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Physician Perspectives on the Challenges Facing Clinicians in the Treatment of High-Risk AML

AML Biology: How to Apply What We’ve Learned to Treatment Decisions

Approach to the Treatment of the Elderly Patient With AML

Frederick R. Appelbaum, MD — Chair
Member and Director, Clinical Research Division
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Professor and Head, Division of Medical Oncology
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle, Washington

Jessica K. Altman, MD
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois

Harry P. Erba, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Stefan H. Faderl, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Department of Leukemia
Division of Cancer Medicine
The University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas

Gail J. Roboz, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Leukemia Program
Weill Cornell Medical College
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York

STATEMENT OF NEED
The treatment of high-risk AML and AML in the elderly remains a challenge. Several genetic alterations and drug resistance mechanisms have been identified over the past several years, which further explain the heterogeneous nature of the disease with respect to treatment outcomes, but also provide us with endless opportunities for drug development. The inferior prognosis of elderly patients with AML is due, in part, to a higher frequency of poorer performance status, higher incidence of multi-drug resistance, higher percentage of unfavorable cytogenetics, higher incidence of treatment-related morbidity and mortality, and lower complete remission rates. Little progress has been made in the long-term survival of high-risk and elderly patients; however, several novel alternative therapies are under development. Determining which approach is most appropriate for a given patient requires an evaluation of patient-specific characteristics, physician expertise, and available health system resources. While difficult, these decisions require knowledge of current clinical and experimental data for the appropriate integration of novel therapeutics into clinical practice. Healthcare professionals need to understand the basis for therapies most commonly encountered, as well as the preclinical and clinical data supporting the development and integration of these therapies into clinical practice. Furthermore, the management of side effects related to the use of these novel treatment approaches will be important for their clinical success. 

TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience for the program includes hematologists, hematologist-oncologists, medical oncologists, oncology specialty pharmacists, and allied healthcare professionals charged with the care of patients with high-risk AML.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this educational program, participants should be better able to:

• Review the biology of high-risk AML and the implications of karyotype on treatment selection and response to therapy
• Summarize the key efficacy and safety results from high-risk AML clinical trials
• Evaluate emerging therapeutic options for treatment of high-risk AML by reviewing ongoing and planned clinical trials
• Review the indications, appropriate timing, and optimal preparative regimen for stem cell transplantation in patients with high-risk AML
  

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 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should
only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
There are no fees for participating and receiving CME credit for this activity. During the period June 8, 2009 through June 7, 2010, participants must 1) read the learning objectives and faculty disclosures; 2) study the educational activity; 3) complete the post-test. Participants must view each section in its entirety to receive full credit for this program.

CME CREDIT
Physicians 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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT
This activity is supported by educational grants from Genzyme Corporation and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

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.

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.

Educational Concepts Group, LLC (ECG) has declared the following financial relationships:
ECG receives educational grants from pharmaceutical industry and other commercial supporters. Planners, managers, and other staff members at ECG have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Not an official event of the ASCO meeting. Not sponsored or endorsed by ASCO or The ASCO Cancer Foundation.