Expert Q&A: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Solid Tumor Therapies

Oncology drug therapy changes at a rapid pace—driven by new agents, expanded indications, evolving guidelines, and the rise of tumor-agnostic treatments—which continues to reshape cancer care. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to stay ahead of these developments through professional organizations, peer networks, and ongoing education while also playing a key role in patient counseling and translating complex biomarker testing into personalized treatment discussions. In this Q&A, expert Jasmine Patel, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacy specialist with the Thoracic Oncology Department of Pharmacy, shared her own approaches, including involvement in groups like the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) and the Network for Collaborative Oncology Development & Advancement (NCODA), listening to concise oncology podcasts, and tailoring patient counseling to highlight practical treatment considerations and the value of biomarker-driven therapy.

Pharmacy Times: How do you stay current with the rapid pace of change in oncology drug therapy, specifically regarding new agents, expanded indications, and evolving treatment guidelines for solid tumors?

Jasmine Patel, PharmD, BCOP: It can be challenging to keep up with updates in the solid tumor space, as there can be so many in a short period of time. I am active within several pharmacy organizations like HOPA and NCODA. Specifically, with HOPA, there are special interest groups for different malignancies that can be a great place to connect with colleagues and discuss updates, implementation, and any challenges. I also like to listen to a podcast called “OncoPharm” during my commute, which has quick 15–20-minute posts on various cancer updates (both hematologic and solid). 

Pharmacy Times: What are some key considerations for patient counseling when a new agent or an expanded indication is prescribed for a solid tumor?

Patel: I think it is important to recognize the potential ways that a treatment can impact a patient’s daily life. When thinking of oral targeted therapies/treatment, consider incorporating food/timing considerations for administration, missed dose management, and of course interactions with prescribed and non-prescribed medications. With intravenous (IV) treatments, I like to incorporate the anticipated pre-medications and duration of administration. With both oral and IV treatments, highlighting which adverse effects are more common and what the possible timeline is for onset. With expanded indications, I like to highlight that while the medication is approved in another disease state, it also has activity for that patient’s specific cancer.

Pharmacy Times: With the rise of tumor-agnostic drugs, how does the pharmacist's role shift from site-specific therapy to one based on biomarker testing and genetic profiling? 

Patel: Biomarker testing has drastically changed the treatment landscape of cancer management. As the pharmacist meeting with the patient, knowing this patient-specific genetic information guides my counseling because I can highlight that the targeted therapy is specific for a mutation or expression that their cancer has. Shaping the discussion around this can help patients better understand their intended treatment and why the health care team may recommend it. It can also help address any concerns they have because I am able to speak to the growth within the cancer treatment space that allows us to not only identify specific biomarkers but then also be able to treat them.