Optimizing the Utilization of Targeted Therapies in CLL: Considerations and Insights for the Managed Care Professional

Program Description

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia. The current treatment approach with targeted, small molecule inhibitors has provided improved survival outcomes and tolerability for patients with CLL in both the treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory settings. However, there remain challenges with current targeted treatment strategies, such as adherence to treatment guidelines, treatment-related adverse effects, and the impact on adherence. Oncology pharmacists have ample opportunity to promote awareness of guideline recommendations for treatment initiation and sequencing among all practitioners caring for patients with CLL to better inform therapeutic decisions. Managed care professionals have responsibilities to design protocols that address challenges affecting patient access to oral targeted therapies that balance cost-effectiveness and quality care. This program will review current treatment approaches for CLL as well as opportunities for managed care pharmacists to optimize coordination of care in the treatment of CLL with BTK inhibitors and combination therapy approaches. Considerations to the management and prevention of treatment-related adverse effects, medication adherence, and costs of care will also be addressed.

Target audience: Managed care pharmacists, specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: July 11, 2023
Expiration date: July 11, 2024

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours

Learner level: Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Apply patient and disease-specific factors, such as prognostic markers and clinical staging, in guiding treatment decisions for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
• Examine recent clinical updates and guideline-directed utilization of targeted therapies in the frontline management of CLL.
• Explore the best practices for managed care in preventing and mitigating adverse effects associated with small molecule inhibitors in CLL.
• Identify managed care considerations in the evolving treatment approaches for patients with CLL that evaluate the cost of care while improving patient outcomes.