OncoPharm

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.

Providing some clinical pearls learned in the last week regarding patient education for ruxolitinib & alectinib. Then (11:50) we recap follow-up publications from Keynote-24 & the BRIGHT studies, before finishing up the week's journal scan with a discussion of the optimal dose of nivolumab + ipilimumab in melanoma and who may NOT benefit from palbociclib.

Discover the latest breakthroughs in renal cell carcinoma treatments stemming from the ASCO Genitourinary symposium. Learn how the combination of pembrolizumab and axitinib is reshaping survival rates and responses, despite some treatment-related toxicities. Delve into darolutamide, a new androgen antagonist, and its anticipated FDA approval. The conversation also highlights important drug interactions with statins, particularly for older men with prostate cancer, inviting thoughts on future oncology pharmacy discussions.

The Landmarks in Oncology Pharmacy series returns to discuss the International Randomized Study of Interferon vs. STI571 (imatinib) aka IRIS.

CBD use is becoming more widespread in society, including in cancer patients. Potential, and significant, drug interaction concerns should be considered.

Mucositis & stomatitis are basically interchangeable terms for one of the hallmark chemotherapy toxicities. We discuss its pathophysiology, prevalent, and prevention/treatment.