HOPA Now is the official podcast of the Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy Association, an organization dedicated to supporting pharmacy practitioners and promoting the advancement of Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy to optimize the care of individuals impacted by cancer.

 

These educational podcasts are part of our BCOP Preparatory and Recertification Course, which is designed to prepare oncology pharmacists preparing to sit for the BCOP Certification Exam, as well as meet the BPS requirement to complete a BCOP Preparatory/Recertification Review Course.

 

In this episode of HOPA Now, Brian Doe offers an overview of the fundamentals of lymphomas, including biopsy recommendations, histological determinations, and screenings that are commonly administered during treatment. He highlights the indicators for starting follicular lymphoma treatment and shares guidelines and criteria for administering high dose methotrexate, and concludes with information regarding various B-cell lymphomas and mycosis fungoides.

 

In this episode you will learn:

 

Lymphomas: Top 10 Clinical Pearls

• Biopsy recommendations for making an accurate diagnosis
• Ensure necessary workup is completed and considered prior to initiating treatment
• Proper management and prevention of Hepatitis B reactivation
• Understanding Rituximab and the biosimilars and NCCN recommendations
• Indications for starting follicular lymphoma treatment
• Prevention of toxicities in HD methotrexate and indicators for alternate treatment options
• Dose-adjusted R-EPOCH treatment guidelines and criteria
• Prevention of bacterial and other infections
• CNS prophylaxis for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• Maximizing patient care for patients with various B-cell lymphomas and mycosis fungoides

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

 

Quotes:

 

“It is important to delay the use of corticosteroids until obtaining the biopsy when possible as lymphomas are sensitive to steroids and specimens may be affected.” — Brian Doe

 

“If Hepatitis B surface antigen or core antibody screening is positive, a consultation to a gastroenterologist or infectious disease expert is recommended.” — Brian Doe

 

“When we think about late-stage disease, we sometimes immediately jump to consider treatment, however not all patients benefit and may be better managed with the watchful waiting approach to minimize treatment-related toxicities.” — Brian Doe