HOPA BCOP Encore Programming at OPC

Encore from BCOP Updates 2025

• Isabel Houlzet, PharmD, BCOP - Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Manager

Session Description

Carcinomas of unknown primary are uncommon but can pose treatment challenges for providers and confer a poor prognosis for the patients. Chemotherapy options are limited and typically chosen based on pathological findings. Molecular profiling and use of next-generation sequencing can help guide therapy in some cases. This update will review current treatment recommendations.

Learning Objectives

1. Review carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) and recommended systemic treatment options based on tumor histology
2. Describe the role of molecular profiling in CUP and its potential impact in care
3. Interpret recent clinical trial data for tumor-agonistic indications in treating patients with select tumor markers
4. Demonstrate the importance of multidisciplinary and individualized care for this patient population

UAN#: 0465-0000-26-001-L01-P

Encore from Annual Conference 2026

• Elyse MacDonald, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FASHP - Director of Pharmacy Services
• Jennifer Murphy, PharmD, BCOP - Senior Pharmacist in the Cancer Center Investigational Drug Service

Session Description

This engaging and innovative session will lead the audience through a thought-provoking approach to evaluating their current research pharmacy practices and how to invite process improvement into their respective workplace and across the institutional enterprise. The speakers will highlight implementation strategies and best practices for start-up, life-cycle management, accountability, regulatory compliance, metrics, financial health/budgets, and technology along with a call to action for pharmacists to strengthen clinical trial conduct at their sites.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the common challenges faced in pharmacy operations during clinical trials
2. Apply best practices and innovative strategies that can enhance the efficiency of pharmacy operations in clinical trials
3. Develop strategies to effectively navigate and overcome challenges in implementing site efficiencies in clinical trials
4. Illustrate the role of the research pharmacy workforce to advocate for site workflows, growth, implementation, and challenges across the site/enterprise

UAN#: 0465-0000-26-002-L99-P

Encore from BCOP Updates 2025

• Bradi L. Frei, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, MSc - Professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Pharmacy Practice
• Farah Raheem, PharmD, BCOP - Oncology Clinical Pharmacist

Session Description

Creatinine is a widely available biomarker utilized in estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Despite its universal application, creatinine concentration is confounded by many factors including but not limited to reduced muscle mass, advanced age, protein intake, and administration of anticancer therapies that inhibit multiple solute carrier (MSC) transporters limiting its utility as a reliable measure of renal function in select patients with malignancy. While the pathogenesis of renal toxicity associated with traditional chemotherapy and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors are well described in the literature, the mechanism of creatinine elevation with certain targeted anticancer agents is rarely elucidated in clinical trials, making it challenging for clinicians to discern if the elevation is due to true kidney damage or primarily due to reversible inhibition of renal MSC transporters. While the majority of creatinine is filtered in the kidneys, 10% to 40% of creatinine is cleared via active tubular secretion making it a less ideal biomarker for GFR estimation in patients receiving inhibitors of MSC transporters. Cystatin C is not subject to active renal secretion and is not affected by changes in muscle mass or diet, making it an attractive alternative to creatinine when estimating GFR in select patients.

The first portion of this module describes mechanisms of serum creatinine elevation observed with certain targeted anticancer agents and discusses utility and limitations of Cystatin C as a potential alternative biomarker of estimating GFR in select patients with malignancy.

The second portion of this presentation will discuss epidemiology of cancer occurrence in pregnancy, probable reasons for increasing incidence, and types of cancer that commonly occur. There are many physiological changes that occur during pregnancy to the woman's body that affect therapeutic drug concentrations. Cancer treatment involves several different modalities that may not all be safe during the different stages of pregnancy. Different cancer treatment modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, will be discussed for each of the trimesters of pregnancy and during breast feeding. In addition to medical therapy, issues related to delay in diagnosis and examples of ethical dilemmas that can arise will be discussed.

Finally, the importance of discussing fertility preservation with pregnant patients will be introduced. It would be incorrect to assume that since the woman is having one child, she does not desire more children. Options for fertility preservation will be briefly reviewed.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the mechanism of serum creatinine elevation observed with certain targeted anticancer agents
2. Examine Cystatin C as an alternative biomarker of estimating glomerular filtration rate and evaluating renal function in patients with malignancy
3. Describe the physiologic changes in pregnancy that affect pharmacokinetic parameters of cancer medications, such as distribution, metabolism, and elimination
4. Discuss the use of cancer medications and supportive care, including fertility preservation, in different trimesters of pregnancy

UAN#: 0465-0000-26-003-L01-P

Encore from BCOP Updates 2025

• Ashley Sabus, PharmD, BCOP - Clinical Pharmacist Specialist

Session Description

Medical marijuana (MMJ) has become increasingly utilized by patients diagnosed with cancer. Despite growth in popularity, there is a lack of guidelines, regulation, and acceptance of medical marijuana products. This session will review common indications for cannabis in patients with cancer, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of medical marijuana (including drug interactions), perceived risks and benefits, data supporting use in oncology patients, and how to collaboratively approach patients interested in using medical marijuana.

Learning Objectives

1. Review the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of medical marijuana (MMJ) products
2. Discuss evidence-based research surrounding the efficacy of MMJ with a specific focus on its application for supportive care in oncology patients
3. Design a plan to minimize adverse effects associated with the use of MMJ
4. Apply practical guidelines for cultivating safe use of MMJ in oncology patients across an interdisciplinary team, including shared insights from a hospital-wide cannabinoid education consult team

UAN#: 0465-0000-25-075-L01-P