Precision Oncology in Practice: Transforming Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Care Through Advanced Biomarker Testing

This activity was originally presented at the COA Community Oncology Conference in Orlando, Florida. 

Program Description

Biomarker testing in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) contributes to guiding treatment decisions by identifying specific molecular alterations within tumors that can inform targeted therapy options and predict response to treatment. As the treatment landscape for NSCLC expands and patients may be managed in the outpatient setting with oral targeted therapies, community pharmacists should be aware of certain biomarkers that can serve as indicators of disease progression, potentially greater therapeutic response, or the development of resistance to targeted therapies. This program will present an overview of genomic testing guidelines in NSCLC to ensure oncology pharmacists within community practice settings are prepared to adopt a comprehensive approach to biomarker testing as well as navigate potential challenges. Participants will examine the advantages of biomarker testing, including mitigating unnecessary adverse effects and health care costs associated with premature therapy initiation, through real-world examples to improve outcomes for patients with NSCLC. 

Target audience: Oncology pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 15, 2024
Expiration date: April 15, 2025

Time to complete activity: 0.75 hour

Learner level: Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Employ guideline recommendations for genomic testing in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to improve the selection and management of targeted therapies in the pharmacy practice
• Explain the benefits of biomarker testing in NSCLC and the risks of non-concordance to guideline recommendations to fellow health care professionals on the cancer care team
• Identify pharmacist-driven strategies to overcome barriers to timely and appropriate biomarker testing in NSCLC, ensuring patients have access to personalized therapy options

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 0.75 contact hour (0.075 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-24-109-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through April 15, 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.

Disclosures

Stefanie Houseknecht, PharmD, BCOP, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Consultant: Aptar Pharma
Speaker Bureau: AstraZeneca
Stock: Pfizer
Advisory Board: Daiichi Sankyo

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Amy H. Seung, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, CHCP; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Crissy Wilson; 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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