A clinical pharmacy pilot within a Precision Medicine Program for cancer patients and review of related pharmacist clinical practice

Abstract

The success of integrating this precision medicine pharmacist into a newly formed Precision Medicine Program and the model it can serve as may be considered for other cancer centers that may or may not have easily accessible pharmacogenomic experts and resources. This service highlights the importance of pharmacist care in such a program and the various opportunities for integration. Oncology clinical pharmacists should seek to integrate into Precision Medicine Programs and systems directing this care and develop their knowledge and understanding of genomics to continue providing the highest level of cancer care as a pivotal member of the cancer care team.

2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacist Association Best Practices for the Management of Oral Oncolytic Therapy: Pharmacy Practice Standard

“… 14 - 17 Finally, involvement in an interprofessional team with a focus on precision medicine is becoming more relevant as genetic testing and targeted drug therapies become more available. 18 , 19 …”

Clinical Utilization of Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry – Perspectives of Pharmacists, Genetic Counselors, Implementation Science, Clinicians, and Industry

“…Several PGx programs have begun to be piloted in various academic medical centers and hospital settings, which may foster pragmatic clinical trials that can assess both utility and implementation barriers [103][104][105][106]. Among the barriers commonly reported are clinician knowledge and preparedness, clinical decision support, coverage, and lack of clinical practice guidelines [67].…”

Pharmacogenomics Courses in Pharmacy School Curricula

“…Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as leaders and team members in the delivery of PGx testing [12,14]. To prepare pharmacists to play a leading role in the delivery of PGx testing, efforts have been underway to integrate PGx content into pharmacy school curricula and establish core competencies for pharmacists [19,30].…”

“…While the field of PGx is not new, studies indicate many types of providers' are not prepared to deliver PGx testing [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] despite calls for enhancing provider education and awareness [11]. The pharmacy profession; however, has recognized its role in the delivery of PGx testing [12][13][14][15] and the need to educate their members -pharmacists. Dating back almost two decades, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Academic Affairs Committee recognized the importance of PGx [16] and supported the efforts to increase pharmacists' competencies [17].…”