OVERVIEW
This free activity consists of a lecture presentation, a learning assessment, and an evaluation form.
The content of this virtual lecture is derived from a teleconference/webcast presented on November 19, 2009.

MEDIUM: Virtual Lecture
INTERNET RELEASE DATE: December 16, 2009
(Continuing education credit is no longer available for this activity.)

Estimated time to complete this activity: 1.75 hours

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TARGET AUDIENCE
Oncology nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with adult acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

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ACTIVITY PURPOSE
This activity is designed to educate oncology nurses about the pediatric treatment approach to adult acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

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STATEMENT OF NEED
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.

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EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the activity, the participant should be better able to:

• 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

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METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
To complete this activity and receive a certificate of completion, participants must:

1. Review all contents of this activity
2. Complete and submit the learning assessment and evaluation form
3. Score at least 70% on the learning assessment

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NURSING CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION

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.

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FACULTY

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.

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DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
All faculty participating in continuing education activities by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are expected to disclose to the activity participants any significant financial interest or other relationships with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in their presentations. Faculty also are expected to disclose any unlabeled or investigational uses of products discussed in their presentations.

The faculty reported the following financial relationships or relationships to products or devices they or their spouse/life partner have with commercial interests related to the content of this CE activity:

• 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.

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STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
This continuing education program is supported by a grant from Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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FEE INFORMATION
There is no fee for this educational activity.

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QUESTIONS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
For questions regarding the content of this activity, contact the LLS Information Resource Center at
800-955-4572, or visit the LLS Web site at www.LLS.org. For technical assistance, contact jungsen@rmcom.net.

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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Hardware/Software requirements include:
• Windows 95, 98se, ME, XP, NT 4.0, 2000   
  - Internet Explorer 4.0+
  - Netscape Navigator 6.2+
  - Mozilla Firefox 1.0+
• Macintosh 9.2, OS X 10.1+
  - Safari 1.1+
  - Netscape Navigator 6.2+
  - Internet Explorer 5.2+
  - Mozilla Firefox 1.0+
• Additional Requirements
  - Windows Media Player
  - Internal/external speakers
  - Broadband connection (DSL/cable) recommended

 

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