Patients with cancer experience skeletal complications that result in significant morbidity and mortality. Elderly patients have an elevated risk of these complications because of an inherent increased risk of osteoporosis. Skeletal-related events (SREs) can occur in patients with cancer as a result of therapy or from the manifestation of the disease in the bone. SREs, including spinal compression, fracture, and pain, can negatively impact the quality of life of patients with cancer, making steps to prevent or delay such complications necessary. For more than a decade, bisphosphonates have been the standard medical management for the prevention of SREs and have been shown to significantly improve bone mineral density, reduce the incidence of SREs, and prevent metastasis to the bone. Researchers are currently investigating the ability of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates to slow disease progression and directly act on tumor cells. Recently, a new class of agents that target receptor activator of nuclear factor–ΚB ligand (RANKL) have shown activity in clinical trials. Several clinical trials have recently been completed and more are ongoing to determine the efficacy of these bone-targeting agents in preventing bone loss and associated SREs. Ongoing studies are also aimed at determining optimal methods for the prevention and treatment of metastatic disease.

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to discuss the pathophysiology of bone complications with their patients with cancer, describe currently available therapies for preventing and managing bone complications in patients with cancer, and assess cutting-edge data from clinical trials that have investigated the use of bone-targeting therapies to prevent bone loss and metastases, and prolong survival in patients with cancer.

This activity is intended for medical oncologists, oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, oncology physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals who manage patients with cancer.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to

1. Describe the physiological mechanisms and pathological consequences of bone disease in patients with cancer.
2. Evaluate strategies to assess risk for skeletal complications in patients with cancer.
3. Outline available and investigational strategies for the prevention and management of cancer-related bone complications.
4. Assess recent data from clinical trials that examined therapies for the prevention and treatment of SREs.
5. Analyze data from recent clinical trials that examined the use of bone-targeting therapies to inhibit the progression of cancer.

This interactive discussion/presentation will use multiple methods of participation to engage attendees and enhance the learning process.

Physicians: The CBCE™ (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  
The CBCE designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.

Physician Assistants: 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 1.0 hour of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

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

The CBCE designates this educational activity for 1.0 contact hour.

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

The Evaluation and Request for Credit Form must be completed and returned to the CBCE following this activity to obtain credit. Please fill in the faculty name and date of the activity on the evaluation form. Participants will receive their certificate 4-6 weeks after the CBCE receives their form.

The CBCE gratefully acknowledges the educational grant provided by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. 

The CBCE fully complies with the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the rules and regulations thereof. If any participant in this educational activity is in need of support services, please notify the CBCE prior to the program.

For further information, please contact the CBCE, 1707 Market Place Blvd., Suite 370, Irving, TX 75063; Phone: (877) 263-6911; Fax: (972) 929-8263; E-mail: localcme@thecbce.com.

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 or Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. 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 program.