Oncology

The implementation of multi-gene panel testing may be a necessary part of the standard of care for all colorectal cancer patients.

Loneliness and social isolation have been particularly significant problems for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to isolation and social distancing, according to a study published in Cancer.

Data presented at the 2021 ESMO Breast Cancer Virtual Congress showed 29% of recurrent breast cancer biopsies showed conversion either from, or to, HER2-low expression.

In June 2020, the FDA granted a fast track designation to fruquintinib for patients with mCRC previously treated with other therapies.

In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Melissa Santibañez, PharmD, BCCCP, assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and critical care clinical pharmacist at Memorial Regional Hospital, Hollywood, Florida, discusses the value of a pharmacist on a patient care team.

Tivozanib was the first therapy approved by the FDA for adult patients with relapsed or refractory advanced renal cell carcinoma following 2 or more prior systemic therapies.

These findings also suggest that the efficacy of radiotherapy can be improved with drugs that block the PDGFRb protein.

The researchers obtained genomic data from more than 2000 pediatric patients with leukemia to identify associated gene variants.

The new study evaluated data from 5000 patients with EBC and 3496 with ABC to determine associations between BMI and survival rates across both stages.

Although prolonged COVID-19 infections are rare, even in children or young adults with compromised immunity, it could have public health implications.

This indication has received accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response, though the results of confirmatory trials may change the approval status.

IQVIA researchers saw a sharp uptick in medication usage shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began, followed by a steep fall in the first few months of the pandemic.

Although young women were the original targets of human papillomavirus vaccine outreach after its approval in 2006, the increasing rates oropharyngeal cancer has made vaccination for young men even more important.

The study also found that patients with comorbidities such as heart disease and diabetes were more likely to experience a high symptom burden.

An interim analysis from the phase 3 ALPINE trial comparing zanubrutinib against ibrutinib demonstrated positive results in the treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Kenneth Komorny, PharmD, BCPS, a co-lead on development of National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommendations for biosimilar management, explains some of the positions the NCCN has taken.

Health care practitioners and manufacturers must change practice patterns and management strategies.

Individuals with an average risk of colorectal cancer said they would prefer a stool-based screening test for colorectal cancer over colonoscopy.

The relatively new combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with VEGF inhibitors represents a promising option for patients with various malignancies.

Prevention methods, including smoking cessation and public education, remain critical in combating the United States’ third most common cancer type.

Pharmacists must work to keep patients informed and safe so they can continue to deliver lifesaving cancer care.

Directions in Oncology Pharmacy® is getting to know oncology pharmacy professionals through a series of interviews. In this issue, we talk to David DeRemer, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, president of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Board of Directors, whose term ends this month.

As the most accessible member of the health care team, the pharmacist can provide patients with cancer with the information and support necessary to get through what could be the most challenging time in their lives.

Clinicians should consider the impact on subsequent therapies, overall survival, and median time to definitive deterioration with CDK 4/6 inhibitors.

Cynthia Lynch, MD, breast cancer program clinical advisor with Cancer Treatment Centers of America, said oncology pharmacists are vital team members who can help ensure optimal treatment and safety for patients with breast cancer.

Investigators developed a genetically distinct and non-toxic strain of salmonella called CRC2631 to select and kill cancer cells, which may be able to be tailored to specific patients.

Oncology experts recommend patients schedule overdue screenings, as pandemic restrictions ease.

Loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl is a CD19-targeted antibody drug conjugate.

According to the study authors, the findings suggest a need for greater transparency in health care pricing as well as policies eliminating financial obstacles to catching cancer early.

Novel therapeutics under investigation include CAR T-cell therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies, as well as other unique drugs.