Explore the evolution of breast cancer research in this insightful episode, where science, persistence, and innovation converge. We trace the journey of HER2-positive breast cancer from one of the most challenging diagnoses to a model of therapeutic success, highlighting the groundbreaking development of trastuzumab despite early skepticism. The conversation then turns to next-generation therapies like antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), examining both their promise and emerging safety considerations, including unexpected systemic toxicities.We also dive into how researchers are redefining target discovery, using ADCs as a “Trojan horse” to expand treatment possibilities beyond traditional oncogenes. The episode unpacks key lessons from CDK4/6 inhibitor development, emphasizing the value of unbiased discovery methods and longer-term assays. Finally, we discuss optimizing dosing strategies to improve patient quality of life and the critical role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of scientific leaders and advancing future breakthroughs.

Presented at: New Orleans Summer Cancer Meeting 20th Anniversary Conference

Chairman: Edgardo S. Santos Castillero, MD, FACP, FASCO

Prostate Cancer: Early and Locally Advanced Disease

Ulka Vaishampayan, MD | University of Michigan

Dr. Ulka Vaishampayan discussed early and locally advanced prostate cancer, noting 192,000 new U.S.cases yearly. Key biomarkers include PSA, imaging, and genomics. High-risk cases may need surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy. Tools like Decipher and Artera AI aid decisions. Multidisciplinary care is key.

Presented at: Specialty Pharmaceutical Summit 2025 SPS Puerto Rico

Summit Directors:

Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

Specialty Pharmaceuticals | The Payer Perspective

Moderator: Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC,FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida

Panel: Iris L. Morant Rodriguez, BS Pharm, RPh | MSO Puerto Rico; Gladiany Ramos-Marrero, PharmD, RPh, CSP | MCS Puerto Rico; Nury Toledo Nunez, PharmD | SSS HealthPuerto Rico

The panel explored Puerto Rico’s healthcare landscape, noting heavy reliance on Triple S, MMM, and MCs, with a$5.8 billion 2025 budget dominated by Medicare and oncology costs. Key challenges include underfunding, specialty drug management, and the need for stakeholder collaboration, biosimilars, and AI integration to improve outcomes.

Presented at: Specialty Pharmaceutical Summit 2025 SPS Puerto Rico

Summit Directors:

Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

Specialty Pharmaceuticals in Puerto Rico: The Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective

Co-Moderators: Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA,FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida; Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

Panel: Nelson Hernandez Gonzalez, MBA | Sanofi; Karyna Holmberg | AstraZeneca; Janice Diaz, PhD | Bristol MyersSquibb Puerto Rico

The discussion addressed life science industry challenges in Puerto Rico, emphasizing culturally relevant content, AI-driven evidence management, and local specialty pharmacy support. Solutions such as bridge doses, value-based contracts, and enhanced collaboration were proposed to improve patient access and outcomes.

Presented at: Specialty Pharmaceutical Summit 2025 SPS Puerto Rico

Summit Directors:

Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

Center and Health Plan Experience Supporting The First CAR-T Program in Puerto Rico

Co-Moderators: Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA,FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida; Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

Panel: Cristian Rodríguez Arocho, MD | Auxilio Mutuo Hospital; Carolyn Rodriguez Rivera, PharmD | Medical Card System, Inc.; Bethzaida Alfaro | Patient; Carlos Mendez, JD, MPH, MHSA | Health Front Group

The panelists highlighted the launch of Puerto Rico’s first CAR T program by Dr. Rodriguez in 2020, overcomingindustry skepticism and financial hurdles to achieve FACT accreditation and a successful remission case. With support from BMS, government, and insurers, the program now aims to expand access through education and infrastructuredevelopment.

Presented at: Specialty Pharmaceutical Summit 2025 SPS Puerto Rico

Summit Directors:

Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

The Practice of Specialty Pharmacy in Puerto Rico: Challenges and Opportunities

Moderator: Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC,FACHE| Baptist Health South Florida

Panel: Héctor J. Hernández, PharmD, RPh, MPH,CSP | Special Care Pharmacy Services; Nicole Quiles Alves, PharmD, RPh, MPH | Axium Healthcare de Puerto Rico, Specialty Pharmacy; Katherine M. Robles-Vincenty, PharmD |Walgreen Co.; Jose R. Vazquez Rosario, PharmD |Specialty Pharmacy Services; Kenny Gonzalez Rivera, PharmD | Alivia Health; Yaraliz Rodriguez-Martinez, PharmD | MedPlus PR

The discussion addressed the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on specialty pharmacies in Puerto Rico, focusing on the$2,000 Part D cap, patient education challenges, and the role of assistance programs. Discussions also emphasized the importance of local resources, infusion center coordination, and selecting pharmacy models based on drug complexity and patient needs.

Presented at: Specialty Pharmaceutical Summit 2025 SPS Puerto Rico

Summit Directors:

Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

Biosimilars in Puerto Rico: Different Challenges, New Opportunities?

Moderator: Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC,FACHE| Baptist Health South Florida

Panel: Orlando Rivera Perez, PharmD | MSO ofPuerto Rico; Belmarie Palen, PharmD, CSP | AxiumHealthcare Puerto Rico; Gladiany Ramos-Marrero, PharmD, RPh, CSP | MCS Puerto Rico; Eric Frontera Zayas, PharmD | PharmPix

The panel discussed the economic and clinical potential of biosimilars in Puerto Rico, emphasizing education, accesschallenges, and interchangeability issues, particularly with adalimumab conversions. They highlighted the need for ongoing provider education, academic detailing, and better supply chain management to maximize adoption and patientbenefit.

Presented at: Specialty Pharmaceutical Summit 2025 SPS Puerto Rico

Summit Directors:

Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC, FACHE | Baptist Health South Florida

Bhavesh Shah, RPh, BCOP | Boston Medical Center

505(b)(2) Therapeutics: Practice Considerations

Moderator: Jorge J. Garcia, PharmD, MS, MHA, MBA, FACCC, FACHE| Baptist Health South Florida

Panel: Héctor J. Hernández, PharmD, RPh, MPH, CSP | Special Care Pharmacy Services, Kenny Gonzalez Rivera,PharmD | Alivia Health, Nicole Quiles Alves,PharmD, RPh, MPH | Axium Healthcare de Puerto Rico, Specialty Pharmacy

The panel discussed 505(b)(2) products—new formulations of existing drugs—highlighting challenges in benefit coordination, J code management, and authorization due to evolving reimbursement pathways. They emphasized the role of specialty pharmacies, copay assistance, and accurate benefit investigations in improving patient access andmanaging drug shortages.