Case Based - Overview

This activity is part of PER's Integrated Oncology Learning Series: A Focus on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

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Continuing Education Information

Physicians' Education Resource is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

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

Treatment of a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Refractory to Fludarabine-Based Therapy

Release Date: March 31, 2009
Expiration Date: March 31, 2010

Interactive Case Study Overview

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the United States, accounting for nearly 35% of all leukemias. Until the past decade, standard treatment regimens for CLL have consisted of purine analogues and alkylating agents, either alone or in combination. However, these cytotoxic agents do not hold curative potential, and patients frequently relapse or become refractory to these agents. The management of purine analogue–refractory patients, who have a median survival of < 1 year, poses a significant clinical challenge for physicians. In the past decade, monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) targeting CD20 or CD52, either alone or incorporated into existing purine analogue–based chemotherapies, have improved clinical outcomes for patients with CLL. More recently, newer monoclonal MoAbs targeting CD20 or other novel molecular targets are being actively investigated for patients with CLL.

The purpose of this activity is to apprise physicians of emerging strategies and agents for the treatment of patients with untreated and relapsed/refractory CLL.

This activity is part of PER's Integrated Oncology Learning Series: A Focus on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists and hematologists involved in the care of patients with CLL. 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:

  • Discuss genetic and molecular tests needed for the diagnosis and prognostication of CLL
  • Evaluate first-line treatment options for an elderly patient with CLL
  • Assess treatment options for an elderly patient with relapsed/refractory CLL

Instructions for Participation

  1. Read the following information before beginning the educational activity.
  2. Complete the Pretest.
  3. Study the educational activity.
  4. Complete the Posttest.
  5. Answer the evaluation questions.
  6. After completion of the Pretest and successful completion of the Posttest and evaluation, you will receive your certificate online.

You will be permitted 2 attempts to successfully complete the Posttest.

Successful completion is determined by a score of 65% or greater.

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Educational Grants

An educational grant for this activity was provided by:


  1. GlaxoSmithKline

Anders Österborg, MD, PhD
Professor of Oncology
Department of Hematology
Karolinska University Hospital Solna
Stockholm, Sweden