STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is increasing in incidence in the United States and is the most commonly occurring hematologic malignancy. This treatment arena continues to evolve, and published results from ongoing clinical trials lead to the continuous emergence of new therapeutic agents and changes in the indications for existing treatments. In order to offer optimal patient care — including the option of clinical trial participation — practicing hematologists and oncologists must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Update utilizes one-on-one discussions with leading hematology and oncology investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME activity assists hematologists and oncologists in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

GLOBAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Critically evaluate the clinical implications of emerging clinical trial data in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) treatment and incorporate these data into management strategies for patients with NHL.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trials.
• Utilize individual patients’ risk factors and disease classification to tailor therapy for individual subgroups of patients with NHL.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of monoclonal antibody therapy and radioimmunotherapy alone and in combination with chemotherapy for patients with NHL, and counsel appropriately selected patients about the risks and benefits of these agents.
• Describe and implement an algorithm for sequencing of therapies in the management of indolent and aggressive NHL.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 5 of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Update is to support these global objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Hagemeister, Kaminski, Coiffier and Pfreundschuh on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

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 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.

HOW TO USE THIS MONOGRAPH

This CME activity contains both audio and print components. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs or tapes, review the monograph and complete the post-test and evaluation form located in the back of this monograph or on our website. This monograph contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program. www.NHLUpdate.com includes an easy-to-use, interactive version of this monograph with links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources indicated here in blue underlined text.