Case Based - Overview
This activity is part of PER's Integrated Oncology Learning Series:
A Focus on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Therapeutic Options for a Patient With Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Release Date: May 31, 2009
Expiration Date: May 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. Patients with CLL exhibit a highly variable clinical course, and 80% have low-risk disease at diagnosis. Risk stratification is therefore an essential aid in the selection of optimal treatment strategies. Prognosis of patients with CLL has been correlated with age, sex, and Binet/Rai stage; however, an array of molecular and biologic characteristics have been recently identified that offer important independent prognostic information. Gene profiling analyses have identified 5 genetic risk factors. Patients with CLL who harbor a deletion of chromosome 17p13 (del[17p13]) or del(11q22) alone or in combination with other cytogenetic abnormalities have the worst prognosis, whereas patients with del(13q14) as a sole abnormality have the best prognosis. The prognostic use of these molecular and cytogenetic parameters is being validated in prospective clinical trials. In recent years, purine analogue–based chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapies incorporating monoclonal antibodies targeting CD20 and/or CD52 have improved clinical outcomes for patients with CLL. Response to these treatment regimens is being further correlated with cytogenetic risk factors in order to determine the optimal treatment strategy for these patients. The eradication of minimal residual disease is increasingly being recognized as a therapeutic goal and is being assessed routinely in the management of patients with CLL.
The purpose of this activity is to apprise physicians of risk-stratification strategies based on molecular and cytogenetic features in the management of patients with 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.
Instructions for Participation
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Analyze the prognostic value of cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with CLL
- Evaluate therapeutic options for patients with previously untreated CLL
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Complete the Pretest.
- Study the educational activity.
- Complete the Posttest.
- Answer the evaluation questions.
- 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.
The tests and evaluation must be completed by May 29, 2010, in order for you to receive your certificate.
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