Linked to EAHP Statements:
Section 4: Clinical Pharmacy Services
Section 1: Introductory statements and governance

ACPE UAN: 0475-0000-16-017-L04-P. A knowledge based activity.

Abstract

The treatment of cancer is a complex and evolving process. The usual focus on anti-neoplastic drugs, although important, is only a part of a puzzle that the hospital pharmacist must understand, in order to be accepted as a full member of the oncology healthcare team. Moreover, in most steps of cancer treatment, there will be a specific need for medication. Examples are the highly specialised contrast agents used in diagnosis techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), the specific needs of the oncology surgical patient, and palliative care drugs.

The understanding of the broad nature of cancer therapy is the basis for a look into the near future, focusing on the drugs on the horizon, which are taking advantage of better knowledge of the disease mechanism. Improvement of targeted therapies and new concepts such as "Immunooncology" are changing the treatment options, but must be looked at carefully, from a solid scientific perspective.

The purpose of this seminar is to involve hospital pharmacists in the complex world of cancer care, providing a framework for the real therapeutic value of new drugs. The goal is to provide some tools for the hospital pharmacist, as a member of the oncology healthcare team.

Teaching goals:

• To outline cancer care in a comprehensive manner;
• To review the potential treatment options in the near future for cancer;
• To appraise new treatment options in the context of comprehensive of cancer care.