Oncology Basics

The Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology (CAPhO) is pleased to provide access to accredited online education programs that are directly related to the work of oncology pharmacists, technicians and pharmacy assistants.

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UPDATED as of April 2024

Oncology Practise Essentials, CAPhO's series of educational programs, will enhance your ability to practice in the field of oncology pharmacy. The first program, Oncology Basics, consists of five accredited self-study modules and provides:

• A convenient resource for pharmacy practitioners new to oncology
• An up-to-date refresher for experienced practitioners

Oncology Basics (content updated in April 2023 and CCCEP accredited until April 2025) is accessible to CAPhO members at no charge and is available for purchase by non-members.

Oncology Basics is a fundamental overview of different aspects of oncology therapies and their toxicities, so it could be of benefit to any learner new to the pharmacy oncology field. It is targeted towards pharmacists (as opposed to for example technicians or assistants), however the content is of value to all pharmacy learners who are interested in oncology therapies. The content is at a level of understanding that is relevant to any pharmacist or pharmacy student regardless of degree. If a learner has no pharmacy background at all, they may find some of the content challenging to follow in certain sections (for example, the class breakdown of therapies or the mechanisms of actions).

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Not a member? Become a member for access to Oncology Basics and the myriad of other benefits of membership or pay $40.00 for one-year non-member online access. After full payment of the non-member fee has been received, login details to access Oncology Basics will be sent to you within two business days.

Non-member Registration for Oncology Basics

Module Overview | Accreditation | Contributors

Overview

Module 1: Introduction to Cancer and Principles of Treatment

This module will provide you with an introduction to the characteristics of cancer, the basic strategies used to characterize and classify cancers and the basic biology of cancer cells. It will also explore treatment goals, modalities and strategies. An overview of the different types of antineoplastic drugs, their use, dosing, and administration schedules will also be provided. Key terms related to cancer, staging and treatment will be defined.

Module 2: Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and Toxicities

This module will introduce you to different classes of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs – their pharmacology, indications, toxicities, administration properties and key drug interactions. It will give you the background to discuss treatments knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Drugs selected for inclusion in this module were based on those reviewed by a national drug review process.

Module 3: Hormonal Manipulation

This module will introduce you to the pharmacology of endocrine therapies. It will give you the background to discuss hormonal treatments knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team.

Module 4: Targeted Therapies Part 1 – Small Molecules

This module will focus on small molecule targeted therapies. It will give you the background to discuss targeted agents knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Small molecule targeted therapy toxicities will also be discussed.

Module 5: Targeted Therapies - Part 2 – Monoclonal Antibodies

This module introduces you to the pharmacology of targeted therapies, specifically monoclonal antibodies. It will give you the background to discuss targeted agents knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Toxicities associated with monoclonal antibodies will also be discussed.

Module 6: Immunotherapy Agents

This module will introduce you to the pharmacology of immunotherapies. It will give you the background to discuss immunotherapies knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. An overview of the common toxicities of these agents will also be discussed.

Accreditation

The Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy has accredited this program for a total of 9.0 CEUs.

Expiration Date: April 29, 2026

• Module 1: 1.5 CEUs
• Module 2: 2.0 CEUs
• Module 3: 1.2 CEUs
• Module 4: 1.9 CEUs
• Module 5: 1.2 CEUs
• Module 6: 1.2 CEUs

Total: 9.0 CEUs

Contributors

The material for Oncology Basics was originally developed by Alberta Health Services, and it was purchased and adapted by CAPhO in July 2011. In 2014, it was updated to reflect advances in oncology pharmacy. In 2023, it is now in its forth edition. Oncology Basics is an educational initiative that is a product of the efforts, resources and time of many people.