MEK Inhibitors in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Nursing Contributions to NF1-PN Management

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) treatment options and management strategies are evolving, and the multiplicity of clinical manifestations, both near- and long-term, makes diagnosis and management of the disease complex. The development of plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) further negatively impacts patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life. These challenges necessitate an integrated, longitudinal management approach that encompasses the totality of the interprofessional, multidisciplinary team of clinicians in pediatric and adult care settings.

In this CEC Oncology live, case-based symposium, expert faculty will discuss key characteristics of clinical presentation and disease advancement over a lifespan; review patient and caregiver education needs on the integration of MEK inhibitors in the management of NF1-associated PNs; and explore the role of nurses in comprehensive care plans, including disease monitoring, treatment personalization, toxicity management, and transitioning care of patients with NF1 across their lifespan.

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

• Distinguish key characteristics of NF1 clinical presentation and disease progression across patient’s lifespan, including genetic etiology and multisystem pathophysiology of NF1, that impact early and accurate diagnosis
• Provide patient and caregiver education on MEK inhibitors in the management of NF1-associated PNs in pediatric patients
• Examine the role of oncology nurses in comprehensive care plans, including disease monitoring, treatment personalization, toxicity management, and transitioning the care of patients with NF1 across their lifespan

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

Pediatric hematology/oncology 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. Armstrong reports the following financial relationships:

Advisory Board: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc
Consultant: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

The following individuals have no financial relationships to disclose:

Nichole Lainhart (Planning Committee)
David Modrak, PhD (Planning Committee)
Scott J. Hershman, MD, FACEHP, CHCP (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.