Position Statements and Issue Briefs
Below you will find HOPA positions as expressed in position statements and issue briefs.
Position Statements
HOPA Endorses UICC & ISOPP Joint Statement on International Drug Quality
November 4, 2025 - Building on a report from The Lancet Global Health showing approximately one in six anticancer medication samples from public hospitals and private pharmacies in sub-Saharan Africa failed to meet international pharmaceutical standards, this joint statement from UICC and ISOPP urges for guarantees on the quality and safety of cancer medicines and antibiotics at every level of the supply chain. Read the full statement here.
HOPA Supports FDA Box Label Changes for DPYD Testing
October 24, 2025 - This HOPA position statement voices its support for the FDA's updated guidance concerning DPD deficiency and fluoropyrimidine drugs, as well as urges healthcare providers to integrate DPYD genetic testing into clinical practice. Read the entire position statement here.
What Does the Government Shutdown Mean for Oncology Pharmacists and Our Patients?
October 15, 2025 - This position statement from the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association discusses what services will be impacted by the 2025 government shutdown, how it will impact Medicare and Medicaid, how cancer research will be affected, and what HOPA members can do to advocate for their patients. Read the entire position statement here.
Ensuring Healthcare Worker Safety When Handling Hazardous Drugs and Therapies
2025 - The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association and Oncology Nursing Society have partnered to update a joint position statement titled “Ensuring Healthcare Worker Safety When Handling Hazardous Drugs and Therapies,” The joint position statement follows guidelines and recommendations put forth by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). View the full position statement here.
HOPA IDS SIG Position Statement on the Role of the IDS Pharmacy Technician
2025 - Members of the HOPA Investigational Drug Services (IDS) special interest group (SIG) have identified specific responsibilities and duties that differentiate the IDS technician role from other advanced and specialized technician roles. View the full position statement here.
Message to Members Amid Changing Policies and Regulations
February 2025 - Even as the HOPA Board monitors recent Executive Orders, we reaffirm the association's commitment to supporting our community of hematology/oncology pharmacists and all patients with cancer. View the message to members here.
The Value of Oncology Pharmacists Op-Ed
August 2022 - With Drug Shortages and Errors on the Rise, Oncology Pharmacists are Vital to Navigate Treatment in the Era of a Pandemic. Drug shortages and medication errors are continual issues for cancer patients, with shortages preventing patients from obtaining the care they need and errors contributing to dire consequences for patients. View the full position statement here.
HOPA Issues Principles of Healthcare Reform
View HOPA's position statement on Principles of Healthcare Reform.
HOPA Issues Statement on First Approved Biosimilar in the United States
HOPA is encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the first biosimilar product, Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz), in the United States, but strongly urges the FDA to develop a naming policy for approved biosimilars.
View the HOPA Biosimilars Issue Brief, or read the Oncology Nursing Society press release regarding the meeting of Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs Association Stakeholders.
Issue Briefs
HOPA Issues Briefs are authored by our members and informed by our public policy priority areas. The following briefs reflect the identity of our organization, help us work on behalf of our patients, serve our members’ interests, and create an action plan for the most targeted impact.
Biosimilars
HOPA feels strongly that individuals with cancer should have increased access to biologic medications so long as the biosimilars are equally as safe and effective as their brand counterparts.
Drug Shortages
People with cancer should not shoulder the burden of drug shortages. Proper oversight and effective communication between healthcare professionals, manufacturers, patient advocacy organizations, and government agencies are imperative.
Drug Waste
Drug waste generated from the preparation of IV cancer therapies is costly to the health care system, patients undergoing treatment, and society overall. Billing for waste is not the solution.
Oral Chemotherapy
Oral chemotherapy presents many benefits to both patients and the health care system. To ensure oral chemo is safe, effective, and not cost-prohibitive, it is critical for HOPA to support legislation that will address the oral chemotherapy disparity.
Pain Management
Cancer pain is often undertreated. Understanding the issues surrounding cancer pain and appropriate education of patients and providers will lead to better patient care decisions.
Role of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacist
The changing landscape of health care and evolving approach to cancer care (e.g., oral therapies, targeted therapies, personalized medicine) will emphasize the need for the oncology health care team to include an oncology pharmacist.
Site of Care
HOPA believes site-of-care decisions should take into consideration the individual circumstances of the patient, including drug characteristics, safety risks, and financial impacts. The choice for site of care should therefore be made with shared decision-making between the patient and providers.
White Bagging
While there are positive aspects to white bagging, there are numerous concerns. HOPA believes the high likelihood of financial burdens, delays in drug shipments, and unsafe handling/storage of drugs must first be addressed.
