A Beginner’s Guide to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Care

Program Description

Several vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are approved for the treatment of various tumor types. This activity will explore the role of VEGFR TKIs, with a focus on their use in renal cell, hepatocellular, and thyroid carcinomas. Despite their potency and selectivity, VEGFR TKIs are known to cause unique adverse effects (AEs) from those associated with chemotherapy and other targeted therapies. Pharmacists caring for patients with cancer must be familiar with the pharmacology and mechanism of action for these agents in order to recognize potential for toxicity and manage drug interactions and AEs. Strategies for pharmacists to assist in selection of therapy, provide adequate supportive care to patients, and manage AEs will be discussed. Animated videos within this activity will further reinforce pathobiology of tumor angiogenesis, the pharmacology of TKIs targeting the VEGFR pathway, and the role of the pharmacist in managing toxicities.

Target audience: Health-system, oncology, and specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: September 7, 2022
Expiration date: September 7, 2023

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explore the pathobiology of tumor angiogenesis and the mechanism of action of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
• Explain how differing potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics of VEGFR TKIs relate to efficacy in various tumor types
• Examine the shared and unique adverse drug reactions associated with FDA-approved VEGFR TKIs and treatment strategies to manage toxicities

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-22-425-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through September 7, 2023.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Faculty

Mei Ka Fong, PharmD, BCOP, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consultant: Sanofi-Aventis

Speakers Bureau: Ipsen biopharmaceuticals

Medical Writer

Margaret Taylor, PharmD, CPP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Amy Seung, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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