Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In 2009, the estimated number of deaths from cancer of the lung and bronchus are expected to exceed the number of estimated deaths from breast, ovarian, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. Despite several decades of extensive research, the 5-year survival rate for all stages combined is only 15%. In this challenging and continually evolving treatment setting, careful selection of an appropriate treatment plan by considering patient characteristics and available data from clinical trials can significantly impact survival. Recent advancements include the development of novel targeted and chemotherapeutic agents, identification of tumor characteristics that are associated with benefit from distinct treatment regimens, and an emerging role for maintenance therapy in prolonging survival. After completing this activity, participants will be able to review emerging clinical trial data that evaluate the safety and efficacy of frontline regimens, assess histological considerations for maximizing the safety and benefit associated with chemotherapy and targeted agents, and discuss the role of maintenance therapy in the treatment of patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

This activity is intended for oncologists, oncology nurses, oncology physician assistants, nurse practitioners, fellows, and other healthcare professionals who manage patients with NSCLC.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to

1. Assess histologic considerations for maximizing the safety and benefit associated with chemotherapy and targeted agents in the treatment of patients with NSCLC.
2. Review emerging clinical trial data that evaluate the safety and efficacy of frontline regimens for patients with NSCLC.
3. Discuss the role of maintenance therapy in the treatment of patients with NSCLC.  

This interactive discussion/presentation will use multiple methods of participation, including case-based lectures, to engage attendees and enhance the learning process.  

Physicians: The CBCE™ (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The CBCE designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.

Physician Assistants: AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for Category 1 credit from AOACCME, Prescribed credit from AAFP, and AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 1.0 hour of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Nurses: The CBCE™ (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

The CBCE designates this educational activity for 1.0 contact hour.

Accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation refers to recognition of educational activities and does not imply approval or endorsement of any product.

The Evaluation and Request for Credit Form must be completed and returned to the CBCE following this activity to obtain credit. Please fill in the faculty name and date of the activity on the evaluation form. Participants will receive their certificate 4-6 weeks after the CBCE receives their form.

The CBCE gratefully acknowledges the educational grant provided by Lilly USA, LLC.  

For further information, please contact the CBCE, 1707 Market Place Blvd., Suite 370, Irving, TX 75063; Phone: (877) 263-6911; Fax: (972) 929-8263; E-mail: localcme@thecbce.com.

The content and views presented in this educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of the CBCE or Lilly USA, LLC. This material has been prepared based on a review of multiple sources of information but is not comprehensive. Participants are advised to critically appraise the information presented, and they are encouraged to consult the available literature on any product or device mentioned in this program.