Pharmacist Perspectives: Exploring the Evolving Role of BTK Inhibitors in CLL

Participants will gain exposure to emerging clinical and scientific advances in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with BTK inhibitors (BTKis), including novel pharmacologic targets within the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway, and the latest, top-line safety and efficacy trial data for BTK inhibitors in both treatment-naïve (TN) and relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL. Prominent mechanisms of BTK inhibitor resistance and adaptive strategies used to prevent and/or mitigate the development of resistance also will be explored. Using a case-based approach, there is discussion focused on common clinical challenges, anticipation and management of adverse events, promotion of patient adherence, and optimization of outcomes for patients with CLL.


This activity is presented by Creative Educational Concepts, Inc. 

This activity is supported through an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.

Target Audience

This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of oncology pharmacists, pharmacy directors, and pharmacy residents.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this applicaiton-based activity, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of the BCR (B-cell receptor) pathway in the pathophysiology of B-cell malignancies and delineate the mechanistic rationale for targeting the BCR pathway in CLL management.

2. Examine the safety and efficacy profiles of both currently available and emerging BTKis (BTK inhibitors) and appraise their respective therapeutic roles in TN (treatment-naïve) and R/R (relapsed/refractory) CLL.

3. Explore prominent resistance mechanisms seen with BTK inhibitors and discuss established mitigation strategies.

4. Using a case-based approach, identify common challenges clinicians face when using BTK inhibitors, assess adaptive strategies oncology pharmacists can employ to anticipate and manage adverse effects, improve adherence to therapy, and ultimately, optimize outcomes for patients with CLL.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
  • 1.00 Participation
Course opens: 
04/13/2020
Course expires: 
04/13/2021
Rating: 
0

Emily Dotson, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacist Specialist–Hematology Lead
The Ohio State University
The James Cancer Hospital
Columbus, Ohio

Emily Dotson, received her PharmD from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. She completed a PGY1 residency at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN and then a PGY2 residency at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, OH. After completion, she stayed at The James where she serves as a Clinical Pharmacist, rotating between outpatient and inpatient services. Dr. Dotson's area of practice is in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma patients, and she also serves as the Hematology Lead Pharmacist. She is actively involved in research projects with the lymphoma and CLL teams and is a preceptor to pharmacy students and pharmacy residents. 

 

Kathy Edwards, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP
Affiliate Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina


Kathy Hogan Edwards is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, South Carolina and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She is a Board-Certified Oncology Pharmacist and Pharmacotherapy Specialist.  Dr. Edwards received her BS Pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island followed by her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree and Clinical Residency from MUSC. Her primary practice is in the outpatient clinics at Hollings Cancer Center, providing direct care to patients in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.  She has trained numerous students, as well as PGY1 and PGY2 residents, and has served as Residency Program Director for the PGY2 Oncology Residency.  Her research interests are focused on optimizing care and outcomes for patients with hematologic malignancies.


In accordance with the Food and Drug Administration, the speakers have disclosed that there is the potential for discussions concerning off-label uses of a commercial product/device during this educational activity.

Any person who may contribute to the content of this continuing education activity must disclose relevant relationships (and any known relationships of their spouse/partner) with commercial interests whose products or services are discussed in educational presentations. A commercial interest is defined as any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients. Relevant relationships include receiving from a commercial interest research grants, consultant fees, travel, other benefits, or having a self-managed equity interest in a company.

Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone any bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation.

Planner

Vanessa Carranza, PharmD—has no relevant financial relationships to disclose in relation to the content of this activity.

Authors/Presenters

Kathy Hogan Edwards, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP—has disclosed that she is a consultant for Genzyme Corporation.

Emily K. Dotson, PharmD, BCOP—has disclosed that she is a consultant for AstraZeneca.

Content Reviewer

Bryan C. Taylor, PharmD—has no relevant financial relationships to disclose in relation to the content of this activity.

In support of improving patient care, Creative Educational Concepts is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

This application-based activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.01 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit (JA0007101-0000-20-014-H01-P).

Available Credit

  • 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy
  • 1.00 Participation
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