OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY
The pace of oncology drug development has accelerated in recent years to previously unmatched levels. Fueled by an increased understanding of the biologic underpinnings of tumor development and progression, clinical research platforms largely focused on evaluating the potential benefits of novel targeted therapeutics possessing unique mechanisms of action and safety profiles have led to improved outcomes in many large and rigorous clinical trials across many different tumor types. The successes yielded by this rational approach to the design and evaluation of new therapies have in turn provided medical oncologists and patients with many additional beneficial FDA-endorsed treatment options.

Although it is indisputable that new and effective treatments are good for all, it is interesting to note that minimal publicly accessible information exists regarding how, if at all, new therapies are being incorporated into practice and what factors may affect this dynamic. Even more, it is poorly documented whether the influx of new agents and the accompanying informational burden are affecting community-based medical oncologists and their need for additional resources. As such, additional strategies and resources are needed to help clinicians overcome the difficulties they are now facing as they attempt to stay up to date and informed. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, this CME activity uses the input of cancer experts to frame a relevant discussion of recent research advances and newly approved agents in multiple myeloma that can be applied to routine clinical practice. This information will help medical oncologists formulate up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Recognize the recent FDA approvals of carfilzomib and pomalidomide, and identify clinical situations for which these agents may be appropriate therapeutic options.
• Effectively counsel patients regarding the expected efficacy and tolerability of newly approved therapeutics for the management of multiple myeloma.
• Develop practical strategies to prevent and/or ameliorate the toxicities associated with recently approved antimyeloma therapies.
• Understand practical considerations in the use of these newly approved agents in order to ensure appropriate administration and patient safety.
• Recall the design of ongoing research efforts attempting to further define the role of recently approved therapies, and counsel appropriate patients with multiple myeloma regarding potential clinical trial participation.

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

HOW TO USE THIS CME ACTIVITY
This CME activity contains a text component. The participant should read the text.

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 potential conflicts of interest with faculty, planners and managers of CME activities. Real or apparent 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 real or apparent conflicts of interest, which have been resolved through a conflict of interest resolution process:

Morie A Gertz, MD
Roland Seidler Jr Professor and Chair

Department of Medicine

Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Advisory Committee: Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc; Speakers Bureau: Celgene Corporation.

Andrzej J Jakubowiak, MD, PhD

Professor of Medicine

Director, Myeloma Program

The University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Advisory Committee: Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc; Consulting Agreements: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Celgene Corporation, Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc; Speakers Bureau: Celgene Corporation, Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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, Algeta US, Amgen Inc, Astellas, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Biodesix Inc, Biogen Idec, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Celgene Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo Inc, Dendreon Corporation, Eisai Inc, Exelixis Inc, Genentech BioOncology, Genomic Health Inc, Gilead Sciences Inc, Incyte Corporation, Lilly, Medivation Inc, Merck, Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novocure, Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Prometheus Laboratories Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, Seattle Genetics, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc, Teva Oncology and VisionGate Inc.

RESEARCH TO PRACTICE STAFF AND EXTERNAL REVIEWERS — The scientific staff and reviewers for Research To Practice have no real or apparent 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 Celgene Corporation and Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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: June 2014

Expiration date: June 2015