Gastrointestinal - Refresher 2021

Gastrointestinal - Refresher 2021 is organized by American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Course opens: 04/19/2021
Course expires: 04/18/2024

Description :
Upper GI
Data is rapidly emerging in the treatment of locally advanced GI cancers. Issues regarding optimal radiation dose, use of radiation, use of immunotherapy, and sequence have all been evaluated in phase III trials recently and have direct relevance to practice now. In this part of the course, the presenters evaluate Esophageal cancer- the role of adjuvant immunotherapy, dose escalation in inoperable cancers, Pancreatic cancer- the role of preoperative radiation in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, Rectal cancer- Total neoadjuvant therapy and non-operative management.

Lower GI
This part of the course outlines the current standard of care options and new data regarding the treatment of lower gastrointestinal malignancies. First, it is discussed the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer focusing on the role of radiation in the multidisciplinary treatment of this disease. Data from randomized trials presented at ASCO 2020 will be highlighted as well as the ASTRO clinical practice guidelines for rectal cancer published in January/February 2021. Special topics of clinical interest will be discussed including selective omission of radiation therapy for low-risk patients and non-operative management for patients with a complete clinical response after radiation. Finally discussed is the role of chemoradiation in the definitive treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma as well as the current cooperative group trials in this space.

Learning Objectives :
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to do the following:

Upper GI
• Recognize appropriate radiation dose recommendations for non-operative management of esophageal cancer.
• Outline the data and limitations of studies evaluating neoadjuvant radiation for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.
• Discuss the data supporting total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer, and its relevance to non-operative management.

Lower GI
• Discuss and implement appropriate radiation options for a patient with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma.
• Discuss controversial topics such as the omission of surgery and the omission of radiation for patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma.
• Outline standard of care chemoradiation for patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma.