Article Details - Overview
OncoLogue™: Improving Outcomes in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck With Targeted Therapy and Contemporary Induction Regimens
Release Date: December 24, 2008
Expiration Date: December 24, 2009
Publication Overview
Authors
Medical writer:
Sonia Cunningham, PhD; Reviewed by:
Ezra Cohen, MD
Overview and Purpose
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is expected to be diagnosed in 47,560 patients in the United States in 2008, and 11,260 patients will die from this disease. Patients with SCCHN most frequently present with locally advanced disease, and a current standard of care consists of concurrent chemoradiation therapy. The risk of local and distant recurrence remains high for many patients, however, and several avenues are being evaluated in order to further improve locoregional control and survival outcomes. One such approach involves targeted agents, and monoclonal antibodies directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is upregulated in SCCHN, are now approved for concurrent use with radiation therapy. Sequential therapy comprised of induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation therapy in order to improve survival has also been studied. Although the benefits of induction therapy remain under investigation, newer induction regimens have yielded promising data.
The purpose of this activity is to apprise physicians on the efficacy and toxicity data reported in phase III trials that have evaluated targeted therapy or novel induction regimens in patients with locally advanced SCCHN in addition to the ongoing early-phase trials that aim to improve upon current standards of care.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with locally advanced SCCHN. 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:
- Outline the safety and efficacy of incorporating EGFR inhibitors into combined modality regimens for patients with locally advanced SCCHN
- Appraise clinical trials evaluating taxane-based combinations as induction therapy for treatment of locally advanced SCCHN
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Study the educational activity.
- Submit your clinical questions or scenarios on this topic.
- Complete the CME test.
- Answer the evaluation questions.
- After successful completion of the CME test and evaluation, you will receive your certificate online.
- Return to this activity to view a list of questions and scenarios from your peers.
- Return January 14, 2009, to access the answers to the questions.
- The CME test and evaluation must be completed by December 24, 2009, in order for you to receive your certificate.
Ask the Expert
Be part of the oncology dialogue and e-mail your specific clinical scenarios or questions on this topic to OncoLogue@cancerlearning.com with the subject title 8504, or fax them to (214) 367-3304 directed to 8504.
Return to this activity to view a list of questions and scenarios from your peers.
Questions submitted by January 14, 2009, will be addressed in an on-demand online interview with an expert or answered directly by e-mail, as appropriate.
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