Oncolytics Today Fall 2023

Publication Highlights

Oncology Faces a Host of Rising Challenges: NCODA takes a hard look at the oncology drug shortage, the Stark Law’s impact on prescription mailing, alternative funding programs, the Inflation Reduction Act and 340B abuse. Page 55

Executive Council Message: FALL 2023 ISSUE FOCUSES ON THE RISING CHALLENGES ONCOLOGY FACES. Page 7

Clinical Trials Four key questions to consider when critically appraising oncology clinical trials. Page 8

Mind & Body The emerging role of integrative therapy in cancer care. Page 11

Looking to the Future The role of the nurse in monitoring oral anticancer medicines. Page 15

Nursing Community: NCODA SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR APPLICANT TO ATTEND ONS CONGRESS. Page 18

Financial Toxicity Why oncology practices should dedicate resources to help coordinate with patient assistance programs. Page 20

Insurance Denials Don’t take NO for an answer: Tips for navigating health insurance denials. Page 23

Health Advocacy How dedicated assistance helps empower chronically ill patients. Page 27

Oncology Institute: NCODA ONCOLOGY INSTITUTE BRINGS TOGETHER HEALTHCARE LEADERS & INDUSTRY PARTNERS. Page 30

Career Ladder Development A training strategy that helps promote pharmacy technician development while retaining staff. Page 39

Continuing Education A review of Domain I and Domain II of OPTA’s Oncology Pharmacy Technician Certification. Page 42

PQI Podcast: Page 66

Taking a BiTE Out of Cancer A look at the newest therapies on the market that utilize the T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies class. Page 78

The ABCs of DDD A review of testing considerations and barriers for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency. Page 83

Treating Neuropathy Current treatment modalities for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Page 86

Novel Melanoma Weapon Dual immunotherapy product provides a new weapon in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Page 91

Empowering Your Employees Ways that healthcare organizations can focus on employee engagement & job satisfaction to promote staff retention. Page 94

New Drug Roundup: FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES THE APPROVAL OF 10 NEW ORAL ONCOLYTICS. Page 97

Knowing Too Much, But Understanding Too Little Transitioning from healthcare provider to caregiver provides unique insight into the patient’s cancer journey. Page 103

Final Thoughts: THE POLITICS OF ONCOLOGY:WHY WE MUST GET MORE INVOLVED IN HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION. Page 106