The Crucial Role of Pharmacists in Providing Supportive Care for Cancer Patients: An Interview with Scott Soefje, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA

Introduction

As cancer treatments become increasingly effective, cancer patients are living longer than ever before. As a result, there is a growing focus on improving the quality of life for these patients. In this interview with Pharmacy Times, Scott Soefje, a renowned expert in supportive care and director of pharmacy cancer care at Mayo Clinic, discusses the innovations, challenges, and opportunities in supportive care for cancer patients, and the important role of pharmacists in this field.

Key Innovations in Supportive Care for Solid Tumors

Pharmacists play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for cancer patients by providing supportive care. According to Soefje, there are several key innovations in supportive care for solid tumors that are worth highlighting.

Oxybutynin Use in Prostate Cancer Patients

One of the key innovations in supportive care is the use of oxybutynin, which is known to prevent hot flashes that are induced by hormonal deprivation therapy. This is particularly relevant for prostate cancer patients who undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Soefje explained that oxybutynin has shown promising results in reducing the number of hot flashes in these patients in recent studies.

New GLP-1 Receptor Antagonists

Another innovation in supportive care is the use of GLP-1 receptor antagonists, which are weight loss drugs. Soefje noted that there have been studies that have looked at the benefits of these drugs in reducing the risk of certain tumors, especially in cases where weight is a contributing factor. He emphasized that the GLP-1 receptor antagonists have been gaining popularity due to their effectiveness in reducing weight and are being explored for other benefits, such as interactions with immunotherapy.

Gynecological Tumors and Head Neck Study

Soefje also highlighted the importance of focusing on studying supportive care for gynecological tumors and head and neck tumors. These tumor types are often overlooked in larger sessions and require specific attention given the unique challenges they present.

Integration of Promising Technological Advancements in Treatment Frameworks

Over the past few years, there have been significant advancements in healthcare technology. Soefje explained that AI technology and automation are going to play an increasingly important role in healthcare going forward. However, integrating these technologies effectively into existing treatment frameworks is not an easy task.

Integrating AI to Identify Patients That Need a Certain Criteria

Integrating AI into electronic health records can help identify high-risk patients that would benefit from certain therapies. AI can also help identify patients who do not require certain treatments, thereby preventing unnecessary treatment. Soefje believes that integrating AI in patient care will be essential to moving through treatment algorithms and improving patient outcomes.

Replacing Repetitive Tasks with Automation or Technology to Get Patients Their Drugs Faster

Additionally, technology can be leveraged to improve the speed of certain processes, such as getting drugs to patients faster. To achieve this, repetitive tasks can be replaced with automation or technology. By doing so, pharmacists can make their workflows more efficient and reduce the workload on staff.

Psychosocial Support for Cancer Patients

Cancer patients often struggle mentally and emotionally with their diagnosis and treatment. Providing psychosocial support can help patients cope with these challenges and improve their overall quality of life.

Improving the Quality of Life for Patients

Soefje notes that improving the quality of life for cancer patients is a crucial part of their care plan. Many patients are concerned about their quality of life and how their illness will affect their ability to do things they enjoy. Healthcare providers must work to balance the long-term effects of treatment with the patient’s current quality of life.

Financial Toxicity

Soefje also noted that financial toxicity has become a growing concern for cancer patients. Newer drugs are very expensive, and many patients are burdened with medical debt to the point of bankruptcy. He stressed the importance of finding ways to alleviate the financial burden for patients.

Advancements in Pain Management for Solid Tumors

Pain management is a significant concern for cancer patients. Despite the availability of various pain treatments, opioids remain the most common method used to treat cancer pain. However, newer drugs are being explored for pain management.

Cannabis and Psychedelics for Pain Management

Cannabis and psychedelics, such as MDMA, are being researched for their potential to treat cancer pain. Soefje noted that the increasing legalization of cannabis may lead to its wider usage to supplement pain management therapies. While new drugs and treatments are promising, researchers must continue to explore their use to develop more effective pain management approaches.

Barriers to Implementing New Supportive Care Innovations in Clinical Settings

Supportive care is often given less focus than drug development since it is perceived to be less financially rewarding. However, innovative approaches to supportive care are essential to improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

Incentivizing Quality Care and Quality of Life Studies

To achieve this, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare providers must be incentivized to focus on the development of innovative, high-quality supportive care approaches. Soefje notes that pharmacists have a crucial role to play in this area. By focusing on improving quality of life for patients, pharmacists can help ensure that supportive care receives the attention it deserves.

The Next Major Breakthrough in Supportive Care

Soefje believes that the next breakthrough in supportive care will be related to fatigue management. The prevalence of cancer-related fatigue has been increasing, and new interventions are needed to help patients better cope with this debilitating condition. He also mentioned that innovative approaches to treating cancer-related financial toxicity, such as through AI or other technologies, have the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, supportive care is crucial for cancer patients, and pharmacists play a vital role in improving patients’ quality of life. New innovations and technological advancements are emerging, and healthcare providers must explore new approaches to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. By working together, healthcare providers can help ensure that cancer patients receive the care they need to overcome the many challenges they face.

Originally Post From https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/enhancing-quality-of-life-care-the-vital-role-of-pharmacists-in-cancer-treatment

The Vital Role of Pharmacists in Cancer Treatment: Enhancing Quality-of-Life Care