Target Professions: | DO, MD, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant |
Target Specialties: | Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Hematology/Oncology, Oncology, Colorectal Surgery |
Credits Available: | 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢ |
Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be the second most lethal cancer in the United States (US) with approximately 149,500 new cases and 52,980 deaths per year. Patients diagnosed at an advanced/metastatic stage have a five-year survival rate of roughly 14%. For these patients, initial treatment is usually chemotherapy based. With this treatment, patients have a median survival of 30 months. Through further research, targeted therapies have been developed to fight metastatic CRC (mCRC), these include antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These agents have increased overall survival (OS) in mCRC.
Several biomarkers are used in the diagnosis of mCRC, including KRAS and MRAF mutations as well as microsatellite instability assessment. Testing for and targeting BRAF mutations is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Still BRAF testing is underused, especially at community centers. While BRAF V600E mutation is associated with poorer prognosis, there are now targeted treatments available. After first-line treatment, subsequent systemic therapy recommendations from the NCCN include the combination of encorafenib in addition to EGFR inhibition with cetuximab or panitumumab. Dermatologic adverse events (AEs), among others, may occur with these treatments, but there is detailed guidance available for their management.
This educational program will help clinicians understand the importance of BRAF testing and treatment with practical guidance on managing AEs to keep patients on effective doses of their needed medications.
The following questions are designed to assess your knowledge and practice of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
This module will discuss the epidemiology of BRAF V600-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), its clinical associations, and its prognosis.
This module will discuss biomarker testing in metastatic colorectal cancer.
This module will discuss the combination treatment approaches in patients who have had prior treatment for BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic colorectal cancer.
This module will discuss the management of adverse events associated with the use of combined encorafenib (BRAF inhibitor) and cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) in patients with advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer.
This virtual live discussion will offer an interactive approach to providing optimal care to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
This group task activity has been designed for the learner to explore a patient case study and to apply the knowledge they have learned throughout the activity to determine the most appropriate way to treat the patient.
This group task has been designed for the learner to explore a patient case study and to apply the knowledge they have learned throughout the activity to determine the most appropriate way to treat the patient.
In light of the information reviewed and discussed during this program, can you share an action plan that you will implement to improve the outcomes for your patients with metastatic CRC.
This virtual live discussion will focus on reviewing the patient cases and how the findings apply to caring for current or future patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Action plans will also be presented as we reflect on change of practice as a result of this CME activity.
The following questions are designed to assess your gained knowledge and practice of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after completing the self study.
Thank you for your interest. Currently, the curriculum is closed for enrollment but we encourage you to keep an eye out for future opportunities or alternative programs that might align with your educational goals.