New Frontiers in the Treatment of Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes and the Role of Oncology Pharmacists

This activity was originally broadcast in conjunction with the 2023 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit.

Program Description

In myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the number and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets may be impacted, and patients are classified as having lower- or higher-risk disease using cytogenetic classification and prognostic scoring values. Therapeutic decisions are different for each risk stratification, and this program will focus on therapies for lower-risk disease. Treatment of lower-risk MDS and its related conditions, including anemia, requires oncology pharmacists to be well-informed regarding therapeutic options as well as appropriate monitoring and follow-up with patients. Faculty will provide the most recent evidence for approved and investigational supportive care treatments for MDS-associated anemia and use patient cases to highlight clinical decision making in practice. Ways in which oncology and specialty pharmacists can assist in individualizing treatment plans, monitoring patient-reported outcomes, and improving medication adherence for patients with lower-risk MDS will also be reviewed.

Target audience: Oncology and specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 19, 2023
Expiration date: May 19, 2024

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours

Learner level: Foundational, intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Explain the influence of risk stratification and scoring systems on treatment selection for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
• Explore recent and emerging data to select treatment regimens appropriate for patients with lower-risk MDS
• Identify the most appropriate treatment for patients with MDS-associated anemia in whom erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have failed
• Optimize safe and effective use of oral agents for the treatment of lower-risk MDS and MDS-associated anemia through specialty pharmacy interventions

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 0290-0000-23-233-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through May 19, 2024.

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

Christopher Elder, PharmD, BCOP, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Advisory Board: Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Genentech, Janssen, Mirati

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Amy H. Seung, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

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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