CMR Institute | Education for Pharmaceutical Representatives, Biotech, & Medical Device Industries

Oncology: Treatment and Management

This course describes the epidemiology and pathophysiology associated with cancer; it also describes the procedures used to diagnose and stage cancer. The course provides an overview of the different types of cancer and describes common treatment methods, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and other therapies. It also provides an overview of common cancer complications and their treatment, and discusses supportive care issues such as fatigue, nutrition, pain management, immunosuppression, and quality of life. The course discusses the role of clinical research in the development of new oncology therapies, as well as the care and management of patients with cancer.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cancer, discuss the primary types of cancer and treatment modalities, identify common cancer complications and treatment, discuss supportive care issues, and identify key healthcare professionals involved in cancer care.

Who Should Take This Course

Sales representatives and managers who interact with healthcare providers who diagnose and treat patients with cancer, such as oncologists, radiation therapists, surgeons, primary care physicians, gynecologists, and pharmacists, and those who would benefit from a knowledge of cancer and therapies available for patients with the disease.

Career Applications/Benefits

Information about cancer is expanding rapidly as cancer research provides new insights into the mechanisms of this disease. There are many treatments available and many more being developed by pharmaceutical companies that can cure a variety of different cancers. There are also many strategies being implemented to improve the length and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with cancer, even if a cure is not possible. This course will benefit those in pharmaceutical companies that develop or market oncology products. The information provided in the course will help sales representatives and others understand basic concepts and key issues in cancer treatment so that they can knowledgeably discuss the subject of cancer with healthcare professionals.