Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to Prioritize Real-World Evidence Studies for Health Technology Management: Outcomes and Lessons Learned by the Canadian Real-World Evidence for Value of Cancer Drugs (CanREValue) Collaboration.

Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a value assessment tool designed to help support complex decision-making by incorporating multiple factors and perspectives in a transparent, structured approach. We developed an MCDA rating tool, consisting of seven criteria evaluating the importance and feasibility of conducting potential real-world evidence (RWE) studies aimed at addressing uncertainties stemming from initial cancer drug funding recommendations. In collaboration with the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health's Provincial Advisory Group, a validation exercise was conducted to further evaluate the application of the rating tool using RWE proposals varying in complexity. Through this exercise, we aimed to gain insight into consensus building and deliberation processes and to identify efficiencies in the application of the rating tool. An experienced facilitator led a multidisciplinary committee, consisting of 11 Canadian experts, through consensus building, deliberation, and prioritization. A total of nine RWE proposals were evaluated and prioritized as low (n = 4), medium (n = 3), or high (n = 2) priority. Through an iterative process, efficiencies and recommendations to improve the rating tool and associated procedures were identified. The refined MCDA rating tool can help decision-makers prioritize important and feasible RWE studies for research and can enable the use of RWE for the life-cycle evaluation of cancer drugs.

Development of a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Rating Tool to Prioritize Real-World Evidence Questions for the Canadian Real-World Evidence for Value of Cancer Drugs (CanREValue) Collaboration.

The Canadian Real-world Evidence for Value of Cancer Drugs (CanREValue) collaboration developed an MCDA rating tool to assess and prioritize potential post-market real-world evidence (RWE) questions/uncertainties emerging from public drug funding decisions in Canada. In collaboration with a group of multidisciplinary stakeholders from across Canada, the rating tool was developed following a three-step process: (1) selection of criteria to assess the importance and feasibility of an RWE question; (2) development of rating scales, application of weights and calculating aggregate scores; and (3) validation testing. An initial MCDA rating tool was developed, composed of seven criteria, divided into two groups. Group A criteria assess the importance of an RWE question by examining the (1) drug's perceived clinical benefit, (2) magnitude of uncertainty identified, and (3) relevance of the uncertainty to decision-makers. Group B criteria assess the feasibility of conducting an RWE analysis including the (1) feasibility of identifying a comparator, (2) ability to identify cases, (3) availability of comprehensive data, and (4) availability of necessary expertise and methodology. Future directions include partnering with the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health's Provincial Advisory Group for further tool refinement and to gain insight into incorporating the tool into drug funding deliberations.

Prescribing practices of oncology pharmacists working in ambulatory cancer centers in Alberta.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and quantify independent prescribing of oncology pharmacists working in adult, ambulatory cancer centers in Alberta, Canada. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of oncology pharmacists prescribing in the electronic health record, ARIA® was conducted. Prescriptions from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify prescription volume and class of medications prescribed. A cross-sectional analysis was then performed on a random sample to determine the type of prescription intervention and evaluate pharmacist documentation. RESULTS: Over 6 months, 3474 prescriptions were ordered by 33 clinically deployed pharmacists. The median number of medications prescribed was 7 per month (interquartile range: 1.50-27.00; Range: 0.17-79.5). When prescribing was standardized by pharmacist's time clinically deployed, the median was 21.67 (interquartile range: 5.00-79.67; range: 0.67-216.67) prescriptions per month per full-time equivalent. The most prescribed class of medication was antiemetic (24.1%). From a sample of 346 prescriptions, 172 (50%) were new medications initiated, 160 (46%) were the continuation of existing prescriptions and 14 (4%) were prescription dosage adjustments. Adherence to the specified documentation standards was 47%. CONCLUSIONS: Oncology pharmacists utilize their independent prescribing to initiate and continue supportive care medications for cancer patients. The prescribing volume varied greatly among pharmacists. Opportunities exist to further engage pharmacist prescribing.

Developing wipe sampling strategy guidance for assessing environmental contamination of antineoplastic drugs.

Surveillance for environmental contamination of antineoplastic drugs has been recommended by authoritative bodies such as the United States Pharmacopeia and the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. Clear guidance is needed on how to develop sampling strategies that align with surveillance objectives efficiently and effectively. We conducted a series of simulations using previously collected surveillance data from nine cancer treatment centers to evaluate different sampling strategies. We evaluated the impact of sampling 2, 5, 10, or 20 surfaces, at monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual frequencies, while employing either a random or sentinel surface selection strategy to assess contamination by a single antineoplastic drug (AD) or by a panel of three ADs. We applied two different benchmarks: a binary benchmark of above or below the limit of detection and AD-specific hygienic guidance values, based on 90th percentile values as quantitative benchmarks. The use of sentinel surfaces to evaluate a three-drug panel relative to 90th percentile hygienic guidance values (HGVs) resulted in the most efficient and effective surveillance strategy.

Case report: Proton pump inhibitor drug-related problem in pancreatic cancer patient unmasks pancreatic enzyme insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness and is multifaceted involving comprehensive interdisciplinary assessments and interventions. Interdisciplinary palliative care in the setting of untreatable cancer diagnoses is of particular importance due to additional considerations that must be taken as patients are often undergoing palliative chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. These patients' complexity warrants special considerations and attentiveness to drug-related problems. CASE REPORT: The purpose of this case report is to highlight the importance of both complete and comprehensive medication histories in cancer care and the impact of proton pump inhibitors on pancreatic enzyme insufficiencies secondary to pancreatic cancers. This case involves a drug-related problem involving three medications that are commonly used in pancreatic cancer patients: pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, a proton pump inhibitor, and a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The patient presented in this case report is an 80-year-old man diagnosed with unresectable pancreatic cancer with a history of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease managed with a proton pump inhibitor, specifically tablets of the 40 mg strength of pantoprazole magnesium taken orally once daily. During the patient's first of five 28-day cycles of palliative-intent chemotherapy with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, the patient presented to the emergency department due to fever and, although not severely neutropenic, was prescribed amoxicillin/clavulanate and ciprofloxacin due to his advanced age. After reading a patient advisory on a ciprofloxacin patient information sheet that advised avoidance of concomitant administration of ciprofloxacin and magnesium, the patient self-discontinued his pantoprazole as it was a magnesium salt formulation. This discontinuation was followed by two weeks of persistent foul-smelling diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: The patient's healthcare team symptomatically managed the patient with oral and intravenous rehydration unaware of the cause of the symptoms. A trial of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy was initiated; however, it was unsuccessful in resolving his symptoms. After further investigation and a more in-depth patient interview, it was discovered that the discontinued proton pump inhibitor was likely the cause of the patient's new symptoms and was subsequently re-initiated. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in combination with re-initiation of pantoprazole therapy essentially resolved all symptoms. DISCUSSION: Before his diagnosis of unresectable pancreatic cancer, the patient had been on proton pump inhibitor therapy for nearly a decade. He had significant atrophy of the pancreas and an undoubtedly decreased pancreatic enzyme and bicarbonate production; however, he did not experience foul-smelling diarrhea indicative of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency while he was on his proton pump inhibitor. We believe that with his proton pump inhibitor therapy, he was unknowingly being partially treated for his worsening pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, specifically the component related to his lack of bicarbonate production and secretion. His discontinuation of his proton pump inhibitor led to a decrease in gastric acid, small bowel, and normal intraduodenal pH, which resulted in any remaining pancreatic enzyme reserve to become non-functional, unmasking his pancreatic enzyme insufficiency. An initial empiric trial of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy failed in the absence of a proton pump inhibitor; however, within days of restarting his proton pump inhibitor along with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, his gastrointestinal symptoms completely resolved. This is due to the decrease of gastric and intraduodenal acidity, which better enabled the function of pancreatic enzymes present in pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Diagnosis and Management of Multiple Myeloma: Experience from a Canadian Center.

BACKGROUND: The impact of coronavirus disease-19 on the management of multiple myeloma (MM) has been recognized. However, the real effect on clinical outcomes remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We describe a local experience of the management of MM patients and report their outcomes during the current pandemic. METHODS: All consecutive symptomatic MM patients seen at our center since 03/20 were evaluated. RESULTS: A cohort of 156 patients diagnosed from 01/19 to 12/20 was analyzed to interrogate differences in presentation patterns. A total of 553 MM patients were seen and/or treated at Tom Baker Cancer Center in the year of 2020. From those, 47.1% (n = 261) were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Sixteen patients tested positive and data are presented. In addition, a decrease of 21.7% in the rate of new smoldering MM/MM diagnosis was observed in 2020 as compared to 2019. Further, an increase in deaths was also observed in 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms an increase lethality for MM patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. A balance between safety and need for cancer control should be emphasized.

Preventing drug vial wastage and reducing expenditure associated with injectable cancer drugs: International oncology pharmacy survey.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to determine what vial sharing techniques and other strategies were being used globally to reduce wastage from partially used single-use drug vials, what barriers are preventing these strategies being employed, and what savings are being achieved. METHODS: A survey, comprising 19 questions, was distributed to the membership of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners and British Oncology Pharmacy Association. Questions asked included how parenteral cancer drugs are obtained and prepared, what vial sharing strategies are used, what means are employed to extend stability, how prepared products are reused and what cost savings are achieved. RESULTS: In all, 74 responses were received from 20 countries, most from the United Kingdom. Some manufacturing is done by 60.8% of institution, with 41.9% making all products. Vial sharing strategies, for frequently used drugs, were employed in 53% of cases. Barriers preventing vial sharing being used included government legislation, USP 797 guidelines, and health insurance companies. Extension of stability was possible for 70.2% of centres. Most respondents reported reduction in cytotoxic and biological waste, and alleviation of drug shortages from vial sharing utilisation. Cost savings were achieved in 74% of cases and was significant in one third. CONCLUSIONS: The survey has determined that drug vial wastage and expenditure can be reduced, and vial sharing facilitates this. International collaboration plus the assistance of governments and the pharmaceutical industry is vital in achieving this aim. These findings can hopefully guide oncology pharmacy in establishing appropriate strategies to reduce wastage internationally.

Use of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: A multicenter real-world experience.

INTRODUCTION: The metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma clinical trial (MPACT) trial established gemcitabine (gem) and nab-paclitaxel (nab) as a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer utilizing granulocyte colony-stimulating factors to manage neutropenia. This was a challenge for jurisdictions that do not use granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in palliative settings. We developed dosage guidelines to dose modify gem and nab without granulocyte colony-stimulating factors. We undertook a retrospective review to determine the efficacy and safety of these dose adjustment guidelines in the real world. METHODS: A multi-centered, retrospective chart review was performed on pancreatic patients between December 1, 2014, and August 21, 2018. Provincial electronic medical health records were reviewed. Using Log-rank statistics we determined the patient's progression-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS: Of 248 patients, 209 met patient selection criteria. Patients were excluded if they were lost to follow-up, on gem alone prior to nab/gem combination therapy or did not receive nab or gem. Patients who received nab/gem as first-line therapy had a median progression-free survival of 6.3 months (95% CI, 5.1-7.4), and median overall survival of 11.1 months (95% CI, 9.5-12.8). Those who received gem/nab in the second line had a median progression-free survival of 4.6 months (95% CI, 2.8-6.5), and median overall survival of 19.3 months (95% CI, 12.6-26.0). CONCLUSIONS: The patient's progression-free survival and overall survival taking nab/gem using our dose modification algorithm were equivalent or superior to the MPACT trial's progression-free survival and overall survival. Gem/nab can be given by our dose modification scheme without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Considerations for Developing a Reassessment Process: Report from the Canadian Real-World Evidence for Value of Cancer Drugs (CanREValue) Collaboration's Reassessment and Uptake Working Group.

The Canadian Real-world Evidence for Value in Cancer Drugs (CanREValue) Collaboration was established to develop a framework for generating and using real-world evidence (RWE) to inform the reassessment of cancer drugs following initial health technology assessment (HTA). The Reassessment and Uptake Working Group (RWG) is one of the five established CanREValue Working Groups. The RWG aims to develop considerations for incorporating RWE for HTA reassessment and strategies for using RWE to reassess drug funding decisions. Between February 2018 and December 2019, the RWG attended four teleconferences (with follow-up surveys) and two in-person meetings to discuss recommendations for the development of a reassessment process and potential barriers and facilitators. Modified Delphi methods were used to gather input. A draft report of recommendations (to December 2018) was shared for public consultation (December 2019 to January 2020). Initial considerations for developing a reassessment process were proposed. Specifically, reassessment can be initiated by diverse stakeholders, including decision makers from public drug plans or industry stakeholders. The reassessment process should be modelled after existing deliberation and recommendation frameworks used by HTA agencies. Proposed reassessment outcome categories include maintaining status quo, revisiting funding criteria, renegotiating price, or disinvesting. Overall, these initial considerations will serve as the basis for future advancements by the Collaboration.

An exploratory study of body composition as a predictor of dose-limiting toxicity in metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel.

BACKGROUND: Body composition is increasingly being studied as a method of predicting chemotherapy toxicity. Our study aimed to evaluate associations of body composition with treatment toxicity in a group of pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who received first-line gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer at a northern Alberta cancer institute (Canada) from 2014 to 2017. Total lean body mass (LBM) was derived from measurements of muscle surface area at L3 on baseline computed tomography (CT) scans. Optimal stratification, or minimal p-value analysis, was used to assess for a threshold of nab-paclitaxel dose per LBM (mg/kg) associated with a higher risk of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). RESULTS: 152 patients were included in the study, of whom 62 (40.8%) experienced DLT. nab-Paclitaxel dose/LBM ranged from 0.98 to 8.76 mg/kg. A threshold for nab-paclitaxel dose/LBM that optimally predicted risk of DLT was identified at 5.83 mg/kg. Above this cut-off, 18/31 (58.1%) patients experienced DLT, compared to 44/121 (36.4%) patients below (p = 0.028). Patients above this cut-off had a higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy compared to those below, though this was not statistically significant based on an adjusted p-value threshold (48.4 vs. 29.8% respectively, p = 0.050). Body mass index, body surface area, and absolute initial doses of nab-paclitaxel or gemcitabine did not significantly impact likelihood of DLT. CONCLUSIONS: nab-Paclitaxel dose normalized to LBM, based on CT-derived measures of skeletal muscle, has potential to predict risk of chemotherapy toxicity. Chemotherapy dosing based on body composition, rather than conventional anthropometric measures, may be effective in reducing treatment toxicity.

International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) position statement: Role of the oncology pharmacy team in cancer care.

The Oncology Pharmacy Team (OPT), consisting of specialty-trained pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians, is an integral component of the multidisciplinary healthcare team (MHT) involved with all aspects of cancer patient care. The OPT fosters quality patient care, safety, and local regulatory compliance. The International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) developed this position statement to provide guidance on five key areas: 1) oncology pharmacy practice as a pharmacy specialty; 2) contributions to patient care; 3) oncology pharmacy practice management; 4) education and training; and 5) contributions to oncology research and quality initiatives to involve the OPT. This position statement advocates that: 1) the OPT be fully incorporated into the MHT to optimize patient care; 2) educational and healthcare institutions develop programs to continually educate OPT members; and 3) regulatory authorities develop certification programs to recognize the unique contributions of the OPT in cancer patient care.

Education strategy for the implementation of oncology biosimilars essential for operational and patient safety in Alberta, Canada.

Medication errors involving look alike sound alike (LASA) medications have widely been recognized to contribute to patient harm. Oncology biosimilars are considered to be LASA medications and require additional measures for operational safety. The Cancer Care Alberta (CCA) Pharmacy Educators developed an education strategy to ensure operational and patient safety during the implementation phase for oncology biosimilars in Alberta, Canada. This resulted in a smooth adoption of oncology biosimilars. As future oncology biosimilars are introduced, this framework will serve as the foundation to educate and train oncology pharmacy staff.

Spatial and Temporal Variability in Antineoplastic Drug Surface Contamination in Cancer Care Centers in Alberta and Minnesota.

The health risks of exposure to antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are well established, and healthcare professionals can be exposed while caring for cancer patients receiving AD therapy. Studies conducted worldwide over the past two decades indicate continuing widespread surface contamination by ADs. No occupational exposure limits have been established for ADs, but concerns over exposures have led to the development of guidelines, such as United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs-Handling in Healthcare. While recommending regular surveillance for surface contamination by ADs these guidelines do not provide guidance on sampling strategies. Better characterization of spatial and temporal variability of multidrug contamination would help to inform such strategies. We conducted surface-wipe monitoring of nine cancer care centers in Alberta, Canada and Minnesota, USA, with each center sampled eight times over a 12-month period. Twenty surfaces from within pharmacy and drug administration areas were sampled, and 11 drugs were analyzed from each wipe sample. Exposure data were highly left-censored which restricted data analysis; we examined prevalence of samples above limit of detection (LOD), and used the 90th percentile of the exposure distribution as a measure of level of contamination. We collected 1984 wipe samples over a total of 75 sampling days resulting in 21 824 observations. Forty-five percent of wipe samples detected at least one drug above the LOD, but only three of the drugs had more than 10% of observations above the LOD: gemcitabine (GEM) (24%), cyclophosphamide (CP) (16%), and paclitaxel (13%). Of 741 wipe samples with at least one drug above LOD, 60% had a single drug above LOD, 19% had two drugs, and 21% had three drugs or more; the maximum number of drugs found above LOD on one wipe was 8. Surfaces in the compounding area of the pharmacy and in the patient area showed the highest prevalence of samples above the LOD, including the compounding work surface, drug fridge handle, clean room cart, passthrough tray, and hazardous drug room temperature storage, the IV pump keypad, patient washroom toilet handle, patient washroom door handle, nurses' storage shelf/tray, and patient side table. Over the course of the study, both 90th percentiles and prevalence above LOD varied without clear temporal patterns, although some centers appeared to show decreasing levels with time. Within centers, the degree of variability was high, with some centers showing changes of two to three orders of magnitude in the 90th percentile of drug concentrations month to month. A clear difference was observed between the six centers located in Alberta and the three in Minnesota, with Minnesota centers having substantially higher percentages of samples above the LOD for CP and GEM. Other factors that were associated with significant variability in exposures were drug compounding volume, size of center, number of patients seen, and age of the center. We hope that demonstrating variability associated with drug, surface, clinic-factors, and time will aid in a better understanding of the nature of AD contamination, and inform improved sampling strategies.

Adjuvant breast radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, or both after breast conserving surgery in older women with low-risk breast cancer: Results from a population-based study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The relative benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) alone in older women with low-risk early breast cancer (EBC) remains unclear. It is hypothesized that adjuvant RT-alone can improve outcomes of older patients with low-risk EBC, similar to endocrine therapy (ET) alone or combination of RT + ET. METHODS: In this population based study, we identified all women aged ≥70 with T1-2, N0, ER+ve, Her-2/neu-ve EBC treated with breast conserving surgery (BCS), followed by adjuvant treatments (RT-alone, ET-alone, or RT + ET combination) from 2005 to 2015. Primary outcome measures were recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and breast cancer specific survival (BCSS). Treatment details were collected and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1166 patients were identified. Median follow-up was 76.5 months. Adjuvant treatments: BCS only 130 (11%), RT 378 (32.5%), ET 161 (14%), and RT + ET 497 (42.5%). Less than 60% of women completed 5-years of ET. Compared to BCS alone, RT resulted in significant improvement in RFS (HR = 0.174; p < 0.001), similar to ET (HR = 0.414; p = 0.007) and RT + ET (HR = 0.236; p < 0.001). Determinants of OS were age, tumor grade, comorbidities, and adjuvant therapy. Increased comorbidity scores (0 vs. 1; 0 vs. ≥2) were associated with reduced OS (HR = 1.40; p = 0.013 and HR = 1.98; p < 0.001), without impact on RFS or BCSS. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant RT-alone is a reasonable alternative to ET or RT + ET for older women with biologically favorable EBC. No difference in RFS or BCSS was noted between RT, ET, and RT + ET. Comorbidity was independently associated with reduced overall survival.

Medication reconciliation in ambulatory oncology new patient clinics.

Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) is an essential part of safe medication management and plays a key role in ensuring patient safety. A variety of methods and a number of different healthcare disciplines can be involved in the MedRec process and the timing and location of conducting MedRec can vary. In an effort to streamline the process in ambulatory oncology new patient clinics, a pilot of an alternative approach was undertaken whereby pharmacists with advanced prescribing privileges completed MedRec with patients prior to their clinic visit. Evaluation of the pilot was completed through the collection of various metrics, a pharmacist focus group, healthcare staff and patient surveys. Overall the evaluation indicated that there are multiple factors to consider regarding the timing and method of MedRec completion. The various phases of the pilot demonstrated that flexibility to the process is key and ongoing efforts are required at reducing duplication.

Tolerability of pemetrexed and oxaliplatin in the treatment of stage III colon cancer during raltitrexed shortage.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in Canada. Currently, adjuvant colorectal cancer treatment primarily includes chemotherapeutic regimens such as FOLFOX6 (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin) or CAPOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin), as well as alternative regimens such as TOMOX (raltitrexed, oxaliplatin). However, the prevalence of drug shortages in today's society may make these preferred regimens inaccessible. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the tolerability of an alternative adjuvant regimen (pemetrexed plus oxaliplatin) that has undergone both phase I and II clinical trials for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The patient presented in this case report is a 57-year-old female diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer. This patient received seven cycles of pemetrexed plus oxaliplatin and experienced several adverse events, with the majority of them being mild in nature including fatigue and cold dysesthesia. However, the patient also experienced progressive neuropathy which required a dose reduction and subsequent discontinuation of oxaliplatin. Overall, pemetrexed and oxaliplatin's tolerability seems comparable to other regimens used to treat colorectal cancer and could potentially be an option to consider in the future for alternative treatment of colorectal cancer pending further trials.

Actual body weight dosing of temozolomide and overall survival in patients with glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Adult glioblastoma patients receiving standard radiation therapy and concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy have a median survival of 14.6 months. Based on the pivotal trial data by Stupp et al., temozolomide doses were calculated based on body surface area. However, no details regarding the weight used to calculate body surface area was included in the study. As a result, temozolomide doses have been variable across the province. METHODS: This retrospective chart review was conducted to determine the correlation between dose of first line temozolomide with overall survival. Patients between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2014 who were newly diagnosed, pathology confirmed glioblastoma treated first line with temozolomide within Alberta Health Services were included in the study. Temozolomide doses above and below determined cut points were compared through the Kaplan-Meier method, then assessed using the log-rank test. RESULTS: A cut point of 97.8% of actual body weight calculated body surface area dosing was determined for concurrent phase temozolomide. At doses above this cut point, there was a statistically significant (p = 0.0158) increase of 0.3 years in median overall survival. As for toxicity concerns, there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of temozolomide dose reductions due to toxicity in patients dosed above the cut point. CONCLUSION: Temozolomide doses at full actual body weight calculated body surface area dosing during the concurrent phase is required to achieve a similar median OS as seen in the pivotal trial by Stupp et al.

The impact of palliative care consults on deprescribing in palliative cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The transition from active cancer treatment to palliative care often results in a shift in drug risk-benefit assessment which requires the deprescribing of various medications. Deprescribing in palliative cancer patients can benefit patients by reducing their pill burden, decrease potential side effects, and potentially decrease healthcare costs. In addition, a change in patients' goals of care (GOC) necessitates the alteration of drug therapy which includes both deprescribing and the addition of medications intended to improve quality of life. Depending on a patient's GOC, a medication can be considered as inappropriate. OBJECTIVES: Primary: Comparison between potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prior to the palliative care consult (PCC) versus after the PCC. Secondary: Association between PIMs and GOC. METHODS: The study was a 1-year retrospective database review. The study included cancer patients seen by the PCC team at the University of Alberta Hospital. The OncPal guidelines were used to identify and determine the number of PIMs prior to the PCC and after the PCC. RESULTS: The reduction in PIMs prior to PCC versus after the PCC was statistically significant (p value < 0.001), demonstrating the PCC has a positive significant impact on deprescribing PIMs. For our secondary outcome, an overall decrease in PIMs was observed with the changes of GOC. The strength of the correlations was low (r < 0.1), and the p value was 0.056. CONCLUSION: This study shows the positive impact a PCC has on deprescribing and reveals the importance of using guidelines for deprescribing in palliative cancer patients.

Implementation of an online chemotherapy checking training module enhances scope of practice and ensures competency.

Chemotherapy checking is a complex task and requires a high level of alertness and attention to detail. Learning tools are required to teach the fundamental principles of chemotherapy checking. In conjunction with a graphic design team and with input from Human Factors specialists, an online chemotherapy checking training module was created. A variety of learning methods were incorporated including pre-reading, hands on training, case scenarios, and exam questions. The necessary skills to safely complete chemotherapy checking can be enhanced by the use of this training module.