PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This symposium will delve into the latest developments in managing gastrointestinal cancers. It will feature expert presentations on advancements in immunotherapy, molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies, and new surgical techniques. Participants will also explore key trends in transplant oncology and the role of precision medicine. Each session will offer insights into disease pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention strategies, and innovative treatments, including discussions on minimally invasive procedures, enhanced imaging, and blood-based biomarkers. The symposium will emphasize how these advancements improve patient outcomes and provide a comprehensive review of current and emerging management strategies for various gastrointestinal cancers.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This symposium is designed for physician-scientists, practicing oncologists, hepatologists, transplant surgeons, physician assistants, advanced nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, gastroenterologists, residents, fellows, medical students, allied health care professionals, and clinical research associates. Attendees involved in hepatobiliary, pancreatic, neuroendocrine, colorectal, esophageal, and gastric cancer care will find valuable insights for advancing their practice and improving patient care.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner should be able to:

• Describe the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies for gastrointestinal cancers.
• Review the pathogenesis, surveillance modalities, and underuse of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on blood-based biomarkers and management of pre-liver cancer diseases.
• Evaluate transplant-bridging approaches and the role of immunotherapy in both resectable and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as new developments in treating advanced cholangiocarcinoma.
• Assess updates on operative strategies for early-stage hepatobiliary cancers and transplant oncology for hilar and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
• Explain the latest advancements in molecular diagnostics, operative and perioperative approaches, and targeted therapies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, low-/intermediate-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, and colorectal cancers.
• Discuss advancements in multidisciplinary approaches for managing esophageal and gastric cancers, as well as the role of precision medicine in unresectable gastrointestinal malignancies.

NURSING OUTCOMES STATEMENT

At the conclusion of this activity, at least 90% of learners will self-report an increase in knowledge about recent advancements in precision medicine, molecular diagnostics, emerging treatments, minimally invasive procedures, and biomarkers essential for improving outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer care, as indicated in the post-activity evaluation.

EDUCATIONAL METHODS

Didactic Lectures, Question and Answer Sessions

ACCREDITATION AND CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENTS

Physicians

Houston Methodist is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Houston Methodist designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses

Houston Methodist is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Houston Methodist will provide 5.25 contact hours for this activity. Participants must attend the activity in its entirety and complete the corresponding evaluation.

Office of Continuing Medical Education

Houston Methodist Hospital                                       

DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES

Houston Methodist makes every effort to develop continuing education activities that are scientifically based, accurate, current, and objectively presented. In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education  and American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) guidelines, Houston Methodist has implemented a mechanism requiring everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity (e.g., directors, planning committee members, contributors, peer reviewers, etc.) to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies (companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients) and mitigate any relevant financial relationships prior to the activity. Individuals must disclose to participants the existence of financial relationships at the time of the activity and 24 months prior.

Houston Methodist does not view the existence of interests or relationships with ineligible companies as implying bias or decreasing the value of a presentation. It is up to the participants to determine whether the interests or relationships influence the presenter with regard to exposition or conclusions.

In addition, if contributors will be discussing products (drugs/devices) they have been instructed to use generic names and to include various products within and across classes. If at any time during this activity you feel that there has been commercial or promotional bias, please notify the CE coordinator of the activity and note your comments by using the commercial bias comments box in the evaluation form. Please answer the question about balance in the CE activity evaluation candidly.

Some drugs/devices identified during this activity may have United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for specific purposes only or for use in restricted research settings. The FDA has stated that it is the responsibility of the individual physician to determine the FDA status of each drug or device that he/she wishes to use in clinical practice and to use the products in compliance with applicable law.

Faculty members are also asked to disclose any unlabeled use or investigational use (not yet approved for any purpose) or pharmaceutical and medical device products and provide adequate scientific and clinical justification for such use. Physicians are urged to fully review all the available data on products or procedures before using them to treat patients.

All the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

All other individuals in control of the content of this activity have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

BREAK SPONSORS

Exact Sciences

Tempus

BREAK SPONSORS

Jazz Pharmaceuticals

PRODUCT THEATER SPONSORS

Natera

Taiho

Takeda