Providers to Need to Consider Patient-Specific Factors in Treating CLL

In this clip from the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, Alison Duffy, PharmD, BCOP, from the University of Maryland Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares important considerations in treating Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in patients.

Transcript

Because we’re really starting to use some of these small molecule inhibitors in practice, earlier or in combination with other agents, really thinking about the toxicity profile of these agents. If we’re using them in combination with IV therapy, this can certainly make it very complicated for the patient in terms of adherence, different alternating schedules, different billing. So really helping the patient navigate that process from an adherence, financial perspective can be very helpful. Thinking through the long-term effects of these therapies from an infection perspective as well. So I think we’re starting to see these agents really being used in combination which is exciting. But because they certainly do have a significant toxicity profile, there are a number of patient-specific factors to consider in terms of pill burden, in terms of cost, in terms of specific precautions to be aware of up front to make sure we consider the right drug in the right patient.