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Oncology Pharmacy Consults
Immunotherapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma:
Novel Treatment Strategies

Provided by The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, in cooperation with ASiM.
Supported by an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

OVERVIEW

Management of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) continues to evolve. Treatment with interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon (INF-α), or a combination of the 2, were standards of care in the early 2000s. Targeted therapies emerged based on an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of RCC showing improved progression-free survival (PFS), and partial response over interferon-α, with better tolerability. These therapies focused on inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Although targeted therapies have demonstrated PFS benefit, most patients with mRCC eventually relapse, emphasizing the need for treatment options with novel mechanisms of action that could result in improved efficacy and a survival advantage. Understanding of specific host-tumor immune interactions has led to the development of novel antibodies directed against immune checkpoint proteins. Recently, an immune checkpoint inhibitor has shown superiority over an mTOR inhibitor in a selected patient population with disease progression on antiangiogenic therapy. As new therapies are approved, it is important for pharmacists to understand mechanisms of action and roles in the clinic, especially for patients who have received prior therapies, to make informed treatment choices to improve patient outcomes. This enduring case-based activity will provide participants with up-to-date information regarding consulting with patients on prescribing and managing therapies for patients with mRCC.

GOAL

The goals of the following case study are to explore treatment choices following disease progression and to understand the evolving role of immunotherapy and its unique clinical and adverse event profile as an important option for patients with mRCC.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This enduring case activity is designed for oncology pharmacists, health systems pharmacists, and other pharmacists managing patients with mRCC. No prerequisites required.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CPE activity. At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

  • Identify recently approved and investigational immunotherapy treatment options for mRCC.
  • Recognize unique efficacy and safety considerations regarding the use of immunotherapy in mRCC.
  • Assess individual treatment plans incorporating immunotherapy in mRCC.
  • Describe key areas of pharmacist interventions in the management of mRCC.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

acpeThe University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Successful completion of this knowledge-based program will provide a statement for 1.0 contact hour of credit (0.10 CEU) and will be available at the completion of the activity. Successfully completing the activity and receiving credit includes: 1) attending the session; 2) watching, listening to, and participating in the educational activity; 3) completing the self-assessment instrument with a score of at least 70%. CE credit will be submitted to the NABP CE Monitor. UAN: 0064-0000-16-222-H01-P. CE credit will be submitted to the NABP CPE Monitor within 30 days. It is recommended that you check your NABP CPE Monitor e-profile database 30 days after the completion of any CE activity to ensure that your credits are posted.

NABP e-PROFILE ID NUMBER

Pharmacists or pharmacy technicians with questions regarding their NABP e-Profile or CPE Monitor should refer to the FAQ section on the NABP website: http://www.nabp.net/programs/cpe-monitor/cpe-monitor-service. To receive credit for your participation in this activity, all pharmacists must include their NABP e-Profile ID number, along with their date and month of birth. If incorrect information is provided, this will result in "rejected" status from the CPE Monitor. It is the responsibility of the participant to notify The University of Tennessee (within the 60 day submission timeframe) of their corrected information. Otherwise, the completed CE will not be accepted by the CPE Monitor.

Please allow up to 30 days for your credit to appear on CPE Monitor.

Type of Activity: Knowledge

Published: October 31, 2016
Expires: October 31, 2017

Media: Internet

Fee Information: There is no fee for this educational activity.

Estimated time to complete activity: 60 minutes

HOW TO EARN CREDIT

Participants must complete the activity as described above in the Credit Designation Statement. To answer the questions, click on your selected choice for each answer then proceed to the next question. We recommend that you print a copy of your answers before you submit them to us. Once completed, click on Submit Post-test at the bottom of the page. Your post-test will automatically be graded. If you successfully complete the post-test (score of 70% or higher), your statement of CE credit will be made available immediately. Click on View Certificate and print the CE statement for your records. If you receive a score lower than 70%, you will receive a message notifying you that you did not pass the post-test. You will have 2 opportunities to pass the post-test.

FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY AFFECTING CPE ACTIVITIES

As an accredited provider by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), it is the policy of The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy to require the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship a faculty member or a sponsor has with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in an educational presentation. The Course Director and Participating Faculty reported the following:

PARTICIPATING FACULTY

R. Donald Harvey, PharmD, FCCP, BCOP
Associate Professor, Hematology/Medical Oncology
Director, Phase 1 Clinical Trials Section
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia

Dr Harvey reports receiving grants/research support from Amgen Inc, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boston Biomedical, Eli Lilly, Halozyme Inc, Merck & Co Inc, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, and Syndax; and reports serving as a consultant for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

OFF-LABEL PRODUCT DISCUSSION

In accordance with ACPE Criteria for Quality, the audience is advised that discussions in this CPE activity may include reference(s) to unlabeled, unapproved, or investigational uses of therapeutic agents or biomedical devices, including, but not limited to, the following:

Atezolizumab, avelumab, BMS 986016, CB-839, CPI-444, dendritic cell renal cell carcinoma vaccine, durvalumab, enoblituzumab, ipilimumab, LAG525, MBG453, MED10680, MK-4166 (GITR antibody), PDR001 (anti PD-1), pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, tremelimumab, and varlilumab – Currently in clinical trials for treating patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty and other experts whose input is included in this activity are their own. This activity is produced for educational purposes only. Use of The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy name implies review of educational format, design, and approach. Please review the complete prescribing information of specific drugs or combinations of drugs, including indications, contraindications, warnings, and adverse effects, before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

A participant, sponsor, faculty member, or other individual wanting to file a grievance with respect to any aspect of an activity sponsored or cosponsored by The University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy may contact the Associate Dean for Continuing Education in writing at gfarr@utasip.com. The grievance will be reviewed and a response will be returned within 45 days of receiving the written statement. If not satisfied, an appeal to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy can be made for a second level review.

ACTIVITY

The following is an interactive case simulation designed to help you gauge your basic knowledge of the topic and then direct you to areas you may need to focus on. It consists of 3 sections: an unaccredited pre-test, an interactive case study, and a CPE post-test, and evaluation. All 3 sections must be completed to receive CPE credit. A statement of credit will be available online immediately following successful completion of the activity.

REQUIRED COMPUTER HARDWARE/SOFTWARE

Please ensure the computer you plan to use meets the following minimum requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 98 or higher & Macintosh 2.2 or higher
  • Internet Browser (Mac &/Windows): Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Safari 5.0.6 or higher, Firefox 3.0.3 or higher & Opera 5 or higher
  • Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible.
  • Peripherals: Computer speakers or headphones
  • Monitor Screen Resolution: 320 x 480 or higher
  • Media Viewing Requirements: Adobe Reader, Microsoft Power Point, Flash Player & HTML5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preassessment

Immunotherapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma:
Novel Treatment Strategies
R. Donald Harvey, PharmD, FCCP, BCOP

Postassessment and Evaluation

View Activity