Supporting pharmacists in improving the care delivered for people with cancer

Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important role in supporting people with cancer, working within multidisciplinary teams and improving outcomes.

Around 3.5 million people are currently living with cancer in the UK, with more than 385,000 additional new cancer cases diagnosed each year^​1,2​. 

Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK; however, according to charity Blood Cancer UK, many patients refer to this as a ‘hidden illness’, because leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndromes are often seen as separate diseases^​3​. One-third of patients visit a healthcare professional three or more times before being diagnosed, preventing timely access to appropriate treatment^​3​.

Pharmacists are generally confident and can ensure that patients and caregivers receive education about their treatments and related supportive care measures^​4​. However, as the number of new cancer medicines are increasing — and considering the potential for adverse effects with traditional and new anticancer therapies — it now more important than ever for pharmacists to have a solid understanding of the principles of cancer biology, its diagnosis and approaches to treatment.

To align with this and raise awareness of the types of blood cancer and the treatment options available, The Pharmaceutical Journal continues its partnership with BeiGene in 2025 to produce independent editorial content that meets the learning needs of pharmacists for improved care for patients with blood cancers (see below), and in the creation of a newly curated collection of educational resources on cancer, which builds on resources developed since 2023.

While B-cell malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), B-cell lymphomas and Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) are relatively rare blood cancers, their incidence is increasing^​5,6​. The BTK inhibitor landscape is changing rapidly, with second-generation therapies now available, which allow for greater selectivity and reduced side effects. However, the potential for significant adverse reactions, toxicities and drug interactions associated with these therapies remains. And, as the clinical use of BTK inhibitors increases, so does the need for pharmacists and pharmacy teams to be aware of them. 

An introduction to the different BTK inhibitor classes, their mechanisms of action and considerations for use in practice is provided in this episode of The PJ Pod, published in October 2023^​7​. At the same time, as therapies for CLL have evolved, so has pharmacists’ role in treating people with this type of blood cancer and is explored further across sectors in this episode of The PJ Pod, published in September 2024^​8​. 

In-depth CPD articles on the diagnosis and treatment of WM and CLL also offer an opportunity for pharmacists to test their knowledge^​5,6​.

Pharmacists have a crucial role and responsibility in optimising treatment outcomes for patients with all types of cancer and along with pharmacy teams encounter patients across all stages of the cancer pathway.

This role goes far beyond medicines — sometimes patients are confused or do not know where to go. Support and reassurance for patients who may be struggling with the emotional burden of undergoing active cancer treatment is also required. 

In a rapidly changing field, access to educational resources that support professional development for improved patient care is essential.

We are grateful for the financial support of our partner BeiGene in supporting the development of this curated set of educational resources on cancer, including new content on blood cancers. The Pharmaceutical Journal retains full control of all editorial content. PJ