Inside This Episode

• Who makes up the medication adherence team and how can each member help?
• How could AI and other emerging tools help identify adherence problems earlier?
• Why might patients hesitate to tell their care team they’re struggling and how can we make it easier for them to speak up?

Meet the Guest
Benyam Muluneh, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, is an Assistant Professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy who studies medication adherence and its impact on cancer treatment and patient outcomes. His work explores how healthcare teams can better identify and address barriers that affect patients’ ability to stay on therapy.

Meet the Hosts
Amy DePue, MSN, RN, OCN, CBCN, is an oncology nurse navigator and Aimee Faso, PharmD, CPP, BCOP, is an oncology pharmacist. Together, they host Voices in Oncology, bringing clinical perspectives to conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping cancer care.

Episode Transcript

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care. 

Inside This Episode

• What does medication adherence really mean, andwhy can even a few missed doses have serious consequences for patients withcancer?
• What patient, treatment, and health-systembarriers can interfere with medication adherence—and how can care teamsidentify them?      
• How can pharmacists and oncology care teamsbuild trust, address adherence barriers, and better support patients throughouttreatment?

Meet the Guest

Benyam Muluneh, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, is an Assistant Professorat the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy who studies medication adherence and itsimpact on cancer treatment and patient outcomes. His work explores howhealthcare teams can better identify and address barriers that affect patients’ability to stay on therapy.

Meet the Hosts
Amy DePue, MSN, RN, OCN, CBCN, is an oncology nurse navigator and Aimee Faso, PharmD, CPP, BCOP, is an oncology pharmacist. Together, they host Voices in Oncology, bringing clinical perspectives to conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping cancer care.

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care. 

Inside This Episode

1. How does NOCC help patients stay on treatment?
2. What non-medical barriers do ovarian cancer patients and caregivers face every day?
3. What practical resources and support can help patients and caregivers navigate ovarian cancer beyond the clinic?

Supporting patients with ovarian cancer requires more than excellent clinical care. Jennifer McClendon of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition explores how advocacy organizations help patients and caregivers navigate financial challenges, insurance barriers, emotional support, and practical needs while working alongside healthcare teams to improve the patient experience across the entire cancer journey.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and supporting ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers across the country. Since 1991, they have been educating communities like yours from coast to coast about ovarian cancer and supporting survivors and caregivers of ovarian cancer. Knowledge is power; join the nationwide movement today.

To find out how NOCC can help you or a loved one, visit https://ovarian.org/ or call 888-OVARIAN (888-682-7426).

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care. 

Inside this Episode

• What makes oncology pharmacy different from other areas of pharmacy practice?
• How do oncology pharmacists help patients stay safe, informed, and on treatment?
• Why are oncology pharmacists becoming indispensable members of today's multidisciplinary oncology team?

Episode description:

When people think about cancer care, they often think of physicians, nurses, and treatment, but oncology pharmacists play a critical role throughout the patient journey. In this episode of Voices in Oncology, oncology pharmacist Aimee Faso joins Amy DePue to explore the expanding role of oncology pharmacists in modern cancer care. Together, they discuss how oncology pharmacists help guide treatment decisions, educate patients and caregivers, manage side effects, improve medication safety, and navigate challenges like oral therapies, treatment access, and financial barriers. Learn why these medication experts have become indispensable members of the multidisciplinary oncology team, helping patients receive safe, effective, and personalized cancer care every step of the way.

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care. 

Inside This Episode

• What is medication-related financial toxicity, and why is it becoming more common in cancer care?
• How do oncology pharmacists help patients access, afford, and stay on treatment?
• What does a team-based approach to medication affordability look like?

Cancer medications can save lives, but the cost can create significant barriers to treatment. In this episode of Voices in Oncology, oncology pharmacist Aimee Faso joins Amy DePue to discuss medication-related financial toxicity, why even insured patients may struggle to afford cancer medications, and the vital role of oncology pharmacists play in helping patients access, afford, and stay on life-saving therapies. Together, they explore how multidisciplinary care teams help patients navigate insurance, identify financial assistance programs, and overcome medication affordability.

Related Resource: Financial Toxicity infographic

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care. 

Inside This Episode

• What are some hidden costs of cancer care?
• What resources can help ease the financial burden?
• How can the care team work together to support patients?

Financial challenges can affect every stage of the cancer journey, but patients don't have to face them alone. In this episode of Voices in Oncology, oncology pharmacist Aimee Faso, oncology nurse navigator Amy DePue, and patient navigator Michaela Erbstoesser discuss how early conversations, proactive screening, and connections to community resources can help patients overcome financial barriers and stay engaged in care.

Related Resource: Financial Toxicity infographic

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care. 

Inside This Episode

• What is financial toxicity and why does itmatter?
• How can financial strain affect treatmentdecisions and outcomes?
• What are early warning signs of financialdistress?

In this episode of Voices in Oncology, we examine the often-overlooked impact of financial toxicity in cancer care. Aimee Faso, an oncology pharmacist and Amy DePue, an oncology nurse navigator discuss how financial strain affects treatment decisions, staying on treatment, and patient well-being.

Learn how oncology navigators play a critical role in identifying financial challenges early, connecting patients to resources, and supporting more equitable, patient-centered care throughout the cancer journey.

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care. 

What if the biggest barriers to cancer care aren’t clinical? 

Inside This Episode

• How do oncology nurse navigators guide patients through the cancer journey
• How is patient navigation transforming cancercare?
• How do social determinants of health shape navigationneeds?

In this episode of Voices in Oncology, host Aimee Faso, PharmD, CPP, BCOP speaks with Amy DePue, RN, MSN, OCN, CBCN, about the evolution and impact of oncology nurse navigation. From its origins addressing access in underserved communities to today’s multidisciplinary models, they explore how navigators help patients overcome barriers like cost, transportation, and fragmented care. 

Learn more at sto-online.org 

Disclaimer

Voices in Oncology is produced by the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) for educational and informational purposes only. Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of STO. Mention of any product, service, organization, or therapy does not constitute an STO endorsement. Clinicians should exercise independent judgment in applying any information discussed to patient care.