STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States in both men and women, resulting in more deaths than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancer combined. Progress in the screening, prevention and treatment of this disease has been modest, and about 85 percent of patients who develop lung cancer will die from it. In addition, a sense of therapeutic nihilism has pervaded the medical community in the past. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy have had modest effects on patient outcomes. However, recent improvements have been seen in time to progression and survival in lung cancer clinical trials. Published results from ongoing clinical trials lead to the continuous emergence of new therapeutic agents and changes in the indications for existing treatments. In order to offer optimal patient care — including the option of clinical trial participation — practicing medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, hematologists and hematology/oncology fellows must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Lung Cancer Update features one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program assists physicians with the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Describe the key clinical and pathologic risk factors that influence clinician selection of the medical and surgical management of lung cancer.
• Develop an evidence-based algorithm for the initial treatment of localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), exploring the roles of neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic therapy.
• Discuss the existing data and emerging research focusing on the optimal management of locally advanced Stage III NSCLC, incorporating the concepts of induction chemotherapy, concomitant chemoradiation therapy and the role of consolidation regimens.
• Review the existing research that supports alternative doses, formulations and schedules of the commonly used adjuvant and metastatic chemotherapeutic regimens.
• Describe the emerging role of novel taxane delivery systems and associated efficacy and tolerability findings.
• Review and critique the emerging clinical research data and ongoing trials evaluating the future roles of novel molecular targeted agents in lung cancer.
• Describe the contributory roles of surgery, radiation therapy (local and prophylactic cranial irradiation) and chemotherapy in the management of limited- and/or extensive-stage SCLC.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trial participation.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF LUNG CANCER UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 1 of Lung Cancer Update is to support the learning objectives by featuring the perspectives of Drs Bunn, Hanna and Wozniak on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of lung cancer.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOW TO USE THIS CME ACTIVITY

This CME activity contains both audio and print components. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs, review the Internet content and complete the Post-test and Evaluation Form located at www.LungCancerUpdate.com/CME. www.LungCancerUpdate.com contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program, as well as links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources.

This program is supported by educational grants from Abraxis BioScience, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Genentech BioOncology/OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc and Sanofi-Aventis.

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EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

INTERVIEWS
Paul A Bunn Jr, MD
- Select publications

Nasser H Hanna, MD
- Select publications

Antoinette J Wozniak, MD
- Select publications

A CME Audio Series and Activity

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office