scholarly journals Predicting time to medication access for hematologic malignancies: the impact of an integrated specialty pharmacy and limited distribution drug networks

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (sup1) ◽  
pp. 45-45
Author(s):  
Autumn D. Zuckerman ◽  
Megan E. Peter ◽  
Samuel Starks ◽  
Matthew Maulis ◽  
Josh Declerq ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Lauren Roder ◽  
Michelle Simonsen ◽  
Lindsey Fitzpatrick ◽  
Jennifer Loucks ◽  
Jianghua He

The approval of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) expanded highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor modulator therapy to approximately 90% of persons age 12 and older with cystic fibrosis. Clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians played a key role in planning for ELX/TEZ/IVA initiation prior to FDA approval as well as initiating therapy after approval. This study evaluates the impact of pharmacy services on time to ELX/TEZ/IVA initiation. A retrospective chart review evaluated patients qualifying for ELX/TEZ/IVA at a single health system between October 21, 2019 and April 1, 2020. Patients filling ELX/TEZ/IVA at an integrated health system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) versus an outside specialty pharmacy (SP) started on therapy an average of 10.8 days faster (10.8 days ± 14.0 vs 21.6 days ± 18.8 respectively; p=0.006). More patients filling at a HSSP received ELX/TEZ/IVA within 14 days of the prescription being written compared to outside SPs (82.0% vs 41.4% respectively; p=0.001). Pre-ELX/TEZ/IVA initiation, patients were hospitalized for a CF related complication for an average of 6.26 days (range 0-183) compared to 1.16 days (range 0-91) post-ELX/TEZ/IVA initiation. Lastly, an estimated $134,810 was saved in the 105 patients that were able to fill ELX/TEZ/IVA at a HSSP by initiating drug an average of 10.8 days quicker than outside SPs. The results of this study demonstrate the value of an integrated HSSP model. Further advocacy for inclusion of integrated HSSPs by pharmacy benefit managers is needed to optimize medication access, control costs, and improve patient outcomes for patients receiving care within a health system.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 845-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Paule Fernandez-Gerlinger ◽  
Anne-Sophie Jannot ◽  
Sophie Rigaudeau ◽  
Juliette Lambert ◽  
Odile Eloy ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEInvasive aspergillosis (IA) is a rare but severe infection caused by Aspergillus spp. that often develops in immunocompromised patients. Lethality remains high in this population. Therefore, preventive strategies are of key importance. The impact of a mobile air decontamination system (Plasmair, AirInSpace, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France) on the incidence of IA in neutropenic patients was evaluated in this study.DESIGNRetrospective cohort studyMETHODSPatients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia lasting 7 days or more were included over a 2-year period. Cases of IA were confirmed using the revised European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) criteria. We took advantage of a partial installation of Plasmair systems in the hematology intensive care unit during this period to compare patients treated in Plasmair-equipped versus non-equipped rooms. Patients were assigned to Plasmair-equipped or non-equipped rooms depending only on bed availability. Differences in IA incidence in both groups were compared using Fisher’s exact test, and a multivariate analysis was performed to take into account potential confounding factors.RESULTSData from 156 evaluable patients were available. Both groups were homogenous in terms of age, gender, hematological diagnosis, duration of neutropenia, and prophylaxis. A total of 11 cases of probable IA were diagnosed: 10 in patients in non-equipped rooms and only 1 patient in a Plasmair-equipped room. The odds of developing IA were much lower for patients hospitalized in Plasmair-equipped rooms than for patients in non-equipped rooms (P=.02; odds ratio [OR] =0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00–0.84).CONCLUSIONIn this study, Plasmair demonstrated a major impact in reducing the incidence of IA in neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:845–851


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Cordoba ◽  
Alberto Lopez-Garcia ◽  
Daniel Morillo ◽  
Maria-Angeles Perez-Saenz ◽  
Elham Askari ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Recurrent hospital visits were potential risk factors for COVID-19 contagion. OBJECTIVE The aims of this prospective observational study was to analyze the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic in the health care of patients with lymphoma and the impact of telemedicine strategies such as the patient portal in their management. METHODS All data were obtained from the electronic medical record (EMR). Variables such as age, sex, matter of the visit, use of patient’s portal, changes in management, impact in clinical trials and suffering from COVID-19 contagion were recorded. RESULTS 290 patients were attended in the lymphoma clinic accomplishing 437 appointments. The median age was 66 years (range 18-94), and 157 (54.13%) were male. Of them, 109 out of 290 (37.58%) were aged older then 70 years. Regarding number of visits, 214 patients (73.79%) had only 1 visit to the hospital. Only 23 patients (7.93%) didn’t have access to patient’s portal. During the follow-up, only 7 patients (2.41%) suffered from COVID-19, with a median age of 66 years (51-80). CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine such as patient’s portal are feasible strategies in the management of patients with lymphoma during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a reduction of in-person visits to hospital and a very low contagion rate. This experience allowed us to continue with a new digital health strategy in the follow up of patients with hematologic malignancies. CLINICALTRIAL Not registered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S956-S956
Author(s):  
Yeon Joo Lee ◽  
Rocco Richards ◽  
Yiqi Su ◽  
Anna Kaltsas ◽  
Genovefa Papanicolaou

Abstract Background Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (NB-PNA) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. IPD incidence among cancer patients at MSKCC sharply declined after the introduction of routine childhood immunization with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) (1). An indirect effect of PCV on pneumococcal pneumonia incidence has also been reported (2, 3). The impact of PCV on the incidence of NB-PNA in patients with cancer has not been well studied. Methods Retrospective review of patients treated at MSKCC, 1993–2012. Unique patient visits (UPV) per year were defined as ≥1 inpatient or outpatient encounter within one calendar year. NB-PNA was defined as Isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); with associated symptoms (cough, sputum production, and/or fever) and radiographic findings compatible with pneumonia on chest radiograph or computerized chest tomography. NB-PNA incidence was calculated as number of NB-PNA cases per 1000 UPV. Three-time periods were examined: “before PCV7” (1993–2000), “after PCV7” (2001–2010), “after PCV13” (2011–2012). Results Of 323 NB-PNA cases, S. pneumoniae was isolated from BAL in 64 (20%) and sputum in 259 (80%). 182 (56%), 121 (37%), and 20 (7%) NB-PNA cases occurred “before PCV7,” “after PCV7,” and “after PCV13,” respectively. The incidence of NB-PNA was highest in patients with hematologic malignancies and in patients ≥65 years during all three periods (Table 1). NB-PNA incidence was lower “after PCV7” compared with “before PCV7” (0.47 vs. 0.13, P < 0.001). A non-statistically significant lower incidence of NB-PNA was noted “after PCV13” vs. “after PCV7” (0.13 vs. 0.09, P = 0.19). The highest decline of NB-PNA after PCV7 introduction was observed in patients ≥65 years (0.67 vs. 0.16, P < 0.001). Conclusion (1) The incidence of NB-PNA in adult cancer patient declined after PCV7 compared with before PCV7. (2) The reduction in NB-PNA was highest in patients ≥65 years suggesting an indirect effect from PCV7 childhood immunization. (3) A trend toward decreased incidence in NB-PNA was noted after PCV13; further surveillance is required to ascertain this trend. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farnaz Foolad ◽  
Sheila Berlin ◽  
Candice White ◽  
Emma Dishner ◽  
Ying Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Reported penicillin allergies result in alternative antimicrobial use and are associated with worse outcomes and increased costs. Penicillin skin testing (PST) has recently been shown to be safe and effective in immunocompromised cancer patients, yet its impact on antimicrobial costs and aztreonam utilization has not been evaluated in this population. Method From September 2017 to January 2018, we screened all admitted patients receiving aztreonam. Those with a self-reported history of possible immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reaction to penicillin were eligible for PST with oral challenge. Results A total of 129 patients were screened, and 49 patients were included and underwent testing. Sixteen patients (33%) had hematologic malignancies and 33 patients (67%) had solid tumors. After PST with oral challenge, 46 patients (94%) tested negative, 1 patient tested positive on oral challenge, and 2 patients had indeterminate results. The median time from admission to testing was 2 days (interquartile range, 1–4). After testing negative, 33 patients (72%) were switched to beta-lactam therapy, which resulted in a total of 390 days of beta-lactam therapy. For identical therapy durations, the direct total antibiotic cost was $15 138.89 for beta-lactams versus $78 331.50 for aztreonam, resulting in $63 192.61 in projected savings. A significant reduction in median days of aztreonam therapy per 1000 patient days (10.0 vs 8.0; P = .005) was found during the intervention period. Conclusions Use of PST in immunocompromised cancer patients receiving aztreonam resulted in improved aztreonam stewardship and significant cost savings. Our study demonstrates that PST with oral challenge should be considered in all cancer patients with reported penicillin allergies.


2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (Suppl_4) ◽  
pp. S-1-S-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowena N. Schwartz ◽  
Kirby J. Eng ◽  
Deborah A. Frieze ◽  
Tracy K. Gosselin ◽  
Niesha Griffith ◽  
...  

The use of specialty pharmacies is expanding in oncology pharmacy practice. Specialty pharmacies provide a channel for distributing drugs that, from the payor perspective, creates economies of scale and streamlines the delivery of expensive drugs. Proposed goals of specialty pharmacy include optimization of pharmaceutical care outcomes through ensuring appropriate medication use and maximizing adherence, and optimization of economic outcomes through avoiding unwarranted drug expenditure. In oncology practice, specialty pharmacies have become a distribution channel for various agents. The use of a specialty pharmacy, and the addition of the pharmacist from the specialty pharmacy to the health care team, may not only provide benefits for care but also present challenges in oncology practice. The NCCN Specialty Pharmacy Task Force met to identify and examine the impact of specialty pharmacy practice on the care of people with cancer, and to provide recommendations regarding issues discussed. This report provides recommendations within the following categories: education and training of specialty pharmacy practitioners who care for individuals with cancer, coordination of care, and patient safety. Areas for further evaluation are also identified.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 661-661
Author(s):  
Jon J van Rood ◽  
Cladd E Stevens ◽  
Jacqueline Smits ◽  
Carmelita Carrier ◽  
Carol Carpenter ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 661 CB hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (CBT) can be successful even if donor and recipient are not fully matched for human leukocyte antigens (HLA). This may result, at least in part, from tolerance-inducing events during pregnancy, but this concept has not been tested to date. Hence we analyzed the impact of fetal exposure to NIMA of the HLA-A, -B antigens or -DRB1 alleles on the outcome of 1121 pts with hematologic malignancies. All pts received single CB units provided by the NYBC, for treatment of ALL (N=451), AML (N=376), CML (N=116), MDS (N=79), other (N=99); 22% were transplanted in advanced stage. Median age was 9.7 years (range: 0.1-67); 29% of recipients were >16 years. Most pts (96%) received myeloablative cytoreduction. Sixty-two pts received fully matched grafts while 1059 received units mismatched (MM) for one or two HLA antigens. Of these, 79 (7%) had a MM antigen which was identical to a donor NIMA (Example: Pt: A1, A3; CBU: A1, A2; mother-CBU: A1, A3; A3 is NIMA). NIMA match was found in 25 recipients with one HLA MM and 54 of those with two MM. The NIMA match was identified after the transplant and was not used in unit selection. In multivariate analyses, NIMA matched transplants (NMTs), showed faster neutrophil recovery (RR=1.3, p=0.043), even for grafts with cell dose <3×107 (RR=1.6, p=0.053). There was no difference in the incidence of acute (grade II-IV) or chronic GvHD. 3-year relapse risk (cumulative incidence 22%) was reduced compared to 1 or 2 HLA MM no NIMA matched transplants, especially in pts with myelogenous malignancies given units with 1 HLA MM (RR=0.2, p=0.074). Further, 3-year transplant-related mortality was reduced (RR=0.7, p=0.034), particularly in pts ≥5 years old (RR=0.5, p=0.006), as was the 3-year overall mortality (RR= 0.7, p=0.029 and RR=0.6, p=0.015, respectively). As a result, in the NMTs, treatment failure (relapse or death) was significantly lower, particularly in pts ≥5 years (RR=0.7, p=0.019) and DFS was significantly improved (figure) and was similar to that of the 0 HLA MM group. These findings are the first indication that donor exposure to NIMA can improve post-transplant survival in unrelated CBT and might reduce relapse. We propose to include the NIMA of CB units in search algorithms. Thus, for pts lacking fully HLA matched grafts, HLA MM but NIMA matched CB units could be selected preferentially, since no adverse effects were seen. This strategy of selecting HLA MM grafts with optimal outcome effectively “expands” the current CB Inventory several-fold.Patient GroupNRR(95% Cl)p value0 MM360.5(0.3–0.8)0.0051 MM / NIMA Match180.4(0.2–0.9)0.0262 MM / NIMA Match400.8(0.5–1.2)0.3091 MM / No NIMA Match229reference group2 MM / No NIMA Match4871.1(0.9–1.3)0.365 Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 2000-2000
Author(s):  
Sophie Servais ◽  
Raphaël Porcher ◽  
Marie Robin ◽  
Alienor Xhaard ◽  
Emeline Masson ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2000 Background: Over the past 20 years, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been increasingly performed with peripheral blood stem cells (PB) and gained benefit from better HLA-typing. Similar long-term survival has been suggested after HLA-matched related and unrelated donor HCT. Till now, the optimal strategy for donor selection is still controversial. We evaluated the impact of donor type (10/10 HLA-matched unrelated (MUD) vs. matched related (MRD)) and other donor traits on long term outcomes of patients with hematologic malignancies after PB HCT. Patients and Methods: We analyzed outcomes of 442 consecutive patients with hematologic malignancies who were transplanted with PB either from MUD (n= 164) or MRD (n=278) at our center from 01/2000 to 12/2010. Median patient age was 48 years (range 7–68). Diseases included 122 acute myelogenous leukemias, 62 non-Hodgkin lymphomas, 60 myelodysplastic syndromes, 57 multiple myelomas, 40 acute lymphoblastic leukemias, 37 myeloproliferative disorders, 29 Hodgkin diseases, 20 chronic myeloid leukemias and 15 chronic lymphocytic leukemias. Two-third of patients underwent HCT following reduced intensity conditioning. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted mostly in cyclosporine plus MMF or methotrexate. ATG was used in 19% of HCT. We assessed the impact of donor factors (type, age, gender, CMV serologic status and ABO group) on chronic GVHD (cGVHD), relapse, non relapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival (OS). Concerning donor age, as the upper age limit for voluntary PB donation was usually 60 years, we completed our analysis by performing 3 groups according to donor type and age (MUD, MRD<60y and MRD≥60y) and evaluated their influence on outcomes. Donors: Median donor age was 40 years (range 18–72). Most young donors were MUD (<30y: 70%) while older were mainly MRD (≥50y: 98%). Thirty-six patients were transplanted with MRD≥60y. The proportion of female donors was 42% and 113 HCT were performed from female donor to male recipient. Half of patients were transplanted from CMV seronegative donors. Donor/recipient pairs (D/R) were CMV status mismatched in 38% of cases. D/R were ABO matched, minor and major mismatched in 57%, 19% and 24% of cases. Considering donor type, MUD and MRD HCT were balanced for patient age, disease risk and conditioning. MUD received ATG more frequently than MRD (29% MUD vs. 14% MRD [10% MRD<60y and 25% MRD≥60y], P <.0001). Results: The median follow-up (FU) was 36 months (range 2–133) and 25% of patients had a FU of at least 60 months. The cumulative incidence (CIf) of cGVHD at 2 years was 58%. In multivariate analysis, sex mismatch (female > male) increased risk of cGVHD (HR: 1.41 [95% CI 1.05–1.88], P=.02) while MRD≥60y resulted in lower risk (HR: 0.48 [0.25–0.94], P=.031). Donor type by itself did not impact on cGVHD (58% with MRD and 59% with MUD). At 5 years, the CIf of relapse was 34% and was higher with MRD than MUD (39% vs. 24%, P=.038). Adjusted for disease risk, conditioning and infused cells count, only MRD≥60y resulted in significant higher risk of relapse than MUD (HR 2.41[1.26–4.62], P=.008) while MRD <60y had similar risk. The 5 years NRM was 26%. MUD vs. MRD was associated with higher NRM (HR: 1.84 [1.20–2.83], P=.005). Adjusted for recipient age, conditioning, and infused cells count, only MRD<60y were associated with lower risk of NRM than MUD (0.55 [0.35 to 0.86], P=.008) while MRD≥60y had similar NRM. OS was 46% at 5 years and was similar with MUD and MRD. Considering age, MRD≥60y appeared to have notable low OS at 5 years (6%, SE 6%). Adjusted for recipient age, disease risk and infused cells count, HCT from MRD≥60y was associated with higher risk of late (≥18 months) mortality (HR: 4.44 [1.53–12.9], P=.006) than MUD (Fig. 1). Conclusion: Donor/recipient gender parity, donor type and age appeared as significant predictive factors of long term outcomes after HLA-matched PB HCT. Nor donor CMV status nor ABO group seemed to impact on outcomes in our cohort. The selection of a sex mismatched donor (female>male) was associated with significant higher risk of cGVHD. Using PB as graft source, HLA 10/10 MUD provided higher NRM but better disease control and similar OS than MRD. Having combined donor type and age, we observed notable poor outcome (high relapse rate and low OS) for patients transplanted with MRD≥60y in our cohort. Given those results, one may question HCT with old MRD when a younger MUD is available. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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