Cases in Multiple Myeloma: The Role of Oncology Pharmacists on an Interprofessional Team to Improve Patient Care & Outcomes

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Historically, multiple myeloma (MM) was a difficult and frustrating disease. Fortunately, during the past decade, considerable advances have been made in our understanding of the natural history and pathogenesis of MM and factors that influence outcomes. In addition, novel therapies have been developed that are highly effective, provide disease control, and prolong survival without detrimentally affecting quality of life. The availability of these therapies, along with well-defined prognostic factors, has provided the opportunity to develop risk-adapted strategies for managing MM. A number of patient- and therapy-related factors, such as renal and liver function, comorbidities, and drug interactions, must be considered by the pharmacist in order to appropriately manage the administration and dosing of a particular agent or regimen. The pharmacist also plays a critical role in defining supportive care, adherence strategies, and appropriate patient counseling.

In this activity, evidence-based presentations will be integrated with cases, highlighting the interactions that should occur between pharmacist and physician while managing patients with MM. Case studies will stimulate participants to apply new information to their own patients. Providing example interaction between physician and pharmacist will provide engaging evidence-based discussions, serve to further maintain participant interest, and promote applicability of the strategies considered.

TARGET AUDIENCE
Hematology and oncology pharmacists who need to be kept apprised of the latest advances in this therapeutic area.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:

• Actively participate in adverse event management strategies for patients with MM receiving novel therapies and regimens.
• Recommend dose adjustments when necessary based on patient- and disease-associated factors, such as renal or liver impairments.
• As part of an interprofessional team, partner with physicians in the management of patients with MM based on risk stratification strategies.

ACCREDITATION INFORMATION
Registered Pharmacy Designation

Medical Learning Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Completion of this activity provides for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEU) of continuing education credit.
The Universal Activity Number is 0468-9999-11-027-H01-P.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREDIT
There is no fee for this activity.  To receive credit, participants must read this CE activity in its entirety and complete the posttest and evaluation.  The posttest and evaluation can be completed online at  http://www.mlicme.org/p11012pt.html. Upon completion of the evaluation and scoring a 70% or better on the posttest, you will immediately receive your certificate online. If you do not achieve a score of 70% or better on the posttest, you will be asked to take it again.  Please retain a copy of the Certificate for your records.

For questions regarding the pharmacy accreditation of this activity, please contact Medical Learning Institute at (609) 333-1693 or cgusack@mlicme.org.

DISCLOSURES
Before the activity, all faculty and anyone that is in a position to have control over the content of this activity and their spouse/life partner will disclose the existence of any financial interest and/or relationship(s) they might have with any commercial interest producing health care goods/services to be discussed during their presentation(s): honoraria, expenses, grants, consulting roles, speakers bureau membership, stock ownership, or other special relationships. Presenters will inform participants of any off-label discussions.  All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

The associates of Medical Learning Institute, Inc. the accredited provider for this activity, and Center of Excellence Media, LLC, do not have any financial relationships or relationships to products or devices with any commercial interest related to the content of this CE activity for any amount during the past 12 months. 

Faculty Disclosures
Jonathan L. Kaufman, MD,is a consultant to Keryx, Millennium, Novartis, and Onyx; he has also received research support from Celgeneand Merck.

Stephanie S. Minich, PharmD, BCOP,has nothing to disclose.

Dr. Kaufman disclosed that he intends to discuss either non-FDA-approved or investigational use of a product/device.

Planner Disclosure
Teresa Haile, RPh, MBA,has nothing to disclose. 

DISCLAIMER

The information provided at this CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. Recommendations for the use of particular therapeutic agents are based on the best available scientific evidence and current clinical guidelines.  No bias towards or promotion for any agent-discussed in this program should be inferred.