Symposium Overview and Purpose

The Optimizing Strategies for Targeting CD20 in B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders symposium will update physicians on recent clinical advances in the development of novel therapies for patients with B-cell malignancies. The symposium will focus on monoclonal antibody therapy that has been used for over a decade in the treatment of lymphoma and, in many scenarios, has become a standard of care. Within this time, however, there have been many advances in the molecular biology and genetics of hematologic malignancies that have the potential to alter the standard usage of current agents as well as impact the development of new regimens and agents that might further optimize treatment. The clinical development of new antibodies that recognize validated targets, such as CD20, is aimed at increasing their affinity to either Fc receptors or other effector molecules, such as CD16 on NK cells.

Target Audience

This symposium is designed for medical hematologists and oncologists as well as fellows in training involved in the treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies.

CME Accreditation and Credit Designation

Physicians’ Education Resource is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physicians’ Education Resource designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

All CME activities approved by the American Medical Association (AMA) are recognized by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME).

Learning Objectives

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

• Discuss the mechanisms of resistance to CD20-targeted agents such as rituximab and
  strategies to overcome them through rational antibody engineering
• Review current data on CD20-targeted agents for patients with B-cell malignancies
• Assess the clinical activity of second-generation anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in NHL
  and CLL
• Outline ongoing clinical trials of novel monoclonal antibodies in B-cell lymphoproliferative
  disorders
• Discuss the roll of effector molecules in predicting response to anti-CD20 therapy

Acknowledgement

This activity is supported by an educational grant from:

GlaxoSmithKline Oncology