SEMINAR 7: Advances in oncology – how far and how fast towards the cure of cancer

Context:

The objective of this seminar is to give hospital pharmacists an overview of the latest drugs for some relevant types of cancer, their potential and shortcomings, and also to obtain some insight on what’s in the pipeline. Specific drugs which have been approved or have new relevant indications in the last 5 years will be presented, with a discussion about their real benefits, in terms of quality of life and life expectancy. Focus will be on drugs for the most prevalent types of cancer. Also to be presented are some of the drugs already undergoing clinical trials that may have impact in the treatment of cancer in the future. These will be reviewed, highlighting their expected potential on the most prevalent types of cancer.

Teaching Goals:

• present specific drugs, which have been approved or have new relevant indications in the last 5 years, and discuss their real benefits, in terms of quality of life and life expectancy. Focus on drugs for most prevalent types of cancer.
• review some of the drugs already undergoing clinical trials that may have impact in the treatment of cancer in the future. Discuss their expected potential on the most prevalent types of cancer.

Learning Objectives:

At the send of the seminar, the attendants should:

• be able to summarise the crucial data about recent cancer drugs, including clinical data supporting regulatory approval, expected benefit comparing with previous treatment alternatives, and cost-benefit.
• be able to explain to clinicians and patients the decisions taken about the use of new cancer drugs in a specific setting (hospital or country level).
• have a basic knowledge about some of the most relevant incoming new oncology drugs, including basic pharmacology, therapeutic indications, undergoing trials, and expectable impact on progression of the disease.