Impact of an Oral Antineoplastic Renewal Clinic on Medication Possession Ratio and Cost-Savings.

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-driven oral antineoplastic (OAN) renewal clinic on medication adherence and cost savings.

Methods: This was a preimplementation and postimplementation retrospective cohort evaluation within a single US Department of Veterans Affairs health care system following implementation of a pharmacist-managed OAN refill clinic. The primary outcome was medication adherence defined as the median medication possession ratio (MPR) before and after implementation of the clinic.

Implementation and Evaluation of a 90-Minute Rituximab Infusion Protocol at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center.

Background: The use of IV rituximab for the treatment of a variety of malignant and nonmalignant indications has been associated with significant challenges related to time and labor. To help alleviate some of these logistic challenges, institutions have implemented protocols to shorten the time in which rituximab is infused. The purpose of this study was to support the safe implementation of a 90-minute rapid infusion protocol for rituximab at the Richard L.

Virtually there: An innovative approach for training oncology pharmacy residents in gynecologic oncology.

Objective: To develop an alternative approach to provide oncology pharmacy practice residents' education and training in the management of gynecologic malignancies in the absence of a specialist in this area at their institution.

Setting: Gynecologic oncology is a unique specialty in oncology. There is a need for more oncology clinical pharmacy specialists to participate in the care of patients with gynecologic malignancies as many do not have specific education in this area.

Evaluation of appropriate use of bisphosphonates and denosumab in patients with cancer.

Background: National guidelines recommend screening and treatment for cancer-related bone disease and continued monitoring of bone-modifying agents. It is unclear whether a standardized screening tool is utilized to identify eligible patients and ensure appropriate supportive care is implemented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current prescribing practices and optimize management of bone-modifying agents.

Incidence of infusion-site reactions associated with peripheral intravenous administration of fosaprepitant.

Purpose: Fosaprepitant is known to cause infusion-site reactions. However, there is limited data regarding these reactions including the effect of peripheral intravenous administration or other potential factors on their incidence. This single-institution retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the incidence of infusion-site reactions with single-dose intravenous (IV) fosaprepitant when given through a peripheral line prior to administration of chemotherapy.

Pilot study on the efficacy of an ondansetron- versus palonosetron-containing antiemetic regimen prior to highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

Purpose: Nausea and vomiting are among the most feared complications of chemotherapy reported by patients. The objective of this study was to establish the overall complete response (CR; no emesis or use of rescue medication 0-120 h after chemotherapy) with either ondansetron- or palonosetron-containing antiemetic regimens in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC).

Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, randomized, single-center, pilot study that enrolled patients receiving their first cycle of HEC.

Serum free light chains in myeloma patients with an intact M protein by immunofixation: potential roles for response assessment and prognosis during induction therapy with novel agents.

The ascertainment of serum free light chain (sFLC) levels has been shown to be valuable in screening for the presence of plasma cell dyscrasia as well as for baseline prognosis in newly diagnosed patients. For patients with amyloidosis and those with oligo-secretory or non-secretory multiple myeloma (MM), serial measurement of sFLC has also been shown to be valuable in monitoring disease status. However, in patients with a measureable, intact monoclonal protein by immunofixation (M protein), the serial measurement of sFLC remains undefined and is currently not recommended in professional guidelines.

Extended use of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for the prevention of skeletal complications in patients with cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma, and metastatic breast, prostate, or lung cancers, when therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates is continued for longer than 21 months.

Methods: The primary outcome was the diagnosis of at least one skeletal-related event (SRE) after 21 months of therapy. The secondary outcome was the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ).

Once-weekly vancomycin for patients receiving high-flux hemodialysis.

Purpose: The effectiveness of a once-weekly vancomycin dosing protocol for patients receiving long-term high-flux hemodialysis (HFHD) in the outpatient setting was studied.

Methods: Eligible patients were at least 18 years old, required hemodialysis for at least two months before study enrollment, and were not known to have any active infection. All patients received outpatient dialysis at a 1000-bed urban teaching hospital three times per week through a high-flux synthetic dialyzer.