Synopsis: Adverse reactions involving the skin, nails, and hair are common among patients undergoing treatment for cancer and are often underreported and overlooked. These reactions directly impact patient quality of life and may be the reason for interruptions in lifesaving antineoplastic treatment. To address these toxicities, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is leading an initiative that aims to educate providers and other cancer care team members about the optimal management of dermatologic side effects.     In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Julie Ryan Wolf, PhD, MPH and C.J.G. (Corina) van den Hurk, PhD, the chair and vice chair of the Oncodermatology Study Group at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) about common oncodermatological toxicities including radiation dermatitis, hair loss, and nail changes unique to EGFR-inhibitors. Also discussed are strategies to increase provider collaboration to intervene at an early stage to improve quality of life for patients receiving cancer treatment.   “If we have symptom monitoring on a regular basis throughout the course of treatment, we’ll be able to intervene sooner… helping improve [patient] quality of life” – Julie Ryan Wolf, PhD, MPH   “In effect, almost each patient has a dermatologic side effect at the end of the treatment, or has experienced that during the treatment, and they are all very interfering.” – CJG (Corina) van den Hurk, PhD                     Julie Ryan Wolf, PhD, MPH   Chair, Oncodermatology Study Group  Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Department of Radiation Oncology   University of Rochester Medical Center   Rochester, NY      CJG (Corina) van den Hurk, PhD   Vice Chair, Oncodermatology Study Group  Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)  Senior Researcher, Santeon Hospitals   Netherlands         Thank you to Johnson & Johnson for their support of this program.     Additional Reading/Sources     Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Home  Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Oncodermatology Study Group   MASCC Study Group Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines   ACCC Supportive Care Strategies for Dermatologic Toxicities Related to Cancer Therapies  Oncology Issues – Supportive Oncodermatology: Addressing dermatologic adverse events associated with oncologic therapies  Dermatologic Adverse Events of Systemic Anticancer Therapies: Cytotoxic Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy  Oncodermatology: Advancing the Science and Care of Cancer Patients and Survivors  Supportive oncodermatology-a narrative review of its utility and the way forward =

As a medical oncologist working in a rural private practice in Australia, Dr. Christopher Steer expresses that one of the biggest challenges in cancer care is a limited workforce. Lacking personnel at every level of cancer care makes it difficult to provide high-quality, timely care, especially in a rural region. In this episode, Dr. Steer also mentions the importance of advocacy work in improving patient care. A particularly salient issue in Australia is the lack of coverage for cancer therapeutics by private insurance companies—which affects about 40% of patients with cancer in the country. Dr. Steer emphasizes the need for patients and providers alike to use their voices to make meaningful improvements in cancer care. Guest:  Christopher Steer, MBBS, FRACP Medical Oncologist, Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Associate Professor University of New South Wales Adjunct Professor John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research La Trobe University Quote:  “Adequate assessment yields appropriate treatment. Ask the patients. Personalize their care. That will give them the best [outcomes].” Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog. Additional Resources:  NOC Preview: Financial Advocacy Guidelines to Mitigate Financial Toxicity - [MINI PODCAST] Providing Comprehensive Financial Advocacy Services in Rural America Improving Access to Clinical Trials for Rural Populations #ACCCNOC: Financial Advocacy and Building Sustainable Navigation Virtual Infusion Services: Bringing Cancer Therapies Closer to Rural Patients

The involvement of oncology fellows in state policy and advocacy efforts is essential for enhancing cancer care and advancing research. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) provides up-to-date information and opportunities for oncology advocacy, helping oncologists early in their career to be aware of how to contribute to local, state, and national initiatives. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Katherine Baker, MD, medical director of value-based care and medical oncologist at Tennessee Oncology, to discuss her experience in engaging in advocacy efforts with the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), and her current role as a board member on the Tennessee Oncology Practice Society (TOPS) advocacy committee. We also hear from Haley M Simpson, MD, PhD, physician-scientist, Division of Hematology at the University of Colorado, about the direct impact of advocacy on patient care.   “To me, forming coalitions through these [national] organizations is essential for driving meaningful, long lasting policy change, as collective voices are often much stronger and more impactful than individual efforts on your own.” -Katherine Baker, MD   “By getting involved in advocacy and policy earlier in your career, it has all the more ability to amplify the impact for patients.” -Haley Simpson, MD, PhD   Katherine Baker, MD, MMHC Medical Director of Value-Based Care and Medical Oncologist Tennessee Oncology Nashville, TN   Haley M. Simpson, MD, PhD Physician-Scientist, Division of Hematology University of Colorado Aurora, CO   This podcast is part of the Oncology State Societies (OSS) Policy and Advocacy program, made possible through the support of Johnson & Johnson.   Please visit your state society's website for potential fellowship opportunities, which you can find here. For any questions or to learn about upcoming events and opportunities, feel free to email Amanda Impellizzeri directly at [email protected].   Resources ACCC and OSS Advocacy Engagement Initiative  ACCC Legislative Action Center  NCCN Policy Fellows Program  ASCO Advocacy Resources  ASCO Fellows Resources

The delivery of cancer care in Nigeria is impeded firstly by a lack of infrastructure, with a low number of hospital beds and skilled staff across the care pathway—an issue which has been compounded by the migration of skilled staff out of sub-Saharan Africa and to more developed countries. A lack of specialized equipment, such as radiotherapy machines, and the prohibitive costs of delivering cancer care are significant challenges as well. According to Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, challenges at the governmental level play a role as well, because in addition to a lack of skilled staff, there is a lack of developed cancer centers and a lack of funding, all of which prevent patients from accessing high-quality care. This great need inspired Dr. Elebute-Odunsi to establish the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, which offers all the treatments patients need across the care continuum in one place. Guest: Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, MBBS, MD, FRCP, FRCPath Founder/CEO Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital Founder/Chair Board of Trustees Women In Healthcare Network Lagos, Nigeria Quote:  “We’re a one-stop comprehensive cancer center...When patients walk in the door, they can [receive] all the treatments they require [here] from beginning to end.” Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog. Additional Resources:  The Study of High-Cost Oncology Patients to Improve Care & Curb Costs – Oncology Issues Mobile App Eases Patient Cost-of-Care Conversations [PODCAST] Ep 03: Why Comprehensive Cancer Care Services Matter Providing Comprehensive Financial Advocacy Services in Rural America Navigation: A Critical Component in a Comprehensive Approach to Dismantling Health Inequities – Oncology Issues

Raising awareness about sarcoma is essential to reducing treatment delays and preventing misdiagnoses of this rare cancer with over 100 subtypes. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is dedicated to providing up-to-date information on sarcoma management and the unique challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment in community settings. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Richard Riedel, MD, professor of medicine at Duke Cancer Institute, to explore the critical resources needed for sarcoma care, including psychosocial support and the financial difficulties often faced by patients. Dr Riedel also discusses the future of treatment options in community-based settings and the importance of collaboration between community providers and academic/specialty centers. Additionally, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Katie Wintergerst, a sarcoma patient, who shares her personal journey and the challenges she encountered on her path to diagnosis.   “It’s critically important to partner with centers with disease-specific expertise, academic centers, for example, that are well-positioned to partner with community-based providers in providing optimal care for patients.” – Richard Riedel, MD   “What I’ve had to become comfortable with ... is that clinical trials can be tricky and they can be scary, but in the world of sarcoma, there haven’t been a lot of new products FDA-approved for treatment. Clinical trials is where the work is going on.” -Katie Wintergerst   Richard Riedel, MD Professor of Medicine Duke Cancer Institute Durham, NC   Katie Wintergerst Sarcoma Patient   Resources: ACCC Sarcoma Resources for Providers and Patients SFA Clinical Trials Resource Center Sarcoma Treatment Centers

Like many nations across the world, 1 of the biggest challenges in oncology facing Sweden is a growing number of patients with cancer, including a large subset of elderly patients and those with comorbidities. In this episode, Dr. Mef Nilbert also explains that data sharing issues with other countries in Europe makes collaboration difficult. Two areas of great success, however, are prevention and early detection, with approximately 85%-90% of Sweden’s population vaccinated against HPV. According to Dr. Nilbert, the simple success story is that this vaccination is offered for free in schools to all boys and girls at age 13. This achievement along with continuously improving hereditary cancer diagnostics are exciting developments that serve as powerful lessons from which other nations can benefit.  Guest:  Mef Nilbert, MD, PhD Professor, Department of Oncology Skåne University Hospital and Lund University Lund, Sweden Quote:  “This is not the time for competition in oncology. It’s the time for collaboration, especially if we want to be successful in science, precision medicine, and prevention.” Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog.  Additional Resources:  HPV Vaccination: Engaging Community Partners for Success – Oncology Issues Cancer Crushing Prevention and Early Detection – Oncology Issues Time to Get Screened – Oncology Issues A Comprehensive Cancer Risk Management Clinic for Families With Hereditary Cancer Syndromes – Oncology Issues ACCC Signs Letter in Support of the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act  

With nearly half the patients the Baheya Foundation for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer in stage 3 or 4 of the disease, delayed diagnoses are one of the biggest challenges in oncology faced in Egypt today. This both causes patients to present for treatment in more advanced stages of the disease and contributes to a high breast cancer mortality rate in Egypt compared to other developed countries like the US. Dr. Inas Maged Moaz added that studies have noted a 7-month difference between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of treatment, due largely in part to a lack of patient awareness of breast cancer symptoms, a lack of prevention and early detection measures, and failure to self-exam. In response, the Baheya Foundation was created to be an integrated health care center that is specialized in providing services to breast cancer patients all in one location and free of charge, including screening, psychosocial support, and nutritional counseling.   Guest:   Inas Maged Moaz, MD Lecturer of Public Health Medical Coordinator of Baheya Research Center Baheya Foundation for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer Al Haram, Egypt  Quote:   “Baheya has placed a strong emphasis on our outreach program to reach women all over Egypt to enhance their awareness and education about breast cancer and to catch cases in early stages.”  Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog.   Additional Resources:   Views: The Breast Cancer School for Patients – Oncology Issues  Virtual Reality Brings Patient Education to Life  2023 NMQF Summit: Patient Education to Achieve Health Equity  A Model for Demonstrating Sustainable Outreach for Cancer Screening – Oncology Issues  A One-Stop Breast Clinic Improves Time to Diagnosis and Patient Satisfaction 

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have transformative potential in cancer treatment and can be successfully integrated into community oncology practices. To support this integration, ACCC is committed to providing educational initiatives and support for cancer care teams to optimize care coordination. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Jean Louise Koff, MD, MSc, associate professor of hematology and medical oncology at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, to discuss the impact of bispecific antibodies on cancer treatment outcomes, and the challenges and opportunities of integrating this innovative approach into community oncology practices. Dr. Koff sheds light on the opportunities for future partnerships with academic centers and community oncology sites to ensure there is proper infrastructure and training to safely administer bispecific antibodies.     “We’re only at the beginning here; I think that as new bispecific agents are developed, there may be other indications in which they can be used, so it will be a broader population of patients who may end up being eligible to receive these drugs.” -Jean Louise Koff   Jean Louise Koff, MD, MSc  Associate Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology  Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University  Atlanta, GA    This podcast was developed in connection with APSHO and LRF and made possible with support by Genentech and Johnson & Johnson.   Resources: ASCO Use of BsAbs in Community  AJMC Obstacles to Optimal Transition Between Academic and Community Centers 

As a large country, economic disparities persist as a public health issue in Brazil, with 70% of the population depending on the public health system. According to Dr. Theodora Karnakis, the aging population of patients with cancer is expected to result in a 61% increase of new cancer cases between 2020 and 2040. The type of care received depends heavily on where patients are located, due to the varying allocation of services. Dr. Karnakis emphasized equitable access to high-quality care, thorough cancer prevention efforts, and patient education as priorities in her country. Guest: Theodora Karnakis, PhD Coordinator of Oncogeriatrics Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo-ICESP/FMUSP Coordinator of Oncogeriatrics Hospital SírioLibanês São Paulo, Brazil Quote: “It’s very interesting to recognize that in each part of the world, [our situations are different, yet the same]. It’s difficult to imagine that our reality is the same in other countries...but at the same time, we learn a lot and find ideas to propose in our country.” Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog. Additional Resources: Quality Improvement Officers: Key Members of the Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Team – Oncology Issues Patient Navigation Services Promote Equitable Access to High-Quality Care Tailoring Education for the Oncology Patient – Oncology Issues ABC’s of Health Disparities Reimbursement Changes Seek to Reduce Disparities in Access to Cancer Care

It is crucial that multidisciplinary cancer care teams stay informed about upcoming changes to Medicare Part D under the Inflation Reduction Act. To support this effort, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is committed to providing updated information on health care policy changes, ensuring that both providers and patients are aware of the financial benefits. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Lindsay Greenleaf, JD, MBA, solution leader in federal and state policy at ADVI Health and Pam Traxel, senior vice president of alliance development and philanthropy at American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network, to discuss the impact of these policy updates. Ms. Greenleaf sheds light on the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap that will take place for Part D patients in 2025 and how future pricing policy could have an effect on drug innovation. Ms. Traxel expands on benefits and challenges involved with providing updates to oncologists on the new Medicare Part D cap, with the goal of ensuring that all patients who could benefit are aware.    “I think the most important thing that oncologists and their practices can do is to make sure that they are providing information to patients about the fact that there is a change that will hopefully allow patients to better afford their cancer care.” -Pam Traxel   “The second key piece of the Inflation Reduction Act related to Part D has to do with Part D benefit redesign, and that is what kicks in January 1, 2025, and that is a very notable, very positive change to the law where we finally have a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap that will be in place for Part D patients. This is a huge win for cancer patients, specifically due to the historically very high out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer drugs.” -Lindsay Greenleaf   Lindsay Greenleaf, JD, MBA  Solution Leader, Federal & State Policy  ADVI Health, LLC  Austin, TX    Pam Traxel  Senior Vice President of Alliance Development and Philanthropy  American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network  Silver Spring, MD      This podcast was developed in connection with the Oncology State Society Policy Program and made possible with support by Johnson & Johnson.   Resources: ACCC Access, Payment & Reimbursement CMS Medicare Part D Improvements