Maximizing the Benefits of Targeted Cancer Treatment with PI3K Inhibitors

Target Audience

This activity is designed to meet the educational needs of Oncology NPs, PAs, and nurses.

Program Overview

Significant advances in targeted and immunotherapies in recent years have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Among the new therapeutic options are the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, which have demonstrated efficacy in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, albeit at the price of a high risk of serious adverse effects. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved four drugs in this class for treating cancer—alpelisib, copanlisib, duvelisib, and idelalisib. This online activity will focus on the role of PI3K in hematologic malignancies, the importance of PI3K inhibitors in treating these diseases, and methods of harnessing the therapeutic benefit of these drugs while minimizing and managing their toxicities.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

Describe the mechanism of action of PI3K inhibitors and their place in the cancer-treatment paradigm
Identify recommended strategies for management of adverse effects associated with PI3K inhibitors
Implement measures, including patient education, to monitor for and manage adverse effects associated with PI3K inhibitors