Finding the Right Rhythm: Supporting Pediatric Oncology Nurses in Longitudinal NF1 Management

Management of neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PNs) has evolved rapidly and now includes indications across age groups. NF1 remains a complex, lifelong condition with diverse and evolving manifestations, requiring clinicians to maintain up-to-date knowledge of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentation. Early features in pediatric patients may be subtle and require longitudinal monitoring, particularly by hematology/oncology nurses. PNs occur in up to 50% of patients and impose substantial quality of life and clinical burdens, including pain, functional impairment, disfigurement, and complications involving critical structures. The advent of mitogen-activated protein kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) inhibitors has transformed management and introduced new requirements for long-term monitoring, toxicity management, and patient education, especially in settings with limited access to specialized care. To improve patient outcomes, clinicians need practical education on how to effectively integrate MEK1/2 inhibitor-based approaches into practice.

In this CE Concepts live symposium, faculty will apply NF1 diagnostic and oncologic monitoring guidelines to support early recognition of NF1-PNs in pediatric patients. Learners will be shown how to incorporate MEK inhibitors in the management of NF1-PNs in pediatric patients within care pathways that extend into adult-focused settings through evidence-based monitoring and safety support. Faculty will model the application of interprofessional care coordination and continuity planning strategies in clinical practice to support consistent management of patients with NF1 across pediatric and adult care settings.

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to better:

• Apply NF1 diagnostic and oncologic monitoring guidelines to support early recognition of NF1-PNs in pediatric patients
• Incorporate MEK inhibitors in the management of NF1-PNs in pediatric patients within care pathways that extend into adult-focused settings through evidence-based monitoring and safety support
• Apply interprofessional care coordination and continuity planning strategies in clinical practice to support consistent management of patients with NF1 across pediatric and adult care settings

This program is supported through independent educational grants from Alexion Pharmaceuticals and SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

Pediatric hematology/oncology nurse practitioners (NPs) and nurses

It is the policy of CE Concepts, LLC, to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, and scientific rigor and integrity in all of their CE activities. Faculty must disclose to the participants any relationships with commercial companies whose products or devices may be mentioned in faculty presentations, or with the commercial supporter of this CE activity. CE Concepts, LLC, has evaluated, identified, and mitigated any potential conflicts of interest through a rigorous content validation procedure, use of evidence-based data/research, and a multidisciplinary peer review process. The following information is for participant information only. It is not assumed that these relationships will have a negative impact on the presentations.

Dr. Gross reports the following financial relationships:

Research Support: Alexion/AstraZeneca

Dr. Na reports no financial relationships to disclose.

The following individuals have no financial relationships to disclose:

Shirley Michelle Franks, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMC MSN Ed (Peer Reviewer)
Keshia Pitt, PhD (Planning Committee)
David Modrak, PhD (Planning Committee)
Sandra Caballero, PharmD (Planning Committee)
Sharon Tordoff (Planning Committee)

*All identified conflicts of interest have been mitigated.

Unlabeled Use Disclosure
Faculty of this CME/CE activity may include discussions of products or devices that are not currently labeled for use by the FDA. The faculty have been informed of their responsibility to disclose to the audience if they will be discussing off-label or investigational uses (any uses not approved by the FDA) of products or devices. CE Concepts, LLC, the faculty, planners, and reviewers do not endorse the use of any product outside of the FDA labeled indications. Medical professionals should not utilize the procedures, products, or diagnosis techniques discussed during this activity without evaluation of their patient for contraindications or dangers of use.