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Meet The Professors: A case-based discussion on the
management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

STATEMENT OF NEED / TARGET AUDIENCE

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is one of the many histologic subsets of the soft tissue sarcomas and the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical trial data in the systemic management of GIST have been sparse over the past few decades, owing to the cancer’s innate resistance to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics and radiation interventions. However, recent breakthroughs in the understanding of this malignancy‘s pathogenesis and the advent of small-molecule targeted signal transduction inhibitors and anti-angiogenesis agents have led to the approval of a number of innovative therapies that have changed the natural history of the disease.

In order to offer optimal patient care — including the option of clinical trial participation — the practicing medical oncologist must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, this Meet The Professors CME activity utilizes case-based discussions between clinical investigators and practicing oncologists to apply evidence-based concepts to routine clinical care. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives on the disease, this activity will assist medical oncologists in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology and epidemiology of GIST.
• Formulate pre- and postsurgical management strategies for patients with GIST, considering the risk of tumor rupture, postoperative histologic staining and/or mutational analyses.
• Evaluate the emerging role of adjuvant therapy for localized, resectable GIST.
• Devise therapeutic approaches to GIST in the context of the rationale for biologic agents and evidence surrounding the limited effectiveness of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
• Evaluate the established role of molecularly targeted therapy for patients with advanced GIST.
• Develop an evidence-based treatment algorithm for patients with imatinib-resistant GIST, considering the implications of mutational transformation on therapeutic choice.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trials.

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 both audio and print components. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs, review the Internet content and complete the Educational Assessment and Credit Form. www.MeetTheProfessors.com 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 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Pfizer Inc.