EP. 4B: The Effect of Leuprolide Formulations on Organizational Management Practices in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

The Effect of Leuprolide Formulations on Organizational Management Practices in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

In this companion article, Brenda Heath, RN, discusses key challenges related to the use of leuprolide acetate and leuprolide mesylate from an organizational management perspective.

In this new Urology Medical Perspectives series, “Expert Perspectives on Advanced/Metastatic Prostate Cancer,” thought leaders in the management of hormone-sensitive or castration-resistant prostate cancer reflect on advancements in the treatment landscape, including key considerations in the use of different formulations of leuprolide. Considering challenges in the use of leuprolide formulations from an organizational management perspective, Brenda Heath, RN, discusses key points related to nurse training, inventory management practices, and patient assistance programs in the companion interview ahead.

Urology Times^®:Do nursing staff require special training on how to prepare and administer leuprolide?

HEATH: We always have a training method set up for … our new nurses, and they're following experienced nurses who have injected this medication multiple times. Usually, the training is incorporated with the experienced nurse training the new nurse, observing at first and then getting their hands on it. Most of the nurses … [have] experience [and] know how to administer subcutaneous injections. Most training comes from just being able to mix the different leuprolide acetate medications appropriately and [knowing] how to administer [them]. However,… there is available training with each of the sponsors to assist , [if needed], and nurse educators [can] come … and help with that.

Urology Times^®: Are there any challenges to managing leuprolide or other prostate cancer therapy inventory?

HEATH: There have definitely been more challenges [related to] trying to keep inventory for any health care supplies now… since the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease–2019) [pandemic] hit. But for the most part, I don't think that we've had any limitations with keeping it on-hand or keeping track. We have a system in place [in which] we make sure that we are signing out all of our medications whenever an injection is removed so that we keep track of our inventory, and we reorder and resupply when that is getting low.

Urology Times^®: Can you talk more in-depth about the programs and materials that are available from the leuprolide manufacturers to help you address administration and/or inventory challenges, such as product-specific training materials and instructions or inventory management programs?

HEATH: Most of the leuprolide injectables have inventory programs that can assist in scanning and making sure that the inventory at the location is up to date, and they can automatically work with resupplying the site with the product. That can come in handy. There are also great resources on each of the websites for the different medications that show how to mix and administer each of the injectables. That can [be] helpful, as well. We also know that we have, of course, the representatives that come on-site and are readily available with their information to support us if we have any questions. There [are] support programs for most of these injectables that can work to help patients who … have any financial issues. I have experienced and worked with some of the support programs to assist our patients who just can’t afford the medications.

Transcript has been edited for clarity.