This activity is designed to educate oncology nurses about the pediatric treatment approach to adult acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a disease that affects both children and adults.1 Although it is more prevalent in children, approximately 1,000 new cases of adult ALL are diagnosed annually in the United States. Treatment of adult ALL typically consists of combination therapy given in induction, consolidation and occasionally maintenance phases.1 Most adult regimens are adopted from pediatric protocols and modified to utilize lower doses and shorter duration of asparaginase therapy. However, several recent studies suggest that pediatric regimens, including larger amounts of steroid, chemotherapy and asparaginase therapy, may result in improved outcomes.2,3 Moreover, recent reports from overseas suggest superior outcomes in adult ALL patients when oncologists adhere to and successfully deliver pediatric therapy regimens.2,3 As nurses play a major role in the treatment of adult ALL patients,4 it is imperative that these individuals be aware of the challenges and benefits associated with administration of pediatric ALL treatment protocols in the setting of adult ALL.
1. Seiter K. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/207631-overview. Accessed July 13, 2009.
2. Wetzler M, et al. Blood. 2007;109:4164-4167.
3. Huget F, et al. 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting. Abstract 7005.
4. Viele CS. Semin Oncol Nurse. 2003;19(Suppl):98-108.
- Examine data from clinical trials using pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) treatment protocols in adult ALL patients
- Describe therapeutic options for ALL
- Apply knowledge of administration and drug interactions to ALL treatments
- Develop a plan for side effect management that maximizes patient safety, treatment adherence and quality of life
- Review all contents of this activity
- Complete and submit the learning assessment and evaluation form
- Score at least 70% on the learning assessment
Approval for nurses has been obtained by the National Office of The
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society under provider number CEP 5832 to
award 1.75 continuing education contact hours through the California
Board of Registered Nursing.
Upon completion of this program and submission of the activity
evaluation, a certificate of completion will be issued to you via e-mail or US mail within 30 days.
Barton A. Kamen, MD, PhD
Chief Medical Officer
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
White Plains, NY
Professor of Pediatrics and Pharmacology
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
New Brunswick, NJ
Barton A. Kamen, MD, PhD, is the Executive Vice President and
Chief Medical Officer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS),
as well as Professor of Pediatrics and Pharmacology at the Cancer
Institute of New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Dr. Kamen has been a recipient of a Scholar Award from LLS, a
Damon Runyon Walter Winchell Fellowship, a Burroughs Wellcome
Clinical Pharmacology Award, and an American Cancer Society
Clinical Research Professorship. He has authored approximately
300 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and is the current
Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
Katherine A. Breitenbach, BA, RN
Clinical Research Nurse
Section of Hematology/Oncology
University of Chicago Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois
Katherine A. Breitenbach is a clinical research nurse in the section
of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
In her current position, she coordinates the care of patients with ALL,
AML and APL, maintains protocol adherence for patients on clinical
trials and works closely with the bone marrow transplant program
to ensure continuity of care for patients. Ms. Breitenbach graduated
magna cum laude from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, with a
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing, and is currently enrolled in a dual Master
of Science program in Adult and Geriatric Advanced Practice Nursing
at the University of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois.
Ms. Breitenbach is an Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy and
Biotherapy Provider and a member of the Honor Society of Nursing,
Sigma Theta Tau International.
- Barton A. Kamen, MD, PhD, has no affiliations with commercial interests to disclose.
- Katherine A. Breitenbach, BA, RN, has no affiliations with commercial interests to disclose.
This continuing education program is supported by a grant from Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
There is no fee for this educational activity.
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