STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Existing and emerging multimodality treatment regimens utilized in the routine management of head and neck cancers necessitate the physician’s working knowledge of novel surgical, radiation and chemotherapeutic techniques. Ongoing clinical trials will continue to refine the optimal management of these tumors, and the introduction of innovative targeted compounds may offer individualized treatment options that offer increased efficacy and improved tolerability. In order to offer optimal patient care — including the option of clinical trial participation — the practicing medical oncologist must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Head and Neck Cancer Update will utilize one-on-one conversations with leading oncology investigators discussing the interdisciplinary management of head and neck cancers. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives on the disease, this CME program will assist medical oncologists in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

GLOBAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Critically evaluate the implications of emerging clinical trial data on the treatment of head and neck cancer, and incorporate these data into management strategies in the local, locally advanced, recurrent and metastatic disease settings.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trials.
• Review the contributing etiologic factors relevant to the development of head and neck tumors, and explain how they impact patient-specific prognosis and treatment decisions.
• Describe and implement an algorithm for the multidisciplinary management of head and neck cancer, integrating the roles of the practicing head and neck surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and other healthcare professionals delivering necessary ancillary care and support.
• Review the existing and evolving clinical trial data demonstrating the benefit and safety of EGFR-directed single-agent and combined therapy in the front-line and progressive-disease settings, and explain how this molecular pathway impacts tumorigenesis.
• Discuss adverse effects associated with the treatment of head and neck cancer and their impact on selection of therapy and patient quality of life.
• Identify consensus-based acute and prophylactic strategies to manage dermatotoxicities associated with the clinical use of EGFR inhibitors.
• Describe the psychosocial implications of harboring a tumor of the head or neck and offer strategies to improve long-term physical outcomes and assist patients with disease coping.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 1 of Head and Neck Cancer Update is to support these global objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Kim, Posner and Curran on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of head and neck cancer.

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 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOW TO USE THIS CME ACTIVITY

This CME activity contains both audio and print components. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs, review the Internet content and complete the Post-test and Evaluation Form located at www.HNCUpdate.com/CME. www.HNCUpdate.com contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program, as well as links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources.

This program is supported by educational grants from ImClone Systems and Sanofi-Aventis.

Table of Contents Top of Page

Table of Contents

EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

INTERVIEWS

Edward S Kim, MD
- Select Publications

Marshall R Posner, MD
- Select Publications

Walter J Curran Jr, MD
- Select Publications

CME Information

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office