Advances in Immunosuppressive Therapy for Solid Organ Transplantation: Long-term Management Strategies to Improve Patient Outcomes

Program Description
The goal of this activity is to provide healthcare professionals with practical strategies for tailoring immunosuppressive therapy to reduce the incidence of acute cellular rejection in patients who have undergone renal or liver transplantation. Athough allograft rejection rates have declined considerably over the past few decades with advances in immunosuppressive therapy, patients who do experience episodes of acute cellular rejection are at increased risk for poor long-term outcomes. The emergence of novel treatments, combination therapy, and individualized management strategies has the potential to reduce the risk of acute cellular rejection even further. Optimization of patient monitoring, treatment regimens, and adherence efforts to improve long-term patient outcomes will be highlighted in this engaging, case-based Clinical Research Updates™ expert roundtable.

Target Audience
This activity was developed for healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients who receive renal or liver transplants.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
1. Discuss the immunologic mechanisms of acute cellular rejection following solid organ transplantation, including implications for various immunosuppressive agents
2. Describe the clinical profiles of available immunosuppressive drugs and formulations
3. Individualize medication regimens for recipients of liver or renal transplantation based on treatment stage, potential toxicities, and comorbidities
4. Monitor patients on immunosuppressive therapy for allograft function, adverse effects, treatment-emergent infections, and other complications
5. Counsel transplant patients on the rationale for immunosuppressive regimens and the importance of ongoing treatment adherence to prescribed medications