’s Investigational Drug Services (IDS) has implemented a new bar code validation program to fill prescriptions of patients participating in clinical trials safely. The program provides an extra layer of accuracy within IDS, which provides medications for patients involved in 

IDS staff worked closely with The McCreadie Group, the company that developed the bar code validation program, to implement the software into everyday use for investigational medications. As prescriptions need to be filled, staff will enter the prescription into the computer system, select the investigational drug from the shelf, and scan the IDS-generated bar code on the prescription bottle or box. This step helps to avoid pulling an incorrect drug or lot number for a patient’s dose. IDS has been involved in the development of this system since the summer of 2022 and will be The McCreadie Group’s first institution in the U.S. to fully implement the program for investigational drugs.

“It is extremely important to avoid errors when filling patient prescriptions, and this is a tool we’re delighted to say we had a hand in developing,” said Stephen T. Smith, MS, RPh, FASHP, chief pharmacy officer at Karmanos Cancer Hospital and KSP. “Our IDS team worked well with the developer of this technology to make sure the process works for us and also so that it can be implemented in other pharmacies across the country that fill prescriptions for patients enrolled in clinical trials.”

The bar code validation program started with an idea that came from Joseph Schiavi, R.Ph., manager of the Investigational Drug Services at Karmanos, in March of 2022. Schiavi saw an issue: current software across the board only works when drugs have manufacturer-created barcode labels, but when it comes to investigational drugs, many do not have bar codes. As he brainstormed, he came up with a plan that incorporated the idea of a bar code system for investigational drugs. The IDS team reached out to many companies, but none of them had the technology at that time to process investigational drugs. In the summer of 2022, The McCreadie Group contacted the IDS team to introduce their new bar code validation software idea. From there, IDS worked closely with The McCreadie Group to develop the software for investigational drugs.

“In January 2023, they spent time on-site with us to show us the program. They gathered our feedback and edits to increase the functionality and the software, overall and they came back in June to show us the new version,” said Schiavi. “Once we had a working product, we began the process of barcode labeling all of our current investigational drug inventory and new shipments. It’s great to see an idea come to fruition and also successfully work to avoid errors.”

The IDS team at Karmanos fills prescriptions for investigational studies and clinical trials. They work closely with the 

Phase 1 Clinical Trials Multidisciplinary Team

 at Karmanos. Completing a project such as a bar code validation program is an example of Karmanos staying committed to quality care, patient safety, enhancing processes and improving outcomes. In November 2023, IDS fully implemented the bar code validation software for dispensing oral and IV medications to patients currently in clinical trials. Karmanos plans to expand the bar code validation program to additional Karmanos Cancer Network locations across the state.

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The new process checking system makes sure the right drugs are dispensed, improving patient safety.

Karmanos Cancer Institute Implements New Bar Code Validation Software for Clinical Trial Drugs

. Located at 30550 Utica Road, this cancer center provides medical oncology services to patients in southern Macomb County. As the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan, the Roseville clinic becomes Karmanos’ 16th location.

“By extending our comprehensive cancer care to more communities, we are giving more patients access to their best chance to beat cancer,” said Brian Gamble, president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital in Detroit. “Recruiting and retaining the top oncologists and expanding our reach shows our commitment to increasing the availability of our expertise and tomorrow’s promising treatments.”

“The 6,000-square-foot location will offer clinical care, infusion and pharmacy services. Soon, patients will be able to receive chemotherapy treatments in clinic,” Gamble added. “As an extension of our headquarters and home base in Detroit, our specialists work to provide patients their best chance at a favorable outcome.”

, hematologist and medical oncologist, joins Karmanos and will primarily see patients for multiple types of cancer at the Roseville clinic.

“I am thrilled to join an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and provide world-class cancer care to more patients at the new clinic,” said Dr Hadid. “The level of care that Karmanos delivers is exceptional, and I look forward to bringing that same care to Roseville and surrounding communities. More importantly, our patients can focus on their healing instead of worrying about traveling long distances for the best cancer care.”

Dr Hadid has over a decade of experience treating multiple cancers, including lung, head and neck, thymic, mesothelioma and esophageal cancers. He is a member of Karmanos’ 

 Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT), headquartered in Detroit. Much of his research focuses on conducting clinical and translational trials to improve treatment strategies for patients with head and neck and lung cancers. Through his research, Dr Hadid has conducted numerous clinical studies; published articles, case reports, abstracts and peer-to-peer-reviewed original works; and delivered multiple presentations. He is also a faculty member of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program and associate professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr Hadid completed his residency in internal medicine, two fellowships in palliative medicine and hematology and oncology, and holds two master’s degrees in public health and science.

, medical oncologist, leader of the Head and Neck Oncology MDT, and member of the 

 MDTs at Karmanos, will join Dr Hadid at the Roseville clinic. At this location, patients will have their treatments and surveillance appointments with one of the two physicians.

The Roseville clinic is the third cancer center Karmanos has opened in less than a year. The 

Karmanos Cancer Institute at The Toledo Clinic Cancer Center

 opened in April 2022, the first clinic outside Michigan. Karmanos completed the 

 in Farmington Hills in October 2022 and celebrated the new 

Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing

To learn more and schedule an appointment at Karmanos Cancer Institute – Roseville, visit 

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is now seeing patients at the new Karmanos Cancer Institute – Roseville. 

Karmanos Cancer Institute

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Karmanos Cancer Institute Implements New Bar Code Validation Software for Clinical Trial Drugs

Karmanos Cancer Institute Opens Roseville Medical Oncology Clinic, Welcomes New Oncologist