HOPA Now

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, Dr. Diana Wu provides a review of several concepts related to the physiology of pediatric malignancies and survivorship that will help introduce the material in the rest of this module. Topics include the results of advancements in diagnostic and risk-adapted treatment modalities, the four subgroups of acute medulloblastoma leukemia, and the social risks and needs of a growing population of survivors.

In this episode you will learn:

Pediatric Malignancies and Survivorship Fundamentals

• The two main factors that affect the risk stratification and prognosis in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Patient-related and cytogenetic factors that affect risk stratification and prognosis
• The four subgroups of acute medulloblastoma leukemia that affect prognosis and possible targeted treatment options
• An overview of the common staging and unique qualifications of neuroblastoma
• Characteristics and categories of high-grade childhood non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• The resulting needs and risk advancements in diagnostic and risk-adapted treatment modalities

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“Recently, the recognition of the subgroups based on molecular markers is beginning to change the treatment of childhood medulloblastoma.” — Dr. Diana Wu

“Screening for neuroblastoma is not recommended in the general population even though a potentially viable screening marker does exist.” — Dr. Diana Wu

“Advancements in diagnostic and risk-adapted treatment modalities have significantly improved survival in pediatric malignancies, creating a growing population with unique health and psychosocial risks and needs.” — Dr. Diana Wu

 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, Dr. Diana Wu addresses 10 clinical pearls related to pediatric malignancies and survivorship and their management. She focuses on acute lymphoblastic leukemia and CNS directed treatment and offers guidelines for treatment options and schedules, associated risks, and updates regarding current pediatric trials, strategies, and survival rates for pediatric malignancies.

In this episode you will learn:

Pediatric Malignancies and Survivorship: Top 10 Clinical Pearls

• Pediatric ALL therapy is modified based on initial and during-treatment risk stratification and these modifications will only result in increased intensity of therapy.
• The treatment schedule and phases, and details regarding initial risk stratification including patient and cytogenetic factors
• CNS directed therapy is required for all patients during pediatric ALL treatment regardless of CNS status.
• Adherence rates and the associated significant risk of relapse
• Cranial radiation treatment and age guidelines
• Steroid usage guidelines for the antiemetic regimen for CNS malignancies
• Risks associated with utilizing COP therapies for various lymphomas
• Screening recommendations for cancer survivors based on systemic factors
• Current updates on pediatric trials, strategies, and survival rates

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“Pediatric ALL therapy is modified based on initial and during-treatment risk stratification and these modifications will only result in increased intensity of therapy.” — Dr. Diana Wu

“Once a patient has been transitioned to higher risk treatment they cannot be de-escalated, regardless of subsequent disease response or MRD status.” — Dr. Diana Wu

“Steroids should not be included in the antiemetic regimen for CNS malignancies.” — Dr. Diana Wu

“Treatment strategies on pediatric malignancies often incorporate modifications to reduce long-term toxicities to improve overall quality of life and health in pediatric cancer survivors.” — Dr. Diana Wu

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, Dr. Linda Barnachea highlights the fundamentals of both head and neck cancer as well as thyroid cancer. She details the statistics and risk factors of each, explains the characteristics of the clinical presentation and the pathophysiology of each, and explains the role of molecular testing in targeted therapies and clinical trials in the diagnosis and treatment of each of these cancers.

In this episode you will learn:

Head, Neck, and Thyroid Cancer Fundamentals

• The five areas from which head and neck cancer generally originates
• Statistics and risk factors regarding head and neck cancer
• The relationship between HPV and oropharyngeal cancers and the pathophysiology of the disease
• Characteristics of the clinical presentation for head and neck cancer and diagnoses parameters
• Thyroid cancer statistics and risk factors including hereditary conditions, exposure to radiation and iodine in the diet
• Pathophysiology of thyroid cancers and its associated mutations
• The role of molecular testing in both the curative setting and in targeted therapy and clinical trials
• Clinical presentation of thyroid cancer and an overview of the thyroid cancer staging system

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and generally starts from one of five areas.” — Dr. Linda Barnachea

“It has been noted that epidermal growth factor receptors are overexpressed in 90 percent of head and neck cancers.” — Dr. Linda Barnachea

“Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy in the endocrine system.” — Dr. Linda Barnachea

“Only 4 to 6.5 percent of all thyroid nodules result in thyroid malignancy.” — Dr. Linda Barnachea

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.

In this episode of HOPA Now, HOPA board of directors and oncology residency director Dr. Leanne Kennedy moderates a discussion on how to survive the first 60 days of an oncology pharmacy residency. Dr. Kennedy is joined by recent oncology graduates Lauren Curry and Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez to answer the FAQs of new residents regarding best practices for surviving both the first 60 days of residency. They offer advice that will help residency students best succeed, including tips to help avoid feeling overwhelmed, tools to help stay organized, and ideas for tackling research projects. They cover the key topics that will lead to successful rotations, how to determine what you want to be when you grow up, and ways to avoid burnout and get through the hardest days that are guaranteed to come. They conclude with final encouraging words of wisdom and each share whether or not they would do it all over again.

In this episode, you will learn:

How to avoid feeling overwhelmed

• Recognize that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
• Take the time to look up information that you are less comfortable with.
• Acknowledge that starting in PGY2 is like starting all over again — everything will feel new and that’s okay.
• Keep your information and notes organized by using tools such as a color-coding system, the Outlook calendar, and the OneDrive app.
• Create a weekly to-do list that breaks down tasks and the steps to their completion.
• Key journals that can help new residents stay informed
• Medical Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts worth following
• Apps and podcasts that will help you stay up-to-date on the latest research

How to tackle your research project and key topics for successful rotations

• Get an early head start to avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Craft a well-designed research question and research team.
• Plan out smaller weekly due dates to keep yourself on track.
• Work your personal due dates further in advance so that you can collaborate effectively.

• Focus on broader topics first, such as antimicrobial prophylaxis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and growth factors.
• Oncologic emergencies are among the topics that you need to master in the first 60 days as a PGY2.

Is it possible to figure out what you want to study in the first 60 days?

• Topics from PGY1 may offer some potential topics to help structure rotations.
• Pursue the topics you’re interested in early on to either solidify the interest or eliminate it.
• Determine what you want to study before December to best prepare for PPS interviews.

Preventing burnout and getting through the hardest days

• Take time for yourself no matter how full your schedule is, even if it's just a few minutes a few times a week to eliminate built-up stress by exercising.
• Read books that are not oncology-related for ‘me time.’
• Recognize that the to-do list will still be there after you take a quick break.
• Pace yourself throughout the year so that you’re not rushing to hit deadlines.
• Schedule time to re-energize yourself when necessary.

• Talk to colleagues about lost patients to gain closure as a team and lean on your mentors to help you through the hardest times.
• Remember how worthwhile the work that you’re doing is despite the lowest lows.

Opportunities for organization involvement

• Practice clinical writing by contributing to organizational newsletters.
• Look for mentorship programs that you can participate in.
• Volunteer programs can help expand your network.

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

ASTCT

Blood

HemOnc Today

ASH

ASCO

Oncology Times

Prime Oncology

NCCN 

Ash Pocket Guides App

OncoPharm Podcast

Plenary Session Podcast

Quotes:

“It’s okay to take a moment to look things up, look things up and dig deeper into the literature.” — Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez

“Getting started on projects as soon as possible is important. Even though you have a year, a lot can come up in that year.” — Lauren Curry

“There are topics that you might have had a little exposure to in PGY1, but not to the depth that you need to understand it as a PGY2.” — Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez

“Remember that the work you’re doing is so worthwhile and that there are so many good moments there.” — Lauren Curry

“Stay organized.  Pacing yourself throughout the year is going to be your best friend.” — Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez

Description: 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, Dr. Linda Barnachea highlights the main points of head, neck, and thyroid cancer risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. She begins with head and neck cancer considerations and then moves to thyroid cancer, covering treatment options including dosages and common side effects of the most effective medications, and other considerations for each.

In this episode you will learn:

Head, Neck, and Thyroid Cancer

• Induction chemotherapy is a controversial topic for head and neck cancer therapy.
• Diagnoses and various risk factor considerations
• Pathological features that dictate which treatment is recommended for various diagnoses
• Radiation is the main driver in the treatment and chemotherapy adds only a 5–10% benefit to the overall treatment.
• Post-treatment follow-up guidelines and further monitoring recommendations
• Acute and long-term complications associated with chemotherapy, including mucositis and xerostomia
• Differentiated thyroid cancer treatment recommendations, including dosages for multitargeted TKIs and other medications

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“It’s important to remember that radiation is the main driver in the treatment of this cancer.” — Dr. Linda Barnachea

“Both pembro monotherapy and pembro plus chemo are associated with a longer duration of response and a favorable safety profile.” — Dr. Linda Barnachea

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, Dr. Daniel Melzer explains the background and etiology of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. He highlights the main risk factors for lung cancer, details the pathophysiology and molecular biology of various kinds of lung cancers, and wraps up with an overview of the biomarkers that have revolutionized the way we treat lung cancer.

In this episode you will learn:

Lung Cancer Fundamentals

• The background and etiology of lung cancer
• Lung cancer has a higher death rate than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
• Main risk factors including smoking, pack per day history, exposure to secondhand smoke, family history, and radon exposure.
• Treatments include cessation of smoking in addition to systemic and targeted therapies.
• Pathophysiology of lung cancer and characteristics of subtypes of non-small lung cell cancer
• Molecular biology of small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancers
• Biomarkers regarding EGFR, ALK, and other resistance mutations of lung cancer and their most effective therapies

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Tweetables:

“Lung cancer has a higher death rate than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer

“Lung cancer patients who stop smoking reduce their risk at five years.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer

“By reducing patient smoking by half a pack a day you can reduce your risk of lung cancer by 25 percent.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer

“Without treatment for lung cancer, patients can die within two to four months.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer

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, Dr. Katie Gatwood provides an overview of the goals of and indications for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is often the only curative treatment option for several malignant and non-malignant diseases. She covers the goals and considerations of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, common indications for allogeneic transplants, the three conditioning chemotherapy regimens that are administered prior to stem cell infusion, and key supportive considerations for hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

In this episode you will learn:

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and opportunistic infections

• The goals of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation include eradicating disease, restoring normal hematopoiesis, and to induce immunologic activity to prevent disease relapse.
• Stem cell transplantation considerations and donor options for transplants
• Common indications for allogeneic transplants and sources of hematopoietic stem cells
• Three conditioning chemotherapy regimens that are administered prior to stem cell infusion
• Leading causes of transplant-related morbidity and mortality
• Understanding infection as one of the leading causes of transplant-related mortality
• Key supportive considerations for hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Tweetables:

“Stem cell transplantation is used only to administer high dose chemotherapy.” — Dr. Katie Gatwood

“Peripheral blood is most commonly utilized due to ease of collection and low graft failure rate and faster engraftment time.” — Dr. Katie Gatwood

“Stem cell transplant infection is one of the leading causes of transplant-related mortality.” — Dr. Katie Gatwood

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, Dr. Katie Gatwood offers a quick and convenient resource regarding hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and opportunistic infections to assist you in caring for your transplant patients. She highlights the indications for effective transplant, general indications, and strategies, and leading causes of transplant-related morbidity and infections. She also offers management and prevention tactics to help best overcome major infection concerns.

In this episode you will learn:

An overview of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and opportunistic infections

• Indications for effective transplant, the curative treatment for over 70 different malignant and non-malignant conditions
• Stem cell mobilization strategies and general indications
• Intensity levels and other criteria of various transplant conditioning regimens, including the high-risk VOD
• Standard practices for prevention of GVHD and allogeneic transplantation
• Leading causes of transplant-related morbidity and mortality GVHD and effective treatment options
• Risks and management of CMV, including preemptive therapy
• Management of and major concerns regarding EBV reactivation
• The reason that reimmunization of vaccine-preventable diseases is required following transplantation

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“Acute leukemias are the most common indications for allogeneic transplant.” — Katie Gatwood

“For patients at high risk for mobilization failure … combination strategies are generally preferred.” — Katie Gatwood

“Despite prophylaxis, 30–80% of patients will develop GVHD.” — Katie Gatwood

“Following transplantation, patients are at a major risk for CMV reactivation and disease, which is associated with significant morbidity.” — Katie Gatwood

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, Dr. Laura Alwan highlights the fundamentals of melanoma skin cancers, including current statistics and risk factors, the epidemiology of melanoma, common genetic mutations, and advances in the treatment of metastatic disease. She concludes with a look at the relationship between melanoma and the immune system and offers a brief overview of genetic mutations and other considerations for non-melanoma skin cancers.

In this episode you will learn:

An overview of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers

• Diagnosis, death rates, common causes and other statistics for melanoma
• Genetic variability is increasing in melanoma subtypes, including cutaneous and non-cutaneous melanomas.
• Risk factors can be identified and summarized with the ABCDE acronym.
• Targeted immunotherapies are changing traditionally low metastatic melanoma survival rates.
• The pathophysiology of melanoma lesions, starting with genetic mutations from the melanoma transition
• Immune surveillance examines the relationship between melanoma and the immune system while immune targeted theory has improved the disease response rate and overall survival rates.
• Common genetic mutations in melanoma and current testing options for high-risk patients
• Genetic mutations and other considerations for non-melanoma cancers

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“Most patients are diagnosed with early-stage disease, and only 4–5% are diagnosed with metastatic disease at the time of presentation.” — Laura Alwan

“The primary risk factor for melanoma is ultraviolet light exposure.” — Laura Alwan

“Melanoma is thought to have a close and unique relationship with the immune system.” — Laura Alwan

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, Dr. Laura Alwan shares ten clinical pearls regarding melanoma skin cancers, including immunotherapy as a main treatment option in melanoma cancers, management of related adverse events, and other patient considerations for immunotherapy. She also highlights specific considerations for select immune-related adverse events, offers timelines for high dosage steroids, and details treatment options for unique melanoma cancers.

In this episode you will learn:

Melanoma skin cancer treatments

• Immunotherapy as a main treatment option in melanoma cancers
• The when and how of immune-related adverse events
• Data and symptoms surrounding PD1 inhibitors and CTLA4 inhibitors, including dose-related toxicities
• How to monitor and manage immune-related adverse events
• Specific considerations for select immune-related adverse events, including rapid GI transit
• Timelines for managing high dose steroids
• Treatment and management options for patients with BRAF mutations
• Unique therapy for melanoma through the use of T-VEC

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Quotes:

“Melanoma is known to have a high degree of somatic mutations and has a unique relationship with the immune system.” — Laura Alwan

“It’s important for the oncology pharmacist to consider if infection prophylaxis is warranted.” — Laura Alwan