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COVID-19 has increased the demand for new, safer curbside conveniences and the health care industry—including the pharmacy—has transformed rapidly to meet patient needs and prioritize safety as a result of the pandemic.

Opdivo-based combinations show benefit for patients with esophageal cancer who are often diagnosed after their disease has spread and would benefit from new therapeutic options.

Megan May, PharmD, BCOP, Cecilia Lau, RPh, BCOP, APh, and Daneng Li, MD, share their thoughts on unmet needs in the management of neuroendocrine tumors.

The most common reason given for refusal of a COVID-19 vaccine was distrust of the health care system, correctional or government personnel, and institutions.

The unsung heroes of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are pharmacy technicians.

A session at the Community Oncology Alliance virtual 2021 conference noted that clinical trials have found promising new treatments for patients with breast cancer, offering opportunities for future new approvals and indications.

Developing an antimicrobial stewardship program is arduous but valuable; commitment from leadership is the first step.

In patients who received early palliative care, researchers noted a lower percentage of patients with depression, improved quality of life, and, significantly, longer survival.

Panelists at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) virtual 2021 conference said the impacts of the pandemic on their day-to-day operations were challenging, although they all said they were proud of how their staff handled the rapid changes in spring of 2020.

Patients with glioblastoma receiving temozolomide in the morning had an average overall survival of about 17 months, compared to an average overall survival of approximately 13.5 months for those taking the drug in the evening.

Although many attendees and presenters are looking forward to returning to in-person conferences in the future, Anne Krolikowski said the virtual format of their upcoming conference allows even more people to attend.

Staying educated in the formal and informal health care settings surrounding state-of-the-art cancer care in the community practice is essential for success.

Pet Peeves for March 2021, brought to you by The Sassy Pharmacist.

Indicators of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, including testing rates, positivity ratio, case rates by overall population, and deaths, are clustered by neighborhood, with low-income and predominantly minority communities experiencing worse outcomes.

The investigators concluded that pharmacies who use the patient engagement center are likely to see efficient operations and increased productivity.

FDA grants a fast track designation to GEN-1, a DNA-mediated IL-12 immunotherapy.

Based on their findings and considering the small size and portability of the test, the investigators said it could be used for fast virus detection in schools and airports.

According to previous studies, youth who are obese when they begin chemotherapy are more than twice as likely to have remaining cancer cells after 1 month of treatment compared to their lean counterparts.

Interactive case studies from March 2021.

Empiric anti-MRSA therapy is an area of opportunity for antimicrobial stewardship in the treatment of CAP.

The global rise of nonalcoholic fatty-liver disease in pediatric populations has highlighted the need to understand the potential cause of this growing trend.

Patricia Stinchfield, the president-elect of National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, discusses the recommended framework for vaccine messaging for leaders across sectors.

As hematology and oncology pharmacists have become increasingly essential members of the care team, new investigational drugs could have a significant impact on the treatment landscape.

Pharmacy managers must not only possess high levels of emotional intelligence, but should also encourage development among staff that facilitates more effective and creative outlets for frustration.

A review of the efficacy of HER2-positive–targeted agents for metastatic breast cancer.

For the study, the research team modeled COVID-19 transmission rates and the optimal allocation of an initially limited vaccine supply in the United States under a variety of scenarios.

Although the technology to remotely connect physician and patient has been in place for years, its use was limited until the spread of COVID-19.

Two-thirds of surveyed physicians said patients are presenting with more late-stage cancers, with 73% saying patients in their practice are not receiving screenings.