Introduction
In 2009, approximately 66,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were diagnosed in the United States, and, despite the numerous advances in the treatment of NHL, more than 19,000 deaths were associated with the disease. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprises a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative malignancies subdivided by histological type and clinical behavior. Prognosis for NHL has improved significantly over the past two decades; however, treatment of some subtypes along with advanced stage and recurrent disease remains challenging. The 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in New Orleans, Louisiana included numerous presentations designed to broaden the understanding of NHL pathology and optimize treatment regimens with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients with NHL. Highlights from select clinical presentations are outlined in this newsletter.
Featured Content
• Newly Diagnosed NHL
• Relapsed/Refractory NHL
• Maintenance Therapy
• Management
Editors
John P. Leonard, MD, bio | Michael E. Williams, MD, bio
Media: Newsletter
Estimated time to complete activity: 1.5 hours |
Release date: February 19, 2010 | Expiration date: February 18, 2011
Statement of Need
The treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma remains a challenge for many healthcare professionals and patients despite recent gains made in the management of this disease. Determining which treatment approach is most appropriate for a given patient requires careful consideration of patient-specific characteristics, physician expertise, and available health-system resources. While difficult, these decisions require knowledge of current clinical and experimental data in order for the appropriate utilization of therapeutic agents and strategies in clinical practice. This educational program provides participants with an overview of the most recent advances in the treatment of aggressive lymphoma, as well as specific updates and outcomes of ongoing clinical trials, synthesized into a concise learning opportunity by experts in the field. The cutting-edge data these experts will present will provide practitioners with the information they need to incorporate new therapeutic strategies into their patient care decisions. As a result, it will lead to improved response and survival rates for patients with aggressive lymphoma while minimizing adverse events and maintaining or improving patient quality of life.
Target Audience
The target audience for this program includes hematologists, hematologist-oncologists, pathologists, and other allied healthcare professionals caring for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational program, participants should be better able to:
- Describe the potential role of novel treatment approaches in the management of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Discuss the clinical implications of the results of pivotal clinical trials, including early phase trials, that have potential to impact the use of novel therapies in non-Hodgkin lymphoma management
- Discuss ongoing clinical trials and future directions in non-Hodgkin lymphoma
|
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 |
 |
Educational Concepts Group, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. |
|
Type of activity: Knowledge-based
Educational Concepts Group, LLC designates this continuing education activity for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs) (UAN 0199-0000-10-081-H01-P). |
METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
There are no fees for participating and receiving CME/CE credit for this activity. During the period February 19, 2010 through February 18, 2011, participants must 1) read the learning objectives and faculty disclosures; 2) study the educational activity; 3) complete the post-activity assessment.
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.
ACKNOWLEDGE OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT
This activity is supported by educational grants from Allos Therapeutics, Inc., Celgene Corporation, and Cephalon, 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
John P. Leonard, MD
Consultant/Advisor
Biogen Idec, Biotest Pharmaceuticals Corporation,
Celgene Corporation, Enzon Pharmaceuticals,
Genentech BioOncology, GlaxoSmithKline,
Gloucester Pharmaceuticals, Immunomedics, Inc.,
Johnson & Johnson, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
Novartis, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
Michael E. Williams, MD
Grants/Research Support
Biogen Idec, Celgene Corporation, Cephalon, Inc.,
Genentech BioOncology, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novartis
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
|
