Pharmacists Play Key Role in Managing Toxicity During Neoadjuvant Therapy for Melanoma
Source: Pharmacy Times, April 2025
In a Pharmacy Times interview at the HOPA Annual Meeting 2025, Christine Barrett, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacy specialist at West Virginia University, discussed the advantages of neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma, particularly the use of immunotherapy to leverage the tumor microenvironment and existing T-cell populations before surgery. Additionally, she shares insights into the critical role of oncology pharmacists in managing toxicities, ensuring adherence, and providing patient education.
Pharmacy Times: What advantages does neoadjuvant therapy offer specifically in melanoma, compared to its use in other tumor types?
Christine Barrett, PharmD, BCOP: So, we know that in melanoma specifically, there is an advantage to using immunotherapy based on the tumor microenvironment; and additionally, by using immunoadjuvant therapy, we’re able to really utilize the existing T-cell population prior to surgical reception.