The PQI Podcast

What does the future of cancer care look like? From replacing IV chemo with oral agents to game-changing advances in bispecific and trispecific therapies, this special bonus episode dives deep into the most exciting—and practice-changing—developments from the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.

NCODA’s Kelly Brunk, PharmD, BCOP, returns from ASCO energized and ready to share his top takeaways in a candid conversation about where oncology is headed. Whether you're a clinician, pharmacist, or anyone in the cancer care ecosystem, this episode is packed with insight you don't want to miss.

Bonus: Kelly also shares updates on NCODA’s new Immunotherapy Hub and offers a forward-looking take on where the field is headed.

"The rate of change in oncology care is accelerating—and it's time for practices to be ready, not reactive." — Kelly Brunk

Inside the Episode:

• How oral therapies are reshaping breast cancer treatment
• The evolving role of bispecifics, trispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates
• Practical considerations for implementation: protocols, access, and infrastructure
• The importance of quality of life in treatment decisions
• Early use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple disease states
• How AI and equity are shaping the next decade of oncology

Listen now and explore what these developments mean for clinical practice—and for the patients at the center of it all.

Resources mentioned:

NCODA’s Immunotherapy Hub – A central resource offering clinical tools, SOP examples, and support for implementing therapies like bispecifics and antibody-drug conjugates.

Questions or looking to connect? Email the NCODA Clinical Team at [email protected]

What happens when cancer becomes part of your life—but work doesn’t stop?

In the Season 8 finale of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Nellis, MPP, Executive Director of Cancer and Careers, for an eye-opening conversation about a part of survivorship that often gets overlooked: navigating work during and after treatment.

From the stress of disclosing a diagnosis to managing side effects on the job, cancer survivors face tough questions—often without clear answers. Rebecca shares how Cancer and Careers is changing that by equipping patients, employers, and healthcare providers with tools, empathy, and support.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The mission and evolution of Cancer and Careers
• Why work can be both a lifeline and a burden for cancer survivors
• The power of identity and purpose throughout the work journey—during and after treatment
• Real programs that make a difference—like resume reviews, tech grants, and workplace training
• What healthcare providers can do to spot red flags and offer the right kind of help
• How COVID, remote work, and cultural shifts are reshaping survivorship in the workforce

Explore more at: www.cancerandcareers.org

With more adults living longer, oncology is facing a critical challenge: how to provide cancer care that reflects the realities of aging. In this episode, Dr. Dale walks us through the creation of SOCARE (Specialized Oncology Care and Research in Elders), a clinic that evaluates patients’ physical function, cognitive health, and social environment before treatment begins. This kind of assessment leads to better decisions, fewer complications, and care that aligns with each person’s capacity and goals.

We also talk about the OASIS program, which extends this approach across disciplines, bringing in nurses, pharmacists, and social workers to create a more coordinated experience for patients. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dale shares real examples and lessons from the field, showing how geriatric oncology can improve not just outcomes, but the entire care process.

Episode Highlights:

• A fresh look at what defines “fitness” for cancer treatment — and why age alone isn’t enough
• How SoCare creates space for longer, more thoughtful patient conversations
• Practical examples of tailoring chemotherapy, transplant, and CAR T plans for older adults
• Insights into building trust with patients and providers through individualized care

Resources & Links

City of Hope – Center for Cancer and Aging: cityofhope.org

ASCO Geriatric Oncology Guidelines: asco.org

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Heimall, President and CEO of the HealthWell Foundation, to talk about the growing importance of financial assistance in oncology and chronic illness care.

Michael shares his journey from leading some of the nation’s top military and veterans’ medical centers to helping patients access critical treatment through HealthWell’s innovative funding programs. He reflects on how his personal experience as a caregiver continues to shape his approach to patient-centered leadership.

We discuss HealthWell’s mission, how their programs are easing financial toxicity, and why care teams—especially in oncology—play such an important role in connecting patients with real support.

In this episode:

• How financial assistance programs are supporting patients beyond the pharmacy counter
• Expanding access for caregivers and patients managing home-based care
• What oncology teams should know about referrals and fund alerts
• The connection between cost, care quality, and treatment outcomes

Melanoma treatment has advanced significantly over the past decade, and it continues to evolve. In this special Melanoma Monday episode, we are joined by Kendra Rodriguez, PharmD, PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Resident at UW Medical Center / Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, to explore where we are now in the treatment landscape—and what’s on the horizon.

Kendra walks through recent data from the NADINA and SWOG S1801 trials, and shares how care teams can start preparing for the shift in management to the neoadjuvant setting. You'll hear what it takes to manage complex therapies for resectable cutaneous melanoma, and how to engage patients through thoughtful communication and collaboration.

CE Activity Description:
The purpose of this CE activity is to describe the pathophysiology and literature behind the shift of pharmacotherapeutic management to the neoadjuvant setting in resectable cutaneous melanoma. As novel mechanisms have been sought after and approved within this disease state, attention will be given to assess the clinical utility of the first-in-class tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, lifileucel, in addition to its logistical considerations requiring multidisciplinary coordination.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize the pathophysiology behind neoadjuvant treatment in cutaneous melanoma and the literature supporting its use
• Discuss the novel agent lifileucel for its efficacy in cutaneous melanoma treatment and the logistics related to its use

Disclosures:
No relevant financial relationships for the following faculty and reviewers:
• Kendra Gee-Rodriguez, PharmD
• Ginger Blackmon, PharmD
• Daisy Doan, PharmD

Claim credit: https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/CutaneousMelanoma

Lorlatinib is reshaping first-line treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC—but its distinct side effect profile demands proactive, personalized management. In this episode,  Stefanie Houseknecht, PharmD, BCOP (Johns Hopkins Medicine) and Monica Chintapenta, PharmD, BCOP (Parkland Health)share how they’re navigating real-world use of lorlatinib, from interpreting long-term data to counseling patients through CNS effects, weight gain, and metabolic challenges.

Highlights:

• Why lorlatinib is gaining traction in first-line ALK+ NSCLC
• What the long-term CROWN data really means for patient outcomes
• How to handle tricky side effects like cognitive changes, weight gain, and hyperlipidemia
• Real-world tips for patient counseling and supporting adherence
• The importance of catching drug interactions and staying ahead on labs
• How pharmacists are shaping care across the oncology team

Bonus: Hear how our guests find balance beyond the clinic, whether in the garden or on the Boston marathon course.

About Our Guests:

Monica completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and went on to complete PGY-1 and PGY-2 residencies at Tufts Medical Center and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, respectively. At Parkland, she supports outpatient hematology/oncology care and leads quality initiatives.  
 

Stefanie earned her PharmD from the University of the Pacific, followed by PGY-1 and PGY-2 residencies at Palomar Medical Center and the University of California-San Diego. Her work focuses on thoracic malignancies, access to oral targeted therapies, and patient outcomes. She is active in the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and serves as a preceptor to pharmacy trainees across the Mid-Atlantic. 

When Madison Marsh stepped into the spotlight as Miss America 2024, she brought more than just a crown—she brought a mission. In this episode of the PQI Podcast, Madison shares the deeply personal story behind her advocacy for cancer awareness and early detection. A Harvard student,  founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation, and first active duty military member to be crowned Miss America, she is turning personal loss into powerful change—and inspiring others to do the same.

Following her keynote at the NCODA Spring Forum, Madison opens up about how losing her mother to pancreatic cancer at a young age became the catalyst for her work. She founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation to drive progress in early detection, research, and education. Now pursuing a Master in Public Policy at Harvard, her focus is on improving access to care and exploring the role of artificial intelligence in transforming cancer diagnostics.

Madison reflects on her journey through service, science, and pageantry—and how each part of her path fuels her mission to advocate for others. She reminds us that regardless of background or title, everyone has the power to lead, inspire, and work toward better healthcare outcomes.

As bispecific therapies become more available in the outpatient setting, community oncology practices are adapting to support safe and effective treatment.

In this CE episode, we sit down with Nick Bouchard, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Services at Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOACNY), to explore how his team built a successful outpatient bispecific therapy program from the ground up.

Nick offers real-world insight into how his community oncology practice is proactively managing side effects like CRS and ICANS, improving patient experiences, and reducing hospital admissions. From navigating flexible dosing schedules to coordinating across the care team, this episode highlights the strategies that are making a meaningful difference in patient-centered care.

📌 CE Credit Available (0.5 hours)
This episode is accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Use the code provided in the episode to claim your CE credit here.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the basic principles and mechanisms of bispecific therapies.
• Identify the challenges and benefits of integrating bispecifics into community oncology practice.
• Review the key operational features of various bispecific therapies.
• Describe the toxicities experienced by patients on bispecific therapies in the clinic and methods of prevention.

About the Guest: 
Nick Bouchard, PharmD, is the Director of Pharmacy Services at HOACNY, an independent community oncology practice based in Syracuse, NY. He earned his PharmD from Albany College of Pharmacy in 2008 and has experience in retail, hospital, and oncology pharmacy. His career began at Walgreens before he spent a decade at St. Joseph’s Hospital in various clinical and administrative roles, including as the Epic EMR coordinator for pharmacy. He joined HOACNY in 2020, where he helped grow the Medically Integrated Pharmacy and now oversees infusion and MIP operations, accreditations, credentialing, drug contracts, and more—while remaining actively involved in clinical pharmacy practice.

Disclaimer: There are no relevant financial relationships for the following faculty and reviewers of this CE presentation:

• Nick Bouchard, PharmD
• Ginger Blackmon, PharmD
• Daisy Doan, PharmD

In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Hughes, PharmD, BCOP, MPH, Senior Medical Director at Pfizer, who shares his expertise on the clinical trial landscape. With years of experience in oncology research and clinical pharmacy, Dave breaks down the key phases of clinical trials—from early-stage safety assessments to confirming effectiveness in large populations. Understanding these phases is essential for anyone involved in the drug development process.

Dave also delves into the growing role of real-world evidence, which offers valuable insights into how therapies perform in everyday clinical settings, complementing traditional clinical trial data. He discusses how FDA approval pathways, such as fast track, breakthrough therapy, and accelerated approval, are designed to expedite access to life-saving therapies.

We also explore the future of clinical trials, from AI and machine learning’s transformative impact on research to the evolving strategies that will shape patient care. Finally, Dave addresses the common misconception that clinical trials are only available as a last resort, emphasizing that they offer early access to cutting-edge treatments throughout a patient’s journey.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of our guest, Dave, and do not represent the official stance, policies, or views of Pfizer, NCODA, or any other organization. This discussion is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or regulatory advice. Always consult with regulatory authorities for official guidance.

Effective oncology care thrives on collaboration, and in this episode, we’re joined by two trailblazing oncology nurses, Elizabeth Bettencourt, MSN, RN, OCN, and Mary Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN, who share their wealth of experience and passion for improving cancer care. Together, they introduce a newly developed Positive Quality Intervention (PQI) within the Oral Anticancer Medication (OAM) Care Compass—a collaborative resource created with the Oncology Nursing Society to enhance interprofessional teamwork and streamline oral anticancer medication workflows.

Elizabeth and Mary take us inside the process of mapping oral oncolytic workflows, breaking down how this PQI can improve team-based care, patient adherence, and overall safety. More than just a structured approach, this initiative represents a commitment to ensuring that every patient receiving oral anticancer therapy is fully supported by a well-coordinated healthcare team.

This episode goes beyond workflows and best practices—it’s about the people behind the care. Elizabeth and Mary bring their deep understanding of oncology nursing to the conversation, shedding light on how interprofessional collaboration can truly transform patient outcomes. Whether you’re a nurse, pharmacist, or part of the oncology care team, you’ll walk away with both practical insights and a renewed appreciation for the dedication that fuels high-quality cancer care.

Explore the Resources:

Oral Anticancer Medication Patient Management Workflow Evaluation and Process Mapping PQI

OAM Care Compass

About the Guests:

Elizabeth Bettencourt, MSN, RN, OCN
With more than 30 years in oncology, Elizabeth has dedicated the last 13 years to creating a comprehensive oral oncolytic program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health. Her program, which has touched countless lives, weaves together prescription processing, education, and ongoing patient monitoring to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients battling cancer. Elizabeth's approach is a testament to the power of creating systems that truly support both patients and the oncology care team.

Mary Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN
Mary’s 36 years in oncology nursing are defined by her commitment to improving patient care and safety. Her journey, shaped by the struggles she saw patients face with oral anticancer medications, led her to develop critical interprofessional processes to enhance adherence and care. Now serving as the Senior Manager of Nursing Initiatives at NCODA, Mary’s mission is to equip oncology nurses with the tools and confidence they need to provide exceptional, compassionate care. Her passion for empowering others shines through in everything she does.