Case studies in recurrent gynecologic cancer and recurrent lung cancer

Welcome to this 12-part case-based series. Case Studies in Recurrent Gynecologic and Lung Cancer: Chemotherapeutic Innovation addresses various dilemmas and options in treating non–small-cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer.

Learn about the most recent clinical trial results, innovative sequencing strategies, and the latest thinking on unique combination therapies.

Our distinguished faculty of oncologists is pleased to share its practical experience in applying these innovations to direct patient care.

Dear Colleague:

Ovarian cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women, poses a number of treatment challenges for oncologists. Because of an absence of symptoms in the early stages of ovarian cancer, most women present with advanced disease. Despite relatively high response rates among newly diagnosed patients to a combination of surgery and platinum-containing chemotherapy, ovarian cancer inevitably recurs. In the course of relapse, most patients develop platinum resistance, requiring treatment with second-line therapies, such as topotecan, docetaxel, gemcitabine, and etoposide. These evolving treatment strategies have shown promise in extending survival in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Evidence suggests that alternative dosing regimens with these agents can reduce the myelosuppression associated with them without compromising efficacy.

We are pleased to offer you the first of a 12-part series of CME newsletters, Case Studies in Recurrent Gynecologic and Lung Cancer: Chemotherapeutic Innovations. These case-based newsletters, designated for .25 CME credit each, will comprise gynecologic cancers and non–small-cell lung cancer. Presentations of patient cases and discussion of relevant treatment dilemmas and options by a distinguished faculty of oncologists are designed to update you on the latest clinical trial results and their implications for clinical practice.

This newsletter, the first in a series of eight on gynecologic cancers, presents the case of a 52-year-old restaurant manager, who, after initial treatment of stage III ovarian cancer with combination chemotherapy, experiences disease recurrence within 5 months. This case examines the appropriate choice for initial treatment, and for recurrent disease, as well as the appropriate dose and schedule for second-line therapy. The discussion of this case emphasizes practical strategies for determining effective dosing sequencing, in light of recent clinical trial data.

We hope you find this series helpful and informative, and that the discussions assist you in incorporating this information into your clinical practice.

Sincerely,

Eric Rowinsky, MD Chair Director, Clinical Research Institute for Drug Development Cancer Therapy and Research Center Clinical Professor of Medicine University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio, Texas

Faculty Robert T. Morris, MD Assistant Professor Division of Gynecologic Oncology Wayne State University School of Medicine Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Detroit, Michigan
Howard D. Homesley, MD Clinical Professor Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, Tennessee
Jacqueline A. Evans, DO Gynecological Oncologist Lancaster General Hospital Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Jonathan S. Berek, MD, MMSc Professor and Chair, College of Applied Anatomy Executive Vice Chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Chief of Gynecology and Division of Gynecologic Oncology David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles, California
Larry E. Puls, MD Director of Research, Gynecologic Oncology Research & Development, PA Clinical Associate Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of South Carolina Greenville, South Carolina
James P. Stevenson, MD Associate Professor of Medicine Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Michael B. Dabrow, DO Associate Professor of Medicine Chief, Division of Medical Oncology University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey– School of Osteopathic Medicine Stratford, New Jersey
Shou-Ching Tang, MD, PhD, FACP, FRCPC Associate Director, Clinical Research University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Solid Tumor Oncology Division of Hematology and Oncology Associate Professor of Medicine University of Miami Miami, Florida
Ronald D. Alvarez, MD Professor, Department of OB/GYN Division of Gynecologic Oncology University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama
John R. Eckardt, MD Director, Clinical Research The Center for Cancer Care and Research St. Louis, Missouri
Thomas J. Herzog, MD Associate Professor Division of Gynecological Oncology Washington University School of Medicine St Louis, Missouri

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Learning Objectives

This activity is designed for oncologists and oncologic healthcare professionals who treat patients with gynecologic or lung cancer. After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

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CME Information

Projects In Knowledge is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

This 12-part newsletter is planned and implemented as an independent CME activity in accordance with the ACCME Essential Areas and Policies.

Projects In Knowledge designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 Category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

To receive documentation of your participation in this 12-part CME activity, complete the newsletter posttest with a passing score of 70% or higher. Full instructions for submission are included on the posttest accompanying each CME newsletter. After passing each posttest, you will be issued a CME certificate of .25 credit.

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Disclosure

The Disclosure Policy of Projects In Knowledge requires that the faculty participating in a CME activity disclose to the audience any significant relationship they may have with a pharmaceutical or medical equipment company, product, or service that may be mentioned as part of their presentation, as well as any relationship with the funder of this activity.

Ronald D. Alvarez, MD, has received grant/research support from Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, MediSpectra, and Ortho Biotech.

Jonathan S. Berek, MD,MMSc, has received grant/research support from AltaRex Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, and Unither Pharmaceuticals.

Michael B. Dabrow, DO, has indicated no significant relationships with industry.

John R. Eckardt, MD, has received grant/research support from AstraZeneca LP, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; is a consultant for Eli Lilly and Company and GlaxoSmithKline; and is a member of the speakers bureau of Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Company, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Thomas J. Herzog, MD, has received grant/research support from Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, and Ortho Biotech Products, LP.

Howard D. Homesley, MD, has received grant/research support from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Larry E. Puls, MD, has received grant/research support from Abbott Laboratories, Amgen Inc, Celgene Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, InterMune Inc, Johnson & Johnson, and Ortho Biotech Products, LP.

Eric K. Rowinsky, MD, has received grant/research support from and is a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline.

James P. Stevenson, MD, is a consultant for Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and is a member of the speakers bureau of AstraZeneca LP, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Shou-Ching Tang, MD, PhD, FACP, FRCP, is on the speaker’s bureau for Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer Inc.

The opinions expressed during this 12-part activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect those of Projects In Knowledge.

This activity may include a discussion of therapies that are unapproved for use or investigational, ongoing research, or preliminary data. This CME activity is provided by Projects In Knowledge solely as an educational service. Specific patient care decisions are the prerogative of the physician caring for the patient.

This independent CME activity is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.

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