Program Description
This CME-certified presentation given by Ronald M. Bukowski, MD, details our current understanding of the molecular pathways that underlie renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development and their potential for therapeutic targeting. Dr. Bukowski provides some basic RCC statistics, followed by a historical overview of RCC treatment. Whereas surgery is potentially curative for early-stage disease, individuals with metastatic RCC have significant treatment needs that are not adequately met by other treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. To address these unmet needs, intensive research has been devoted to understanding the molecular mechanisms contributing to RCC pathogenesis, particularly the process of angiogenesis, so that rational therapeutic approaches can be developed. Out of these efforts, researchers have come to appreciate the role of the von Hippel-Lindau protein and its key downstream effectors in RCC pathology, including hypoxia inducible factor 1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and the mammalian target of rapamycin. Dr. Bukowski provides an overview of these molecular pathways, along with the therapeutic agents targeting them.

Target Audience
This activity has been designed for community-and hospital-based medical oncologists, hematologists, urologists, nephrologists, and allied healthcare providers who provide medical care and support to patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Learning Objectives
After completing this program, participants should be able to

	•	Discuss the evolution of treatment strategies for RCC, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents
	•	Describe the biologic basis of renal oncogenesis
	•	Review novel therapeutic agents that target various molecular features characteristic of RCC

Faculty
Robert A. Figlin, MD (Activity Director)
Arthur and Rosalie Kaplan Chair in Oncology
Professor and Chair, Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research
City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute
Associate Director for Clinical research
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duarte, California

Ronald M. Bukowski, MD
Director, Experimental Therapeutics
Taussig Cancer Center
Professor of Medicine
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Lerner College of Medicine
of Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio

Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the City of Hope and Alliance Medical Communications. The City of Hope is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation of Credit
This activity is designated for .5 AMA Physicians’ Recognition Award™ credits. To receive your CME credits you are requested to review the material in full and take the post-test and evaluation. Your evaluation of the activity and comments will remain confidential.

Disclosure
City of Hope takes responsibility for the content, quality and scientific integrity of this continuing medical education (CME) activity. Prior to their participation in this City of Hope CME activity, all faculty/presenters have disclosed any real or apparent vested commercial interest(s) in both those companies whose products may be discussed during the course of the activity and in those companies acting as commercial supporters of the activity. City of Hope further requires that prior to the activity, faculty/presenters have disclosed their intention to discuss any off-label and/or investigational (not yet approved for any purpose) use of pharmaceuticals or medical devices. Written disclosure of faculty/presenters’ specific commercial relationships and/or intent to discuss off-label and/or investigational is provided below.

Robert A. Figlin, MD (Activity Director)

Commercial Interest	Relationship
Amgen, GlaxoSmithKline plc; Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.; Pfizer Inc; Wyeth	Grant/Research Support
Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc; Pfizer Inc; Wyeth	Consultant

Ronald N. Bukowski, MD

Commercial Interest	Relationship
Bayer Healthcare AG; Pfizer Inc; Wyeth	Consultant
Bayer Healthcare AG; Genetech, Inc.; Pfizer Inc; Wyeth	Speakers’ Bureau

Dr. Bukowski reported the following specific mention of off-label and/or investigational use of products within his presentation.

Product	Investigational and/or Off-Label Use
AP2-3573	Renal cell carcinoma
Bevacizumab	Renal cell carcinoma
CI-1040	Renal cell carcinoma
Cetuximab	Renal cell carcinoma
Erlotinib	Renal cell carcinoma
Everolimus	Renal cell carcinoma
Gefitinib	Renal cell carcinoma
IL-2	Renal cell carcinoma
IFN-α	Renal cell carcinoma
ISIS-5132	Renal cell carcinoma
Panitumumab	Renal cell carcinoma
PTK/ZK	Renal cell carcinoma
Rapamycin	Renal cell carcinoma
Sorafenib	Renal cell carcinoma
Sunitinib	Renal cell carcinoma

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