Feasibility of implementing pharmacist-led DPYD and UGT1A1 gene testing service for patients newly commencing on fluoropyrimidines and irinotecan chemotherapies (PACIFIC-PGx clinical trial)

10:00 – 10:45 (45 minutes)
Sarah Glewis, Clinical Pharmacogenetics Pharmacist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia

Cytotoxic anti-cancer therapies are a mainstay of cancer treatment. While for some patients’ toxicity is severe or life threatening and requires treatment discontinuation with adverse impact on cancer outcomes, predictors are not clearly defined. PACFICI-PGx clinical trial investigates pharmacogenetics (PGx) parameters as predictors of toxicity and response to fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan based anti-cancer treatments. Overall specific aims for this research project include feasibility assessment (patient and clinician acceptance/economic analyses) of PGx guided dosing in Australian hospitals and identifying predictors of high-grade toxicities in solid cancers.

Learning objectives:

  • Fluoropyrimidines metabolism and the importance of DPYD genotyping 
  • International evidence supporting DPYD genotyping and reduction in high grade fluoropyrimidine toxicities
  • Irinotecan metabolism and the importance of UGT1A1 genotyping
  • International evidence supporting UGT1A1 genotyping and reduction in high grade irinotecan toxicities
  • Interim results from PACIFIC-PGx clinical trial

Fundamentals 5

State of the Art in Oncology Safety

10:00 – 10:45 (45 minutes)
Gerardo Cajaraville, Former Head of Pharmacy Department, Onkologikoa Hospital, San Sebastián, Spain  

Patient safety remains a critical issue in oncology. Oncology pharmacists are deeply involved, but there is a long way to go to reach a safe enough environment
The role of oncology pharmacists in patient safety is reviewed. They must play a relevant role in the development of a comprehensive risk management plan that encompasses the entire process. Because IT and technology are essential tools for improving security, they will also be reviewed. Pharmaceutical care activities (eg validation, reconciliation...) can substantially improve patient safety.

The concept of "patient safety" is evolving from "avoiding serious/fatal errors" to achieving the best expected therapeutic results. The distinction between quality and safety becomes particularly blurred in cancer care.

Finally, future challenges will be addressed

Learning objectives:
o    Summarize the current state of oncology safety
o    Describe the main security strategies that can be implemented, including technological issues applied to the cancer treatment process.
o    To reflect on the role of the pharmacist
o    Discuss the challenges we have to face in the near future
 

Concurrent Session 6

Clinical 6

Engaging Pharmacists in a Breast Cancer Survivorship Shared Care Model in the Community

10:45 – 11:30 (45 minutes)

Dr. Yu Ke, Research Fellow, Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore

To meet the long-term care needs of a growing cohort of breast cancer survivors, many countries began trialing alternative care models with greater primary care involvement. However, the engagement of community pharmacists to collaboratively care for breast cancer survivors is rarely reported. The limited engagement of community pharmacists in the survivorship phase represents missed opportunities to leverage their strengths in medication optimization, chronic disease management, and health promotion. This session will provide an overview of the possible roles that community pharmacists can play in breast cancer survivorship care provision. 

Using a case study from Singapore, the development, implementation, and evaluation of a breast cancer shared care model involving oncologists, family physicians, and community pharmacists will be discussed. Examining the integration of community pharmacists in collaborative survivorship care delivery holds the potential of expanding their clinical roles and promoting cross-setting working relationships among healthcare professionals.

Learning objectives:

  • Define cancer survivorship and the underlying principles.
  • Discuss the roles community pharmacists can play in breast cancer survivorship.
  • Describe strategies to optimize community pharmacists’ role in a multidisciplinary care team for cancer survivors.
  • Discuss the types of resources commonly used to guide the implementation of health services involving pharmacists. 

Download Presentation Slides

Fundamentals 6

Updates in Hazardous Drug Safety and Handling

10:45 – 11:30  (45 minutes)

Dr. Michael Ganio Pharm.D., M.S., BCSCP, FASHP Senior Director, Pharmacy Practice and Quality, ASHP, U.S.A

Criteria for defining hazardous drugs have been well established for several decades, but not all hazardous drugs are the same. This session will consider the risk associated with hazardous drugs and will include new and emerging therapies that require a reimagining of the traditional criteria for classifying hazardous drugs. New information related to the safe handling of hazardous drugs will also be discussed.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe criteria for defining hazardous drugs.
  • Discuss properties of biologic drugs that should be considered for safe handling and administration.
  • Explain safe handling challenges unique to biologic agents.

Research 6

Cancer Apps and Pharmacy - what, why and the future. 
Present Study APP

Roberto Collado Borrell, Hospital General Univ. Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

Marta Gilabert Sotoca, Hospital Univ. Arnau de Villanova, Lleida, Spain

Closing Plenary

Cancer disparities in the United States

11:30 – 12:30 (60 minutes)

Farhad Islami, MD PhD, Senior Scientific Director, Cancer Disparity Research, American Cancer Society, U.S.A

In the United States, cancer death rates have been steadily declining since the early 1990s, with an overall drop of 32% from 1991 to 2019. Not all Americans, however, benefit equitably from the progress against cancer, as indicated by substantial disparities in survival and mortality across populations defined by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. For example, the 5-year relative survival for endometrial cancer in 2011-2017 was 21% lower among Black women than White women (63% vs 84%). The continuing disparity in cancer survival largely reflects a combination of multiple intertwined factors of tumor biology, stage at diagnosis, and receipt of timely and effective treatment. For example, in a study of individuals diagnosed with stage I to III colon cancer in 2006-2016, Black individuals were 34% less likely to undergo resection (stage I to III) and 17% less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (stage III) compared to White individuals. 
This presentation provides a brief review of cancer disparities in the United States and major contributing factors, with focus on disparities in receipt of cancer treatment. 

Learning objectives:

  • Learn about disparities in cancer survival and mortality in the United States
  • Learn about major factors contributing to cancer disparities in the United States 
  • Learn about disparities in the receipt of guideline-concordant cancer treatments in the United States