2007-11-01

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are a hot topic with the release of the National Coverage Decision (NCD) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the recently released "ASH-ASCO 2007 Clinical Practice Guideline Update on the Use of Epoetin and Darbepoetin." To further help ASH members navigate the clinical issues surrounding ESAs, ASH has developed a pocket guide on the new guideline and additional topics of interest. The pocket guide will be distributed at the 2007 Practice Forum, "Evidence, Safety, and Clinical Decision-Making: The Case of ESAs" at the ASH annual meeting on December 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

During this forum, Dr. Jerry Spivak will address the scientific evidence regarding potential adverse effects of ESAs, such as tumor progression and thrombosis risk. Dr. Alan Lichtin will present the new guideline and focus on changes since the 2002 guideline, and Dr. Samuel Silver will discuss the NCD, providing insight into ASH’s role in the debate. Following their presentations, the speakers will assemble as a panel on stage to answer questions from the audience. A special reception for practitioners will follow the program.