Practical Considerations for Integrating Biosimilars Into Clinical Practice.

The development of innovator biologics and now their biosimilars has created some unique challenges in oncology practice. The oncology advanced practitioner (OAP) must understand the key differences between the innovator biologic and biosimilars in regard to efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. In addition, the OAP must be able to evaluate and successfully navigate factors that may affect the adoption of biosimilars, such as the perceived cost-benefit and clinician and patient acceptance.

Challenges of Integrating Biosimilars Into Clinical Practice.

Presenters at JADPRO Live 2019 discussed the chemical and clinical nature of biosimilars, reviewed biosimilar development in oncology, and discussed implementation strategies for biosimilars.

Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Deficiency: To Screen or Not to Screen?

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its prodrug capecitabine are frequently prescribed in oncology. While usually well tolerated, toxicity can be severe, and even life-threatening. A dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency can cause severe toxicity.

Determination of the Fair Market Value of Oncology Advanced Practitioners.

It is essential for the advanced practitioner to have an understanding of how fair market value is determined by employers in order to successfully negotiate a compensation package or salary raise. However, because of the compliance and regulatory environment, determining fair market value is never simple. In addition, potential variances in compensation reported in national surveys and other factors can affect fair market value.

Oncology Advanced Practitioners and Breast Cancer Prevention.

One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Advanced practitioners in oncology can offer risk assessments, counseling, genetic testing, and make both behavioral and pharmacologic recommendations for breast cancer risk reduction. The role of oncology advanced practitioners in conjunction with genetic counselors is key in what is now considered the standard of care.

Presenting With Confidence.

Often, advanced practitioners must give clinical presentations. Public speaking, which is a major fear for most individuals, is a developed skill. Giving an oral presentation is a good way to demonstrate work, knowledge base, and expertise.

A Mother in Jeopardy: The Ethics of Pregnancy and Chemotherapy.

JM is a 32-year-old primagravida with polycystic ovary disease. She had extreme difficulty conceiving and was started on clomiphene 6 months ago by her fertility specialist. After doubling the dose on the sixth cycle, she successfully became pregnant.

Managing Drug Interactions in Cancer Therapy: A Guide for the Advanced Practitioner.

Mrs. P is a 30-year-old woman who presented to our bone marrow transplant program with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). She received a haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplant with a conditioning regimen consisting of busulfan and cyclophosphamide.

Management Strategies for Adverse Events Associated With EGFR TKIs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

New advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have afforded patients longer progression-free survival times, but these therapies are also associated with specific side effects that may not be seen with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. One class of agents includes the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which have been shown to be efficacious in patients whose tumors harbor -activating mutations. Certain adverse effects, particularly rash and diarrhea, as well as mucositis/stomatitis, paronychia, ocular disorders, and interstitial lung disease, are seen with this class as a function of their mechanism of action.

Oncology Advanced Practitioners Bring Advanced Community Oncology Care.

Oncology care is becoming increasingly complex. The interprofessional team concept of care is necessary to meet projected oncology professional shortages, as well as to provide superior oncology care. The oncology advanced practitioner (AP) is a licensed health care professional who has completed advanced training in nursing or pharmacy or has completed training as a physician assistant.

Transparency in Medicare Reimbursement: Help or Hindrance?

Welcome to the latest edition of JADPRO! It is my pleasure and honor to serve as an associate editor for this elite and unique journal. As one of the co-chairs of the meeting, I would like to invite you to attend the second JADPRO Live symposium to be held in sunny Orlando, Florida, this October 30 through November 2. The faculty lineup is superb, the content offerings are first rate, and you can earn up to 15 CE credits/contact hours.

Assessment of risk evaluation and mitigation strategies in oncology: summary of the oncology risk evaluation and mitigation strategies workshop.

To address oncology community stakeholder concerns regarding implementation of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program, ASCO sponsored a workshop to gather REMS experiences from representatives of professional societies, patient organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Stakeholder presentations and topical panel discussions addressed REMS program development, implementation processes, and practice experiences, as well as oncology drug safety processes. A draft REMS decision tool prepared by the ASCO REMS Steering Committee was presented for group discussion with facilitated, goal-oriented feedback.