This Internet activity is based on a CME-certified Web conference series, which was held in January 2005. The activity was jointly sponsored by Curatio CME Institute LLC and the MMRF and supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Celgene Corporation.

Purpose

A new treatment paradigm has emerged in multiple myeloma with the incorporation of therapies that target tumor cells and their microenvironment. Thalidomide, bortezomib, and immunomodulatory drugs are widely studied for all stages of the disease and understanding their proper use for optimal outcomes is necessary. The goal of this Internet activity is to provide practicing hematologists/oncologists a review of the current status and use of these therapeutic options for patients with multiple myeloma and to assist them in anticipating and managing potential side effects of thalidomide therapy in particular.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for hematologists, oncologists, and other health care providers involved in the treatment and care of patients with multiple myeloma.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Discuss the current treatment approaches for patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
  • Describe the potential adverse effects requiring intervention with thalidomide therapy in patients with multiple myeloma
  • Review the evidence base for optimal management of adverse effects associated with the use of thalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma
  • Evaluate data related to the use of combination therapies including thalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma

Medium

This Internet activity was selected as the instructional format to accommodate the learning preferences of a significant portion of the target audience.

System Requirements

Click here to view system requirements for this activity.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Curatio CME Institute LLC and the MMRF. Curatio CME Institute LLC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

Curatio CME Institute LLC designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

Please note: Physicians should not claim credit for this activity if credit was previously claimed for the CME-certified Web conference series on which this CME Internet activity is based.

Faculty Disclosure

As a sponsor accredited by the ACCME, it is the policy of Curatio CME Institute LLC to require the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship a faculty member or sponsor has with the manufacturer of any commercial products discussed in an educational presentation. Speakers are also required to openly disclose discussion of any off-label, experimental, or investigational use of drugs or devices in their presentation. The presenting faculty reported the following relationships:

Nikhil C. Munshi, MD, has disclosed that he serves on the speakers' bureau for Celgene Corporation, Cell Therapeutics, Inc., Millenium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Novartis. Dr. Munshi has disclosed that he will discuss the unlabeled or investigational use of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib.

S. Vincent Rajkumar, MD, has disclosed that he receives grant/research support from Celgene Corporation, EntreMed, Inc., and Millenium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Rajkumar has also disclosed that he will discuss the unlabeled or investigational use of thalidomide.

Unlabeled/Investigational Use Declaration

This Internet activity will include discussions of off-label or investigational use of pharmaceutical products or medical devices.

Disclaimer

The information presented in this CME activity is for continuing medical education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician relative to diagnosis and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition.

The faculty members, Curatio CME Institute LLC, the MMRF, and Celgene Corporation do not promote the use of any pharmaceutical, diagnostic test, or device outside the labeled indications approved by the FDA. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Any procedures, medications, devices, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this CME activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patients' condition and possible contraindications or dangers of use. It is recommended that physicians review any applicable manufacturers' product information and compare any off-label discussions with other authorities.

Instructions for Participation and Credit

This internet activity is formatted to include text and graphics, and may include other multimedia features. There are no fees for participating and receiving credit for this activity.

Participation in this self-study activity should be completed in approximately 1 hour. To successfully complete this activity and receive credit, participants must follow these steps during the period from March 28, 2005 through March 28, 2006.

  1. Read, listen to, and review the entire CME activity including the learning objectives, target audience, faculty disclosure, and disclaimer information.
  2. Study the educational activity online or print it out.
  3. Read, complete, and submit answers to the posttest questions and evaluation questions online. Participants must receive a test score of at least 70% and respond to all evaluation questions to receive a certificate.
  4. When finished, please check the box that indicates that you attest to having participated in this CME activity, and download your certificate.

Release and Expiration

This educational activity was released on March 28, 2005 and will be eligible for category 1 credit through March 28, 2006. Effective March 29, 2006, the activity will no longer be certified for credit but may still have value for hematologists, oncologists, and other health care providers involved in the treatment and care of patients with multiple myeloma.

Privacy and Confidentiality

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Copyright © 2005, Curatio CME Institute LLC

Provider Contact Information

Any questions, please call Curatio CME Institute LLC at (610) 363-1619 ext. 115 or e-mail information@curatiocme.com.