This activity was originally broadcast as part of the 2024 Directions in Oncology Pharmacy® conference.
The patient cases discussion portion of the program also includes discussion on Bruton tyrosine kinase and BCL2 inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Program Description
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory response driven by the release of inflammatory cytokines due to immune activation. CRS is a common adverse effect of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), and its identification and management require close monitoring and supportive care medications depending on severity and presentation. Managing patient safety is of the utmost importance, especially as oncology therapies become more complex. Oncology pharmacists must be knowledgeable about the proper administration and monitoring of patients receiving BsAbs in order to quickly identify and manage CRS. As pharmacists play a key role in interdisciplinary health care teams, improving pharmacist familiarity with BsAbs therapy and early recognition of CRS is essential for improving outcomes, lowering the risk of CRS incidence, and reducing the occurrence of more severe reactions. This activity will cover signs and symptoms of CRS, differences in CRS presentation based on several factors, and appropriate strategies to identify early signs of CRS and manage it based on severity. By better understanding strategies for the utilization of BsAbs, pharmacists will be better equipped to monitor these therapies, recognize when patients exhibit symptoms of CRS, and promote patient safety. The included patient case discussions will present CRS prevention and treatment considerations for oncology pharmacists when caring for patients with BsAbs in clinical practice.
Target audience: Oncology pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: November 25, 2024
Expiration date: November 25, 2025
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify patients at risk for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) by assessing factors related to the disease, patient characteristics, and treatment modality
- Implement evidence-based strategies for the prevention and management of CRS according to severity of the reaction
- Explore pharmacist-driven strategies to improve the safe administration of bispecific antibodies in relation to CRS
Zahra Mahmoudjafari, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FHOPA
Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Kansas City, Kansas
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 0290-0000-24-332-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 25, 2025.
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.
Faculty
Zahra Mahmoudjafari, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FHOPA, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consultant: Janssen Global Services, LLC; Pfizer Inc; Sanofi; Genmab A/S
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Daphne Davis, PharmD, BCOP; Aleksandra Thomas; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green 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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