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Clinical Updates and New Approaches: Hematologic Malignancies and GI Cancers

Last Modified: November 12, 2003

Program Description and Objectives

As our understanding of the underlying molecular abnormalities and pathogenesis of various cancers continues to grow, while simultaneously new chemotherapeutic agents and new biological "targeted agents" continue to proliferate, the ability of the clinical oncologist (i.e., those not focused on research) to maintain an awareness and understanding of the vast array of therapeutic choices that is available is, at the very least, "daunting". The ASCO 2003 meeting featured over 3,600 abstracts covering preclinical and clinical developments for currently commercialized agents, as well as new agents not yet approved, across all tumor-types. The number of anticancer agents in clinical trials is estimated to exceed 400. There are limited opportunities for clinicians to hear key opinion leaders, specializing in all major oncology specialties, present cutting edge clinical information. Professional forums, such as ASCO and the Chemotherapy Foundation, provide rare opportunities for oncology professionals to hear, first-hand from investigators, the latest data and interpretation for cancer treatments spanning all major tumor-types.

The Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium (CFS) provides "coverage of emerging advances in the treatment of neoplastic diseases" and affords the opportunity "to learn about the new drugs, new modalities, current trials, new procedures and evolving developments in biotherapies". OncoLink will report on key presentations to enhance the learning opportunities of the oncology professional. This module will report on clinical updates and new approaches under investigation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and gastrointestinal cancers.

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Define how new therapeutic advances in hematologic malignancies and GI cancers may be incorporated into patient care.
• Identify new concepts in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and GI cancers.
• Describe new approaches under investigation that employ targeted therapies, with or without chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies and GI cancers.
• Discuss recent clinical trials and their clinical implications for currently available chemotherapeutic agents in hematologic malignancies and GI cancers.

Accreditation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The American Academy of CME, Inc., is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit

The American Academy of CME, Inc., designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

Term of Approval

This educational activity has been approved through November 2004.

Faculty Disclosures

• Janice L. Gabrilove, M.D.
  Amgen - Research Support
  Ortho Biotech - Research Support, Speakers Bureau
  Berlex - Speakers Bureau
• Hagop M. Kantarjian, M.D.
  Novartis - Research Support
  Supergen - Research Support
• Edwin P. Alyea, III, M.D.
  Nothing to Disclose
• Michael A.Caligiuri, M.D.
  Nothing to Disclose
• John M. Timmerman, M.D.
  Nothing to Disclose
• Peter J. O'Dwyer, M.D.
  Oxigene - Research Support
  Novartis - Research Support
  AstraZeneca - Consultant, Speakers Bureau
  Lilly - Consultant
  BMS - Consultant
  Bayer - Consultant, Speakers Bureau
  Sanofi - Consultant
  Cell Therapeutics - Consultant
  3D - Speakers Bureau
  GSK - Speakers Bureau
• Daniel Haller, M.D.
  Sanofi - Research Support, Consultant, Speakers Bureau
  Roche - Research Support, Consultant
  OSI - Research Support
  Pfizer - Research Support, Consultant
• Howard S. Hochster, M.D.
  Sanofi - Consultant
  Lilly - Consultant
  AstraZeneca - Consultant
• William F. Regine, M.D.
  Nothing to Disclose

Instructions for Applying for CME

After reading all of the articles within this module you will be able to download the Program Evaluation (a PDF file), which you can print out. In order to receive your CME certificate, please complete the form and mail or fax as shown on the form.

Certificates will be mailed 6 to 8 weeks following receipt of your evaluation.

OncoLink's CFS Coverage is supported by an unresticted educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology.