STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Approximately 135,520 new cases of lymphoid and myeloid cancer and related disorders (eg, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative diseases) were identified in the United States in the year 2007, and 52,310 individuals will die from these diseases. Importantly, more than 45 drug products are currently approved for use in the management of hematologic malignancies, comprising more than 55 distinct FDA-approved indications. Although this extensive list of available treatment options is reassuring to patients and oncology healthcare professionals, it poses a challenge to clinicians who must maintain up-to-date knowledge of appropriate clinical management strategies. This activity helps practicing hematologists and oncologists to stay abreast of relevant advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies so that they can provide optimal patient care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Utilize available prognostic and predictive clinical and molecular markers to aid in treatment decision-making for patients with hematologic malignancies.
• Design a therapeutic algorithm for the clinical management of indolent and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, considering the benefits and risks of induction chemotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, maintenance regimens and emerging molecular-targeted agents.
• Consider emerging clinical research on the use of monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory agents when planning primary and consolidation therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
• Develop an evidence-based approach to the use of BCR-ABL targeted therapies based on the clinical characteristics of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
• Review the mechanisms of acquired resistance mutations in CML, develop rational clinical strategies for monitoring patients for evidence of disease progression and implement appropriate therapeutic alternatives when warranted.
• Incorporate recent advances in front-line and salvage management of multiple myeloma (MM), including indications and treatment options for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and non-ASCT candidates.
• Assess ongoing clinical trials evaluating the roles of maintenance and consolidation therapeutic approaches for various hematologic malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle-cell lymphoma, minimal residual disease CLL and MM after successful ASCT.
• Consider the heterogeneous manifestations of myelodysplastic syndrome and the associated cytogenetic markers affecting the initial therapy choice of low-intensity chemotherapy, biologic response modifiers and molecular-targeted agents in specific patient populations.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients with myeloid and lymphoid disorders about clinical research studies incorporating novel treatment approaches.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF HEMATOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 1 of Hematologic Oncology Update is to support the learning objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs O’Brien, Orlowski, Steensma and Maloney on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of hematologic malignancies.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOW TO USE THIS CME ACTIVITY

This CME activity contains both audio and print components. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs, review the Internet content and complete the Educational Assessment and Credit Form located at HematologicOncologyUpdate.com/CME. HematologicOncologyUpdate.com contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program, as well as links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources.

This program is supported by educational grants from Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Centocor Ortho Biotech Services, Genentech BioOncology, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc and Pharmion Corporation.

Table of Contents

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EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

INTERVIEWS
Susan M O’Brien, MD
- Select publications

Robert Z Orlowski, MD, PhD
- Select publications

David P Steensma, MD
- Select publications

David G Maloney, MD, PhD
- Select publications

Hematologic Oncology Update:
A CME Audio Series and Activity

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office