Article Details - Overview
Case Studies in Oncology Vol. 9, No. 1
Release Date: September 24, 2008
Expiration Date: September 24, 2009
Publication Overview
Author
Andrew H. Ko, MD
Overview and Purpose
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with 37,680 new cases expected in 2008, nearly 90% of which will succumb to advanced disease within 1 year. Of these patients, 34,290 are projected to die in 2008, representing 91% of those diagnosed. Surgical resection of disease is the only cure for pancreatic cancer, but only 20% of the patients with newly diagnosed disease are candidates for surgery. Standard first-line systemic therapy for advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer is treatment with a deoxycytidine antimetabolite, which is associated with a 1-year survival rate of only < 20%. Options for second-line therapy have been limited in a patient population plagued by poor performance and functional status. Examining emerging data from clinical trials of salvage therapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer is critical in helping physicians devise treatment strategies when an important therapeutic option is enrollment in clinical trials. Ongoing clinical trials continued to address the lack of therapeutic standards for this patient population.
The purpose of this activity is to discuss therapeutic options for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who have previously been treated with a deoxycytidine antimetabolite.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with pancreatic 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:
- Compare benefit from treatment regimens containing cytotoxic agents reported in clinical trials in patients with gemcitabinerefractory metastatic pancreatic cancer
- Identify appropriate second-line strategies for patients with advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer
- Evaluate the utility of combined targeted agent–based therapy or deoxycytidine antimetabolite–refractory pancreatic cancer
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Complete the Pre Test.
- 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.
- CME credit will be granted for only 1 form of participation, either online or via the printed publication.
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