OncoPharm

Explore the fascinating origins and pharmacology of bleomycin, a unique chemotherapy drug. Discover its mechanism of action, including minimal myelosuppression and distinct pulmonary toxicity risks. The discussion also highlights its effective use in treating Hodgkin's and testicular cancer. Transitioning to personal reflections on COVID-19, the host shares emotional impacts, resource management in oncology, and strategies for coping during challenging times. Tune in for insights into both oncology and the pandemic experience!

Recent updated survival analyses for CLEOPATRA and Keynote-189 (6:45) require some historical context to truly see their impact. Finally, #AskOncoPharm returns (15:05) with a listener question about infusion rates when restarting daratumumab.

We all should do what we can to "flatten the curve" and that includes our patients on treatment. While there is no such thing as elective chemo, there are some practical ways we can minimize patients needing to come into our facilities.

Looking back at a 2012 NYT op-ed (https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/opinion/a-hospital-says-no-to-an-11000-a-month-cancer-drug.html) that led to a 50% price decrease in a biologic cancer medication.

A plethora of #oncopharm updates! Isatuximab is approved and neratinib gets another breast cancer indication (2:00) Pembrolizumab with chemo for triple-negative breast cancer (8:50) New EPOC updated survival analysis on FOLFOX+cetuximab in isolated liver metastatic colon cancer (15:00) Precision medicine in pancreatic cancer (19:30) Cladribine + rituximab for hairy cell leukemia (23:30)

Two recent publications add to our knowledge concerning the utility of CYP2D6 genotyping and tamoxifen. TARGET-1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31821071 Tamoxifen D/C rates by 2D6 genotype: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31800347

You've heard of CAR-T therapy, and now it's time to learn about CAR-NK cells. Reference: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1910607

Drug-drug interactions are a key consideration when determining which NK-1 antagonist to use in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. We discuss the issues for (fos)aprepitant, netupitant, & rolapitant. A nice aprepitant review (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5595939/) and the case for an aprepitant-vincristine interaction (https://doi.org/10.1177/1078155219870840).

All the need-to-know items about the latest #oncopharm approved drug, tazemetostat, to start the Pod. We end (9:15) with a brief discussion of how gut bacteria may lead to gemcitabine resistance.

Dive into the world of bendamustine, a chemotherapeutic agent known for its unique dual mechanism of action. Discover its impressive efficacy against lymphomas and compare its results with traditional therapies. The discussion also highlights the intricacies of bendamustine's administration and metabolism, emphasizing the impact of CYP1A2 and how smoking can affect treatment outcomes. Plus, learn about the nuances of its different formulations and what makes this drug stand out in cancer treatment.