August 2010 Vol 3, No 5

The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) New Practitioner Award recognizes a HOPA member early in his or her career who has made a significant contribution to developing or supporting clinical hematology/oncology pharmacy services. Read More ›

WASHINGTON, DC—Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel, often referred to as nab-paclitaxel, combined with gemcitabine boosts survival when given as first-line treatment in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, according to results released at the 101st annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

SAN DIEGO—Postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving an aromatase inhibitor (AI) may experience significant bone loss and may need to have their bone health monitored more closely, according to new data presented at the Endocrine Society’s 92nd Annual Meeting and Expo.

The current economic recession may have you pondering whether you have enough money saved for retirement. If you are just starting out in your profession, you may wonder if you should postpone planning for your retirement until the economy bounces back. It is never too early to plan for the future, even if you can only put a small amount into your retirement plan at this juncture.

CHICAGO—Cabazitaxel is the first treatment to show a survival benefit in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), according to data from a phase 3 trial.

On June 17, cabazitaxel became the first drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Results from the phase 3 trial delivered at ASCO were included in the FDA review.

CHICAGO—Among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the Evaluating Nilotinib Efficacy and Safety in Clinical Trials-Newly Diagnosed Patients (ENESTnd) study, major molecular response (MMR) rates with nilotinib remain superior to those with imatinib after follow-up extended to a median of 18.5 months. Read More ›

CHICAGO—A human monoclonal antibody that blocks a receptor that down regulates T-cell responses improves long-term survival in patients with previously treated advanced melanoma, according to the results of a phase 3 trial.

Once-yearly Histrelin Implant Provides Sustained Improvement in Prostate Cancer Patients

BARCELONA—Investigators have documented the long-term efficacy and tolerability of a once-yearly histrelin subdermal implant in men with advanced prostate cancer.

Many of us practice oncology pharmacy in academic medical centers, in schools of pharmacy, and in practices that actively train various learners, such as interns, students, and residents. Most data surveying preceptors suggest that the majority of preceptor time is spent on imparting clinical knowledge. Much less time is dedicated to the preparative work of defining baseline expectations, individualizing learning plans, delivering feedback, and mentoring young learners. When thinking about your preceptorship, ask yourself:

CHICAGO—A fentanyl pectin nasal spray provides analgesia faster than immediate-release morphine in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain, said Andrew Davies, MD, MSc.

Breakthrough cancer pain is a transient exacerbation of pain that occurs despite relatively stable and adequately controlled background pain and has a significant impact on quality of life.