STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in the United States, and the arena of colorectal cancer treatment continues to evolve. Published results from ongoing clinical trials lead to the emergence of new therapeutic agents and regimens and changes in indications, doses and schedules for existing treatments. 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, Colorectal Cancer Update utilizes one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME activity assists medical oncologists with the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Describe the key clinical and pathologic risk factors that influence clinician selection of the medical and surgical management of colorectal cancer, and apply this information to your practice.
• Develop an evidence-based algorithm for the initial treatment of localized Stage II and III colon cancer, considering the benefits and risks of adjuvant systemic therapy.
• Appraise the evidence on the evolving role of lifestyle modifications and their impact on the risk of colon cancer recurrence.
• Identify the existing data and emerging research focusing on the optimal management of locally advanced rectal cancer, incorporating the concepts of pre- and postoperative concomitant chemoradiation therapy and the utility of additional adjuvant systemic therapy.
• Explain the practical applicability of emerging clinical research data and ongoing trials seeking to clarify the value of concomitant molecular targeted therapy in the adjuvant treatment setting.
• Evaluate how the evidence supporting multiple sequential treatment approaches to recurrent or de novo advanced colorectal cancer applies to patient care.
• Utilize currently available biologic and clinical markers for predicting response to targeted therapy.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic therapy for colorectal cancer with appropriate patients with potentially curable hepatic metastases.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trial participation.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF COLORECTAL CANCER UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 1 of Colorectal Cancer Update is to support the learning objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs O’Connell, Marshall and Meyerhardt on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of colorectal 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 2.75 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.ColorectalCancerUpdate.com/CME. www.ColorectalCancerUpdate.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 Genentech BioOncology and Sanofi-Aventis.