USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center's oncology pharmacists are redefining their role in cancer care, expanding beyond traditional pharmacy functions to become essential members of multidisciplinary treatment teams. This evolution reflects a growing recognition of pharmacists' specialized expertise and their impact on patient outcomes in complex cancer care settings.
Integral Role in Direct Patient Care
At USC Norris, oncology pharmacists have become so vital to patient care that medical teams often delay rounds until a pharmacist is present. "One thing that stood out to me is that we often did not start rounding without the pharmacist there," notes Dr. Amir Ali, PharmD, BCOP, a clinical pharmacist specialist at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
This level of integration allows pharmacists to contribute significantly to patient management, particularly for critically ill individuals. They work alongside hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant teams, helping manage complex medication regimens and mitigating potential toxicities.
David S. Bateshansky, PharmD, BCOP, who has served as an oncology pharmacist at USC for nearly 18 years, describes how his role has evolved: "I've been allowed to work in the infusion center operations, as an inpatient oncology operations pharmacist, as an investigational drug service pharmacist, and more recently, I've taken a more direct patient care role as an inpatient hematology clinical specialist."
Specialized Expertise in Advanced Therapies
USC Norris, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, offers cutting-edge treatments that require specialized pharmaceutical knowledge. "The therapies that we offer are cutting edge. The ability to offer various types of CAR T cellular products with our expertise from our providers and from our pharmacists is certainly noteworthy," explains Dr. Ali.
The center has recently implemented tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies for patients with metastatic melanoma, further demonstrating their commitment to advanced treatment options. Pharmacists play a crucial role in managing these complex therapies, ensuring proper administration and monitoring.
Research Contributions and Clinical Trials
Beyond direct patient care, oncology pharmacists at USC Norris make significant contributions to research initiatives. Dr. Ali serves as the primary investigator for multiple phase 4 studies examining real-world evidence for newly approved cancer therapeutics.
"These studies have huge implications for really making sure that the clinical trials are able to be replicated in the real-world setting with our typical patients," he explains.
The center's robust Investigational Drug Services (IDS) department employs oncology-trained pharmacists who review clinical trial protocols and sometimes assist with patient recruitment. While pharmacist-led research is permitted, Bateshansky notes that their primary focus is supporting physician-led studies through "regulatory oversight and investigational drug accountability."
Growing Recognition of Pharmacist Value
When Bateshansky first began rounding with the hematology service in a newly created position, there were questions about the pharmacist's role and value. However, that perception quickly changed: "I'm happy to say that now, having been working with the team for the better part of a year, that question no longer has to be asked. In fact, they know that I'm there to help make their jobs easier, to make the patient stay easier, and to improve outcomes for the patient."
Educational Impact and Career Development
As adjunct faculty at the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Ali coordinates oncology courses for pharmacy students. He has observed a significant increase in students' interest in oncology pharmacy after completing his course.
"One of the first questions that I always ask the first class is if they are interested in going into oncology, and typically it's about 5 to 10 people that raise their hands," he explains. "On the last day of the course... the numbers typically go up to almost 100 students in the class."
This growing interest reflects the expanding opportunities in oncology pharmacy and the impact pharmacists can have on patient care.
Unique Environment Fostering Continuity of Care
USC Norris's relatively small size and stable staff create a unique environment that benefits both patients and healthcare providers. Bateshansky describes it as a "family" atmosphere where long-term relationships develop.
"As the treatment of cancer has evolved over the years, we see patients who have cancer living longer and longer," he notes. "The same pharmacists, the same allied health professionals in the same positions, and providers can now see these patients again and again and remember them and remember details of their case... and it creates a sense of cohesiveness among everyone involved."
This continuity enhances patient care and allows healthcare professionals to develop deeper expertise in specific cancer types and treatments.
Future Directions
As cancer treatments continue to advance, the role of oncology pharmacists at USC Norris is likely to expand further. Their involvement in cutting-edge therapies, clinical trials, and direct patient care positions them as essential members of the cancer care team, contributing to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with complex malignancies.
The experience at USC Norris demonstrates how specialized pharmacist integration into cancer care teams can enhance treatment decision-making, medication management, and overall patient care in the rapidly evolving field of oncology.
