Livestream: Optimizing NF1 Tumor Management Across the Lifespan Integrating Pain and Quality-of-Life Assessment into MEK Inhibitor and Surgical Decision-Making

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare, lifelong genetic condition that can predispose individuals to tumor development. Among these are NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (PNs), infiltrative tumors that can be difficult to treat surgically, cause significant pain, and profoundly impact quality of life. The emergence of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors has reshaped the treatment landscape, creating new opportunities for proactive, systemic management of NF1-PN. Because NF1 is rare, however, many clinicians have limited familiarity with evolving diagnostic frameworks, treatment selection, and strategies for managing long-term treatment-related toxicities. At the same time, fragmented communication across multidisciplinary teams can make it difficult to address the complex, cross-specialty needs of patients. Targeted education can empower clinicians and care teams to strengthen interprofessional decision-making, enhance diagnostic precision, apply evidence-based therapies, and mitigate toxicity across both pediatric and adult populations living with NF1-PNs.

In this CE Concepts livestream symposium, expert faculty will incorporate patient-reported pain and quality-of-life data into treatment decision-making for patients with NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas. Learners will be shown how to assess evidence‑based strategies for integrating MEK inhibitor therapy with surgery in the multidisciplinary management of patients with NF1‑PNs. Faculty will discuss structured, evidence-based strategies to anticipate, monitor, and manage MEK inhibitor-related toxicities in patients with NF1-PNs while maintaining dose intensity and minimizing treatment discontinuation across pediatric and adult care settings.

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

• Incorporate patient-reported pain and quality-of-life data into treatment decision-making for patients with NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas
• Assess evidence‑based strategies for integrating MEK inhibitor therapy with surgery in the multidisciplinary management of patients with NF1‑PNs
• Apply structured, evidence-based strategies to anticipate, monitor, and manage MEK inhibitor-related toxicities in patients with NF1-PNs while maintaining dose intensity and minimizing treatment discontinuation across pediatric and adult care settings

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

Pediatric and adult oncologists, neuro-oncologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, medical geneticists, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), registered nurses (RNs), and their interprofessional team members who treat and manage pediatric and adult patients with NF1

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. Lobbous reports the following financial relationships:

Advisory Board: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Servier Pharmaceuticals; and SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

Speakers Bureau: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

The following individuals have no financial relationships to disclose:

Alaa Bawaneh, MD, PhD (Peer Reviewer)
Michael Franks, APRN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC (Peer Reviewer)
Keshia Pitt, PhD (Planning Committee)
David Modrak, PhD (Planning Committee)
Leijah Petelka (Planning Committee)
Andrea Perseghin, EdD (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.