Case Based - Overview
A 68-Year-Old Man With Newly Diagnosed Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Release Date: November 20, 2008
Expiration Date: November 20, 2009
Interactive Case Study Overview
It is estimated that over 215,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008, with 75% resultant deaths. Approximately 85% of all lung cancers in the US are non–small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), and nearly 70% of these patients have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Standard first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC includes multiple platinum- and non–platinum-based chemotherapeutic regimens, all of which have shown comparable efficacy; newer regimens are continuously being added to the repertoire of approved combinations. Agents targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways have been investigated in different clinical settings in advanced NSCLC. Some of these agents are approved as treatment for advanced NSCLC. An anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody in combination with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy has been approved for chemonaive patients, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved for previously treated patients. The use of anti-EGFR antibodies in combination with frontline chemotherapy has also demonstrated a survival benefit over chemotherapy alone. Other strategies being evaluated as frontline treatment for advanced NSCLC include EGFR TKI monotherapy in clinically selected patient populations.
Patient and clinical characteristics also play an important role in selecting therapy; in recent years, the impact of tumor histology on clinical outcomes with different therapeutic combinations has begun to be appreciated.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on recent clinical data on chemotherapeutic and targeted agents in advanced NSCLC and to discuss strategies to optimize the choice and duration of first-line therapy in this disease setting.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with lung cancer. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Assess clinical data on EGFR-targeted agents in previously untreated advanced NSCLC
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining VEGF-targeted agents with frontline platinum-based chemotherapy doublets in advanced NSCLC
- Discuss the significance of patient and clinical characteristics in selecting optimal chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced NSCLC
- Compare the adverse event profile of frontline platinum doublets in advanced NSCLC
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before beginning the educational activity.
- Complete the Pretest.
- Study the educational activity.
- Complete the CME test.
- Answer the evaluation questions.
- After successful completion of the CME test and evaluation, you will receive your certificate of credit online.
Successful completion is determined by a score of 67% or greater.
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