OncoPharm

Ten years ago a preplanned subgroup analysis changed the NSCLC treatment algorithms. We go back to the beginning with pemetrexed and the studies leading up to the oft-cited Scagliotti that ushered in histology-specific treatment in NSCLC.

We discuss paclitaxel, from its discovery to its uses to toxicity and their management as part of our Landmarks in #OncoPharm series. And if you really, really love this drug - you'll learn where to may homage at a historical marker in....

Our shortest Pod yet! Chemotherapy explosions and photosensitizing antineoplastics are discussed.

The newly FDA-approved BRAF & MEK inhibitors are discussed, along with their possible clinical relevance and some notable differences compared to previously available BRAF & MEK inhibitors.

Immunotherapy takes two steps forward (new FDA approvals)....and two steps backwards. These updates in #oncopharm are discussed before ending (11:45) with discussions of venetoclax's expanded approval in CLL, the bevacizumab approval almost 7 years in the making, and late-breaking information on preventing cisplatin ototoxicity.

The Landmarks in Oncology Pharmacy series returns with a review of 2 ondansetron studies from 1990, published simultaneously in NEJM.

Recapping (some) of the top stories from ASCO18 starting with breast cancer (TAILOR-Rx, PERSEPHONE, SANDPIPER, S0927); then NSCLC (11:35) with Keynote-42 & LOXO-292; then mylemoa (16:50) with a CAR-T update and a new dosing of carfilzomib; before ending (20:30) with CARMENA and PRODIGY-24's new mFOLFIRINOX data for adjuvant pancreatic cancer. Whew!

Previewing this week's ASCO annual meeting and the Plenary Sessions (briefly) and selected abstracts highlighting oncology pharmacy practice.

Avatrombopag's FDA-approval prompts discussion of both the indication and drug itself. Finally, the publication of the SELECT-D study allows us to dig deeper into the data of a DOAC vs. LMWH in cancer-associated VTE.

The release of ASCO's 2018 annual abstracts resulted in widespread media coverage of PERSEPHONE, the largest trial yet investigating 6 vs. 12 months of adjuvant trastuzumab in breast cancer. We get into the history of adjuvant trastuzumab studies and what to watch for going forward.

Cytarabine, the 'c' chemotherapy from the sea, is discussed.

Recent FDA updates are discussed including combined use of BRAF & MEK inhibitors, frontline daratumumab (10:20), and your next P & T monograph drug to review.

The foundations of #oncopharm series continues with methotrexate. We begin with its origin story and end discussion modern-day use in high doses.

Recent FDA & #oncopharm updates are discussed, including irinotecan in sweat, fostamatinib's FDA-approval for ITP. Then, immunotherapy updates from AACR are reviewed (6:00). Finally (34:00 , osimertinib's updated approval for frontline use in mEGFR NSCLC.

You've heard of NSABP, but have you heard of adjuvant melphalan, 5-FU, & concurrent tamoxifen? Sometimes asking the right question yields answers we don't yet understand.

The Foundations in Oncology Pharmacy continues with vincristine. Its origin, unique toxicity profile, and clinical use is discussed. Periwinkle!

Highlights from last week's HOPA annual conference are discussed, followed by (13:09) a lightning-style run through of #oncopharm updates over the last 2 weeks.

Previewing HOPA18 and its highly anticipated sessions, networking opportunities, and virtual attendance.

PVB's (cisplatin, vinblastine, bleomycin) impressive cure rate for testicular cancer is 1977 is discussed. Then the evolution of the BEP & EP regimen is summarized.

Abemaciclib's up-front approval provides an opportunity to review all 3 currently FDA-approved CDK 4/6 inhibitors. Dosing, drug interaction, and indication differences are discussed.

Durvalumab's FDA-approval for NSCLC and the supporting PACIFIC study are discussed, then the ASCO Immunotherapy Toxicity Management Guidelines (7:45) are reviewed. Also, a plug for patient support groups.

Apalutamide's FDA-approval is discussed, including discussion of its drug interaction potential and a review of the SPARTAN study. Updates (18:15) from ASCO GU and DOAC use in cancer (23:50) also discussed.

The Landmarks series continues with Bonadonna's classic adjuvant CMF regimen in breast cancer in a pre-tamoxifen & pre-ER/PR testing era. Discussion points include number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent recurrence and how chlorambucil was considered for the 'C' in CMF.

Overview of doxorubicin from its Italian origins to its Red Devil alias. Uses and toxicities also discussed, of course.

New Drug Approval: Lutetium-177-dotatate is discussed as well as updates to indications for denosumab (m. myeloma), afatinib, & olaparib.