Enduring CME Activity from the April 20, 2020 Live Webcast: COVID-19 and Cancer Care: What Oncologists Need to Know Today

Release Date: April 22, 2020
Expiration Date: April 22, 2021

Activity Overview

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 infection has rapidly become one of the most challenging public health crises in modern history. With over 2.5 million confirmed infections worldwide, including nearly 800,000 cases in the United States (as of April 21, 2020), this virus has the potential to infect individuals of all ages.

However, older individuals and patients with underlying health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pulmonary disorders, seem to be the most vulnerable to infection and to developing more severe illness. Patients with cancer must also be considered in this vulnerable and high-risk population.

But how is this pandemic specifically affecting cancer care, and what do clinicians need to know today to ensure they are providing the best care to their patients with cancer?

This enduring CME activity is an archive of the live broadcast from April 20, 2020, featuring 4 oncologists who address the rapidly evolving issues clinicians face when treating patients with cancer.

Acknowledgement of Support

This activity is supported by educational grants from AbbVie Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Target Audience

This online educational activity is directed toward oncologists, hematologists, infectious disease specialists, primary care physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care professionals involved in the care of patients with cancer.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this educational activity, you should be better prepared to:

• Discuss the risk of infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the severity of illness with COVID-19 across the populations of patients with hematologic and solid tumor malignancies
• Identify optimal protocols for cancer facilities, in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, to help minimize the risk of coronavirus infection
• Assess strategies to optimize treatment protocols for patients with cancer in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic

Faculty, Staff, and Planners’ Disclosures

In accordance with ACCME Guidelines, PER^® has identified and resolved all COI for faculty, staff, and planners prior to the start of this activity by using a multistep process.

Moderator

Ruben A. Mesa, MD, FACP
Director and Professor of Medicine
Mays Family Foundation Distinguished University Presidential Chair
UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center
San Antonio, TX

Disclosures: Grant/Research Support: Celgene, Incyte, AbbVie, Samus Therapeutics, Genotech, Promedior, CTI BioPharma; Consultant: Novartis, Sierra Oncology, and LaJolla Pharmaceutical Company.

Faculty

Amelia A. Langston, MD
Professor and Executive Vice Chair, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology
Emory University School of Medicine
Director, Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program
Medical Director, Winship Cancer Network
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Disclosures: Amelia A. Langston, MD, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests.

Hope S. Rugo, MD, FASCO
Professor of Medicine
Director, Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
San Francisco, CA

Disclosures: Grant/Research Support: Pfizer, Merck, Novartis, Lilly, Genentech, OBI Pharma, Odonate Therapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, MacroGenics, and Immunomedics; Other: Travel Support: Daiichi Sankyo, Mylan, Pfizer, Merck, AstraZeneca, Novartis, and MacroGenics. Other: Honoraria: Puma Biotechnology, Samsung (one-time consulting), and Celltrion (one time only).

Cardinale B. Smith, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Chief Quality Officer, Cancer Services, Mount Sinai Health System
Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology and Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, NY

Disclosures: Consultant: Teva Pharmaceuticals.

The staff Physicians' Education Resource^®, LLC (PER^®) have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Off-Label Disclosure and Disclaimer

This activity may or may not discuss investigational, unapproved, or off-label use of drugs. Learners are advised to consult prescribing information for any products discussed. The information provided in this accredited activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent clinical judgment of a healthcare professional relative to diagnostic, treatment, or management options for a specific patient’s medical condition. The opinions expressed in the content are solely those of the individual faculty members and do not reflect those of PER^® or any company that provided commercial support for this activity.