STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Optimal oncologic management of ovarian cancer begins with intensive surgical staging and cytoreduction, followed by primary chemotherapy and, for most patients, subsequent medical management when platinum-resistant disease recurrence prevails. Although many single-agent and combination cytotoxic recurrence regimens have been studied, only recently has the advent of antibody and small-molecule growth-inhibitory targeted agents been integrated into the ovarian cancer research milieu. It is hoped that the results from these trials will lead to the emergence of new therapeutic agents and changes or enhancements in the indications for existing treatment strategies, ultimately improving the duration and quality of life for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. In order to offer optimal oncology care to the ovarian cancer population — including the option of clinical trial participation — practicing medical and gynecologic oncologists must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Ovarian Cancer Update uses one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program will assist medical and gynecologic oncologists in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Manage localized, locally advanced and metastatic ovarian cancer based on an understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and the clinical presentation.
• Appropriately utilize surgical staging for the prognosis and subsequent medical management of epithelial ovarian cancer, based on the NCCN guidelines.
• Evaluate the risks and benefits of primary chemotherapy when devising management strategies for ovarian cancer, including intraperitoneal and intravenous regimens for patients with Stage II and Stage III optimally debulked disease and taxane-based chemotherapy regimens.
• Consider the use of biologic agents and/or regimens based on relevant clinical trial data when treating recurrent platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
• Select therapies for patients with ovarian cancer, with an understanding of the relevance of the distinct mechanisms of action of novel targeted signal transduction inhibitors.
• Develop an algorithm for monitoring patients in remission, including radiographic studies and CA125 levels.
• Utilize maintenance chemotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer who are in remission, as appropriate.
• Consider the relative efficacy and adverse effects of acceptable treatment modalities when managing primary, metastatic or recurrent disease.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trials.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF OVARIAN CANCER UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 2 of Ovarian Cancer Update is to support the learning objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Armstrong, Spriggs and Coleman on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of ovarian 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 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 Educational Assessment and Credit Form located at www.OvarianCancerUpdate.com/CME. www.OvarianCancerUpdate.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 Centocor Ortho Biotech Services, Eli Lilly and Company and Genentech BioOncology.

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EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

INTERVIEWS
Deborah K Armstrong, MD
- Select publications

David R Spriggs, MD
- Select publications

Robert L Coleman, MD
- Select publications

Ovarian Cancer Update:
A CME Audio Series and Activity

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office