This activity is sponsored by

This activity is supported by an educational grant from

Susan O’Brien, MD – Chair
Professor of Medicine
Department of Leukemia
The University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas

John G. Gribben, MD,
DSc, FMedSci
Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine
Institute of Cancer
Barts and the London School of Medicine
London, United Kingdom

Anders Österborg, MD, PhD
Professor of Oncology
Karolinska University Hospital and Institute
Stockholm, Sweden

STATEMENT OF NEED
A recent pilot study found that practice patterns of hematologists caring for CLL patients are highly variable. Despite significant research, optimal treatment strategies for newly diagnosed and for refractory CLL remain undefined. There are several regimens that exhibit activity, but most have not been compared to each other, making evidence-based selection a challenge and almost impossible to date. Fortunately, there are several ongoing phase III trials that are attempting to further define their place in therapy. The available treatment modalities do possess unique constellations of toxicities which must be appropriately anticipated, managed, and taken into consideration when selecting treatment for patients with CLL. Risk-stratification based on newly identified prognostic factors and the use of more sensitive techniques to determine response and MRD are critical in the design of all future clinical trials for CLL. This educational initiative will address these issues in the treatment of CLL.

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

• Identify criteria for treatment initiation in the newly diagnosed patient with CLL
• Interpret available study results for the treatment of patients with either newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory CLL with respect to efficacy and toxicity parameters
• Differentiate treatment regimens based upon efficacy and toxicity parameters
• Describe prognostic and predictive factors associated with CLL and their implications on treatment selection
• Debate the optimal treatment approach when given a series of patient case scenarios representing a range of CLL stages, prognostic markers, and clinical presentations

TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience for this educational initiative is medical oncologists, hematologists, hematologist-oncologists, pathologists, and allied healthcare professionals caring for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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 Credit(s)™. 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.
Educational Concepts Group, LLC designates this continuing education activity for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs). (UPN 199-000-09-042-H01-P).

METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
There are no fees for participating and receiving CME/CE credit for this activity. During the period October 23, 2009 through October 22, 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. Participants must view each section in its entirety to receive full credit for this program.

Physicians and pharmacists who complete the post-test with a score of 70% or better may view and print their credit certificates via the website, www.educationalconcepts.net.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL SUPPORT
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Celgene Corporation.

ECG HAS DECLARED THE FOLLOWING FINANCIAL REALTIONSHIPS:
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.

FACULTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
All faculty participating in continuing education activities sponsored by Educational Concepts Group, LLC 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:

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

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.