CAPhO 2024 Plenary: Transforming Cancer Care: Pharmacists at the Helm of Common Sense Oncology

Presentation Summary:
The field of oncology is in need of a fundamental re-calibration, shifting towards a more patient-centered and equitable approach to cancer care, and pharmacists are poised to play a critical role in this movement. The Common Sense in Oncology (CSO) movement seeks to address this imperative by advocating for a patient-centric paradigm that prioritizes improved patient-clinician communication, accessible and affordable treatments, and outcomes that enhance both survival and quality of life. While some oncology therapies provide large benefits, many of them do not help patients to live longer or better lives. It is important to identify treatments which do not improve survival or quality of life because they have clinical side-effects, cause financial burden to patients, families, and health systems, and lead to lost time for patients spent in the cancer center rather than with friends and family. This session will review the need for a patient-centered approach to care, describe some of the systemic factors that have contributed to the current problems, and review ways in which pharmacists can play a major role in transforming cancer care.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the need for a patient-centered approach in cancer care and research
2. Summarize the rationale, mission, vision, and guiding principles of the Common Sense Oncology (CSO) movement
3. Discuss ways pharmacists can engage with and contribute to the CSO movement