ATOPP 2025: Kirollos S. Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, FACCC, FAPO, Highlights Must-See Sessions

The 2025 Advanced Topics for Oncology Pharmacy Professionals (ATOPP) Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah brings together leaders in oncology pharmacy to tackle pressing clinical, operational, and policy challenges. In this interview with Pharmacy Times®, Kirollos S. Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, FACCC, FAPO, director of pharmacy at Minnesota Oncology and assistant professor of pharmacy at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, shares his perspective on the unique value of the ATOPP Summit for pharmacy professionals.

Drawing on his experience as a speaker and attendee, Hanna highlights the meeting’s focus on actionable strategies around biosimilar adoption, precision medicine, and social determinants of health (SDOH), as well as its emphasis on peer collaboration and innovation in care delivery. He also reflects on past highlights and outlines his hopes for this year’s programming, particularly in the context of evolving value-based care models like the Enhanced Oncology Model (EOM).

Pharmacy Times: Why do you attend the 2025 ATOPP Summit, and what do you see as the value of the meeting for your work?

Kirollos S. Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, FACCC, FAPO, is the director of pharmacy at Minnesota Oncology and assistant professor of pharmacy at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota.

Kirollos S. Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, FACCC, FAPO: Attending the 2025 ATOPP Summit offers a unique opportunity to engage with the forefront of oncology pharmacy practice. The Summit is designed to empower advanced pharmacy professionals by fostering collaboration, innovation, and actionable insights that directly impact patient care and operational efficiency. For those involved in oncology pharmacy, the value of this meeting lies in its ability to connect attendees with thought leaders, explore cutting-edge treatment strategies, and address pressing issues, such as drug shortages, biosimilar adoption, and the integration of social determinants of health (SDOH), into care models. These discussions are not only timely but essential for adapting to evolving health care landscapes such as the EOM.

Pharmacy Times: What is the usual attendee profile of the ATOPP Summit?

Conference attendees during a break between sessions. Image Credit: © KOTO - stock.adobe.com

Hanna: The typical attendee profile at the ATOPP Summit includes seasoned oncology pharmacists, clinical pharmacy specialists, pharmacy directors, and health care leaders involved in formulary management, reimbursement, and precision medicine. Many attendees are also engaged in academic research or policy advocacy, making the summit a rich environment for interdisciplinary learning and networking. This diverse mix of professionals ensures that conversations are both clinically relevant and strategically forward-thinking.

Pharmacy Times: What are some must-see sessions at this year’s meeting you think may be particularly valuable for pharmacy professionals?

Hanna: Among the must-see sessions at this year’s Summit are those focused on the role of pharmacists in addressing SDOH, navigating biosimilar market dynamics, and managing cellular therapies through community-academic collaboration. These sessions are particularly valuable for pharmacy professionals looking to expand their impact beyond traditional dispensing roles and into areas of strategic influence and patient advocacy.

Pharmacy Times: What have been some highlights of past ATOPP Summits for you?

Hanna: Highlights from past ATOPP Summits have included dynamic panels on payer policy changes, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on pharmacy practice, and strategies for managing HER2-low breast cancer. These sessions have consistently provided practical takeaways and sparked meaningful dialogue around the evolving responsibilities of oncology pharmacists. The Summit’s emphasis on real-world challenges and collaborative problem-solving has made it a cornerstone event for many in the field.

Pharmacy Times: What are your hopes for this year’s ATOPP Summit?

Hanna: Looking to this year’s Summit, there is hope that the event will continue to drive innovation and elevate the role of pharmacists in oncology care. Attendees are likely anticipating deeper dives into value-based care integration, enhanced use of data analytics, and expanded discussions on equity in cancer trials. Ultimately, the goal is to leave the Summit with new strategies, stronger professional connections, and a renewed sense of purpose in advancing oncology pharmacy practice.