OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY

Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for approximately 10 percent of all hematologic cancer cases and carries with it the worst death to new cases ratio (3:4) of all the subtypes. The American Cancer Society has estimated 20,580 new MM cases in the United States in 2009, with an estimated 10,580 deaths. The treatment of MM has improved dramatically during the past decade, particularly with the advent of novel agents, and the budding landscape surrounding the optimal treatment of MM is both exciting and complex. Knowledge of the many therapeutic advances and changing practice standards is essential to ensuring optimal patient outcomes. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, this CME activity utilizes the input of cancer experts and community physicians to frame a relevant discussion of recent research advances in myeloma that can be applied to routine clinical practice. This information will help medical oncologists, hematologists and hematology-oncology fellows formulate up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Effectively apply the results of pivotal clinical research to the clinical management of newly diagnosed and relapsed MM.
• Compare and contrast the benefits and risks of lenalidomide- and bortezomib-based induction therapy, and consider the role of combined immunomodulatory and proteasome-inhibitor regimens.
• Use biomarkers to assess risk for patients with MM, and recommend systemic treatment commensurate with prognosis and likelihood of therapeutic response.
• Recognize treatment-associated side effects, and offer patients prophylactic or acute supportive management strategies to address them.
• Differentiate emerging investigational compounds from existing agents used in the treatment of MM.
• Identify current approaches to stem cell transplant for eligible patients with symptomatic MM, and recommend evidence-based induction regimens to facilitate long-term outcomes.
• Recall the design and eligibility criteria for ongoing clinical trials in newly diagnosed and relapsed MM, and enroll or refer appropriate patients for study participation.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOW TO USE THIS CME ACTIVITY

This CME activity contains print and web PowerPoint components. To receive credit, the participant should read the text portion and complete the Post-test and Educational Assessment and Credit Form located at CME.ResearchToPractice.com. The text portion of this activity contains edited comments and abbreviated slide set presentations as well as links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources.

COMMERCIAL SUPPORT

This program is supported by an educational grant from Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.

PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS DISCUSSED IN THIS PROGRAM

This educational activity includes discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research To Practice does not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications and warnings. The opinions expressed are those of the presenters and are not to be construed as those of the publisher or grantor.

CONTENT VALIDATION AND DISCLOSURES

Research To Practice (RTP) is committed to providing its participants with high-quality, unbiased and state-of-the-art education. We assess potential conflicts of interest with faculty, planners and managers of CME activities. Real or apparent conflicts of interest are identified and resolved through a conflict of interest resolution process. In addition, all activity content is reviewed by both a member of the RTP scientific staff and an external independent physician reviewer for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies referenced and patient care recommendations.

FACULTY — The following faculty (and their spouses/partners) reported real or apparent conflicts of interest, which have been resolved through a conflict of interest resolution process: Dr Giralt — Advisory Committee and Speakers Bureau: Celgene Corporation, Eisai Inc, Genzyme Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc; Consulting Agreements: Genzyme Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Paid Research: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Dr Jagannath — Advisory Committee: Merck and Company Inc, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr Orlowski — Sponsored Research Agreements: Celgene Corporation, Centocor Ortho Biotech Services LLC, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. Dr Richardson — Advisory Committee: Celgene Corporation, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.

EDITOR — Dr Love is president and CEO of Research To Practice, which receives funds in the form of educational grants to develop CME activities from the following commercial interests: Abraxis BioScience, Amgen Inc, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals/Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Biogen Idec, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Celgene Corporation, Cephalon Inc, Eisai Inc, EMD Serono Inc, Genentech BioOncology, Genomic Health Inc, Genzyme Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, ImClone Systems Incorporated, Lilly USA LLC, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc, Monogram BioSciences Inc, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, OSI Oncology, Roche Laboratories Inc, Sanofi-Aventis and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc.

RESEARCH TO PRACTICE STAFF AND EXTERNAL REVIEWERS — The scientific staff and reviewers for Research To Practice have no real or apparent conflicts of interest to disclose.

Hardware/Software Requirements:
An Internet connection that is at least 28.8 Kbps
A monitor set to 1280 x 1024 pixels or more
Internet Explorer 6.x or newer, Firefox 2.x or newer, or Safari 2.x or newer
Macromedia Flash plug-in 6.0 or greater
Adobe Acrobat Reader
(Optional) Sound card and speakers for audio

Last review date: May 2010
Expiration date: May 2011