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| Estimated Time of Completion |
30 minutes |
Description |
This series of webcasts will cover some of the important issues related to B-cell–directed therapy use in autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and others. There will be a wide range of discussion about current and emerging B-cell–directed therapies, including information concerning mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy. Other B-cell–related topics to be covered include: immunocompetence and the impact of B-cell depletion on the integrated immune response, recent advances in B-cell biology, retreatment and long-term safety of B-cell agents, and clinical considerations for immunization of patients receiving B-cell–directed therapy. |
Target Audience |
This activity is intended for rheumatologists, immunologists, clinical researchers, and allied health care professionals, including nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, who care for patients with autoimmune diseases. |
Objectives |
At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the field of biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as of 2009.
- Appraise the evidence for current treatment algorithms for RA.
- Appraise the data on efficacy and safety of B-cell–targeting therapies in RA.
- Describe the role of the allied health professional in the management of RA patients with biologic DMARD agents, especially those targeting B cells.
- Summarize the currently approved biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Discuss the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the care of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Educate patients about the multiple aspects of rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment.
- Summarize the data regarding the administration of vaccines to patients on or considering biologic therapy.
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Accreditation |
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Continuing Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Continuing Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity may be submitted for American Osteopathic Association Continuing Medical Education credit in Category 2. |
Activity Director |
 Leonard H. Calabrese, DO
Professor of Medicine
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
R.J. Fasenmyer Chair of Clinical Immunology
Department of Rheumatic & Immunologic Diseases
Cleveland, Ohio
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Editorial Board |
Marc D. Cohen, MD
Professor of Medicine
Chief of Rheumatology
National Jewish Medical
and Research Center
Denver, Colorado |
Jonathan Kay, MD
Associate Clinical
Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Director of Clinical Trials
Rheumatology Unit
Massachusetts General
Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts |
Gregg J. Silverman, MD
Professor of Medicine
Director, Laboratory of
B-Cell Immunology
Division of Rheumatology,
Allergy, and Immunology
University of California
San Diego School of
Medicine
La Jolla, California |
Faculty |
Leonard H. Calabrese, DO; Betsy Kirchner, MS, CNP |
Faculty Disclosure |
In accordance with the Standards for Commercial Support issued by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Continuing Education requires resolution of all faculty conflicts of interest to ensure CME activities are free of commercial bias.
The following faculty have indicated that they may have a relationship, which in the context of their presentation(s), could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest:
| Leonard H. Calabrese, DO |
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Consulting |
Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Roche |
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Consulting, Teaching and Speaking |
Abbott Laboratories; Amgen Inc.; Genentech, Inc.; Wyeth |
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| Marc D. Cohen, MD |
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Consulting
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Abbott Laboratories; Amgen Inc.;
Genentech, Inc.; UCB; Wyeth |
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| Jonathan Kay, MD |
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Consulting
|
UCB; Wyeth |
| |
| |
Consulting, Independent Contractor
(including contracted research) |
Amgen Inc.; Centocor, Inc.; Genentech, Inc.; Roche |
| |
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Independent Contractor
(including contracted research) |
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation |
| |
| |
Membership on Advisory Committee/
Review Panels |
Centocor, Inc. |
| |
| Gregg J. Silverman, MD |
| |
Consulting, Teaching and Speaking
|
Genentech, Inc.; Roche; Wyeth |
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| Betsy Kirchner, MS, CNP |
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Membership on Advisory Committees/ Review Panels
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Abbott Laboratories |
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The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Continuing Education acknowledges
an educational grant for support of this activity from:
Genentech, Inc. and Biogen Idec.
This CME activity was produced by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Center for Continuing Education and IME LLC ®.
CME Disclaimer
The information in this educational activity is provided for general medical education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The viewpoints expressed in this CME activity are those of the authors/faculty. They do not represent an endorsement by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In no event will The Cleveland Clinic Foundation be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon the information provided through this CME activity.
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