7:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast—Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

7:45 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks, Theresa Franco, RN, MSN, Executive Director, Cancer Care Service Line, The Nebraska Medical Center, and Mark Leenay, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Sr. Vice President, Optum Clinical Programs

8:15 a.m.

Treatment Options for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Aaron Sasson, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
The incidence of pancreatic cancer has markedly increased over the last several decades. Despite the progress in cancer treatment and increased survival overall, pancreatic cancer remains very difficult to treat. An average of only 5 percent of these patients are alive five years post-diagnosis. Dr. Sasson will discuss the role of a multidisciplinary team in creating the treatment plan for patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, and will highlight surgical advances used in treating these patients.

Objectives:

• Identify the factors used in the patient-selection process for pancreatic surgery.
• Discuss the role of multidisciplinary management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
• Recognize the different treatment options for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

9:00 a.m.

Genetics Counseling: Indications and Risk/Benefit Considerations, Gwen Reiser, MS, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Cancer genetics is the study of hereditary and familial cancer. The primary goal of cancer genetics counseling is to identify individuals and families at increased risk of cancer for the purpose of promoting awareness, early detection and cancer prevention. In this presentation, Ms. Reiser will discuss the indications for cancer genetics testing and the need for concurrent counseling. She will describe the role of the cancer genetics counselor in promoting patient and family understanding of the testing process, the test results, and the possible psychosocial impact of those results.

Objectives:

• Identify features of the disease and family history suggestive of a hereditary cancer.
• List the risks, benefits and limitations of genetics testing.
• Describe the role of the cancer genetics counselor.

9:30 a.m.

Break—Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

10:00 a.m.

Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation: The Principles, the Process and When It Gets Personal, R. Gregory Bociek, MD, and Tawny Roeder, RN, MSN, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Debra Hendriks and Cory Roeder, Transplant Patient Family Caregivers
Blood and marrow stem cell transplantation is an important treatment option for an increasing number of malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Almost 15,000 of these transplants are performed in the United States each year.

In this session, Dr. Bociek will describe the therapeutic components of stem cell transplantation, including the various types of transplants, preparative regimens, potential toxicities and possible complications. In addition, the role of the transplant case manager in supporting and guiding the patient into and through the transplant process is outlined by Tawny Roeder. Ms. Roeder’s presentation highlights critical nursing care involved in side-effect management during the conditioning and recovery phases. A former patient and family caregivers will discuss their experiences during the transplant process and share some of their insights.

Objectives:

• List the rationale for the various types of hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
• Describe the various steps on the transplant timeline from initial consultation to recovery.
• Explore the experience of the patient and family caregivers on their survival journey through the transplant process.

11:45 a.m.

Lunch (provided) Grand Ballroom North; Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

12:45 p.m.

Human Research: Internal Controls, Scientific Method and Nursing Implications, Apar Ganti, MD, MS; Bruce Gordon, MD, FAAP; and Maribeth Hohenstein, RN, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Without research, advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment are compromised. However, research using human subjects must be both scientifically and ethically rigorous. The design of cancer clinical trials must carefully balance patient welfare, scientific design and regulatory constraints. Sponsors, investigators, research coordinators and institutional review boards (IRBs) must work together. Virtually every cancer treatment available today is the direct result of clinical research. Yet only about 4 percent of the 1.7 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. this year will participate in a clinical trial.

Objectives:

• Discuss the historical background of the establishment of institutional review boards in the U.S.
• Lists the benefits and potential risks of cancer clinical trials.
• Identify the phases of clinical trials.
• Describe the role of nursing in overcoming barriers and improving participation in clinical trials.

2:15 p.m.

Break—Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

2:30 p.m.

Current Perspectives in the Management of Esophageal Cancer, Rudy Lackner, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
There were over 17,000 new cases of esophageal cancer diagnosed in 2012 and over 15,000 deaths associated with this disease. Prognosis and treatment options tend to be dependent on the stage of the disease at diagnosis and the overall health status of the patient. Unfortunately, most esophageal cancers are diagnosed as locoregionally advanced disease in patients over the age of 60, who often suffer from multiple comorbidities.
In this session, Dr. Lackner will discuss the multimodality treatment indicated for locoregionally advanced esophageal cancer and review the historical and current surgical treatment options.

Objectives:

• Discuss the history of esophageal surgery.
• Recognize the surgical options available for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
• State the outcomes of various treatment options for locoregionally advanced esophageal cancer.

The Role of Interventional Radiology in Delivering Locoregional Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Joseph McBride, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Over 18,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with liver cancer each year, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common type. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines, locoregional therapy should be considered in patients with HCC, who are not candidates for resection or transplantation. Highly qualified as vascular experts, interventional radiologists are uniquely skilled in using the vascular system to deliver targeted treatments to the liver. Dr. McBride will discuss the various ablative and embolization therapies currently used for locoregional treatment of HCC.

Objectives:

• Review the indications, contraindications, advantages and limitations of regional therapies in treating liver cancer.
• Describe interventional radiology technologies available for tumor ablation in treating liver cancer.
• State the interventional radiology technologies available for tumor embolization in treating liver cancer.

4:00 p.m.

Radiotherapy-Related Breast Toxicity: A Review of Chronic Toxicities, Andrew Wahl, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Radiation therapy plays an integral role in the treatment of breast cancer. However, radiotherapy is associated with several side effects that adversely affect the patient’s overall quality of life. When taking into account the long life expectancy of many of these breast cancer survivors, chronic-radiotherapy-related breast toxicities need to be considered.

Dr. Wahl will review the types and incidence of chronic toxicities experience by many patients receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer and discuss the impact on patients’ quality of life and overall survival. He will focus on innovative treatment-delivery methods that decrease late cardiovascular side effects of breast radiotherapy.

Objectives:

• List radiotherapy-related breast toxicities associated with negative cosmetic outcomes, including toxicities that cause functional impairment or chronic pain.
• Describe innovative treatment-delivery methods that minimize the life-threatening risk of cardiovascular side effects of breast radiotherapy.
• Indicate the need for long-term follow-up in patients who have chronic toxicities due to radiotherapy for breast cancer that may compromise their quality of life and overall survival.

4:45–6:15 p.m.

Getting Acquainted Reception—Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction
Please join us for complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. This unique evening will provide attendees the opportunity to get further acquainted with the services and staff within this comprehensive medical center.

7:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast—Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

8:00 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks, Rosanna Morris, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, The Nebraska Medical Center, and Jon Friedman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Optum Complex Medical Conditions and Provider Performance

8:15 a.m.

Philosophical Approach to Quality, Alan Langnas, DO, University of Nebraska Medical Center
The Affordable Care Act outlining health care reform is one of the hottest topics across the country. What are hospitals and transplant centers doing to measure and improve quality? Dr. Langnas will provide his insight and experience regarding both of these topics. In addition, he will discuss the possible changes that may affect transplantation and how centers must prepare in order to optimize performance in the face of reform.

Objectives:

• Outline the potential changes in the Affordable Care Act that may affect transplant centers.
• Describe proactive processes that transplant programs can implement to improve quality and meet the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements.
• Discuss the challenges providers and patients will face in light of health care reform and quality-improvement initiatives.

9:00 a.m.

Pancreatobiliary Disorders and Autologous Islet Cell Transplantation, Brian Boerner, MD, and Christina Sailors, RN, BSN, CCTN, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Pancreatic resection may be the only way to provide pain relief for patients with chronic pancreatitis uncontrolled by medical management. Historically, many physicians hesitated to perform pancreatic resection due to increased risk of brittle diabetes. In this session, the co-presenters will explain how performing an autologous islet cell transplant at the time of pancreas resection can prevent brittle diabetes and result in a reduced need for insulin support. Dr. Boerner and Ms. Sailors will outline patient-selection criteria, explain how autologous islet cell transplant is performed, and present the benefits of this procedure.

Objectives:

• State the principles of autologous islet cell transplantation and identify what patient populations may benefit from the procedure.
• Describe the evaluation process for patients with chronic pancreatitis who may be eligible for autologous islet cell transplantation.
• List the observed outcomes in autologous islet cell transplantation.

9:45 a.m.

What’s New and Interesting in the Treatment of Intestinal Failure, David Mercer, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), University of Nebraska Medical Center
The diagnosis of intestinal failure is life changing for any patient and his or her family. Dr. Mercer will discuss the advantage of a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to treating intestinal failure and how a team can work together to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Objectives:

• Define intestinal failure and recognize potential causes.
• Identify the multiple approaches to the treatment of patients with intestinal failure.
• Describe the benefits of an intestinal-failure-program approach that combines the expertise of both rehabilitation and transplantation.

10:30 a.m.

Break—Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

10:45 a.m.

Continual Readiness in Kidney Transplantation: Stratifying Patient Risk to Improve Outcomes and Efficiency, Clifford Miles, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Dr. Miles will discuss recent program strategies for patient evaluation and waitlist management. His presentation will provide information on research initiatives to improve the long-term outcomes of kidney transplants.

Objectives:

• Describe the current process for patients seeking kidney transplant.
• List interventions for maintaining patients on the transplant waitlist.
• Identify ongoing research initiatives in kidney transplant.

11:30 a.m.

The Challenge of Teens in Transplantation, Deborah Andersen, RN, BSN, CCTC, The Nebraska Medical Center
The long-term survival of children after organ transplant provides many challenges as teenagers transition from pediatric to adult care. Ms. Andersen will describe different factors that challenge adolescents on their journey to adult care, as well as discuss concepts that assist teams in developing effective transition programs.

Objectives:

• Identify cognitive and developmental delays associated with pediatric solid organ transplantation.
• Recognize the individual needs of adolescent patients during the transition to adult care.
• Discuss the role of relationship building with teens as they transition from pediatric to adult care.

12:00 p.m.

Lunch (provided)—Grand Ballroom North; Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

1:00 p.m.

The Role of Palliative Care in Transplantation, Todd Sauer, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Dr. Sauer will discuss the interdisciplinary approach to palliative care, especially when developing patient-centered goals that focus on improving the quality of life for seriously ill transplant patients and their families.

Objectives:

• State the indications for a palliative care referral.
• Define the role of palliative care in a transplant program.
• Describe how a plan of care is developed to improve the patient’s and his or her family’s quality of life.

2:00 p.m.

Heart Transplantation: Left Ventricular Assistive Devices (LVADs) and Destination Therapy, Brian Lowe, MD, and Timothy Ryan, APRN-NP, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Dr. Lowes and Mr. Ryan will discuss the principles of LVADs and the use of circulatory support as destination therapy. They will highlight the benefits of using destination therapy for heart failure and transplant programs, as well as the role of destination therapy in working with the aging population.

Objectives:

• Define destination therapy and list the treatment options available.
• State the criteria used to identify appropriate candidates for destination therapy.
• Discuss the current outcomes and challenges of destination therapy for the aging population.
• Summarize how destination therapy is incorporated into heart transplant management.

2:45 p.m.

Break—Exhibits Open, Grand Ballroom Prefunction

Liver Resection and Case Studies, Luciano Vargas, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Dr. Vargas will discuss the indications for liver resection. He will describe the surgical procedure and postoperative care, as well as outline the desired outcomes following resection of the liver while using actual case studies wherein liver resection was performed.

Objectives:

• List the indications for liver resection.
• List the types of liver resections.
• Specify the postoperative management of liver resection patients and the barriers to desired patient outcomes.

Liver Transplant: The Patient’s Story, Wendy Grant, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Larry Wentz, Liver Transplant Recipient
The journey of transplantation is full of many experiences and emotions. In this session, a real-life experience will illustrate this journey. Larry Wentz will share his story of survival following a liver transplant. One of the physicians who walked this journey with Larry will provide insight from the medical perspective.

Objectives:

• Describe how organ failure impacts a patient’s life before transplantation.
• Recognize the factors that contribute to the difficult decision-making process in choosing transplantation.
• Review unique considerations and lifestyle changes required for long-term posttransplant recovery.

4:30 p.m.

Adjourn