Advancements in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: The Role of Oncology Pharmacists in Treatment Optimization

This activity was originally presented at the 2024 HOPA Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida.

Program Description

Most women with breast cancer are diagnosed with early-stage disease, which is associated with longer overall survival. Targeted systemic therapy, such as the CDK4/6 inhibitors, HER2-targeted therapies, and emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of patients with early-stage breast cancer. The use of targeted therapies in clinical practice allows for a more personalized approach to treatment, which can equip oncology pharmacists to optimize treatment strategies and sequencing based on breast cancer subtype characterization and risk stratification. Yet, the growing treatment options are accompanied by several considerations that oncology pharmacists must weigh when selecting an appropriate agent and determining treatment sequencing. This session will examine guideline recommendations for preferred adjuvant systemic therapies, focusing on patients with early-stage breast cancer. The discussion will encompass strategies for oncology pharmacists to preemptively identify treatment-related adverse effects, address patients at risk for poor adherence, and provide comprehensive counseling to optimize the use of targeted therapies for early-stage breast cancer.

Target Audience: Oncology pharmacists

Type of Activity: Application
Release date: April 12, 2024
Expiration date: April 12, 2025
Learner level: Advanced

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Ensure appropriate use of targeted systemic therapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer, considering factors such as tumor subtype, genomic characteristics, and patient preference
• Investigate recent and emerging evidence in early-stage breast cancer and its applicability to patient care
• Implement medication management strategies to support treatment adherence and resolve adverse effects of targeted therapies for early-stage breast cancer

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 0290-0000-24-099-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through April 12, 2025.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view 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

Allison Butts, PharmD, BCOP, and Julia Ziegengeist, PharmD, BCOP, have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Danielle Roman, PharmD, BCOP, has the following relevant financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:

Consultant (advisory board): Daiichi Sankyo

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Abigail Dill; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Daphne Davis, PharmD, BCOP, has the following financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:

Former employee: GSK

Anonymous peer reviewers have been 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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