Article Details - Overview
This activity is part of PER's Integrated Oncology Learning Series:
A Focus on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Defining New Therapeutic Options for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Online Only Cancer Summaries & Commentaries Vol. 2, No. 2
This activity is not sanctioned by, nor a part of, the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Release Date: March 10, 2009
Expiration Date: March 10, 2010
Publication Overview
Authors
Medical writer: Aarati Ranganathan, PhD; Medical writer: Bing-e Xu, PhD; Medical writer: Marissa Shrader, PhD; Medical writer: Sabeeha Muneer, PhD; Reviewed by: Stephan Stilgenbauer, MD
Overview and Purpose
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent leukemia in the United States, with approximately 15,000 new cases diagnosed in 2008. Historically, purine analogues and/or alkylating agents have been the mainstays of treatment regimens for CLL. However, all patients will eventually relapse or develop refractory disease. The introduction of anti-CD20 and anti-CD52 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) has significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with CLL. Recently, large randomized trials are confirming the superior benefit of incorporating an anti-CD20 antibody into purine analogue–based regimens compared to chemotherapy alone. Efforts are also under way to improve the therapeutic index of anti-CD52 antibodies by evaluating a subcutaneous route of administration. In addition, next-generation fully human anti-CD20 MoAbs that are active as single agents in refractory CLL have emerged.
The purpose of this activity is to apprise physicians of emerging strategies and agents for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory 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.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Discuss the development of immunotherapy with MoAbs for CLL
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding an anti-CD20 antibody to standard chemotherapy regimens in CLL
- Discuss the efficacy and safety of next-generation MoAbs targeting the CD20 antigen as salvage therapy for CLL
- Discriminate among predictive and prognostic factors of overall survival for patients with refractory CLL treated with immunotherapy targeting CD52
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.
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or create an account.