STATEMENT OF NEED / TARGET AUDIENCE

Colorectal cancer is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in oncology. Published results from a plethora of ongoing clinical trials lead to the continuous emergence of new therapeutic techniques, agents and changes in the indications for existing treatments. In order to offer optimal patient care — including the option of clinical trial participation — the practicing gastrointestinal surgeon must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Colorectal Cancer Update for Surgeons utilizes one-on-one discussions with leading colorectal cancer investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program assists gastrointestinal surgeons in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Evaluate the clinical implications of emerging clinical trial data in colorectal cancer treatment, and incorporate these data into local and systemic management strategies in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic disease settings.
• Assess the risks and benefits of various surgical approaches and alternatives in the treatment of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of neoadjuvant/adjuvant systemic therapy with appropriate patients with colorectal cancer who present with an asymptomatic primary tumor and synchronous surgically resectable hepatic metastases.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with potentially resectable hepatic-only metastases.
• Counsel patients receiving bevacizumab as part of a neoadjuvant/adjuvant systemic therapy regimen about potential treatment side effects, including surgical and wound-healing complications.
• Evaluate the emerging research data on various adjuvant chemotherapy approaches in the context of clinical practice, including the use of oxaliplatin-containing regimens and the use of capecitabine or intravenous 5-FU.
• Counsel patients on the correlation between diet, exercise and colorectal cancer recurrence.
• Describe the impact of surgeon training and experience and hospital volume on patient outcomes.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF COLORECTAL CANCER UPDATE  FOR SURGEONS

The purpose of Issue 1 of Colorectal Cancer Update for Surgeons is to support the learning objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Curley, Haller, Petrelli and Goldberg 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 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 an audio component. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs, review the Internet content and complete the Educational Assessment and Credit Form located at www.ColorectalCancerUpdate.com/Surgeons/CME. www.ColorectalCancerUpdate.com/Surgeons 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.

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