OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY

Approximately 135,520 new cases of lymphoid and myeloid cancer and related disorders 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. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, this issue of Hematologic Oncology Update features one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators. By providing information on the latest research developments in the context of expert perspectives, this activity assists medical oncologists, hematologists and hematology-oncology fellows with the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies to facilitate optimal patient care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Utilize prognostic and predictive clinical and molecular markers to aid in treatment decision-making for patients with hematologic malignancies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of emerging research investigating the role of dose-dense induction therapy and novel targeted agents in the current and future management of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Plan primary therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), considering clinical research on the use of novel chemotherapeutics, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory agents.
• Develop an evidence-based approach to the use of BCR-ABL targeted therapies for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), based on the clinical characteristics of the disease.
• Formulate therapeutic interventions for patients with imatinib-resistant CML and strategies for monitoring disease progression.
• Devise up-front therapeutic interventions for patients with multiple myeloma who are or are not candidates for stem cell transplantation, based on emerging clinical trial data with novel agents and combinations.
• Develop a therapeutic plan for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, considering recent safety and efficacy data for the novel DNA hypomethylating agent and HDAC inhibitors.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients with myeloid and lymphoid disorders about their potential participation in clinical research studies incorporating novel treatment approaches.

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 Credits™. 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 review the CME information, listen to the CDs and complete the Post-test and Educational Assessment and Credit Form located in the back of this monograph or on our website at HematologicOncologyUpdate.com. This monograph contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program. HematologicOncologyUpdate.com includes an easy-to-use, interactive version of this monograph with links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources indicated here in blue underlined text.

This program is supported by educational grants from Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Celgene Corporation, Genentech BioOncology/Biogen Idec, Millennium Pharmaceuticals — The Takeda Oncology Company and Ortho Biotech Products LP.

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EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

INTERVIEWS

Steven D Gore, MD
- Select publications

Michael J Keating, MB, BS
- Select publications

William I Bensinger, MD
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Fredrick B Hagemeister, MD
- Select publications

Hematologic Oncology Update:
A CME Audio Series and Activity

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office