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LUNG CANCER
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Targeted Therapies for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Expert Responses to Frequently Asked Questions
Recent paradigm shifts in the management of NSCLC have occurred as a result of the successful incorporation of targeted therapies into the multimodality treatment approach. Since 2004, the Institute for Medical Education & Research (IMER) has presented several symposia on this topic, educating and polling more than 2,000 oncology nurses. IMER has compiled questions submitted by attendees of these symposia to formulate an interactive exchange of issues relevant to the effective delivery of NSCLC treatment. Questions discussed in this program will cover targeted therapy mechanisms of action, current and potential applications targeted therapies in NSCLC, and nursing management strategies to optimize outcomes of treated patients. During this interactive, 2-hour educational program, leading physician and oncology nurse thought leaders will present these and other frequently asked questions. The goal is to highlight academic and community roles, as well as geographic disparities in the treatment of NSCLC.
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Targeted therapy is quickly changing the treatment paradigm of NSCLC. In this educational symposium, a physician key opinion leader will describe the current treatment landscape and the mechanisms of action of targeted therapies via a 3-D video animated presentation. The remainder of the program will focus on the treatment of four patients with NSCLC, all receiving different therapeutic regimens. Video vignettes of patients with NSCLC and their interactions with oncology nurses will highlight common treatment experiences and effective nursing management strategies to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Audience response technology will be used to elicit experiences of program attendees and stimulate practice-change discussions. Program attendees will receive several clinical tools for side-effect assessment and management as well as sample patient education tools to utilize in their clinical practices.
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Despite the high incidence of cancer in older adults, our
knowledge of specific treatment regimens and nursing
interventions for this population is poor. This program will
address the current treatment landscape for older adults with
lung, prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies,
and will highlight ways in which practice may be improved. In
addition to current research on the use of aggressive
therapies and treatment guidelines for the older adult
population, a review of a comprehensive geriatric assessment
and symptom management issues will be covered. National
key opinion leaders will present cases of patients with breast,
lung, prostate, and GI malignancies to illustrate the clinical
applications of chemotherapy regimens studied in older
adults.
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This symposium will highlight the advances in research in
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) throughout the past
decade as a result of the introduction of targeted therapies.
The mechanisms of action of angiogenesis and epidermal
growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors will be presented in
3-D video animation, followed by a review of clinical research
on their roles in lung cancer treatment. Guidelines on the
administration of these agents and nursing management of
side effects will also be presented.
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the majority of lung cancer patients present with advanced disease at diagnosis. Although new chemotherapy agents have been incorporated into the treatment of advanced lung cancer, the efficacy has been marginal. This poor efficacy of standard therapies, combined with a better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation, has led to the development of novel targeted therapies such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for the treatment of advanced disease. Recently, two EGFR inhibitors were approved for the treatment of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer, and others are under investigation. Predictive markers of response to EGFR inhibitors are under investigation as well. Nurses play a key role in the care of patients with lung cancer receiving EGFR inhibitors; therefore, this program will provide information on safe administration of these agents and appropriate management of their unique adverse events, which is critical for the appropriate care of patients receiving these novel therapies.
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In recent years, the most promising advances in cancer treatment have been the development of therapies targeting specific pathways involved in tumor growth and progression. In 2004, an EGFR inhibitor was approved for the treatment of advanced lung cancer and an anti-VEGF agent was approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Current clinical trials are investigating treatment regimens that combine these novel targeted agents and results are promising. To be better prepared to manage patients using multiple targeted agents and provide accurate and detailed patient education, nurses must understand the roles of multiple molecular pathways in cancer and the clinical applications of polytargeted therapies. This interactive symposium will provide nurses with a scientific review of anti-VEGF agents and EGFR inhibitors, and an update on recent clinical research examining combinations of these agents as a novel approach to cancer treatment.
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The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway plays a critical role in the processes involved in tumor growth and progression and has been identified as a potential target for cancer therapy. In recent years, three EGFR inhibitors were approved for the treatment of colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer, and many others are under investigation for the treatment of solid tumors. Understanding the mechanisms of action of EGFR inhibitors, as well as their administration guidelines and side effect profiles, is important for optimal care of patients receiving these novel therapies.
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