Article Details - Overview
Redefining the Role of Taxanes in Cancer Therapy: Using Technology to Take Taxanes Where No Taxanes Have Gone Before
Release Date: August 24, 2009
Expiration Date: August 24, 2010
Publication Overview
Author
PER Editorial Staff
Overview and Purpose
Taxanes have an established role in the treatment of multiple tumor types, including breast cancer and non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with either early-stage or metastatic breast cancer have achieved improved outcomes with taxane-containing regimens, although significant differences in efficacy and safety exist depending upon the specific taxane and dose schedule used. The effectiveness of taxanes is limited by the frequent development of resistance in advanced malignancies. To overcome this limitation, a new generation of taxanes with potentially improved pharmacokinetics and preferential uptake in tumors has been developed. A new taxane formulation has demonstrated improved efficacy and safety in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) compared to standard taxanes, and early-phase data for novel taxane formulations in advanced NSCLC have also shown promise. Emerging data indicate that next-generation taxanes might yield benefit in tumor types that appear insensitive to traditional taxanes, such as melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
The purpose of this activity is to apprise physicians of recent data on the use of novel taxanes and taxane formulations in the treatment of breast cancer, NSCLC, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with solid tumors. 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 current and developing role of taxane-based therapies for the treatment of NSCLC, prostate cancer, and breast cancer
- Review the scientific rationale for the development of novel taxane-based chemotherapeutic approaches
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel taxane formulations in the treatment of patients with MBC
- Appraise the safety and efficacy of taxane-based combination therapy for patients with metastatic melanoma
- Compare the mechanisms of action of novel taxanes and taxane formulations in patients with locally advanced inoperable and metastatic pancreatic cancer
- Assess the efficacy and safety of albumin-bound taxanes in the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC
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.
The tests and evaluation must be completed by August 24, 2010, in order for you to receive your certificate.
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or create an account.