OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY

Approximately 47,560 new cases of head and neck (H&N) cancer are estimated to occur in the United States during 2008, accounting for three percent of all types of cancer, and more than 11,000 patients will die from the disease. Treatment for patients with H&N cancer is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team of individuals with expertise in the special care needs of these patients. The site and extent of disease and pathologic findings dictate the appropriate surgical approach, radiation field, dose and fractionation and indications for chemotherapy and/or biologic therapy. 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 medical oncologists and radiation oncologists must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Head and Neck Cancer Update features one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program assists these physicians with the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Recognize the role of HPV in the pathogenesis of oropharyngeal cancer, and describe its impact on patient prognosis and response to treatment.
• Develop evidence-based multimodality treatment approaches for patients with locally advanced and metastatic H&N cancer.
• Assess the impact of radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy and/or EGFR inhibition on treatment tolerability and long-term outcomes.
• Appraise the merit of intensity-modulated, image-guided radiation therapy in the treatment of H&N cancer.
• Recommend supportive measures to ameliorate the common toxicities that accompany the local and systemic treatment of H&N cancer.
• Acknowledge the psychosocial, physical and emotional toll associated with the diagnosis and treatment of H&N cancer.
• Delineate the rationale for early-phase clinical trials with novel targeted therapies in H&N cancer, including anti-angiogenic agents and multitargeted kinase inhibitors.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about participation in ongoing clinical trials.

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 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. 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 review the CME information, listen to the CDs and complete the Post-test and Educational Assessment and Credit Form located in our website at ResearchToPractice.com/HNCU. ResearchToPractice.com/HNCU 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.

This program is supported by educational grants from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and ImClone Systems Incorporated.

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Table of Contents

EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

INTERVIEWS

Corey J Langer, MD
- Select Publications

Robert Haddad, MD
- Select Publications

David I Rosenthal, MD
- Select Publications

Everett E Vokes, MD
- Select Publications

 

CME Information

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office