Oncology Learning Objectives

Authors: Michael Pourdehnad, Stephen Berns

Editor: Lauren Peccoralo

 

I.      General Learning Objectives

A.    Clinical Skills - Patient Care

1.     Evaluate and prioritize problems and complications occurring in hospitalized

      oncology patients

a)     Including Fever, AMS, SOB, Pain, Nausea/Vomiting, and Bleeding

b)     Describe the evidence based management of anti-coagulation in the

cancer patient

2.     Efficiently evaluate and stabilize patients newly admitted from the Cancer

      Center or Emergency Department

3.     Describe classic clinical presentations and initial triage management of

      common urgent hematologic/oncologic conditions such as:

a)     Acute complications of tumor or treatment (e.g. bowel obstruction,

tumor lysis, hypercalcemia, neutropenic fever)

b)     Severe anemia or thrombocytopenia

4.     Demonstrate knowledge of specific techniques for control of pain, nausea,

       and anxiety.

 

B.    Interpersonal Skills

1.     Demonstrate knowledge in ethics and laws of end of life decisions

2.     Be capable of discussing prognosis and goals of care with patients

3.     Be capable of conducting a family meeting

 

C.   Procedural Skills

1.     Observe a bone marrow biopsy

2.     Participate in ordering chemotherapy for a patient

 

*Intern Focused Topics

 

II.    General Medical Knowledge in Malignancy

 

Most of this info is covered in the first few chapters of:

Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology

A.    Biology, etiology, and epidemiology of neoplastic disease

1.     Define and give examples of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes *

2.     Describe Vogelstein's model for the development of colorectal cancer as

primarily a tool for thinking about how tumors develop*

3.     Describe concepts of germ line vs. somatic mutations.

4.     Describe how environment may interact with DNA to cause mutations.

5.     List environmental risk factors for the major types of cancer *

6.     Describe the concepts of targeted molecular therapy and oncogene addiction,

using EGFR and VEGF as examples.

7.     Readings:

a)     Oncogenes and Cancer NEJM Volume 358:502-511           January 31, 2008 http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/358/5/502

b)     Cancer Immunology N Engl J Med 358:2704, June 19, 2008 Review Article http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/358/25/2704

 

B.    Detection and diagnosis, staging and natural history*

1.     Describe which screening tests are recommended, when and the risks and

      benefits of screening

2.     Teach patients important lifestyle modifications that may prevent cancer.

3.     Know general types of diagnostic tests and procedures, including biopsies,

      tumor markers and radiology

4.     Describe general TNM staging system and how it relates to prognosis and

      treatment

5.   Readings – see above chapter and specific cancer type sections

 

C.   Cancer therapy

1.     Know general types of treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation

      therapy, hormonal therapies, biological response modifiers and targeted

      therapies.

2.     Know the general mechanisms and examples of alkylating agents, anti-

      metabolites, cisplatin and its analogues, topoisomerase interactive agents,

      anti-microtubule agents

3.     Know the mechanism of rituximab (Rituxan), imatinib (Gleevec),

      trastuzumab (Herceptin), erlotinib (Tarceva), bevacizumab (Avastin),

      sorafenib (Nexavar).

a)     Tyrosine Kinases as Targets for Cancer Therapy N Engl J Med 353:172, July 14, 2005 Review Article

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/353/2/172

4.     Give examples of drugs that cause the following toxicities: cardiomyopathy,

      neurotoxicity, pulmonary fibrosis, dermatologic toxicity, nephrotoxicity and

      hemorrhagic cystitis, gastrointestinal toxicity and what tests might be ordered

      for patients prior to receiving these drugs (eg. MUGA, PFT’s).

5.     Define the terms adjuvant, neo-adjuvent, palliative, induction, and

      consolidation chemotherapy.

      http://www.cancerguide.org/trials_glossary.html

 

D.    Metastasis*

1.     Describe the common routes and sites of metastasis for major solid

      malignancies

2.     Discuss which malignancies cause lytic vs. blastic bone metastases and the

      proper tests to detect bone metastases.

                        3.   Readings – see specific solid tumor readings

 

E.    Hereditary cancer syndromes

1.     Describe the various hereditary cancer syndromes

2.     Readings

a)     Inherited Susceptibility to Common Cancers N Engl J Med 359:2143, November 13, 2008 Review Article http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/359/20/2143

b)     Hereditary Colorectal Cancer N Engl J Med 348:919, March 6, 2003 Review Article

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/348/10/919

 

F.     Cancer Genetics

1.     Define the following terms by how they are used clinically in oncology:

      cytogenetics, immunohistochemistry, FISH, Flow Cytometry, Karyotype.

      Glossary of Genetics http://linkage.rockefeller.edu/wli/glossary/genetics.html

2.     Understand utility of genetic markers in cancer diagnostics.

 

III.  General Medical Knowledge in Oncological Emergencies:

 

A.   Tumor Lysis Syndrome*

1.     List the most common causes of tumor lysis syndrome

2.     Explain the common metabolic changes seen in tumor lysis syndrome and

       the effects they have on the body

3.     Describe the basic treatments for tumor lysis syndrome and how they affect

       each metabolic disturbance

                        4.   See below for general readings

 

B.    Neutropenic Fever*

1.     Clinically define neutropenic fever

2.     List the most common malignancies in which neutropenic fever occurs

3.     Describe the empiric treatment for NF and treatment changes that might

      occur when fever persists

4. Understand the role colony-stimulating factors play in neutropenic fever.

5. Readings:

Clark, OAC et al. Colony-stimulating factors for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2005 23 (18): 4198-214. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:7783/cgi/reprint/23/18/4198;

Pascoe et al. Antibiotics for the prevention of neutropenic fever. Current Opinion in Hematology. 2009 16 (1): 48-52. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:8537/spa/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&PAGE=fulltext&D=ovft&AN=00062752-200901000-00010&NEWS=N&CSC=Y&CHANNEL=PubMed

 

C.    Hyperviscosity Syndromes*

1.     Identify the pathophysiology involved in a hyperviscosity syndromes  

      (leukcytosis or dysprotenemia) that affect the body

2.     Describe the clinical manifestations hyperviscosity syndromes and the

       common malignancies these syndromes may occur in

3.     List the various types of treatment for these syndromes and the reasons to

      choose each option

                        4.   See below for general readings

 

D.    Graft Vs. Host Disease*

1.     Clinically describe Acute Graft Versus Host Disease

2.     Explain the pathophysiology and immunologic response that occurs in

      GVHD

3.     Describe the risk factors for GVHD

4.     Identify the most common methods of treatment and prophylaxis for GVHD

5.   Readings: Ferrara Jl et al. Graft-versus-host disease. Lancet. 2009 May 2; 373 (9674): 1550-61. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-4VTG1P8-1&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=e143dec8115fd65c3acd8cfa5c184f43

 

 

E.    Spinal Cord Compression*

1.     Recognize the clinical presentation for Spinal Cord Compression

2.     Describe the basic pharmacologic and surgical treatments for Spinal Cord

      Compression and when to use each method

                        3.   See below for general readings

F.    Oncological Emergency General Readings:

1.     Higdon ML et al. Treatment of oncologic emergencies. American Family Physician. 2006 Dec 1; 74 (11): 1873-80 http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2308/pqdweb?index=0&did=1166990501&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1245943515&clientId=15325

2. Halfdanarson, TR, et al. Oncologic Emergencies: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo clinic proceedings. 2006; 81 (6): 835-848.

http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/81/6/835.full.pdf+html

 

IV.  Specific Medical Knowledge in Hematologic Malignancies

A.    Leukemia:

 

1.     Name the major favorable and adverse cytogenetic abnormalities in AML;

a)     Describe the unique features of acute promyelocytic leukemia (AML

M3) including treatment induction therapy

b)    Describe unique genetic features for CML

2.     Compare and contrast AML with ALL in terms of patients age, clinical

       features, treatment, and outcome;

3.     Compare and contrast CML with CLL in terms of patients age, clinical

      features, treatment and outcome

4.     Identify types of treatment for AML, ALL, CML, and CLL, including

       induction therapy, the complications of such therapy, and the success rate.

a)     For CML, specifically, describe how BCR-ABL fusion provides a target for effective therapy.

5.     Quick References:

Cell type and lineage for leukemias

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=23347

                                    Classification of AML

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2891733

      Treatment of AML

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2891789

      Treatment of AML

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2791577

      Genetics and Clinical Features of ALL

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2149408

      Treatment of ALL

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2788069

      Treatment of ALL

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2788071

      Philadelphia Chromosome

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2793025

      Treatment of CML

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2793041

      Diagnosis of CLL

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2792757

      Poor Prognositc Indicators in CLL

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2792767

      Treatment Indications for CLL

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2792768

 

                        6. Readings:

a) Estey E et al. Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Lancet. 2006 Nov 25; 368 (9550): 1894-907.

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-4MDJ2KW-16&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=602f42b620d1a1eefd613de3cfbbd9b1

b) Pui CH et al. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Lancet 2008 371 (9617): 1030-43 http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-4S3HTTC-15&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=b1d0545e82a8c4024f46e1037f568dee

c) Dighiero G et al. Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia. Lancet. 2008 371 (9617):1017-29 http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-4S3HTTC-14&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=5e82fad51eabfaba5e6d6840dc4619f9

d) Drucker BJ. Translation of the Philadelphia chromosome into therapy for CML. Blood 008; 112 (13): 4808-17 http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2115/pubmed/19064740?ordinalpos=21&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

 

B.    Lymphoma:

1.     Identify the cytogenic alterations involved in NHL

2.     Compare and contrast NHL and HL including:

a)     patients age

b)    clinical features (including classic B symptoms)

c)     classifications (WHO and Ann Arbor)

d)    outcomes

e) treatment

3.     Describe the role infectious agents may play in the development of

      lymphoma including HIV

4.     Explain the treatment approach and expected outcomes in patients with

      follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma

5.     Describe the treatment approach for HL and the reasons for each approach

a)     Identify short-term and long-term toxic effects of each approach

 

6. Quick Reference Guide:

a)     Lymphoma classification http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2149322

b)    Aggressive Lymphomas http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2149331

c)     Indolent Lymphomas http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2149330HHodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis and treatment http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2794108

d)    Staging for HL http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2794072

e)     Prognosis for HL http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2794076

 

7. Readings:

a)     Ansell, SM et al. Non-Hodkin Lymphoma: Diagnosis and Treatment. 2005 80 (8): 1087. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2308/pqdweb?index=0&did=879534031&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1246067603&clientId=15325

b)    Yung, Lynny. Hodkin’s lymphoma. The Lancet. 2003 361 (93610: 943-951. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-484MB74-T&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=648417a8dcd7b33378eaba2125837b1c

c)     Seam, PP. The Role of Chemotherapy in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer journal.2009 15 (2):150. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2968/?sid=Entrez:PubMed&id=pmid:19390311

d)    Yahalom, Joachim. Role of Radiation Therapy in Hodkin’s Lymphoma. The Cancer Journal 2009 15 (2) 155. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2968/?sid=Entrez:PubMed&id=pmid:19390312

e)     Cheson, BD et al. Monoclonal Antibody therapy for B-Cell NH Lymphoma. NEJM. 2008 359:613-2. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/reprint/359/6/613.pdf

f)     Grogg, KL. HIV Infection and Lymphoma. J Clinical Pathology. 2007 60(12):1365-72. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:7015/cgi/content/full/60/12/1365

g)    Throley-Lawson, DA et al. Persistence of EBV and the Origins of Associated Lymphomas. NEJM. 2004 350:1328-1337. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/reprint/359/6/613.pdf

 

C.    Multiple Myeloma:

1.     Describe the major criteria used to diagnose MM, including:

a)     Major types (differences in immunoglobulin classes)

b)    Diagnostic tools used

c)     Role amyloid may play a role.

2.     Identify the common physiological complications in MM including: renal

      failure, bone involment, etc.

3.     Explain the indications to begin therapy, the types of treatment, and the

      poor/good prognostic indicators.

                        4. Readings:

a)     Nau, KC et al. Multiple Myeloma: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician. 2008 78(7): 853. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2308/pqdweb?index=0&did=1596295921&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1246070767&clientId=15325

b)    San Miguel JF et al. Bortezomib plus Melphalan and Prednisone for Intial treatment of Multiple Myeloma. NEJM. 2008 359: 906. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/full/359/9/906

c)     Harousseau JL et al. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma. NEJM. 2009 360:2645. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/reprint/360/25/2645.pdf

 

D.    Myelodysplastic Sydromes

1.     Describe the typical age, clinical features that occur in myelodysplasia.

2.     Identify the peripheral blood findings, marrow findings, and cytogenetics

      seen in patients with Myelodysplastic disorders

                        3. Describe how gene expression is effected by DNA methylation and histone

acetylation and the rationale for azacytadine as treatment for MDS

3.     Explain the treatments used in patients with myelodysplasia,

a)     Describe goals for therapy

b)    Recognize expected outcomes (response rate, cure rate, survival)

c)     Identify the laboratory determinants of prognosis.

4. Quick Reference Guide:

a)     Classification of MDS http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2801309

b)    Management of MDS http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2801446

5. Readings:

a)     http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-types/myelodysplastic-syndrome/index.html

b)    Steensma DP. The myelodysplastic syndromes: diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2006 81 (1): 104-30. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2308/pqdweb?RQT=305&SQ=issn%280025%2D6196%29%20and%20startpage%28104%29%20and%20volume%2881%29%20and%20issue%281%29

C) Jardersten M et al. Myelodysplastic syndromes: biology and treatment. Journal of Internal Medicine. 2009 265 (3): 307-28. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2097/cgi-bin/fulltext/121575087/PDFSTART

d) Malcovati et al. Time-dependent Prognostic Scoring System for Predicting Survival and Leukemic Evolution in MDS. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2007 25 (23): 3503. http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/full/25/23/3503

 

 

E.    Myeloproliferative Disorders:

1.     Name the four major myeloproliferative disorders and identify the major pathological features of each

2.     Identify the major causes of thrombocytosis and the complications associated with them

3.     Describe the major clinical features, prognosis, and treatment in patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis

4.     Explain the clinical features, genetic mutations, and treatment associated with polycythemia vera.

6. Quick Reference Guide:

a)     Classification Of Myeloproliferative Disorders http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=5781

b)    Lab features of Myeloproliferative Disorders http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=5791

c)     Causes of Polycythemia http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=5782

7. Readings:

a)     Finazzi, Guido et al. How I Treat Patients With Polycythemia Vera. Blood. 2007 109 (12): 5104. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:7681/cgi/content/full/109/12/5104

b)    Abdel-Wahab Oi et al. Primary Myelofibrosis: Update on Definition, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Annu Reve Med. 2008 Oct 23. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2628/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.med.60.041707.160528?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub

c)     Tefferi A. Essential Thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis: current management and the prospect of targeted therapy. American Journal of Hematology. 2008 83(6): 491-7. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2097/cgi-bin/fulltext/117913157/PDFSTART

d)    Birgegard G. Long-term management of thrombocytosis in essential thrombocythemia. Annals of Hematology. 2009 88(1):1-10. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2292/content/u6g453254381n78j/

 

 

F.    Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation:

1.     Identify the basic indications to begin hematopoetic stem cell transplant for cancer;

2.     Compare and contrast chemotherapy treatment with HCT

      including complications and outcomes for leukemia, multiple myeloma, and MDS

3.   Quick Reference Guide:

a)     Uses of Hematopoietic Cell Transplant http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2138922

b)    Complications of Hematopoietic Cell Tranplantation http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2068/popup.aspx?aID=2866227

c)     National Bone Marrow Recommendations when to transplant http://www.marrow.org/PHYSICIAN/Tx_Indications_Timing_Referral/Recommended_Timing_for_Tx_Cons/PDF/recommended_timing.pdf

4.    Readings:

a)     http://www.marrow.org/PHYSICIAN/Medical_Education/index.html

b)    Copelan et al. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. NEJM. 2006 354: 1813-1826. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/full/354/17/181

c)     Ingram W, et al . Allogeneic transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome. Blood Review. 2007 21(2): 61-71 http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2881/retrieve/pii/S0268-960X(06)00027-0

d)    Stem Cell Trailists Collaborative Group. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2005 23 (22): 5074-5087. http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/full/23/22/5074

e)     Harousseau JL et al. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma. NEJM. 2009 360:2645. http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/reprint/360/25/2645.pdf

 

V.    Specific Medical Knowledge in Solid Malignancies

A.    Breast Cancer

1.     Delineate the current guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening*

a)     Readings

(1)  American Cancer Society http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/full/53/3/141
(2)  Memorial Sloan –Kettering (more up to date)

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/65280.cfm

2.     Describe the genetics of BRCA1/2, the indications for genetic screening,

      methods of prevention.*

a)     Reading

(1)  Management of an Inherited Predisposition to Breast Cancer N Engl J Med 357:154, July 12, 2007 Clinical Practice

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/357/2/154

3.     Risk Stratify patients by Estrogen Receptor and HER2 status and describe

      targeted therapies

a)     Readings

(1)  Early Breast Cancer. Lancet. 2009 Apr 25;373(9673):1463-79.

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-4W4M736-14&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=0d957ae4f8a3e558db98c6b25015c9c3

4.     Describe the difference in treatment strategy between the stages of disease.

5.     Understand the role of molecular prognostication for early stage breast

      cancer –specifically the Oncotype DX test

a)     Readings

(1)  Gene-Expression Signatures in Breast Cancer N Engl J Med 360:790, February 19, 2009 Review Article http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/360/8/790

 

B.    Lung Cancer

1.     Describe why lung cancers are divided in Small cell and Non-small cell types

      and how these are staged and treated differently*

a)     Readings

(1)  Merk Manual http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch062/ch062b.html#CEGEDCHH
(2)  Lung Cancer N Engl J Med 359:1367, September 25, 2008 Review Article

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/full/359/13/1367

2.     Describe the difference in treatment strategy between the stages of disease

3.     Demonstrate knowledge of current evidence for screening high risk patients

      for lung cancer*

a)     Readings

(1)  Screening for lung cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004 http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:3111/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD001991/frame.html

 

C.   Prostate Cancer

1.     Delineate the current guidelines for Prostate Cancer screening*

2.     Describe the indication for expectant management vs. treatment*

3.     Describe the general approach to hormonal therapy*

4.     Describe the proper use of PSA in this disease as a tumor marker*

5.     Readings

a)     Mortality results from a randomized prostate-cancer screening trial. N Engl J Med. 2009 Mar 26;360(13):1310-9. Epub 2009 Mar 18.

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/abstract/360/13/1310

b)     ACP Journal Club. Ann Intern Med. 2009 Jun 16;150(12):JC6-4, JC6-5.

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2299/cgi/reprint/150/12/JC6-a-4

c)     Management of Prostate Cancer N Engl J Med 359:2605, December 11, 2008 Clinical Decisions

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/359/24/2605

 

D.    Colorectal Cancer

1.     Describe the current guidelines, methods for Colorectal Cancer screening*

a)     Readings

(1)  http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/65282.cfm
(2)  Screening for colorectal cancer: a targeted, updated systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2008 Nov 4;149(9):638-58. Epub 2008 Oct 6. Review.
http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2299/cgi/content/full/149/9/638
(3)  Fecal DNA versus fecal occult blood for colorectal-cancer screening in an average-risk population. N Engl J Med. 2004 Dec 23;351(26):2704-14.

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/abstract/351/26/2704

2.     Describe the difference in treatment strategy between the stages of disease*

a)     Readings

(1)  Cetuximab and Chemotherapy as Initial Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer N Engl J Med. 2009 Apr 2;360(14):1408-17.

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/360/14/1408

3.     Describe the use of CEA as a tumor marker in this disease*

4.     Describe the genetic mutations that are associated with hereditary non-

      polyposis colorectal cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis.

a)     Readings

(1)  Hereditary Colorectal Cancer N Engl J Med 348:919, March 6, 2003 Review Article

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/348/10/919

 

E.     Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

1.     Identify risk factors for HCC*

2.     Describe the indications and frequency of screening for HCC in patients with liver disease including imaging modalities and tumor markers (AFP)*

3.     Use the Barcelona Criteria to decide treatment options.

4.     Describe the rationale and evidence for sorafenib in HCC.

5.     Readings

a)     Sorafenib in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma N Engl J Med 359:378, July 24, 2008 Original Article

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2368/cgi/content/short/359/4/378

b)     Novel advancements in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma in 2008. J Hepatol. 2008;48 Suppl 1:S20-37. Epub 2008 Feb http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6W7C-4RTKK1R-2&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=d242c424280d9ef869b4f0ab087d8313

 

F.     Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

1.     Describe the approach to diagnosis of RCC*

2.     Describe evidence for primary tumor resection in metastatic disease*

3.     Describe rationale and evidence for targeted molecular therapy

4.     Readings

a)     Targeted drugs for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Lancet. 2007 Dec 22;370(9605):2071-3.

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:2080/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T1B-4RD4RTY-4&_user=30742&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000000333&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=30742&md5=e904d439573b0ee1df00b3a06a52b191

 

G.   Pancreatic Cancer (exocrine)

1.     Describe the typical stage and prognosis at diagnosis*

2.     Describe the use of CA19-9 as a tumor marker in this disease*

3.     Describe the evidence and survival benefit for gemcitabine

4.     Readings

a)     Improvements in survival and clinical benefit with gemcitabine as first-line therapy for patients with advanced pancreas cancer: a randomized trial. J Clin Oncol. 1997;15(6):2403-2413

http://eresources.library.mssm.edu:7783/cgi/content/abstract/15/6/2403?ijkey=2a58a6a7a9352cee6196d7115d5e02a3d4de835d&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha

 

H.   Thyroid Cancer

1.     Describe the general types, pattern of metastasis and prognosis*

2.     Describe how TSH and Thyroglobulin are used to follow patient after treatment.

 

I.      Miscellaneous Tumors

1.     Neuroendocrine tumors: Describe the use of octreotide and the utility of an octreotide scan in neuroendocrine tumors

2.     Gastric Cancer: Describe epidemiology and risk factors and role of H. Pylori in Stomach Cancer

3.     Esophageal Cancer: Identify the sub-types and risk factors for esophageal cancer

4.     Barrett’s Esophagus: Describe the indications for screening and method of follow-up for Barrett’s Esophagus.

5.     Carcinoid Tumors: Describe the clinical presentations of carcinoid tumors and how it relates to site of tumor.

6.     Cholangiocarcinoma: Describe tumor markers for cholangiocarcinoma, germ cell tumors

7.     Stromal Tumors: Describe the rationale and role for imatinib in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

 

VI.  Interpretation of statistics and cancer clinical trials

A.    Be able to define, compare and contrast the following terms:

1.     Incidence, prevalence, mortality, lifetime risk

2.     Survival, 5-year Survival, Disease-free or recurrence-free survival, Progression-free survival rates

3.     Partial response, Complete response, Remission, Cure

4.     Reading: http://www.nci.nih.gov/dictionary/