Rare, Complex, and Under-Recognized: Supporting Oncology Nurses in the Care of Patients with NF1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare, complex, and often under-recognized condition that presents significant diagnostic and management challenges, particularly for oncology nurses who play a central role in longitudinal patient care. Despite recent advances, including updated diagnostic criteria and expanded use of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MEK) inhibitors for both pediatric and adult patients,  oncology nurses often demonstrate gaps in knowledge, confidence, and competence in recognizing NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (PNs), monitoring for malignant transformation, and supporting treatment decision-making. The heterogeneity of NF1 manifestations, the risk of serious complications such as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), and the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary care further underscore the importance of specialized, evidence-based education.

In this enduring Creative Educational Concepts (CEC) Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) chapter installment, expert faculty will assist learners to combine NF1 diagnostic and treatment guidelines for early recognition of NF-PNs, incorporate MEK inhibitors using evidence-based safety and management strategies in adult and pediatric patients, and develop interprofessional, patient-centered care plans that support individualized, longitudinal management.

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

• Integrate NF1 diagnostic and oncologic monitoring guidelines to support early recognition of NF1-PNs and informed treatment decision-making discussions with patients
• Incorporate MEK inhibitors in the management of NF1-PNs in adult and pediatric patients by supporting evidence-based monitoring, safety management, and clinician-led treatment decision-making
• Develop evidence-based, interprofessional care plans for patients with NF1 that reflect current clinical standards and supports individualized, longitudinal management

This program is supported by an independent educational grant from SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

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.

Faculty

Ms. Langmead reports no financial relationships to disclose.

Planning Committee

Dr. Kotch reports no financial relationships to disclose.

Ms. McClosky reports no financial relationships to disclose.

The following individuals have no financial relationships to disclose:

Jeffrey Helfand, DO (Peer Reviewer)
Albert Eubanks, Jr., RN (Peer Reviewer)
Mary Gleason, PhD, CHCP (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.