ASCO-NCODA MIP: Health Equity & Oral Oncology Standards
- New revisions to the American Society of Clinical oncology (ASCO)–Network for Collaborative oncology Development and Advancement (NCODA) Medically Integrated Pharmacy (MIP) Standards aim to improve the management of...
- The updated standards reflect the increasing use of oral anticancer medications. They focus on integrating patient-centered approaches and workflows to address health care inequities.
- Medication safety practices, such as dual identity checks and early toxicity monitoring, are also highlighted in the updated standards.
New ASCO-NCODA MIP standards revolutionize oral oncolytic therapy,prioritizing patient care,health equity,and collaborative practices for improved outcomes. These updated guidelines, discussed at News Directory 3, emphasize patient-centered approaches, structured education, and integration within electronic medical records to diminish treatment delays. Pharmacists are central to ensuring patient adherence and managing side effects, working closely with nurses and physicians for continuous care. The standards proactively tackle social risks,such as housing and financial hardships,setting a new benchmark for comprehensive oral oncology management. Explore the vital role of screening and tailored patient support.Discover what’s next in oncology.
Updated ASCO-NCODA Standards Enhance Oral Oncolytic Therapy Management
Updated May 31, 2025
New revisions to the American Society of Clinical oncology (ASCO)–Network for Collaborative oncology Development and Advancement (NCODA) Medically Integrated Pharmacy (MIP) Standards aim to improve the management of oral oncolytic therapy. Dr. gurjyot K. Doshi, a medical oncologist and hematologist at Texas Oncology, highlighted the updates, wich prioritize patient-centered care, address health equity, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The updated standards reflect the increasing use of oral anticancer medications. They focus on integrating patient-centered approaches and workflows to address health care inequities. A key component involves structured patient education, including culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, before starting therapy. Integration of interaction through electronic medical records is also emphasized to reduce treatment delays.
Medication safety practices, such as dual identity checks and early toxicity monitoring, are also highlighted in the updated standards. These measures ensure patients are closely monitored while on oral oncolytics.
The revised ASCO-NCODA MIP Standards place health equity as a foundational element. they call for screening patients for social risks like housing instability, transportation issues, and financial hardships. Education is tailored to each patient’s health literacy, cultural background, and linguistic needs. Oncology nurse navigators and pharmacy technician navigators connect patients with community resources and financial aid programs to prevent prescription abandonment and ensure treatment adherence.
Pharmacists are essential in ensuring patients start and continue oral oncolytic therapy. They conduct initial assessments, provide follow-up education, and monitor adherence. As part of the medically integrated pharmacy team, pharmacists enhance communication and collaboration with nurses and physicians, leading to more effective and continuous patient care.
We really laid a foundational support in these updated standards to screen our patients for social risks,including housing,transportation to and from clinic,and then really financial hardships,getting access to their medication.
Institutions implementing these standards should allocate adequate staffing and utilize training modules from NCODA and ASCO. Integration with an electronic health record system is crucial for team communication. Compliance with state and federal regulations regarding pharmacy operations and patient privacy is also necessary. Regular assessment and refinement of medical integrated pharmacy practices are vital for quality improvement.
what’s next
Further research is needed to address the use of oral anticancer medications in pediatric and adolescent young adult cancer populations. Additionally, more studies should focus on the mental health needs of patients undergoing cancer therapies and the unique challenges faced by rural populations in accessing care and support services.