CME: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Highlights from the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology: Take-Aways, Emerging Practice Changes, and Barriers to their Implementation

ACCREDITATION EXPIRED: August 03, 2017

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online CME self-learning program:

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a cancer that is borne and takes root in the nephrons and is responsible for the vast majority – 85% – of all renal cancers.  With risk factors that include smoking, obesity, cadmium exposure, older age, and genetics, the five year survival rate of those afflicted with kidney cancer overall is 68%. In part because there are not any clear early symptoms associated with kidney cancer, RCC is discovered predominantly after it has already progressed to advanced stages, with the brain, bones, lungs, and liver serving as some of the most common sites of metastases. RCC’s treatment depends on its stage and size, with surgeryutilized for localized tumors and systemic therapy a mainstay of care for metastatic disease. 

RCC has many treatment options, both targeted and non-targeted. The former, including monoclonal antibodies and other forms of immunotherapy, is now a standard of care, although angiogenesis inhibition is also an area of consideration.  Emerging evidence is also suggesting ways in which biomarkers and radiographic indicators of response might shape the course of care.   

As evidenced by the frequent updating of professional practice guidelines, standards of care have changed and continue to do so rapidly, particularly in the realms of immuno- and monoclonal therapy. In other words, standards of care continue to change at a pace with which it may be difficult for the healthcare provider to keep track.  The unique targets of action and side effect of therapies, new and old,speak to a need for clinicians to remain up to date about the ramifications of selecting each agent over an alternative in the treatment armamentarium, as does about what degree of response constitutes treatment success.  Because treatment failure is associated with poor outcomes, it is important to select the best initial therapy for each patient.

Agenda

Target Audience:

Healthcare professionals specializing in: hematology, oncology, oncology pharmacy, and those who otherwise commonly care for patients with RCC.

Commercial Support Disclosure: This program is supported by educational grants from Novartis.

Release Date: August 04, 2015 -- Expiration Date: August 03, 2017

Faculty: Maxwell Meng, MD

Agenda

Learning Objectives

Accreditation

Faculty Disclosure and Resolution of COI

Instructions

System Requirements