Overview and Purpose
Increased understanding of the molecular biology of cancer has led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches based on the identification of new targets and improved insights into previously known targets. Recent progress has been made in the rational design of compounds that are able to overcome or bypass resistance mechanisms and overcome dysregulated tumor cell proliferation by targeting epigenetic mechanisms. The From Signal Transduction to Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression in Oncology: Challenging Clinical Cases symposium will update physicians on advances in novel targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, novel nucleoside analogues, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, and their applications in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. This educational program will include case-centered didactic lectures presented by national opinion leaders and a panel discussion on the optimal application of these new therapeutic agents in the clinical setting.
Target Audience
This educational program is directed toward medical oncologists and hematologists. Fellows, oncology nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists interested in the treatment of cancer are also invited to attend.
CME Accreditation and Credit Designation
Physicians: Physicians’ Education Resource is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Physicians’ Education Resource designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physician Assistants: AAPA accepts category 1 credit from AOACCME, Prescribed credit from AAFP, and AMA Category 1 CME credit for the PRA from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this symposium, you should be able to:
• Describe current progress and challenges with Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia and evaluate novel agents with activity in refractory chronic myeloid leukemia
• Discuss mutations in the BCR-ABL fusion gene that inhibit response to kinase inhibitors and discuss the role of cytogenetic testing in therapeutic decision making
• Review the role of epigenetic changes in the development of hematologic malignancies and assess the role of DNA hypomethylating agents in therapeutic approaches to these diseases
• Evaluate the activity of histone deacetylase inhibitors in solid tumors
• Identify study design and key endpoints in clinical trials evaluating targeted therapies in oncology
Acknowledgment
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Merck Oncology