Speaker:

Anthony J. Perissinotti, PharmD, BCOP

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Hematology

University of Michigan – Michigan Medicine

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Anthony J. Perissinotti, PharmD, BCOP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

At the completion of this activity, pharmacists, physicians, and nurses will be able to:

• Explain how prognostic testing may vary for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) based on gene mutation, cytogenic abnormalities, and minimal residual disease test results.
• Interpret recent and emerging data to select treatment strategies appropriate for patients with CLL.
• Identify opportunities to mitigate financial toxicity in patients with CLL.

At the completion of this activity, pharmacy technicians will be able to:

• Recognize effects of prognostic testing for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) based on gene mutation, cytogenic abnormalities, and minimal residual disease test results.
• Review recent and emerging data for treatment strategies in patients with CLL.
• Describe the impact of financial toxicity on patients with CLL.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults and has a highly variable clinical course. Members of the oncology care team need be aware of prognostic factors influencing treatment decisions. Regimens include multiple single-agent small-molecule inhibitors, but the use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and oral oncolytics in combination is rapidly progressing the current treatment paradigm. Oncology pharmacists, physicians, and nurses are well positioned to manage patients and educate other health care professionals about adverse effects of immunotherapeutic options. Further consideration will be given to how members of the oncology care team can facilitate access to current and emerging agents and alleviate the economic burden associated with treatment for patients. This program will prepare physicians, nurses, and pharmacists involved in the care of patients with CLL to recommend appropriate therapies for patients and navigate the changing landscape of CLL treatment.