Supported by an educational grant from ImClone Systems Incorporated 
Intended Audience
This continuing education activity is designed for oncology nurses who care for patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and other nurses interested in the topic.
Rationale and Purpose
The EGFR family plays a crucial role in cellular proliferation and differentiation. Aberrant or abnormal activation of the kinase activity of these receptors and their cell-signaling pathways has been shown to have a primary role in the development or progression of many human cancers. Overexpression of the transmembrane EGFR on many types of epithelial cancer cells has been documented and has become an important target for anticancer therapies. To date, EGFR inhibitors have become an important component in the management of many solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, head and neck cancers, and non–small cell lung cancer, and promising research is ongoing in many other tumor types.
Targeted therapies such as the EGFR inhibitors represent a significant shift in the treatment paradigm from conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens. In addition, measurements of treatment outcomes as well as systemic toxicities differ significantly. In some cases, EGFR inhibitors may be given in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy or other targeted agents, adding to the complexity of the treatment regimen. Because EGFRs are located in skin and intestinal mucosa, EGFR inhibitors cause problems that challenge both patients and nurses. Oncology nurses assume responsibility for educating patients regarding their cancer treatment and management of associated toxicities. The purpose of this activity is to provide oncology nurses with information on treatment regimens containing EGFR inhibitors, criteria for assessing toxicities, and strategies for preventing and managing the toxicities associated with these regimens.
Learning Objectives
After participating in this activity, participants should be able to
- Describe the rationale for the use of EGFR inhibitors in the management of human cancers and give examples of successful regimens
- Describe toxicities associated with the use of EGFR inhibitors and strategies for their management
- Identify key components of a comprehensive education plan for patients receiving EGFR inhibitors
When choosing among continuing education activities, clinicians should select those that are appropriate for their educational needs. Participants in educational activities have the implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional effectiveness. Clinicians should reflect on this activity and its applicability to their own patient population, and then identify and implement appropriate practice changes.
Continuing Education
Statement of Credit. Participants who successfully complete this activity (including completion and submission of the evaluation form) will be issued a statement of credit via e-mail or US mail within 4 weeks.
Nurses.
This activity for 1.0 contact hour is provided by the Meniscus Educational
Institute.
The
Meniscus Educational Institute is accredited as a provider of continuing
nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission
on Accreditation.
Accreditation refers to recognition of educational activities only and does not imply approval or endorsement of any product by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider No. 13164, for 1.0 contact hour.
Request More Information
For more information, e-mail EGFRschedule@meniscus.com. There is no fee for this activity.
Download a Brochure
To download a printable brochure about this educational program, click here.
Meeting Schedule
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Request a Meeting
The educational lecture series entitled Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Patients Receiving EGFR Inhibitors is now complete. Please feel free to leave your name and contact information in case there are any cancellations. We will also keep this on file in the event that this series receives an extension.
E-mail:
EGFRschedule@meniscus.com
Thank you.