Article Details - Overview
Refining and Personalizing Treatment for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Summaries of Selected Lectures From the Ninth International Lung Cancer Congress
Koloa, HI
June 18-21, 2008
Release Date: November 3, 2008
Expiration Date: November 3, 2009
Publication Overview
Author
PER Editorial Staff
Overview and Purpose
Over 200,000 new cases of lung cancer are projected for 2008, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.The development of new therapeutic agents for lung cancer has been the focus of numerous clinical efforts. Agents that target signaling pathways resulting in tumor growth and vascularization have demonstrated efficacy in metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly agents that inhibit signaling through the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) axes. Anti–EGF receptor (EGFR), anti-VEGF, and anti–VEGF receptor (VEGFR) approaches are now being investigated in early-stage and locally advanced NSCLC. Another major advance in lung cancer treatment is the recognition of diferent subtypes of NSCLC, raising the possibility of customizing therapy according to patient and tumor characteristics.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the use of targeted agents in and personalized approaches to the treatment of 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:
- Assess clinical data on EGFR-targeted agents in patients with NSCLC
- Discuss the efficacy and safety of adding a monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF to chemotherapy for patients with metastatic NSCLC
- Appraise clinical trials evaluating small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting VEGFRs in NSCLC
- Discuss the class-effect toxicities noted with antiangiogenic agents in cancer therapy
- Discuss the efficacy of therapeutic options for the treatment of NSCLC in select patient subpopulations
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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