Statement of Need
Hematologic malignancies accounted for an estimated 137,260 new cancer diagnoses and 54,020 deaths in the United States last year. While most hematologic malignancies are incurable with current therapies, recent clinical trials have investigated a range of novel therapeutic approaches that have broadened the therapeutic landscape for patients with many of these malignancies. Novel agents including thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib have improved the care of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), and clinical trials of various combinations of these agents are under way in order to prolong disease remission and improve patient outcomes. A number of therapeutic approaches for indolent and aggressive B- and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes have become available, with many of these therapies being driven by an understanding of the malignancy at a molecular level. The identification of prognostic biomarkers has opened the door to more individualized treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Second-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors, originally developed to combat the problem of resistance to therapy among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), are currently transitioning to the frontline care of patients with CML and offer a multitude of therapeutic options for this patient population. For patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), advances in supportive care and the introduction of novel agents lenalidomide, azacitidine, and decitabine have improved quality of life and outcomes. A number of novel agents are currently under investigation as potential therapies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including demethylating agents, immunotherapies, kinase inhibitors, and novel chemotherapies. As an increasing number of agents become available for the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies, additional issues arise, such as the optimal combination and sequence of regimens incorporating novel agents, and the role of stem cell transplantation in the context of these novel agents. Moreover, challenges remain in integrating the growing number of potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers into clinical practice. At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to assess recent clinical trial data of current and emerging therapeutic options for patients with hematologic malignancies.


Purpose
Participants of this activity will be able to evaluate recent clinical trial data regarding the safety and efficacy of current and emerging treatment strategies for patients with hematologic malignancies.


Target Audience
This activity is intended for active hematology and oncology physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who manage patients with hematologic malignancies.

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.


Educational Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, learners will be able to

1. Appraise the role of currently approved and emerging agents in the treatment and maintenance of patients with MM.
2. Utilize recent clinical trial data on emerging therapeutic strategies for patients with lymphoma in order to improve their outcomes.
3. Evaluate the current clinical data for novel agents and combination therapies under investigation for the treatment of patients with CLL.
4. Analyze the most recent data on the safety and efficacy of treatment and supportive care strategies for the management of patients with myeloid malignancies.

Method of Participation
This program will use multiple methods of participation, including lectures, case presentations, and panel discussions, to engage attendees and enhance the learning process.


Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the CBCE™ (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) and the Sarah Cannon Blood and Marrow Transplant Program in Collaboration With the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. The CBCE is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The CBCE designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 
AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for Category 1 credit from AOACCME, Prescribed credit from AAFP, and AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 2.75 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

The CBCE™ (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s COA.

The CBCE designates this educational activity for 2.75 contact hours.

Accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s COA refers to recognition of educational activities and does not imply approval or endorsement of any product.

The CBCE™ (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
CPE Credit: 2.75 contact hours or 0.275 CEUs
Universal Activity Number: 0195-9999-12-002-L01-P Knowledge


Credit Instructions
The Evaluation and Request for Credit Form must be completed and returned to the CBCE following this activity to obtain credit. Participants will receive their certificate 4-6 weeks after the CBCE receives their form.


Acknowledgement of Commercial Support
The CBCE and The Sarah Cannon Blood and Marrow Transplant Program gratefully acknowledge the educational grants provided by Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


Americans with Disabilities Act
We encourage participation by all individuals. If you have a disability, advance notification of any special needs will help us to better serve you.


Educational Inquiries
For further information, please contact the CBCE, 1707 Market Place Blvd., Suite 370, Irving, TX 75063; Phone: (214) 260-9024; Fax: (214) 260-0509; E-mail: info@thecbce.com.


Disclaimer
The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of the CBCE, Sarah Cannon Blood and Marrow Transplant Program in Collaboration With the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, or the commercial supporters of this activity. This material has been prepared based on a review of multiple sources of information but is not comprehensive. Participants are advised to critically appraise the information presented, and they are encouraged to consult the available literature on any product or device mentioned in this activity.