JAAPA CME Post-Test February 2025
Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has led to significant advances in the treatment of blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, and now shows promise for solid tumors. This type of immunotherapy can achieve high response rates in patients with hematologic malignancies, but carries serious adverse reactions, including cytokine release syndrome and immune-effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. This activity describes CAR T-cell therapy, guidance for primary care providers caring for patients undergoing therapy, and the ongoing need for research to enhance CAR T-cell therapy’s safety and effectiveness.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:- Describe the mechanism of action of CAR T-cell therapy and its potential advantages and limitations as a treatment for hematologic cancers
- Describe patient selection criteria and CAR T-cell therapy results, including the safety, efficacy, and durability of response, in various hematologic malignancies
- List the challenges and opportunities associated with the widespread use of CAR T-cell therapy in clinical practice including the availability and cost of this treatment, management of adverse events, and the need to monitor response and predict relapse
Understanding Pediatric Cervicofacial Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection
Cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection should be a part of the differential diagnosis for immunocompetent children ages 1 to 5 years who present with painless submandibular or preauricular lymphadenopathy. Although a benign and self-limiting disease, patients can develop a chronically draining fistula if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The diagnostic process can be managed with a combination of microbiological studies, cytology, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Surgical excision is the most definitive curative measure. Incision and curettage, medical management with antibiotic therapy, or observation are other treatment strategies that may be considered. Frontline clinicians play a pivotal role in identifying which children may have this condition and can facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon disease.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:- Describe the clinical presentation of cervical NTM infections
- Describe the processes for diagnosing cervical NTM infections and the various therapeutic approaches for them
- Discuss the potential morbidity associated with cervical NTM infections
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