Introduction
After reviewing the data presented at the 2009 ASCO annual meeting, most experts agree that the age of customized chemotherapy for patients with NSCLC has arrived. Available data from trials like IPASS, NEJGSG, SLCG, and SATURN demonstrate that testing a patient’s tumor for EGFR mutation is feasible, and can be useful for selection of first-line and maintenance chemotherapy. The trial of maintenance pemetrexed presented at ASCO reinforced the importance of histology in selecting patients for pemetrexed therapy. More data are emerging regarding other promising biomarkers for selection of therapy, including KRAS, EGFR FISH, EGFR protein expression, TUBB3, mRNA, microRNA, TS, IGF1R, ERCC1, and MSH2, among others. ASCO 2009 may also be remembered as the start of a serious debate regarding the importance of progression-free survival as a measure of efficacy of novel agents or treatment strategies. This newsletter summarizes the key information from ASCO that impacts NSCLC patient care today and developments that are likely to play a role in the near future.
Editors
Christopher G. Azzoli, MD, bio | Julie R. Brahmer, MD, bio
Media: Newsletter
Estimated time to complete activity: 1.5 hours | Release date: July 8, 2009 | Expiration date: July 7, 2010
Statement of Need
During the past decade, incredible scientific discoveries about the etiology and growth of lung cancer have been made. Great strides have been made in developing treatments that exploit this knowledge and many important clinical trials are reaching maturity. An explosion of information is becoming available on the relevance of the biologic and/or genomic characteristics of a specific patient’s disease to tailor therapy for maximum effectiveness. To date, most information has been derived from retrospective analysis of tissue specimens and outcome data from prior clinical trials. Prospective trials to validate the utility of these markers are being initiated, but the provocative nature of some of the retrospective analyses is leading some clinicians to change their treatment paradigm. Our analysis of the science and evidence-based treatment approaches for the management of lung cancer, specifically the identification of appropriate treatment for the individual patient, concludes a need to educate oncology healthcare professionals exists. Determining which approach is most appropriate for a given patient requires understanding of the appropriate role of the various biologic and genetic markers, an evaluation of the patient-specific characteristics, physician expertise in managing drug therapy, and available health system resources.
Target Audience
The target audience for the program includes medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, as well as allied oncology healthcare professionals charged with the care of patients with lung cancer.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational program, participants should be better able to:
- Describe results of recent studies relevant to selection of drug therapy for patients with NSCLC
- Explain the methodology used to identify prognostic and predictive factors, including gene arrays, and procedures used for validation of these factors
- Determine whether recent study results should impact the management approach in a number of scenarios of patients with NSCLC
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ACCREDITATION INFORMATION
PHYSICIAN CONTINUING EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
Educational Concepts Group, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
Educational Concepts Group, LLC designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
PHARMACIST CONTINUING EDUCATION
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| Educational Concepts Group, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. |
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Type of activity: Knowledge-based
Educational Concepts Group, LLC designates this continuing education activity for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs) (UPN 199-000-09-045-H01-P).
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METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
There are no fees for participating and receiving CME/CE credit for this activity.
During the period July 8, 2009 through July 7, 2010, participants must 1) read
the learning objectives and faculty disclosures; 2) study the educational activity;
3) complete the post-test and activity evaluation form.
CME/CE CREDIT
Physicians and pharmacists who complete the post-test with a score of 70% or better may view and print their credit letter or statement of credit via the website, www.educationalconcepts.net.
DISCLOSURE OF OFF-LABEL USE
This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. Educational Concepts Group, LLC (ECG) does not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications. The opinions expressed in the educational activity do not necessarily represent the views of ECG. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
CME/CE INQUIRIES
For further information, please contact
Educational Concepts Group, LLC
1300 Parkwood Circle SE
Suite 325
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
Phone: 1.770.933.1681
Fax: 1.770.933.1692
www.educationalconcepts.net |
FACULTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
All faculty participating in continuing education activities sponsored by ECG are expected to disclose to the audience any real or apparent commercial financial affiliations related to the content of their presentations/materials.
THE FOLLOWING FACULTY MEMBERS HAVE DECLARED RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Christopher G. Azzoli, MD
Grants/Research Support
Allos Therapeutics, Inc., Genentech, sanofi-aventis Group
Julie R. Brahmer, MD
Grants/Research Support
Merck & Co., Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Consultant Fees
Amgen Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech
ECG HAS DECLARED THE FOLLOWING FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
ECG receives educational grants from pharmaceutical industry and other commercial sources. Planners, managers, and other staff members at ECG have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT
This activity is supported by educational grants from AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, ImClone Systems, and Lilly USA, LLC
None of the contents may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. This activity may be accessed at www.educationalconcepts.net.
DISCLAIMER
Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.
Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product or consult the Physicians’ Desk Reference for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
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