STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in medicine. Results presented at major cancer conferences from a plethora of ongoing clinical trials lead to the continuous emergence of new therapeutic agents and changes in the indications for existing treatments. In order to offer optimal patient care, the practicing medical oncologist must be well informed of these advances.

To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Cancer Conference Update uses one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators to review key clinical trial results presented at major oncology symposia. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program assists medical oncologists in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Develop a therapeutic algorithm for the clinical management of indolent and aggressive forms of non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), addressing the benefit-risk considerations of radiation therapy, induction chemotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, maintenance regimens and integration of emerging molecular targeted agents.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients on the availability of clinical research studies offering novel treatment approaches in the management of multiple myeloma (MM).
• Review the ongoing clinical trials evaluating the role of induction, maintenance and consolidation therapeutic approaches in the setting of various hematologic malignancies (eg, DLBCL, mantle-cell lymphoma, MM after successful ASCT).
• Summarize the rational application of emerging clinical trial data for the treatment of myeloid and lymphoid disorders, and incorporate these data into management strategies for patients with indolent and aggressive disease.
• Describe emerging clinical trial data on myelodysplasia and chronic myelogenous leukemia, and assess how this information may be applied to patient care.
• Describe the key mechanisms of action of targeted biologic agents being tested in hematologic cancer.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF CANCER CONFERENCE UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 1 of Cancer Conference Update is to offer the perspectives of Drs Gregory and Richardson on the integration of data presented at the 2007 American Society of Hematology Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia into the management of cancer.

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 1.75 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 Post-test and Evaluation Form located at CancerConferenceUpdate.com/CME. CancerConferenceUpdate.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 an educational grant from Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.