Article Details - Overview
Advances in Lung Cancer Vol. 8, No. 1
Release Date: October 27, 2008
Expiration Date: October 27, 2009
Publication Overview
Authors
Corey Langer, MD, FACP; Rebecca Suk Heist, MD, MPH; Sarita Dubey, MD; Sunny Wang, MD; Tracey Evans, MD
Overview and Purpose
Both chemotherapy and targeted therapy have modestly improved survival in patients with metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For patients with resected early-stage NSCLC, platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy provides a modest survival benefit. Research is continuing to identify biomarkers that can be used to stratify patients based on risk of recurrence and predicted benefit in order to determine the appropriate treatment regimen. Similarly, targeted agents, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that block angiogenesis or growth factor signaling are being tested in the adjuvant setting in operable NSCLC as well as in combination with chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced inoperable NSCLC. For patients with advanced NSCLC, therapy with a MoAb to vascular endothelial growth factor has proven beneficial to outcomes; however, less than half of those patients are eligible to receive this treatment due to early concerns of hemorrhage in patients with squamous cell histology, central nervous system metastases, or a history of hemoptysis. Similar adverse events have also been reported with antiangiogenic TKIs. Several ongoing trials are more thoroughly examining the safety of these antiangiogenic therapies in these restricted patient populations.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the latest developments regarding the use of cytotoxic and targeted agents in NSCLC.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with non–small-cell 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:
- Discuss the rationale for and early clinical data on regimens incorporating targeted agents in the treatment of early-stage and locally advanced NSCLC
- Discuss the safety of antiangiogenic agents in different subgroups of patients with NSCLC
- Evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy for early-stage NSCLC
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering 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.
- CME credit will be granted for only 1 form of participation, either online or via the printed publication.
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