Christopher Pieczonka, MD

Panelists discuss how the treatment landscape for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is rapidly evolving through advancements in precision medicine and novel therapies, while emphasizing the importance of ongoing education for community oncologists to stay updated on these changes.

Panelists discuss how to address the challenges in providing optimal care for mCRPC patients and how barriers may vary between different healthcare settings, such as rural vs. urban and private vs. public.

Panelists discuss how the dosing and administration of different abiraterone formulations vary, how food-related effects impact treatment efficacy, and strategies to manage these effects for optimal patient outcomes.

Panelists discuss how criteria such as patient comorbidities, disease progression levels, and treatment goals should be considered when selecting the appropriate form of abiraterone for patients with mCRPC, and also explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using micronized abiraterone in specific patient populations.

Panelists discuss how the STAAR study (Stein, 2018) indicates that the micronized abiraterone formulation results in lower average serum testosterone levels in 25% of patients compared to 17% with the originator formulation, potentially influencing treatment selection.

This discussion explores the differences in the effects of abiraterone formulations when combined with prednisone or methylprednisolone.

This discussion provides an overview of abiraterone and the key differences between micronized and non-micronized formulations, including considerations for choosing between the two formulations.

Key opinion leaders discuss considerations for sequencing androgen receptor-targeted therapies in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, evaluating their benefits in first-line versus second-line treatment settings.

Key opinion leaders explore strategies for managing common side effects associated with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treatments, including androgen receptor-targeted therapies.

Key opinion leaders explore the role of androgen receptor-targeted therapy in mCRPC.

Key opinion leaders explore the expanding treament landscape for mCRPC.

In this video, experts share their opinion on the potential for novel combination therapies involving micronized abiraterone, particularly in conjunction with PARP inhibitors like olaparib or niraparib, as evidenced in clinical trials such as PROpel and MAGNITUDE. Additionally, they highlight other potential novel combinations like abiraterone with prednisolone and enzalutamide (STAMPEDE trial), and the integration of abiraterone in treatments involving radiation and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Expert urologists discuss the impact of their formulary on prescribing abiraterone for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), emphasizing its use in special patient populations and the importance of accessibility. They highlight the role of educational support and collaboration with manufacturers in facilitating access to treatments not typically included in the formulary, especially for unique patient groups. They emphasize the importance of manufacturer collaboration, Medicare changes, and specialized programs for aiding low-income seniors, underscoring the commitment to enhancing patient access and compliance in healthcare.

In this episode, experts share their perspectives from their urology practices on addressing challenges such as insurance coverage, access issues, and the frequency of prior authorization (PA) denials and subsequent appeals. Co-panelists emphasize the need for additional information required by physicians to effectively appeal PA denials. Dr De La Cerda highlights the support his urology practice provides to meet the needs of his unique patient population.

In this episode, Dr. Christopher M. Pieczonka and Dr. Jose De La Cerda discuss the nuances of prescribing abiraterone acetate related to strategies for patient counseling on prednisone and methylprednisolone use and managing steroid-related side effects, dosing adjustments in patients with liver issues, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring and individualized care in prostate cancer treatment.

In this episode, Dr. Christopher M. Pieczonka and Dr. Jose De La Cerda explores the differences in dosing and administration of abiraterone acetate products, including the impact of food effects, and optimizing therapy for special populations with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. They share insights from their clinical experience on patient compliance, tolerability, and quality of life improvements with micronized abiraterone.

Dr. Christopher M. Pieczonka and Dr. Jose De La Cerda discuss the various formulations of abiraterone, including micronized and non-micronized forms in combination with prednisone or methylprednisolone, including safety and effectiveness. They share insights on the specific patient populations for whom micronized abiraterone is particularly beneficial, how patient specific needs or comorbidities influence treatment appropriateness. They also delve into the accessibility of these formulations, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis codes to enhance medication approval processes.

Dr. Jose De La Cerda and Dr. Christopher M. Pieczonka shed light on their approach to prescribing medicines for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). They highlight the importance of patient access to care, discuss the availability of various therapies, including novel hormonal agents and infusions, and anticipate a positive shift in treatment accessibility in the coming years due to government initiatives.

Christopher M. Pieczonka, MD and Jose De La Cerda, MD, MPH share their expertise in managing metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), focusing on the demographics in their distinct clinical practices and unique challenges they encounter nuances of treatment.  

Closing out their discussion on how treatment and management of advanced prostate cancer affects their clinical practice, expert urologists consider how the therapeutic landscape continues to evolve and look toward future evolutions in care.

Key opinion leaders briefly review the key challenges in scheduling leuprolide administration for patients with advanced prostate cancer, including treatment delays, disease breakthrough, and insurance reimbursement, and share solutions to overcome these challenges.

Shared insight on the current state of telehealth and how its use affects treatment selection and followup for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Experts in urology share a brief conversation on recent and future legislation for insurance coverage and reimbursement, considering how it may impact their management of prostate cancer.

A more focused discussion on the specific challenges physicians or patients may face when seeking coverage or reimbursement for GnRH agonists/antagonists in prostate cancer.

Centering discussion on insurance and reimbursement, key opinion leaders in prostate cancer management consider the current state of coverage for GnRH agonists/antagonists.

A brief review of the role that testosterone measurements play, amidst other monitoring strategies, in assessing for treatment failure in advanced prostate cancer.

Digging into the logistics of advanced prostate cancer management, keynote speakers consider challenges faced with the electronic systems used to request or order therapy.

Switching their focus to the treatment armamentarium, expert panelists reflect on selection and sequencing of therapy for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Focused discussion on the quality of training and onboarding of physicians who manage advanced prostate cancer within a variety of institutions and settings.

Key opinion leaders in urology share their credentials and highlight the general structure of their institution in regard to prostate cancer management.