ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

Accounting for approximately 12% to 15% of all intracranial neoplasms, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most malignant of the primary brain tumors. Despite much research into the treatment of GBM, the condition has a bleak prognosis; studies indicate that most untreated patients survive no longer than 3 months, while those who do receive therapy have a median overall survival of only 6.9 to 14.6 months. Standard GBM treatment consists of maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy, and concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide. While these therapeutic modalities help to maximize quality of life, they are not curative and overall mortality rates remain high. Thus, the focus of current research is to identify regimens that will extend patient survival and optimize therapeutic outcomes, while limiting toxicity.

The following online journal club series presents results of 6 key primary research articles published in reputable peer-reviewed journals between November 2007 and September 2009. Each journal club includes a summary of the study, an analysis of the study’s strengths and limitations, and clinical implications, all of which serve to provide practicing clinicians with an analytical portrait of the most current and significant research within the field. This online journal club series, in particular, is designed to provide neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and other medical oncologists with an understanding of the most current advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GBM.

GOAL

To provide neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and other medical oncologists with up-to-date information on the treatment and management of patients with high-grade gliomas.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This activity is designed for neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and other medical oncologists who research, identify, and treat patients with high-grade gliomas. No prerequisites required.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Full Disclosure Policy Affecting CME Activities
As a provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), it is the policy of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to require the disclosure of the existence of any relevant 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 Steering Committee reported the following:

Alessandro Olivi, MD (Chair)
Professor of Neurosurgery and Oncology
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland
Dr Olivi reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

Jaishri Blakeley, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Oncology, and Neurosurgery
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland
Dr Blakeley reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

Allen K. Sills, MD, FACS
Associate Professor
Department of Neurological Surgery
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Nashville, Tennessee
Dr Sills reports having no relevant financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

Note: Grants to investigators at The Johns Hopkins University are negotiated and administered by the institution which receives the grant, typically through the Office of Research Administration. Individual investigators who participate in the sponsored project(s) are not directly compensated by the sponsor, but may receive salary or other support from the institution to support their effort on the project(s).

Off-Label Product Discussion:
The audience is advised that presentations in this CME activity contain reference(s) to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices:

Dr Blakeley—CPT-11, gefitinib, talampanel.

Disclaimer Statement
The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty and other experts whose input is included in this activity are their own. This website is produced for educational purposes only. Use of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 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.

Internet CME Policy
The Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is committed to protect the privacy of its members and customers. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine CME maintains its Internet site as an information resource and service for physicians, other health professionals, and the public. Continuing Medical Education at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine will keep your personal and credit information confidential when you participate in a CME Internet-based activity. Your information will never be given to anyone outside of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s CME activity. CME collects only the information necessary to provide you with the services that you request.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Describe the role of surgical resection for patients with recurrent high-grade glioma.
• Apply genetic and other predictors of disease course glioma to individualize therapy.
• Evaluate emerging evidence for the best treatment of patients with glioma.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

CME INFORMATION

Accreditation Statement — The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement — The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Release date: December 15, 2009. Expiration date: December 15, 2011.

The estimated time to complete this activity: 3 hours.

Activity Format
After reviewing this online activity, participants may receive credit by completing the CME test, evaluation, and receiving a score of 70% or higher.