Introduction
This year, more than 20,000 new cases of multiple myeloma (MM), the second most common hematologic neoplasm, will be diagnosed in the United States. An increased understanding of MM pathogenesis has led to an explosion of data and FDA approval of several novel agents and therapy combinations. However, optimization of MM treatment will require maximizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity for a broad range of patients. The 2009 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting featured numerous sessions on the pathogenesis and treatment of MM in a variety of patient populations. Highlights from select presentations are included in this newsletter.
Featured Content
- Newly Diagnosed MM
- Relapsed/Refractory MM
- Smoldering MM
Editors
Rafat Abonour, MD, bio | P. Leif Bergsagel, MD, bio
Media: Newsletter
Estimated time to complete activity: 1.5 hours |
Release date: January 4, 2010 | Expiration date: January 3, 2011
Statement of Need
Phase III clinical trials evaluating novel agents and combinations continue to mature. Until then, practitioners are left with preclinical data or clinical trial data with small sample sizes, limiting the treatment options to choose from. On the contrary, there is an explosion of preclinical data highlighting newly identified genetic aberrations that affect prognosis, providing endless opportunities for therapeutic targets in the drug development arena. In the meantime, only a small percentage of patients treated with the current, standard, conventional dose chemotherapy achieve a complete response, which has been demonstrated as a critical surrogate marker for long-term survival in multiple myeloma. Thus, most patients will eventually relapse or progress. Fortunately, there are a number of novel agents with demonstrated activity from phase I and II trials, some that target specific cytogenetic profiles. Further study of these agents, along with stratification of patients in larger phase III trials, will help determine how to integrate these new treatment approaches into clinical practice. Furthermore, they will aid in defining the importance of risk stratification based on cytogenetics and other prognostic factors, with the ultimate goal of increasing rates of complete response and long-term survival.
Target Audience
The target audience for this program includes hematologist-oncologists, hematologists, and medical oncologists, as well as allied oncology healthcare professionals who treat multiple myeloma.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational program, participants should be better able to:
- Define appropriate endpoint determinants for MM
- Describe treatment goals for first-line therapy of MM
- Compare and contrast the methods and results of studies available for the treatment of patients with either newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory MM with respect to efficacy and toxicity parameters
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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) (UAN 0199-0000-10-097-H01-P). |
METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
There are no fees for participating and receiving CME/CE credit for this activity. During the period January 4, 2010 through January 3, 2011, 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.
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.
The editors wish to thank Sara Fagerlie, PhD, a paid employee of ECG, for assistance in writing this document.
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. 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. |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT
This activity is supported by educational grants from Celgene Corporation and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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
Rafat Abonour, MD
Honorarium, Speakers’ Bureau
Celgene Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
P. Leif Bergsagel, MD
Grants/Research Support
Merck & Co., Inc.
Consultant Fees
Amgen Inc., Celgene Corporation, Genentech BioOncology, Merck & Co., Inc.
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.
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.
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
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