Continuing Medical Education

Supportive Care: More Than Just Treating Cancer

 

Activity Release Date: December 13, 2007
Activity Expiration Date: December 13, 2008

About the Activity
This activity is based on a brief article developed as part of the E-Update Series and posted on the Web. It was developed from an identified educational need for information about practical management issues in the practice of medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. This activity has been developed and approved under the direction of Beam Institute.
 

Activity Learning Objectives
After reading this article, participants should be able to:

1. Understand the important role of supportive care in improving quality of life for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
2. Identify the three erythropoiesis-stimulating agents used to treat chemotherapy-induced anemia and know when and how to use these agents.
3. Identify the two bisphosphonates approved for use in the United States and know when and how to use them.
4. Recognize the causes of cancer-related fatigue and be prepared to offer appropriate treatments.
5. List the options available for managing pain associated with metastatic breast cancer and its treatment.
6. Know the indications for adjuvant analgesics available as first-line treatment for nonmalignant pain and second-line treatment when opioid therapy has been optimized.
7. Understand the complexity of cancer care, including physical symptoms, psychological stress, and social interactions with family, friends, and the work environment.
8. Recognize that palliative care may be the most emotionally difficult phase of cancer treatment not only for patients and families, but also for clinical staff.

Target Audience
This activity targets physicians in the fields of oncology and hematology.

Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Beam Institute and The Oncology Group. Beam Institute is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
 

Credit Designation
The Beam Institute designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 

Compliance Statement
This activity is an independent educational activity under the direction of Beam Institute. The activity was planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the ACCME, the Ethical Opinions/Guidelines of the AMA, the FDA, the OIG, and the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, thus assuring the highest degree of independence, fair balance, scientific rigor, and objectivity.
 

However, Beam Institute, the Grantor, and CMPMedica shall in no way be liable for the currency of information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the activity. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Activity participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
 

The opinions and recommendations presented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the provider or producer.
 

Financial Disclosures

Dr. Dang is a consultant and a member of the speakers' bureau and has received research support from Genentech. Dr. Hudis is a member of the speakers' bureau for AstraZeneca and Genentech and a member of the advisory boards of Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis and Roche. Dr. Hudis has indicated ownership stock in Genomic Health. He has performed research for Kosan Biosciences.

Copyright
Copyrights owned by Beam Institute, a division CME LLC. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

Contact Information
We would like to hear your comments regarding this or other activities provided by Beam Institute. Suggestions for future activities are welcome. Contact us at:

Address:
Director of Continuing Education
Beam Institute
11 West 19th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10011-4280

Phone: 888-618-5781
Fax: 212-600-3050
e-mail: beaminstitute@cmp.com