PHAR44002 S2 Wk 2 - Unit Overview and Welcome Lecture

Course Overview

  • Unit Name: PHAR44002 Advanced Therapies 2 (Cancer)

  • Instructor: Joseph Williams, MPharm, FRPharmS, PG Dip GPP, mBOPA, IPresc.

  • Affiliation: University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation trust

Course Structure

  • Credit Value: 30 credits

  • Total Learning Hours: 300 hours

  • Recommended Study Time: 20 hours per week plus additional time for coursework and exams.

  • Key Focus: The unit aims to develop advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills relating to cancer patients.

Learning Goals

  • Explore topics in-depth: breast, sarcoma, gynaecological, and haematological malignancies.

  • Holistic approach from bench to bedside:

    • Clinical applications of drug discovery and development

    • Personalised medicine

    • Clinical trials and drug regulation

    • Patient safety and pharmacy services

    • Pharmaceutical care for cancer patients

Previous Learning Recap

  • Year 1: Cancer Biology, Hallmarks of Cancer, Bowel Cancer, Genomics

  • Year 2: Lung Cancer

  • Year 3: Breast and Prostate Cancer, Early Diagnosis, Symptoms, Nausea, CNS Tumours, Visit to The Christie

EBL (Experiential Learning) Sessions

  • Structure: 5 EBLs over Semester 2, scheduled on Thursdays.

  • Topics:

    • Breast Cancer

    • Haematological Malignancies

    • Drug Monitoring/SACT Toxicities

    • Experimental Cancer Medicines

    • Special Patient Groups

  • Guest Lecturers:

    • Jessica Keen, Liz Davies, Jo Collins, Dr Beatriz Duran Jimenez

Coursework Submission

  • Information available on Blackboard.

  • EBL Release Date: Week 8 (Thursday, 20th March)

  • Submission Deadline: Week 11 (Tuesday, 29th April)

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

  • Develop advanced knowledge in:

    • Breast, bowel, and lung cancer management

  • Implement clinical applications across various domains of pharmacy in oncology.

Current Cancer Statistics

  • Projected Cancer Cases:

    • 2020: 19.3 million worldwide

    • 2040: 30.2 million worldwide

UK Cancer Challenges

  • Higher cancer mortality rates than other countries.

  • Issues in the timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer including:

    • Stage 1 & 2 diagnosis progress stagnation (2013-2021)

    • Incomplete genomic tests (60% completed on time as of 2024)

    • Continued unfulfilled 62-day referral to treatment target (65.8% performance in May 2024)

Workforce Challenges

  • Burnout Risk: 86% of pharmacy workforce is at risk of burnout.

  • Expenditure: Medicines expenditure approximately £140 million; staffing composition and patient care statistics.

Local Data from The Christie

  • Prescriptions: 420,000 per annum

  • SACT Doses: 91,000 doses per annum

  • Clinical Trials: Over 800 clinical trials with various stages of setup.

Future Perspectives in Oncology Pharmacy

  • Focus on patient care and innovation within multidisciplinary teams (MDT).

  • Opportunities in digital innovation (e.g., AI) and expanded scope of practice as pharmacy prescribers.

Further Reading and Resources

  • BBC Radio 5 Live Podcasts

  • Other cancer-related resources and patient testimonials.