The PQI Podcast

What does the future of cancer care look like? From replacing IV chemo with oral agents to game-changing advances in bispecific and trispecific therapies, this special bonus episode dives deep into the most exciting—and practice-changing—developments from the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. NCODA’s Kelly Brunk, PharmD, BCOP, returns from ASCO energized and ready to share his top takeaways in a candid conversation about where oncology is headed. Whether you're a clinician, pharmacist, or anyone in the cancer care ecosystem, this episode is packed with insight you don't want to miss. Bonus: Kelly also shares updates on NCODA’s new Immunotherapy Hub and offers a forward-looking take on where the field is headed. "The rate of change in oncology care is accelerating—and it's time for practices to be ready, not reactive." — Kelly Brunk   Inside the Episode: * How oral therapies are reshaping breast cancer treatment * The evolving role of bispecifics, trispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates * Practical considerations for implementation: protocols, access, and infrastructure * The importance of quality of life in treatment decisions * Early use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple disease states * How AI and equity are shaping the next decade of oncology   Listen now and explore what these developments mean for clinical practice—and for the patients at the center of it all.   Resources mentioned: NCODA’s Immunotherapy Hub [https://www.ncoda.org/immunotherapy-hub/]– A central resource offering clinical tools, SOP examples, and support for implementing therapies like bispecifics and antibody-drug conjugates. Questions or looking to connect? Email the NCODA Clinical Team at clinical@ncoda.org [clinical@ncoda.org]

What happens when cancer becomes part of your life—but work doesn’t stop? In the Season 8 finale of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Nellis, MPP, Executive Director of Cancer and Careers, for an eye-opening conversation about a part of survivorship that often gets overlooked: navigating work during and after treatment. From the stress of disclosing a diagnosis to managing side effects on the job, cancer survivors face tough questions—often without clear answers. Rebecca shares how Cancer and Careers is changing that by equipping patients, employers, and healthcare providers with tools, empathy, and support. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * The mission and evolution of Cancer and Careers * Why work can be both a lifeline and a burden for cancer survivors * The power of identity and purpose throughout the work journey—during and after treatment * Real programs that make a difference—like resume reviews, tech grants, and workplace training * What healthcare providers can do to spot red flags and offer the right kind of help * How COVID, remote work, and cultural shifts are reshaping survivorship in the workforce   Explore more at: www.cancerandcareers.org [https://www.cancerandcareers.org/]

With more adults living longer, oncology is facing a critical challenge: how to provide cancer care that reflects the realities of aging. In this episode, Dr. Dale walks us through the creation of SOCARE (Specialized Oncology Care and Research in Elders), a clinic that evaluates patients’ physical function, cognitive health, and social environment before treatment begins. This kind of assessment leads to better decisions, fewer complications, and care that aligns with each person’s capacity and goals. We also talk about the OASIS program, which extends this approach across disciplines, bringing in nurses, pharmacists, and social workers to create a more coordinated experience for patients. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dale shares real examples and lessons from the field, showing how geriatric oncology can improve not just outcomes, but the entire care process. Episode Highlights: * A fresh look at what defines “fitness” for cancer treatment — and why age alone isn’t enough * How SoCare creates space for longer, more thoughtful patient conversations * Practical examples of tailoring chemotherapy, transplant, and CAR T plans for older adults * Insights into building trust with patients and providers through individualized care   Resources & Links City of Hope – Center for Cancer and Aging: cityofhope.org [https://www.cityofhope.org/] ASCO Geriatric Oncology Guidelines: asco.org [https://www.asco.org/]

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Heimall, President and CEO of the HealthWell Foundation, to talk about the growing importance of financial assistance in oncology and chronic illness care. Michael shares his journey from leading some of the nation’s top military and veterans’ medical centers to helping patients access critical treatment through HealthWell’s innovative funding programs. He reflects on how his personal experience as a caregiver continues to shape his approach to patient-centered leadership. We discuss HealthWell’s mission, how their programs are easing financial toxicity, and why care teams—especially in oncology—play such an important role in connecting patients with real support. In this episode: * How financial assistance programs are supporting patients beyond the pharmacy counter * Expanding access for caregivers and patients managing home-based care * What oncology teams should know about referrals and fund alerts * The connection between cost, care quality, and treatment outcomes

Melanoma treatment has advanced significantly over the past decade, and it continues to evolve. In this special Melanoma Monday episode, we are joined by Kendra Rodriguez, PharmD, PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Resident at UW Medical Center / Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, to explore where we are now in the treatment landscape—and what’s on the horizon. Kendra walks through recent data from the NADINA and SWOG S1801 trials, and shares how care teams can start preparing for the shift in management to the neoadjuvant setting. You'll hear what it takes to manage complex therapies for resectable cutaneous melanoma, and how to engage patients through thoughtful communication and collaboration. CE Activity Description: The purpose of this CE activity is to describe the pathophysiology and literature behind the shift of pharmacotherapeutic management to the neoadjuvant setting in resectable cutaneous melanoma. As novel mechanisms have been sought after and approved within this disease state, attention will be given to assess the clinical utility of the first-in-class tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, lifileucel, in addition to its logistical considerations requiring multidisciplinary coordination. Learning Objectives: * Summarize the pathophysiology behind neoadjuvant treatment in cutaneous melanoma and the literature supporting its use * Discuss the novel agent lifileucel for its efficacy in cutaneous melanoma treatment and the logistics related to its use Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships for the following faculty and reviewers: • Kendra Gee-Rodriguez, PharmD • Ginger Blackmon, PharmD • Daisy Doan, PharmD Claim credit: https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/CutaneousMelanoma [https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/CutaneousMelanoma]