Preparing for the Use of Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests: Opportunities for Managed Care Professionals to Expand Cancer Screenings and Implement Early Clinical Intervention

Program Description

In the United States, almost half of cancers are preventable, and early detection would allow for cancer treatment to be more effective, potentially increasing patients’ survival. Blood-based technologies, known as multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, can identify multiple cancers early and simultaneously; however, while the use of MCED tests is expected to improve patient experiences and quality of life, it is also expected to lead to complexities in testing management. Managed care and health-system pharmacists can ensure appropriate use of novel methods to detect cancer early, including those cancers that do not have a screening test and are often diagnosed in advanced stages, by educating themselves on the current and emerging data surrounding these tests. 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, a deeper insight into the efficacy of the available novel MCED test, as well as 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: August 1, 2023
Expiration date: August 1, 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:

• Analyze recent literature supporting the use of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests in cancer screening, and compare the specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of different MCED tests.
• Examine current and emerging data for the barriers to cancer screening.
• Explore the evidence of how guidelines are developed and the importance of early cancer detection for patient outcomes.
• Apply strategies to optimize risk assessment, develop screening processes, and perform cancer screening.
• Employ approaches for managing patient challenges related to MCED screening and incorporating these tests into practice.

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 0290-0000-23-312-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through August 1, 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

Nima Nabavizadeh, MD, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

• Consultant: GRAIL, Inc; Freenome

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

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Kylie Ferrentino; 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