Expanding the Role of Oncology Pharmacy Technicians in Medication Safety and Patient Access

In this interview with Pharmacy Times, Laura Cannon, PharmD, MPH, BCOP, clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, discusses the expanding and increasingly critical role of pharmacy technicians in oncology care. She emphasizes the importance of foundational education to help technicians understand complex cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and emerging cellular therapies. The conversation also highlights the vital role technicians play in medication safety, from handling hazardous drugs in accordance with USP <800> standards to serving as an additional layer of verification in the treatment process. Additionally, she explores how technicians are increasingly involved in patient access, financial assistance, and adherence support as oncology treatments become more complex and costly.