Highlighting the Unique Role of the Oncology Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician

New Brunswick, N.J., October 19, 2020 –Did you know an oncology pharmacist’s role goes beyond dispensing medication? In the Research Pharmacy at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, director Michael P. Kane, RPh, BCOP and his team of Board Certified Oncology (BCOP) Pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians are working with patients and researchers at all phases of the patient’s cancer treatment.

The unique BCOP certification held by the pharmacists is an indication of an enhanced level of knowledge beyond traditional pharmacy practice. Of the BCOP pharmacists in the state, 12 percent practice at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health. Pharmacy Technicians in the Research Pharmacy also hold a special certification from the National Pharmacy Technician Association that allows them to properly handle hazardous drugs like chemotherapy.

With specialized knowledge about medications and how they work to fight cancer, the team educates patients on what drugs are being used, how they work, how they are safely administered, and provides patients with pain management and additional supportive care. Behind the scenes, the team might be coordinating a patient’s chemotherapy dose, safely handling and storing investigational agents being used in clinical trials, or supporting research with investigational agents in human subjects. The expertise exhibited by the Research Pharmacy team allows them to work together with patients and other members of their cancer care team to achieve the best possible outcome.