NEWS

Written By: Joshua Nubla, PharmD, NCODA Download Here Description: The purpose of this PQI is to discuss the option of using bortezomib for multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients. Background: Bortezomib is a reversible proteasome inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 26S proteasome and is approved for treatment of adult patients […]

Written by: Jody Agena, PharmD, Virginia Cancer Specialists Download Here Description: Understand how to identify eligible patients and manage adverse effects of regorafenib treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Background: Regorafenib is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients (Childs Pugh A) with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib.  In the […]

Written by: Michelle Phillips, PharmD, University of Rochester Medical Center Download Here Description: The purpose of this PQI is to highlight key criteria for appropriate monitoring, dosing, and administration to improve the dispensing and management of patients taking niraparib (Zejula). Background: Niraparib is indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian […]

Written By: Joshua Nubla, PharmD, NCODA Download Here  Description: This PQI is developed to provide guidance to genomic testing with respect to selpercatinib. Background: RET-altered cancers include both RET fusions and RET mutations. Both alterations involve activating RET signaling pathways that promote unwanted cell proliferation in cancers. NCCN guidelines for NSCLC include a Category 2A […]

Written By: Elizabeth Ledbetter, PharmD DOWNLOAD HERE Description: The purpose of this PQI is to help provide awareness of larotrectinib and educate on management techniques.  Background: Larotrectinib is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with solid tumors that: Have a neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion without a known acquired resistance […]

Written By: Joshua Nubla, PharmD, NCODA Download Here Description: This PQI will discuss the initiation and management of patients receiving avapritinib.   Background: Avapritinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic GIST harboring a platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) exon 18 mutation, including PDGFRA D842V mutations. […]

Written by Neal Dave, PharmD, Texas Oncology Download Here Description: This PQI will review appropriate patient identification and management of Polycythemia Vera (PV) with the use of ruxolitinib therapy. Background: Common treatments for PV are aspirin, phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, interferon (not commonly used), or a JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib. Hydroxyurea (HU) is considered the gold standard treatment […]

Written by: Bryan J. Brinda, PharmD Download Here Description: This PQI will discuss proper patient selection and management of adverse events related to the administration of oral gilteritinib pharmacotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory AML that have an FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation as detected by an  FDA-approved test. Optimal patient identification, dosing, and follow-up […]

Written by: Tammy McClellan, PharmD Download Here Description: The purpose of this PQI is to expand on therapy management of ibrutinib when used in combination with obinutuzumab. Background: This FDA has extended the indications for ibrutinib; already approved as a single agent OR in combination with bendamustine and rituximab. Ibrutinib is indicated for Mantle Cell […]

Exelixis Announces U.S. FDA Approval of CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) for Patients with Previously Treated Radioactive Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer – FDA approval based on phase 3 COSMIC-311 pivotal trial, which demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival with CABOMETYX versus placebo – – Exelixis is prepared to fully support expanded indication immediately – – Application approved well ahead of […]

Written by: Joseph Bubalo PharmD, Oregon Health & Science University DOWNLOAD HERE Description: The purpose of this PQI is to summarize the process for initiating and monitoring ripretinib therapy in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who have received 3 or more prior kinase inhibitors including imatinib. Background: Ripretinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor […]

Written by: Martina Fraga, PharmD Download Here Description: The purpose of this PQI is to highlight effective practices to ensure ovarian cancer patients are identified, tested, tracked, and offered a PARP inhibitor when appropriate. Background: In gynecologic cancer patients, PARP inhibitors (PARP-I), have shown increased progression free survival (PFS) and, in some cases, overall survival. Misconceptions may […]