The Evolving Role of the Pharmacist: From Clinical Pathways to Patient Advocacy

In ‘The Evolving Role of the Pharmacist: From Clinical Pathways to Patient Advocacy,’ the expert Oncology Pharmacists examined the following critical questions:

How can clinical pathways unintentionally reinforce established prescribing patterns?

What is the role of the pharmacist in determining clinical pathways for immunotherapies in endometrial cancer?

Overall, how can pharmacists feel empowered when discussing treatment options for patients with endometrial cancer?

Led by the moderator, Megan May, the expert oncology pharmacists discussed the double-edged sword of clinical pathways, noting that while they ensure equitable care, the "8 to 12 month lag" in updates can reinforce outdated regimens. Justina Salib and the panel emphasized that pharmacists are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap by initiating sequencing discussions even before FDA approvals. Jennifer MacDonald and Erin Zacholski highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, such as joint meetings with Medical Science Liaisons and attending physician-led fellow education, to align communication with patients. The experts also addressed the historical role of radiation in endometrial cancer, noting that because recent immunotherapy trials often excluded it, pharmacists must proactively manage the toxicities and outcomes when these modalities are combined in real-world practice.

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, ‘Expert Insights: Navigating the Influx of New Therapies in Endometrial Cancer’, features the panelists advancing their conversation on endometrial cancer and focusing on the pharmacist's role in translating emerging ADC and immunotherapy data into safe clinical practice.