How this expert plays a vital role on your cancer care team
Caring for cancer patients has become increasingly complex and individualized, and today requires the collaboration of multiple oncology specialists. With their expertise in clinical skills and medication management, oncology pharmacists are an integral part of that interdisciplinary team. The knowledge of oncology pharmacists is indispensable, at every level, in the delivery of optimal treatment and care to people with every kind of cancer.
“While the role of oncology pharmacists is well established in the inpatient setting, there is now a greater presence of oncology pharmacists in the outpatient clinics, infusion centers, and retail specialist pharmacy, all serving as clinical experts to assist, educate, and guide patients and caregivers through the journey of cancer care,” says Betty Chan, PharmD, Senior Executive Director of Pharmacy at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
As part of a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer care center, Roswell Park oncology pharmacists have the knowledge to address patients’ questions and concerns about the safe and effective use of both oral and injectable cancer drugs. They also possess expertise that spans a spectrum of diseases from hematologic to solid tumor types, and extensive training in the complex pharmacology of today’s medications, including how to safely prepare and administer chemotherapy and other medications.
“Go-to” to experts on cancer medications
Roswell Park oncology pharmacists:
- Work closely with hematologists and oncologists, nurses and other health professionals to personalize your treatments, review labs and address your unique biologic factors.
- Help manage your medication regimens to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective treatments while minimizing side effects and preventing drug interactions.
- Teach you about your medications, how they work and what side effects might occur; how to monitor side effects and the importance of compliance with treatment.
- Oversee the preparation, dispensing and appropriate dosing of your medications as prescribed.
- Help you to find cost-effective oral chemotherapy prescriptions.
- Support clinical research
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Clinical trial support and consultation
Oncology pharmacists support clinical research by ensuring the drugs being investigated are administered safely and accurately.
“A core responsibility of Roswell Park oncology pharmacists is working closely with the clinical care team to determine appropriate therapy and dosing for each patient, based on disease type, laboratory results and genetic variations,” Dr. Chan explains.
“Throughout treatment, our pharmacists provide systematic reviews of patients’ treatment, monitor and modify treatment plans to optimize outcomes and minimize potential toxicity.”
As an essential part of the clinical care team, Roswell Park oncology pharmacists work proactively to improve treatment outcomes, improve patient treatment compliance and overall quality of life — and actively contribute to the diverse facets of care, education and research in the cancer journey.
