Overcoming Financial and Familiarity Barriers in Endometrial Cancer Management

In ‘Overcoming Financial and Familiarity Barriers in Endometrial Cancer Management,’ the expert Oncology Pharmacists examined the following critical questions:

How do economic considerations impact immunotherapy selection and utilization in endometrial cancer?

How can pharmacists help with access challenges to more costly medications?

What is the role of the NCCN Evidence Blocks?

What safety or familiarity concerns may influence prescribers to favor certain therapies?

What are best practices for pharmacists in working with physicians to overcome familiarity biases?

Led by the moderator, Megan May, the expert oncology pharmacists examined the significant financial burden placed on patients, including the "20% burden" often left to those on Medicare or Medicaid despite insurance coverage. Jennifer MacDonald and the panel highlighted the hidden challenges of co-pay assistance programs and the necessity of being "good stewards" of healthcare costs by focusing on therapies with proven overall survival advantages. The experts also explored the utility of NCCN Evidence Blocks in visualizing cost-effectiveness, toxicity, and evidence levels to guide therapy selection. Furthermore, Erin Zacholski addressed "familiarity bias" in prescribing habits, while the group discussed how pharmacists can use data-driven approaches, such as Medication Use Evaluations (MUEs), to ensure consistent, evidence-based practice across oncology teams.

Throughout the conversation, the experts provided a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

The next episode in this series, ‘The Evolving Role of the Pharmacist: From Clinical Pathways to Patient Advocacy,’ features the panelists advancing their conversation on endometrial cancer and focusing on the evolution of clinical pathways and the multidisciplinary collaboration required to empower pharmacists in patient care.