A Breakfast Symposium to be held at the
33rd Annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Grand Ballrooms, Salons H, I, and J
1201 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Thursday, May 15, 2008
6:00 AM to 8:00 AM   

Supported by an educational grant from Celgene Corporation.

Intended Audience

---

The intended audience for this symposium is nurses who care for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma (MM) as well as their families. It also includes interested nurses who may care for this population in the future.
 

Rationale and Purpose

---

Rapid development of novel antineoplastic agents has significantly expanded therapeutic options for patients with MDS, CLL, and MM. Advances in our understanding of molecular biology, cytogenetics, signaling pathways, and the pathobiology of these hematologic malignancies have spurred the emergence of new agents and regimens—including monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and antimetabolites—to replace the traditional standard of care.

MDS represent a group of clonal stem cell disorders that, for a variety of reasons, have become increasingly more common in oncology practices during the past few years. Within a 2-year period, 3 new active agents were approved for MDS by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), shifting the focus of existing guidelines from best supportive care to active treatment, with detailed diagnostic and risk evaluation to promote selection of the best available therapy for each patient. In addition, the revised guidelines incorporate supplemental therapies for iron chelation and updated recommendations for the use of erythropoietin-stimulating hormones.

CLL is a malignant low-grade disorder arising from B cells. Currently, no standard treatment results in cure, and patients generally develop resistance to the commonly used purine analog. For relapsed disease, the existing agents are effective but may cause severe immunosuppression. Recent clinical trials examining flavopiridol (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor), lenalidomide (immunomodulatory agent that modifies or regulates functioning of the immune system), and bendamustine (novel alkylating agent that attacks cancer cells) look especially promising.

MM is an increasingly common malignant plasma cell disorder currently diagnosed in nearly 15,000 Americans annually. The introduction of newer drugs, such as lenalidomide, thalidomide, and bortezomib, has begun to change the therapeutic paradigm for MM and offers patients new hope for improved rates of complete response and extended overall survival.

The purpose of this activity is to enhance the quality of care provided by oncology nurses involved in the management of patients with the hematologic diseases MDS, CLL, and MM, by providing them with information on the latest clinical trials data (findings) and the implications of those findings for clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

---

At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be better able to

• Outline current standards of care for patients with MDS, CLL, and MM
• Relate results of recent studies on the use of FDA-approved and investigational agents for the treatment of MDS, CLL, and MM to the changing standards of care
• Describe adverse effects (toxicities) associated with the current drugs used for MDS, CLL, and MM and approaches to managing these effects
• Formulate plans of patient care designed to optimize treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients

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 1.8 contact hours 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 by the Meniscus Educational Institute or the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation of any product mentioned.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider No. 13164, for 1.8 contact hours.

Meeting space has been assigned to provide a satellite symposium funded by Celgene Corporation via an educational grant during the Oncology Nursing Society’s (ONS) 33rd Annual Congress, May 15–18, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Oncology Nursing Society’s assignment of meeting space does not imply product endorsement nor does the Oncology Nursing Society assume any responsibility for the educational content.