Thursday Satellite Symposium on Optimizing Strategies for Targeting CD20 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Overview and Purpose

The treatment of hematologic malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been revolutionized by the use of monoclonal antibodies. However, a substantial proportion of patients are refractory to those antibodies, and still others develop resistance; these limitations have led to the development of a number of second-generation treatments designed to overcome them. The Optimizing Strategies for Targeting CD20 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma symposium is designed to educate physicians about novel monoclonal antibody therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma utilizing an international perspective. Physicians who attend the symposium will be introduced to new clinical trial data on burgeoning therapeutics and the application of that information to appropriate patient scenarios.


Target Audience

This educational program is directed toward medical oncologists and hematologists with an interest in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology are required for successful participation in this activity. Fellows, nurses, and pharmacists in oncology are also invited to attend.


Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this symposium, you should be able to:

  • Describe known mechanisms of resistance to rituximab as well as means by which therapeutic agents could overcome that resistance
     
  • Discuss novel CD20 targeted monoclonal antibodies that have activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma
     
  • Apply current clinical trial data on monoclonal antibodies to scenarios representative of the care of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
     
  • Review current strategies for optimizing use of CD20-targeted monoclonal antibodies in follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma


Acknowledgment

Supported by an education grant from GlaxoSmithKline Oncology