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Physicians' Education Resource designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Emerging Therapeutic Options in Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors

Oncology Briefings Vol. 7, No. 5

0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Release Date: August 27, 2009
Expiration Date: August 27, 2010

Publication Overview

Authors

Medical writer: Timothy Quill, PhD; Reviewed by: Rudolf Arnold, MD, FRCP

Overview and Purpose

Midgut neuroendocrine, or carcinoid, tumors are the most common subtype of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and a common cause of isolated hepatic metastases. These tumors secrete a variety of neuropeptides and hormones that can cause incapacitating symptoms in patients with metastatic disease. Both somatostatin analogues and interferon are used to control these symptoms, but the effect is transient, and NETs remain incurable and resistant to cytotoxic chemotherapy. More recent evidence, however, indicates that somatostatin analogues can delay disease progression. In addition, novel somatostatin analogues are currently being evaluated as therapy for NETs. Targeted agents are also being investigated in patients with advanced NETs based on an evolving molecular understanding of tumor characteristics. Antiangiogenic agents have demonstrated promising effects on these highly vascular tumors in early-stage trials. In addition, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin kinase has demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with advanced NETs in early-stage trials.

The purpose of this activity is to inform oncologists of new developments in the use of targeted therapies in the treatment of patients with midgut NETs.

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with midgut NETs. 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 biology of midgut NETs and the rationale for targeting novel signaling pathways
  • Assess the efficacy and safety of somatostatin analogue therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced/metastatic midgut NETs
  • Evaluate the role of novel targeted approaches, such as antiangiogenic therapy, in the treatment of patients with midgut NETs

Instructions for Participation

  1. Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
  2. Complete the Pretest.
  3. Study the educational activity.
  4. Complete the Posttest.
  5. Answer the evaluation questions.
  6. 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 27, 2010, in order for you to receive your certificate.

Complete the test(s) and evaluation by August 27, 2010 to receive your certificate online.

Read all of the conditions in the Activity Terms box below. You must accept the CME Activity Terms in order to continue:

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It is the policy of Physicians’ Education Resource to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its educational activities. As an organization accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), Physicians’ Education Resource requires everyone who is in a position to control the content of an educational activity, including spouses/partners, to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. The ACCME defines “relevant financial relationships” as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 12 months that create a conflict of interest. Physicians’ Education Resource has implemented a mechanism to identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to the activity.

Timothy Quill, PhD
No relevant relationships to disclose

Rudolf Arnold, MD, FRCP
Research Funding – Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Other PER Staff
No relevant relationships to disclose

This CME activity might include discussion of investigational and/or unlabeled uses of drugs. If the activity includes discussion of investigational and/or unlabeled uses of a drug, specific information is located on the title page. Please refer to the full prescribing information for each drug discussed in this activity for FDA-approved dosing, indications, and warnings.

Commercial Support
An educational grant for this activity was provided by Novartis Oncology.

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Banner Illustration
Illustrator: Pam Curry

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this activity are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor, supporter, or publisher. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this activity to ensure accuracy, the authors and Physicians’ Education Resource and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this activity, whether arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever or for any consequences arising therefrom.

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©Copyright 2009 by Physicians’ Education Resource. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, without written permission from the publisher.

All correspondence should be directed to:
Editor, Emerging Therapeutic Options in Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors
Physicians’ Education Resource
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Suite 700
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 367-3400
Fax: (214) 367-3304
E-mail: editor@cancerlearning.com

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Educational Grants

An educational grant for this activity was provided by:


  1. Novartis Oncology