OncoPharm

The Foundations of OncoPharm returns with imatinib, the 1st TKI. Discussion includes its history (and how imatinib's Phase I study almost didn't happen), uses, and toxicity.

Discussion of 2 important malignant hematology updates: the NEJM publication of the 1st published results of CAR-T therapy in multiple myeloma and the FDA-approval of ivosidenib in frail AML patients (with IDH1 mutations).

Reviewing the REFLECT (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30207-1/fulltext) study and its take-home points on selecting an agent for advanced HCC.

Summary of erdafitinib's FDA-approval including dosing, MOA, toxicity, and (wait 'til the end) prevalence of FGFR mutations. Ifos. Eye-Phos.

Reflections offered from HOPA's 2019 annual conference on cabozantinib, regorafenib, low-dose azacitidine, SC granisetron (this is a thing), clinical trial hope, and opportunities for students in HOPA

Debut of a new feature: OncoPharm M & M, where we'll discuss notable case reports of #oncopharm misadventures....how they happened...and how we can prevent them in the future. Our first installment in this series discusses a drug interaction between idelalisib & diazepam (Case Report Link: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1078155216653705).

Discover the fascinating origins of etoposide, derived from the mayapple plant! Dive into its role as a topoisomerase II inhibitor and how it revolutionized cancer treatment since FDA approval in 1983. There's a deep dive into dosage regimens and the balance between efficacy and toxicities. Plus, enjoy some entertainingly unnecessary historical tidbits about podophyllotoxins. A blend of science and captivating stories awaits!

This week brings critical updates in oncology. There are significant safety concerns regarding venetoclax in multiple myeloma trials, leading to an FDA enrollment hold. The discussion emphasizes troubling findings related to death rates and infections. Meanwhile, atezolizumab is expected to receive FDA approval for small cell lung cancer, showcasing its benefits over traditional chemotherapy. The episode also touches on new guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology for managing brain tumors.

Brief background on metastatic pancreatic cancer is provided, followed by a brief discussion of the main landmark clinical trials (and one not-so-landmark study) in this difficult disease state.

Coming to a P & T committee meeting near you....it's subcutaneous (S.C.) monoclonal antibodies. We discuss the two currently FDA-approved formulations: rituximab + hyaluronidase and trastuzumab + hyaluronidase.