Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Asparaginase Treatment in Adults and Young Adults With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

This activity was originally broadcast as part of the 2023 Directions in Oncology Pharmacy conference.

Program Description
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematologic malignancy in which patients experience decreased production of normal blood cells contributing to anemia, infections, and increased bruising and bleeding. Symptoms generally develop quickly, and patients experience rapid disease progression, making early identification and treatment initiation a priority. Incidence of ALL is highest in children younger than 5 years, yet about 80% of deaths occur in adults. Oncology pharmacists need to appropriately assess treatment regimens for patients based on age and other patient-specific factors. The inclusion of asparaginase along with chemotherapy treatment regimens has improved survival outcomes and remission rates for patients with ALL, though asparaginase has been associated with numerous adverse effects (AEs) of which oncology pharmacists should be aware. Evidence for the use of asparaginase in adult and young adult or pediatric patients will be examined. This program will highlight appropriate prevention and management strategies for asparaginase-related AEs according to guideline recommendations. Faculty will discuss the role of oncology pharmacists in managing and preventing asparaginase-related treatment toxicities in unique patient cases.

Target audience: Oncology pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: November 22, 2023
Expiration date: November 22, 2024
Learner level: Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Identify the various types of asparaginase formulations available for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and their differences
• Construct patient-specific treatment plans for adult and young adult patients with ALL using guideline-recommended protocols
• Implement strategies to mitigate the risks of asparaginase formulations in adult and young adult patients with ALL
• Apply strategies for the prevention and management of asparaginase-related adverse effects to real-world case scenarios

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 0290-0000-23-441-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 22, 2024.

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.

Faculty

Matthew J. Newman, PharmD, MEHP, BCOP, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Grant/Research Support: Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Consultant: Pfizer

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

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Daphne Davis, PharmD, BCOP, has the following financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:

Former employee: GSK

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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[email protected]
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