Insights

The CDK4/6 Breast Cancer ESMO Insights Series brings together leading oncology pharmacy experts to break down the most impactful data shaping the future of HR-positive breast cancer care. Across this multi-part program, our panel examines pivotal updates from the monarchE, NATALEE, and VIKTORIA-1 trials—translating complex clinical findings into practical, actionable insights for clinicians. From adjuvant therapy outcomes to advances in the post–CDK4/6 inhibitor metastatic setting, this series is designed to help pharmacists and care teams understand how emerging evidence will influence treatment decisions and optimize care for patients across the disease continuum.

Panelists discuss how intravenous administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors creates operational challenges, including infusion chair bottlenecks, complex scheduling, venous access difficulties, and time burdens for patients, while subcutaneous formulations offer potential solutions through simplified delivery, reduced infusion center strain, and improved patient convenience.

Rupal Mansukhani, PharmD, FAPhA, NCNTT, discusses how pneumococcal disease presents differently across age groups; identifies high-risk populations, including adults older than 50 years and immunocompromised patients; compares the 5 FDA-approved pneumococcal vaccines with emphasis on newer conjugate options like PCV20 and PCV21; and provides guidance for pharmacists on vaccine recommendations, addressing patient concerns and implementing effective follow-up systems to improve vaccination uptake and completion rates.

Carmen Janes, PharmD, BCOP, discusses how National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines inform first-line chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment selection among tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib, nilotinib, and asciminib, emphasizing the importance of early molecular milestone achievement, proactive toxicity management, and the expanding role of pharmacists in optimizing patient adherence and quality of life through remote monitoring and medication access support.

A panelist discusses how pharmacists must be equipped with essential clinical knowledge, communication skills, and up-to-date information to administer RSV vaccines effectively, optimize vaccine uptake through patient education and hesitancy management, and respond appropriately to adverse events.

Cara Chang, PharmD, BCOP, provides comprehensive insights into the challenges, advances, and best practices in treating EGFR-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), emphasizing the importance of molecular testing before treatment initiation, the evolution of targeted therapies and combination approaches, the critical role of pharmacists in medication management and patient education, and emerging treatments including subcutaneous amivantamab and antibody-drug conjugates that promise to improve outcomes while reducing toxicity.

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses how pharmacists can lead efforts in vaccinating older adults against RSV by addressing barriers to vaccination, integrating education into pharmacy workflows, and implementing community outreach initiatives.

The discussion, led by Kirollos Hanna,PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, FACCC, and Brandon Dyson, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, focuses on optimizing chronic lymphocytic leukemia care through the management of treatment modifications and adverse events, emphasizing pharmacists’ roles in patient education, dose adjustment strategies, and the economic impact of these modifications.

Sophia Humphreys, PharmD, MHA, BCBBS, explores the role of biosimilars in specialty pharmacy.

Cara Chang, PharmD, BCOP, and Alan Chin, PharmD, BCOP, engage in a comprehensive discussion about EGFR mutation therapies, relevant clinical trials, associated adverse reactions, and crucial strategies for optimizing patient outcomes in this specific subset of NSCLC patients.

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, provides a comprehensive overview of RSV vaccinations, including current clinical trials, their efficacy and safety data, and emphasizes the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy by presenting evidence-based information to help patients make informed decisions about receiving the RSV vaccine.

Heather Moore, CPP, PharmD, recaps key topics from the 2023 ASCO meeting surrounding breast cancer treatment.

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, provides insights surrounding the utilization of PARP inhibitors and clinical pathways in ovarian cancer treatment.

Expert, Zahra Mahmoudjafari, PharmD, BCOP, DPLA shares insights on the expanding treatment landscape for CLL.

Tim Whitten, BSPharm, MBA, CEO & President of Taiho Oncology Inc discusses the critical impacts of pharmacists across the health care landscape.

Sponsored by Taiho Oncology Inc.

Neal Dave, PharmD, and Brandon Dyson, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, share insights regarding the treatment landscape for patients with CML and Ph+ ALL.

Prophylactic treatment is critical to treatment management for patients diagnosed with hemophilia A.

Medical experts detail the current and evolving roles of BTK inhibitors in treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma.

Experts in hematology/oncology share key insight on the treatment of CLL, including the use of BTK inhibitors and the critical role of pharmacists in disease management.

Considerations regarding updates to chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment algorithms based on novel and emerging therapies presented at the ASH 2021 annual meeting.

Pharmacist and provider perspective on BTK inhibitors for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.

Shared insight on unmet needs and recent innovations in the management of marginal zone lymphoma in the relapsed/refractory setting.

Joanna Lewis, PharmD, MBA, discusses practical considerations when selecting over-the-counter medications to treat common conditions pharmacists are often asked about and highlights some recommended medications from the Pharmacy Times’ OTC Guide

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP; and Thomasina Morris, RPh, MHA, BCOP, discuss the importance of utilizing PARP inhibitors as second-line maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer and share valuable clinical insights.

A discussion on advancements and updates in the treatment of CLL, including the latest research presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology Virtual Meeting.