TARGET AUDIENCE
This activity is intended for medical oncologists and other healthcare providers involved in the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) largely consist of 3 disease entities, all heralding from clonal disorders in which an initial molecular event results in excessive production of blood cells. Importantly, although essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (MF) are clinically distinguishable based on laboratory and molecular parameters, they may represent a disease continuum whereby transformation from ET or PV to the more aggressive MF results in a homogenous pathologic entity with a similarly poor prognosis. In contrast to the rather indolent natural history of untransformed ET and PV, primary MF or post-PV/ET MF is a debilitating disease. Historically no FDA-approved therapy existed, but after the FDA approval of ruxolitinib in 2011 for intermediate- and high-risk MF, including primary MF, post-PV MF and post-ET MF, this agent has rapidly been adopted in clinical practice. Patient selection and dosing of ruxolitinib remain relevant topics of discussion and debate. Equally important, emerging research information on its use for patients with less aggressive MPNs, most notably PV, demonstrates that treatment algorithms for these patients are poised for significant change.

To provide clinicians with therapeutic strategies to address the disparate needs of patients with MPNs, the Visiting Professors series employs an innovative case-based approach that unites the perspectives of leading investigators and community oncologists. Upon completion of this CME activity, medical oncologists and hematologists should be able to formulate an up-to-date and more complete approach to the care of patients with MPNs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Review emerging clinical trial data and employ an understanding of disease biology to diagnose and communicate prognosis to patients with primary PV, ET and MF.
• Consider investigator perspectives regarding evidence-based therapeutic options in PV, ET and MF, and use this information to develop clinical algorithms intended to enhance quality and quantity of life for patients with these distinct yet related diseases.
• Appreciate the recent FDA approval of ruxolitinib for patients with PV, and identify individuals who may be appropriate for therapeutic intervention with this agent.
• Develop an understanding of the emerging efficacy data and toxicity profiles of novel JAK inhibitors for MPNs in order to effectively prioritize clinical trial opportunities for appropriate patients.

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

CME credit is no longer available for this issue

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

CME credit is no longer available for this issue

AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINE (ABIM) — MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION (MOC)

CME credit is no longer available for this issue

HOW TO USE THIS CME ACTIVITY
This CME activity consists of a video component.

CME credit is no longer available for this issue

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 conflicts of interest with faculty, planners and managers of CME activities. 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 relevant conflicts of interest, which have been resolved through a conflict of interest resolution process:

Ruben A Mesa, MD
Chair, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology
Deputy Director, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
Professor of Medicine
Mayo Clinic in Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona

Consulting Agreement: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Contracted Research: Celgene Corporation, Genentech BioOncology.

William Harwin, MD
President and Managing Partner
Florida Cancer Specialists
Fort Myers, Florida

No relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.

James A Reeves Jr, MD
Florida Cancer Specialists
Fort Myers, Florida

Speakers Bureau and Ownership Interest: Celgene Corporation.

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: AbbVie Inc, Acerta Pharma, Amgen Inc, Array BioPharma Inc, Astellas Pharma Global Development Inc, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Baxalta Inc, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Biodesix Inc, bioTheranostics Inc, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Boston Biomedical Pharma Inc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Celgene Corporation, Clovis Oncology, CTI BioPharma Corp, Daiichi Sankyo Inc, Dendreon Pharmaceuticals Inc, Eisai Inc, Exelixis Inc, Foundation Medicine, Genentech BioOncology, Genomic Health Inc, Gilead Sciences Inc, ImmunoGen Inc, Incyte Corporation, Janssen Biotech Inc, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc, Lilly, Medivation Inc, Merck, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals Inc, Myriad Genetic Laboratories Inc, NanoString Technologies, Natera Inc, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novocure, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, an Amgen subsidiary, Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company, Prometheus Laboratories Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, Seattle Genetics, Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals Inc, Sirtex Medical Ltd, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc, Taiho Oncology Inc, Takeda Oncology, Teva Oncology, Tokai Pharmaceuticals Inc and VisionGate Inc.

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

This educational activity contains 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 grantors.

This activity is supported by educational grants from CTI BioPharma Corp/Baxalta Inc and Incyte Corporation.

Hardware/Software Requirements:
A high-speed Internet connection
A monitor set to 1280 x 1024 pixels or more
Internet Explorer 7 or later, Firefox 3.0 or later, Chrome, Safari 3.0 or later
Adobe Flash Player 10.2 plug-in or later
Adobe Acrobat Reader
(Optional) Sound card and speakers for audio

Last review date: May 2016
Expiration date: May 2017