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Volume 27 | No.7 | July 2025
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| From Netty Cracknell, ISOPP President
Dear BOPA members,
This month has been incredibly busy, and while there are moments I feel completely exhausted, I only need to read this months ‘A Day in the Life’ story to feel renewed and inspired to keep going! With that in mind, I have decided there will be no monthly newsletter in August, allowing our hardworking team of ISOPP volunteers some well-deserved rest. We transitioned to monthly newsletters two years ago, and it takes an enormous amount of work and coordination to make this happen. A special thank you goes to Busayo Abolarin, our Newsletter Editor, and Tiffany Chan, Chair of the Engagement and Communications Committee, for their outstanding dedication. And, of course, the newsletter would not be possible without our many volunteers and leaders who write articles and share insights that benefit our entire membership – thank you!
Our call out to volunteers closed earlier this year and anyone who submitted their interest are currently being contacted by the Volunteer Task Force. Again another thank you to the hard work for Tara Leslie and the team who had an astounding 42 number of people who expressed an interest!
Moving seamlessly to the topic of membership – it is my great pleasure to announce that we now have over 4,000 members in 125 countries! This is an extraordinary milestone, and I am humbled by the messages I receive – both directly and indirectly – about how our no-fee membership model has positively impacted your professional and working lives. My one request to you as members: please continue to spread the word about no-fee membership. I would love to reach 5,000 members before I step down as President next year.
And speaking of next year, it will bring our much-anticipated 2026 ISOPP Symposium! Planning is already well underway, led by Brooke Bernhardt and the SSPTF Task Force, who are currently meeting weekly to shape an exciting scientific program for our 24-hour virtual conference. This format brings new logistical challenges we’ve never faced before, but the team is rising to the occasion! The Planning Task force will also meet this week to discuss the virtual setup and begin building the platform and registration. And one of the most exciting items from a symposium is the abstracts! I am pleased to state that abstract submission process, led by Nick Duncan, Chair of the ISOPP Research committee, will open from September 1, 2025 and run until October 31, 2025, and I am hopeful we will reach 100 accepted abstracts! With some of our members already publishing their work in journals (more details in this newsletter), it’s inspiring to see cancer pharmacists continuing to push our profession forward.
Finally, our Education Committee is working diligently behind the scenes on some really exciting projects. Stay tuned for updates, as Irene Weru, Chair of the Education Committee, will share more details in our September newsletter.
For now, enjoy time with your loved ones and keep striving for excellence – I’ll be back with more updates in September!
Warm regards, |
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| Netty Cracknell
ISOPP President 2024 – 2026 |
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DATES announced for CALL for ABSTRACTS
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The ISOPP Research Committee are excited to announce that abstract submission will open September 1, 2025. This is your opportunity to share your research, insights, and innovations with a dynamic and engaged audience.
Whether you are presenting cutting-edge findings, sharing practical case studies, or offering fresh perspectives on key topics, we invite you to submit your abstract and contribute to shaping an inspiring and informative program.
Important Dates:
- Abstract Submission Opens: September 1, 2025
- Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
Mark your calendars and begin preparing your submissions today. Detailed submission guidelines and instructions will be shared when the submission portal opens.
Stay tuned for updates, and don’t miss this chance to highlight your work and be part of the conversation!
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Nick Duncan
Research Committee Chair
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UICC & ISOPP Join Statement Published
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| The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and ISOPP issued a joint statement on July 8, 2025 in response to the findings reported in The Lancet Global Health, an article with Dr Benyam Muluneh, an ISOPP member, as an author, which revealed that approximately one in six anticancer medication samples collected from public hospitals and private pharmacies across multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa failed to meet international pharmaceutical standards, with the active pharmaceutical ingredient levels varying from as low as 28% to as high as 120%.
Oncology pharmacy professionals stand at the frontline of medication safety. And ISOPP has committed to:
- Provide education to oncology pharmacists and technicians for outcome monitoring and supply-chain oversight.
- Partner with interested parties to develop quality-control protocols and standard operating procedures to strengthen the global supply chain.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing across countries and institutions to rapidly disseminate lessons learned and best practices.
More information on this will follow in the next few weeks. Link to full statement here https://www.isopp.org/article/isopp-news/uicc-isopp-joint-statement |
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ASH-ISTH Pediatric VTE Treatment Guideline 2025
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We are proud to spotlight the ASH-ISTH Pediatric VTE Treatment Guideline 2025, co-authored by an ISOPP member and past president, John T. Wiernikowski (Canada).
This important publication presents 20 expert recommendations and practical implementation guidance on anticoagulant use in children, with a focus on the role of DOACs in treating pediatric VTE. It also outlines key research priorities, including real-world data collection and better understanding of clinically unsuspected thrombosis. A fantastic achievement for John T. Wiernikowski and the wider team!
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12235321/
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Ali Hassan – Resident Pharmacist, Shifa International Hospital, Pakistan
ASHP-International Pharmacy Practice Residency Program Year 1 (IPPRP-1)
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Each morning, as the city of Islamabad comes to life, I walk into Shifa International Hospital—a JCI-accredited center of excellence—carrying a profound sense of responsibility and gratitude. As a resident pharmacist under the prestigious ASHP-International Pharmacy Practice Residency Program Year 1 (IPPRP-1), I am currently immersed in my oncology rotation—a field that challenges, humbles, and inspires me every single day.
In oncology, the stakes are high and the margin for error is zero. But amidst the complexity, I have discovered the true power of pharmacy—to heal not just through medicine, but through presence, precision, and unwavering compassion. This rotation has not only sharpened my clinical skills, but has redefined how I view my purpose in healthcare. My day begins with a focused review of chemotherapy orders, where every regimen represents more than a treatment plan—it is a lifeline for someone’s mother, father, child, or friend. I ensure accuracy in dosage calculations, adjust based on renal or hepatic function, and cross-check each element against current lab values and evidence-based protocols. Every decision I contribute to is a step toward ensuring patient safety, therapeutic efficacy, and—most
importantly—hope. One of the most meaningful aspects of my role is working in the oncology sterile compounding unit. Inside this quiet, highly controlled space, I prepare medications with meticulous care under aseptic conditions. Every vial, every milliliter, every label must be exact. I often remind myself: what I prepare today has the power to fight cancer tomorrow. It’s this understanding that turns a technical task into a deeply personal mission.
Throughout the day, I engage with a dedicated team of oncologists, pharmacists, and oncology nurses. Together, we form a united front—discussing complex cases, evaluating treatment responses, and adjusting regimens based on the patient’s evolving condition. As a resident, I am encouraged to bring forward clinical insights, ask questions, and offer solutions. Being treated as a valued voice in this collaborative space has empowered me to grow in confidence and competence. I also play an active role in monitoring treatment outcomes, interpreting blood results, and identifying early signs of toxicity or resistance. Whether it’s recognizing neutropenia before it becomes dangerous or modifying doses for organ impairment, each intervention is a chance to protect a patient’s well-being and support their recovery. What makes oncology truly extraordinary, however, is the emotional depth of this field. I’ve had the chance to sit beside patients as they begin their chemotherapy journey—explaining medications, discussing side effects, and simply listening. These moments have shown me that pharmacy is not just about drugs—it’s about dignity, courage, and connection. Patients may forget what we say, but they never forget how we make them feel.
Afternoons are spent in clinical documentation, therapy planning, and inventory management—tasks that may seem routine but are crucial for ensuring continuity and readiness. I take pride in maintaining accurate records, double-checking stocks, and anticipating needs so no patient’s care is compromised. This oncology rotation has deeply impacted me. It has shown me that even as a resident, I can be a catalyst for change. Every patient encounter, every compounding session, every thoughtful intervention is part of a larger mission—to ensure safe, compassionate, and effective cancer care. I am not just learning to be a better pharmacist; I am learning to be a better human being.
Being part of the ASHP residency program at a globally recognized institution like JCI-accredited Shifa International Hospital has opened my eyes to the international standards of pharmacy practice and the limitless ways pharmacists can influence outcomes. I’ve grown as a clinician, as a communicator, and as a compassionate professional ready to take on the future of oncology care. This journey is not easy—but it is incredibly fulfilling. And each day, as I leave the hospital, I carry with me the quiet victories, the difficult conversations, the tears, the teamwork, and the unshakable belief that we pharmacists can and do make a difference. This is where my purpose found its place. And this is where my passion continues to rise. |
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COMPASSION FATIGUE WEBINAR SERIES
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| As Chair of the Compassion Fatigue Webinar Series, I’m pleased to share a brief reflection on the meaningful conversations we hosted this past June. |
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I’m deeply grateful to our insightful presenters, Jayne Ellis and Ryan Lainchbury, for their powerful contributions to the series, Compassion Fatigue in Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners. This series was designed to shed light on the emotional challenges faced by oncology pharmacy professionals and to offer practical, evidence-based strategies for navigating them.
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Jennifer Jupp
Finance Committee Chair and EDI Representative
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Spotlight on ISOPP Member Publication
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| A number of ISOPP members have published a paper on ‘The Educational and Practice Needs of Oncology Pharmacists in West Africa: A Call for Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Oncology Care’. The paper emphasizes the importance of training in chemotherapy reconstitution, integrating pharmacists into multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), and ensuring the safe handling of chemotherapy within treatment centers to improve patient outcomes. Read the full article here: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-25-00021.
ISOPP recognizes these needs and has already begun taking action. Further updates will be shared in the coming weeks. |
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Global Oncology Pharmacy Leaders Meeting
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This week, the global oncology pharmacy leaders met to discuss pressing challenges and explore collaborative solutions that can impact cancer care worldwide. There were two critical areas that are being consided for the next global research initiative. These are healthcare professional burnout and drug shortages—issues that continue to affect oncology pharmacy practice and patient outcomes across the globe.
As an ISOPP member – please check here to see if your country is currently represented.
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| All ISOPP member are invited to the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands for the SIOP Pharma Meeting on Sunday, October 19th, with topics on Pharmacy in Pediatric Oncology, including a tour of the pharmacy.
This international meeting is organized in adjunction to the SIOP 2025 conference in Amsterdam from October 20-23, 2025.
The meeting will start with a lunch at 1:00 pm CET and will end with an optional networking dinner. The number of participants is limited, so please register as soon as possible. You can choose a ticket including or excluding diner.
All information about this meeting such as program, meeting venue and route description can be found on our event site. Please check the here for more information.
We hope to see you on October 19th in Utrecht!
Kind regards,
On behalf of the organizing committee,
Brooke Bernhardt, Chief Pharmacy Officer, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Lidwien Hanff , Director of Pharmacy, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology |
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Call for Applications for UICC Technical Fellowships – Deadline August 4, 2025
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| The Technical Fellowships call is now open until August 4, 2025, providing a valuable opportunity for professionals to gain international experience and expertise in cancer control. We encourage ISOPP members to take advantage of this initiative and to help promote it among their networks.
The Technical Fellowships are designed to enable applicants to visit other countries and collaborate on projects aimed at advancing cancer control. Importantly, applicants do not need to work at a UICC member organisation, and there are no country restrictions for applications.
Eligibility criteria include:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of cancer.
- An educational qualification equivalent to a Master’s Degree.
- The proposed project must relate to cancer control.
For full details on eligibility and the application process, please refer to the Technical Fellowships 2025 Application Guidelines.
This is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge, foster international collaboration, and contribute to the global effort in cancer control. Submit your application before August 4, 2025! If you have any questions on this please reach out to UICC direct. |
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| Thank you for reading this edition of the ISOPP Newsletter.
Kind Regards |
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| Busayo Abolarin
ISOPP Engagement and Communications Committee,
Newsletter Editor |
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| ISOPP’s Society and Symposium Management Office
Sea to Sky Meeting and Association Management is ISOPP’s Society and Symposium Management Office. We support ISOPP’s volunteer leadership (Secretariat, its Committees, Task Forces and Work Groups), its members and other stakeholders to help achieve ISOPP’s mission to advance oncology pharmacy care for patients around the world. If you have any questions about membership, services, Symposium or the Society, please contact the ISOPP Office directly as follows:
Email: [email protected]
Direct: +1-604-984-6455
Suite 206, 201 Bewicke Avenue
North Vancouver, BC Canada V7M 3M7
www.seatoskymeetings.com |
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