A Primer for Specialty Pharmacists on Optimal Use of Anti-Androgen Therapies in Prostate Cancer

Release date: May 10, 2022,Expiration date: May 10, 2023,Description:,Prostate cancer is a hormone-driven disease in which increased levels of androgens (ie, testosterone) circulate and signal growth in the prostate. Reducing circulating levels of androgens with androgen deprivation therapy has become the cornerstone of treatment. Once reserved for metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer, there has been increasing research into the use of anti-androgen therapies in the treatment of prostate cancer earlier in the disease course. Specialty and oncology pharmacists need to be aware of the potential changing indications for these therapies and how they may impact treatment selection according to guideline recommendations. However, challenges exist with the use of orally administered anti-androgens, namely managing adverse effects and ensuring adherence to therapy. Pharmacists will be optimally positioned to help address these barriers through medication management, patient identification, and follow-up, and other strategies presented in this activity. Expert faculty will also examine disparities in care affecting patients with prostate cancer and the pharmacist’s role in making interventions to support access to care for all patients.,Educational Objectives:,At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:,• Explain the rationale for anti-androgen therapy and the mechanism of action underlying the currently approved agents in the treatment of prostate cancer,• Analyze how FDA-approved anti-androgen therapies are used most effectively for the optimal management of patients with prostate cancer,• identify strategies within specialty pharmacy practice for managing toxicities and ensuring optimal adherence to anti-androgen therapy in patients with prostate cancer,• Examine how disparities impact optimal patient outcomes in patients with prostate cancer