CANCER BUZZ

The range of frontline therapy options for mantle cell lymphoma can influence subsequent treatment choices for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. Providers must determine initial treatment based on individual patient characteristics, while also factoring in future treatment options. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Nirav Shah, MD, MSHP, associate professor of medicine at Medical College of Wisconsin and Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCOP, PCOP, FACCC, assistant professor of pharmacy at Mayo Clinic and director of pharmacy at Minnesota Oncology, about shared decision making in the management of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma.

“The key to all of this is good collaboration between the community and their affiliates… their partners and academics, or tertiary referral centers, to really engage… these patients in a collaborative format… it really takes a team, a village, to take care of complex mantle cell lymphoma patients. “ –Dr. Nirav Shah, MD, MSHP

“We’re not really seeing a lot of CAR T-cell therapy move in the frontline setting just yet, while there are a lot of ongoing clinical trials… Really, right now, it’s going to be the patient characteristic: how well they did on frontline therapy, access to care, affordability, institutional preparedness… that would potentially… allow your patient to receive CAR T-cell therapy.” –Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, PCOP, FACCC

Nirav Shah, MD, MSHP  Associate Professor of Medicine  Medical College of Wisconsin  Division of Hematology and Oncology 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, PCOP, FACCC 

Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic 

Director of Pharmacy 

Minnesota Oncology  

St. Paul, Minnesota 

This project is made possible by funding and support provided by Eli Lilly and in collaboration with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Resources

Treatment for Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma Tip Sheet - ACCC 

Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma Educational Video Series:

Update on New Therapies: https://vimeo.com/942756449

BTK Inhibitors in MCL: https://vimeo.com/942755401

R/R MCL Case Studies: https://vimeo.com/942754652

BTK Inhibitors Stretch Frontline Approaches in Mantle Cell Lymphoma – Targeted Oncology 

Emerging Data Continue to Affect BTK Inhibitor Usage in Mantle Cell Lymphoma - OncLive 

HCP Fact Sheet: Facts About CAR T-cell Therapy - https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/FSHP1_CART_Factsheet_June2022_rev.pdf  

The CAR T-cell Therapy Process - https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/PS100_CART-CellTherapyProcessFlyer_0224.pdf  

Patient-Caregiver CAR T-cell Therapy Facts - https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/FS27_CART_Fact_Sheet_0424_rev.pdf  

Learn About CAR T-cell Therapy - https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/PS126_CART_ResourceCard_3_24.pdf   

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Facts for Patients and Caregivers -The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society  https://lls.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/FS4_Mantle_Cell_Facts_0423rev.pdf 

Advancements in treatment combined with a multimodal approach are improving outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. However, the unique challenges of a head and neck cancer diagnosis and its treatment side effects—such as speech and communication difficulties as well as negative effects on body image and self-esteem—can significantly impact a patient’s mental health. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Jacquelyn Doenges, LCSW, MSSW, CTTS, clinical oncology social worker at UT Southwestern Medical Center—Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Linda Hutkin-Slade, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, clinical oncology social worker at David & Donna Long Cancer Center—Sharp Grossmont Hospital, about providing optimal psychosocial support for this patient population. 

“Ask your patients ‘what is most valuable to you, what gets you up in the morning…what do you draw strength from?’ If we can tap into what is essential for them to be happy in life, [we can] try to problem solve and build skills in them so that they can counter some of the issues that they'll experience because of their treatment.”–Jacquelyn Doenges, LCSW, MSSW, CTTS

“What we want is the patients at the center, and we want to build out a team around them so that they have as much support as possible, and that the energy is coming into the patient versus the patient trying to find these things [psychosocial care, dieticians, speech and language pathologists, oncology social workers].” –Linda Hutkin-Slade, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

Guests:            

Jacquelyn Doenges, LCSW, OSW-C, CTTS 

Clinical Oncology Social Worker, Head and Neck Surgery 

UT Southwestern Medical Center—Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center 

Dallas, TX 

Linda Hutkin-Slade, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C  Clinical Oncology Social Worker  David & Donna Long Cancer Center—Sharp Grossmont Hospital  San Diego, CA 

This episode, developed in connection with the ACCC education program Multidisciplinary Approaches to Head and Neck Cancer Care, was made possible with support by EMD Serono.

Additional Reading/Sources

Beyond the Brush: Navigating Dental Care in Head & Neck Cancer [Podcast] Ep 149

Making the Case for Head & Neck Cancer Patient Care Navigators [Podcast] Ep 143

Multidisciplinary Approaches to Head & Neck Cancer Care

Head and Neck Patient and Caregiver Resources

Female sexual dysfunction is a well-studied adverse effect of cancer treatment. Despite its prevalence, however, it remains vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated in oncology patients, with providers inadequately addressing sexual function before, during, and after treatment. Although most patients prefer that their providers initiate conversations regarding sexual health, providers may be reticent to screen for such problems due to insufficient knowledge and expertise in the diagnosis and management of female sexual dysfunction. In this podcast episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Nicole Dreibelbis, certified registered nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health at UPMC Magee Cancer Center in central Pennsylvania.

“Sexual health is a part of everyone’s well-being [and] is important. I think we need to start addressing that, in survivorship and even prior, for patients to be able to get the most out of their lives. Because that’s the whole point of our treatments—to make sure that we’re giving them more life. We want that life to be as good as possible.”—Nicole Dreibelbis, CRNP, WHNP-BC

Nicole Dreibelbis, CRNP, WHNP-BC

Gynecologic Oncology Nurse Practitioner

UPMC Magee Cancer Center

Mechanicsburg, PA

Resources

Addressing the Unmet Need of Sexual Health in Oncology Patients—Oncology Issues

Fertility Preservation for Women with Cancer—Oncology Issues

Sexual Health: All of Me—CANCER BUZZ Podcast

All of Me: Bridging the Sexual Health Communication Gap in Cancer Care—Oncology Issues

Improving Fertility Preservation Discussions for Adolescent and Young Adult Male Oncology Patients—Oncology Issues

Developing a Community Oncofertility Program—Oncology Issues

Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review—Journal of Cancer Survivorship

Female Sexual Health Training for Oncology Providers: New Applications—The Journal of Sexual Medicine

Effective partnerships between dermatologists and oncologists are an essential component of care coordination for patients with advanced non-melanoma skin cancers. This interprofessional collaboration can be more challenging in the community setting, where fewer resources are available in comparison to large academic medical centers. In this podcast episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Emily Smith, MD, associate professor of Dermatology at St. Louis University School of Medicine, about best practices for early referral from dermatology and how to identify high-risk patients.  

“It’s impossible to read through every single journal that comes out every single day. There are really nice email listservs that [community] providers can sign up for that will provide updates—the American Academy of Dermatology host[s] guidelines for the care and management of different cancers: cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma [and] basal cell carcinoma being two of them, and they are updated on a cyclical basis. Those are great guidelines to just ensure…that they are reviewed and that current practices are following those guidelines.”—Emily Smith, MD

Emily Smith, MD 

Associate Professor of Dermatology  

Department of Dermatology  

St. Louis University School of Medicine  

St. Louis, MO 

This podcast was made possible with support from Regeneron.

Resources

ACCC: Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers - Effective Practices in Multidisciplinary Care 

Oncodermatology Society 

American Academy of Dermatology issues new guidelines for treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer 

Novel cancer therapies have emerged over the past 10-15 years with high rates of cutaneous side effects, leading to increased demand for specialists in oncodermatology. These subspecialists have expertise in managing therapeutic complications, cutaneous metastases, and proactive management of potential adverse events. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ TV speaks with guest Meghan Heberton, MD, director of Oncodermatology and assistant professor of Dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center – Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Heberton built the oncodermatology program at her cancer center and shares insights on the importance of collaboration across the multidisciplinary team. In developing a holistic care plan for each patient, Dr. Heberton sheds light on issues of access for patients with cancer seeking dermatologic expertise.  

“I love communication…I think that direct communication breeds familiarity and also collegiality—it allows for us working together. Maybe you [as a clinician] see a pattern that you never saw before because you’re actually directly talking to the person who’s taking care of that patient in a different way.”—Meghan Heberton

Meghan Heberton, MD 

Director, Oncodermatology 

Assistant Professor of Dermatology 

UT Southwestern Medical Center – Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center 

Dallas, TX 

This video podcast was made possible with support from Johnson & Johnson.

Resources

ACCC Supportive Care Strategies for Dermatologic Toxicities Related to Cancer Therapies education program 

Targeted Therapy Side Effects – American Cancer Society  

Oncodermatology: Advancing the Science and Care of Cancer Patients and Survivors – National Institutes of Health PubMed Central

Common adverse events associated with treatment of mantle cell lymphoma include gastrointestinal, hematologic, and cardiac toxicities. Proactive management of these toxicities and collaboration between members of the cancer care team, including pharmacists, are key to optimizing patient outcomes. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Karen Fancher, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacy specialist in oncology at University of Pittsburgh – Passavant Hospital, and Victoria Nachar, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacist specialist in ambulatory hematology and adjunct clinical instructor at the University of Michigan, about strategies to address common adverse events experienced by patients with mantle cell lymphoma. 

“There are some unique strategies using electronic resources if patients can be tech-savvy…We have some cool technology that use[s] text-message-based responses, where you can ask patients about side effects or vital signs. All they have to do is text a response, and it will automatically populate into the electronic medical record.”—Victoria Nachar, PharmD, BCOP

“I’m at a very small community practice…Institutions like Michigan are light years ahead of some of us in terms of patient-friendly communication strategies through technology…As those institutions perfect and work out the kinks, [the technology] is going to trickle down to those of us in the community setting. And I’m really excited to see how we can harness that technology for patients.”—Karen Fancher, PharmD, BCOP

Victoria Nachar, PharmD, BCOP 

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Ambulatory Hematology 

Adjunct Clinical Instructor 

University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

Ann Arbor, MI 

Karen Fancher, PharmD, BCOP    Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oncology

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Passavant Hospital

Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice   Duquesne University School of Pharmacy   Pittsburgh, PA 

This video podcast was produced in partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and made possible with support from Eli Lilly.

Resources

Cancer Diagnostics Education Program - ACCC

Treatment for Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma Tip Sheet - ACCC 

BTK Inhibitors Stretch Frontline Approaches in Mantle Cell Lymphoma – Targeted Oncology 

Emerging Data Continue to Affect BTK Inhibitor Usage in Mantle Cell Lymphoma - OncLive 

HCP Fact Sheet: Facts About CAR T-cell Therapy

The CAR T-cell Therapy Process

Patient-Caregiver CAR T-cell Therapy Facts

Learn About CAR T-cell Therapy 

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Facts for Patients and Caregivers -The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is crucial to facilitate shared decision-making and meaningful dialogue that supports improved patient outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) care. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Jean Louise Koff, MD, MSc, associate professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, about fostering trust, rapport, and collaboration in the patient-provider relationship.

“I think empathy is a key part of establishing a relationship between a provider and a patient. [It] helps the patient feel safe when they’re dealing with what can be a very stressful and frightening situation...A phrase that I like to use: ‘Our care team is going to take care of you. We are here for you during this diagnosis, and we’re going to take care of you as you move through your care plan.’” — Jean Louise Koff, MD, MSc

Jean Louise Koff, MD, MSc

Associate Professor

Department of Hematology and Oncology

Winship Cancer Institute

Emory University School of Medicine

Atlanta, GA

This video podcast was produced in partnership with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and made possible by support from Abbvie, Genmab, and Genentech.

Resources

·       Reframing the Conversation: Effective Practices for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma - ACCC

·       DLBCL Communication Roadmap - ACCC

Anemia presents a significant challenge in the management of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Given the considerable potential for symptom burden associated with anemia in patients with MDS, health care professionals must prioritize enhancing quality of life when evaluating treatment options. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with David Sallman, MD, associate member in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center, and Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, senior instructor of Medical Oncology at Highlands Ranch Cancer Center, to discuss best practices in the management of anemia in low-risk MDS patients. 

“The goal is still personalizing [treatment] for the patient. So say a patient feel[s] better when their hemoglobin is greater than 10 grams per deciliter, as an example. So you titrate or transition therapies until you achieve that…in order to make the patient’s experience better.”—David Sallman, MD

“Two people that have the same hemoglobin level can have completely different symptoms. So it’s really important that we don’t just focus on the numbers, but we focus on how the patient is feeling and how they’re functioning…so that if they’re doing well, even at a lower number than something we might typically treat, we don’t let that number drive how often we feel like they need to be seen, but we take it into account—[treating] the whole person.”—Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC

David Sallman, MD

Associate Member, Department of Malignant Hematology

Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, FL

Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC

Senior Instructor, Medical Oncology

Highlands Ranch Cancer Center

Denver, CO

This episode was developed in connection with the ACCC education initiative Anemia Mitigation & Optimal Care for MDS Patients and is supported by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Resources:

ACCC Myelodysplastic Syndromes 

ASH 2020 Treatment Algorithm Lower-Risk MDS 

Enterprise intelligence software analyzes imaging results of all patients treated at UCHealth to identify and stratify those with high-risk findings. When a concerning abnormality is found, patients and providers are alerted to the finding, and patients are referred for additional follow-up. After this system-wide approach led to a 2,514% increase in actively managed patients, a centralized care management function was implemented to streamline processes, reducing the time to recommend next steps from 34 to 5 days.

Guest:

Nina Thomas, MD

Director, Thoracic Malignancy Pillar of Center for Lung and Breathing

University of Colorado – UCHealth, University of Colorado Cancer Center

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences & Critical Care Medicine

University of Colorado School of Medicine

Aurora, Colorado

Quote:

“This is a universal problem that we have across the country as far as early detection and following up with these patients…so the benefit to coming in person [to a meeting like the NOC] is that it can be a collaborative event where we can have discussions, share ideas and innovations, and improve each other’s systems.”

Hear more about this innovation at the ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference, October 9-11, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Additional Resources:

Lung Cancer Screening Implementation Change Package

Reimagining Healthcare for Incidental Lung Nodules

A 3D Lung Nodule Tool Improves Patient Distress Following LDCT

Robotic Bronchoscopy

New opportunities are emerging for dedicated biomarker testing navigators facilitated by laboratory professionals to better streamline sample collection and optimize test ordering and results for patients with cancer. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ TV speaks with Lynnette Pineault, MBA, SCT (ASCP), chair of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Biomarker Testing Navigation Feasibility Study and manager of Laboratory Operations and Genetic Counseling Services, Medical Library and Pathology Services, at HealthPartners – Regions Hospital, who shares insights on reshaping multidisciplinary cancer care team workflows to enable laboratory professionals to improve biomarker testing efficiency.

“We see these roles [dedicated biomarker testing navigators] playing across and matrixing to support the sample [biomarker testing specimen] along its pathway, so the patient and the sample get to their destination and their treatment/follow-up at the appropriate times together.”—Lynnette Pineault, MBA, SCT (ASCP)

Lynnette Pineault, MBA, SCT (ASCP)

Chair, ASCP Biomarker Testing Navigation Feasibility StudyManager, Laboratory Operations and Genetic Counseling Services

Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Services

HealthPartners – Regions Hospital

St. Paul, MN

This video podcast was produced in partnership with the American Society for Clinical Pathology and by support from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Exact Sciences, and Merck. 

Resources:

ASCP Explores Innovative Cancer Biomarker Testing Navigator Role (criticalvalues.org)

ACCC Cancer Diagnostics Education Program

Precision Medicine Stewardship (accc-cancer.org)