OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY

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 disease 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

• Formulate an evidence-based algorithm for the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• Consider the benefits and risks of induction chemotherapy and of concurrent chemoradiation therapy when devising treatment strategies for patients with Stage III NSCLC.
• Incorporate prognostic and predictive factors when utilizing EGFR-targeted therapy for patients with lung cancer.
• Utilize emerging data on the combined use of chemotherapy and biologics when making treatment decisions for the first-line and subsequent care of patients with advanced NSCLC.
• Appraise the current role of maintenance pemetrexed for patients with advanced NSCLC who respond to front-line chemotherapy.
• Recall the emerging data and ongoing trials evaluating novel targeted agents in lung cancer, and assess the implications for present and future clinical practice.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients with lung cancer about the availability of ongoing clinical trials in which they may be eligible to participate.

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 Credits™. 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 review the CME information, listen to the CDs and complete the Post-test and Educational Assessment and Credit 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 indicated here in blue underlined text.

This program is supported by educational grants from Abraxis BioScience, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech BioOncology/ OSI Oncology, ImClone Systems Incorporated and Sanofi-Aventis.

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EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

INTERVIEWS

Thomas J Lynch, MD
- Select publications

F Anthony Greco, MD
- Select publications

Robert Pirker, MD
- Select publications

Lung Cancer Update:
A CME Audio Series and Activity

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office