Integrating Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests Into Clinical Practice: The Health Economics Perspective for Managed Care Professionals

This activity includes Pharmacy SoundScripts audio narration. 

Program Description

In the United States, almost half of cancers are preventable. Early detection would allow for cancer treatment to be more effective both in cost and patient outcomes, yet established cancer screening tools are underutilized. Blood-based technologies, known as multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, can identify multiple cancers early and simultaneously. As more becomes elucidated about the significance of early cancer detection, it becomes evident that MCED tests not only promise to enhance patient outcomes but also hold the key to optimizing health care resource allocation and curbing the socioeconomic burden of cancer. When utilized appropriately, these MCED technologies have the potential to detect a higher proportion of early-stage, treatment-amenable cancers. It is imperative that managed care professionals are educated about the recent and ongoing advancements in the field of oncology to spearhead the integration of MCED technologies into care of cancers that do not have a screening method and are often diagnosed in advanced stages. This activity will provide managed care professionals with the tools and resources needed to identify and address the various barriers and health disparities that contribute to low rates of cancer screenings, offer a deeper insight into the cost-effectiveness of novel MCED tests, and equip them with knowledge of the clinical and economic benefits associated with early cancer detection and treatment.

Target audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: June 28, 2024
Expiration date: June 28, 2025
Learner level: Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Explain the underlying principles and technologies behind emerging multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests within current cancer control and screening protocols.
• Analyze the clinical evidence supporting the validation processes, efficacy, and utility of MCED tests, including their sensitivity and specificity.
• Identify the health economics and outcomes research aspects of MCED tests, including their cost-effectiveness, reimbursement considerations, and implications for managed care organizations.
• Explore opportunities and challenges for incorporating MCED tests into cancer screening standards, including strategies for patient education, provider engagement, and collaborative care models.

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 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-24-155-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 28, 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.

Faculty

Nima Nabavizadeh, MD, has the following relevant financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:

Consultant: Grail, Inc

Medical Writing and Editorial Support

Debra Gordon, MS, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Daphne Davis, PharmD, BCOP; Krishani Rajapaksa; 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.

For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Information:
www.pharmacytimes.org/terms