 Leon H. Dragon, MD
Medical Director
Kellogg Cancer Center
NorthShore University HealthSystem
Highland Park, Illinois
Clinical Assistant Professor
Pritzker School of Medicine
The University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
 Beth Faiman, PhDc, MSN, APRN-BC, AOCN
Nurse Practitioner, Chronic Leukemia and
Multiple Myeloma Program
The Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
- Cite the advances made in multiple myeloma treatment during the last decade
- Identify the most appropriate induction regimens for treatment of patients with multiple myeloma based on the efficacy data from clinical trials
- Discuss strategies for selecting patients for early vs late stem cell transplantation
- Manage adverse effects of the agents used to treat patients with multiple myeloma
Participants wishing to earn CME credit must:
- Read the newsletter.
- Relate the content material to the learning objectives.
- Complete the self-assessment questions and the evaluation form
online at: www.cealliance.org/testing/CCGE77311
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Multiple myeloma, a malignant neoplasm of plasma cells in bone marrow,1 is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States, after non-Hodgkin lymphoma.2 Mean age of those diagnosed with multiple myeloma is 62 years for men and 61 years for women.1 In 2011, an estimated 20,520 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in the United States, and 10,610 patients will die of this disease.2
The introduction of novel agents such as thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide over the last decade has resulted in significant improvements in patient outcomes. Multiple myeloma is becoming more of a chronic disease state, with a cohort of patients experiencing long-term survival. From 1990 to 1992 and 2002 to 2004, the 5-year survival rate increased from 28.8% to 34.7% (P <.001).3
However, with these improvements, management of patients with multiple myeloma has become increasingly complex, with debate surrounding the optimal treatment approach. For example, although the role of stem cell transplant is well established, whether it should be pursued early in the treatment plan, given the ability of novel agent regimens to produce prolonged disease control, is controversial.4-8 Furthermore, several randomized trials have shown that autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) at first relapse confers a survival benefit similar to that achieved with upfront transplant.7,8 These results favor the long-term disease control approach and call into question whether upfront transplant is necessary in the era of novel agents. Debate also centers around the role of maintenance therapy and how it should be incorporated into the post-transplant or postinduction therapy setting.4,7,9,10
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To update oncologists and other healthcare providers involved in oncology care on current treatment regimens for multiple myeloma and their toxicity profiles, recommendations for transplant eligibility and timing, and strategies for managing patients with treatment-related adverse effects.
Oncologists and other healthcare providers involved in oncology care.
 This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of New York Medical College (NYMC) and Continuing Education Alliance. NYMC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
New York Medical College designates this Enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The estimated time to complete this activity is 1 hour.
Release date: December 21, 2011
Expiration date: December 21, 2012
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Celgene Corporation.
The opinions or views expressed in this CME activity do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of Continuing Education Alliance, New York Medical College, or Celgene Corporation.
All faculty and planners participating in continuing medical education activities sponsored by New York Medical College are expected to disclose to the audience any significant support or substantial relationship(s) with providers of commercial products and/or devices discussed in this activity and/or with any commercial supporters of the activity. In addition, all faculty are expected to openly disclose any off-label, experimental, or investigational use of drugs or devices discussed in this activity. The faculty and planning committee have been advised that this activity must be free from commercial bias, and based upon all the available scientifically rigorous data from research that conforms to accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
Dr Dragon has nothing to disclose with regard to commercial interests.
Ms Faiman has nothing to disclose with regard to commercial interests.
The Planning Committee for this activity included Kathy Kavanagh and Margaret Astrologo of New York Medical College and Ruth Cohen and Christine M. Olsen, PhD, of Continuing Education Alliance. The members of the Planning Committee have no significant relationships to disclose.
Please contact Caitlin Prinsen at cprinsen@cealliance.org for questions regarding this activity.
© 2011 Practicing Clinicians Exchange. All Rights Reserved. CCGE77311
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