7:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Remarks, Theresa Franco, MSN, RN, Vice President, Cancer Center Clinical Operations, Nebraska Medicine and Heidi Leenay, Vice President, OptumHealth Education

8:30 a.m.

The Changes and Advances in Prostate Cancer, Charles Enke, MD; Jon Morton, MD, FACS; Neil Hansen, MD; and Terri Blase, MS, LCGC

The lens through which cancer is being diagnosed, classified and treated is evolving rapidly. Using developments in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer as an example, this session will highlight advances in cancer detection and treatment. New technology such as MR/Ultrasound Fusion biopsy will be highlighted as well as the clinical impact of identifying hereditary gene mutations.

Learning objectives:

1. List two advantages in making a prostate cancer diagnosis using MR/Ultrasound Fusion biopsy technique.
2. Illustrate how eliciting family history and identifying a hereditary gene mutation in patients with prostate cancer can impact medical management.
3. Discuss surgical advances in the treatment of prostate cancer.
4. Describe how multimodal imaging is used in determining the best radiation therapy option for treating prostate cancer. 

9:45 a.m.

Break — Exhibits Open

10:15 a.m.

Survivorship: The Next Phase of Care, Rachael Schmidt, MSN, APRN

With the seminal report from the Institute of Medicine, “From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition” in 2006, care of the cancer survivor has become a national priority and has led to the development of multiple models of survivorship. Rachel Schmidt, the nurse practitioner at Nebraska Medicine, who has developed the Survivorship Clinic and care plan at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, will discuss the various models and the steps she used in creating a survivorship program. Her talk will highlight some of the clinical challenges she faces in her patient population. She will also discuss areas for future research in cancer survivorship.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe two models of cancer survivorship care.
2. List the stages of development of a survivorship clinic.
3. Identify future areas for research in cancer survivorship.

11:00 a.m.

Transplantation for Children with Sickle-cell Disease: Current State and Future Direction, Sachit Patel, MD; Rebecca Swanson, MSN, APRN, CPNP; and Amy Brant, BSN, RN

Members of a pediatric stem cell transplant program will conduct a panel discussion on stem cell transplant for children with sickle-cell disease. Team members will discuss the disease’s manifestations and patient characteristics that make stem cell transplant an option for these afflicted children. The discussion will provide a historical perspective of transplant in this patient population, as well as current transplantation strategies. Members will also offer insight into program-specific approaches to this patient population — before, during and after stem cell transplant.

Learning objectives:

1. List two disease manifestations, long-term complications and treatment options for children with sickle-cell disease.
2. Describe the pretransplant process and timeline for evaluation and transplantation in children with sickle-cell disease.
3. Discuss the immediate and post-transplant complications in children undergoing stem cell transplant for sickle-cell disease.

12:00 p.m.

Lunch (provided) — Exhibits Open

1:00 p.m.

Thyroid Cancer: From Diagnosis to Initial Treatment, Whitney Goldner, MD; Apar Ganti, MD; W. Ken Zhen, MD; and Abbey Fingeret, MD

This year, an estimated 64,300 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It is the most rapidly increasing cancer diagnosis in the U.S. There have been significant advances in the early detection and even more evolution in approaches to the management of the disease. Expert treatment of thyroid cancer is critical to optimal outcomes. A multidisciplinary team approach is the most effective way to address the important decisions surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. This presentation will highlight the benefits of such a team for comprehensive care of every patient with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Learning objectives:

1. Outline the indications for thyroid nodule biopsy.
2. Recognize different types of thyroid cancer.
3. State the treatment options for thyroid cancer.
4. Define the role of thyroid hormone replacement for persons with thyroid cancer.
5. Identify patients with thyroid cancer who would benefit from targeted therapy.

2:15 p.m.

Break — Exhibits Open

2:30 p.m.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma (MM): Incorporation of Novel Therapies, Sarah Holstein, MD, PhD

Multiple Myeloma is the second-most-common hematologic malignancy with a wide range of initial presentations. Autologous stem cell transplantation has an important role in the treatment of MM. Treatment options for MM have expanded significantly in the past decade, with novel therapies and treatment strategies being investigated. In this session, Dr. Holstein will review the pathophysiology/epidemiology of myeloma and discuss treatment therapies that have evolved as we have learned more about the disease. She will discuss the role of autologous stem cell transplant and the incorporation of novel drugs and cellular- or vaccine-based strategies in the peritransplant setting.

Learning objectives:

1. Explain the role of autologous stem cell transplant in the era of novel agents.
2. Describe the data supporting the use of post-transplant maintenance therapy.
3. Recognize the investigational drug, cellular, and vaccine strategies that are being incorporated into the transplant setting.

 3:30 p.m.

Improving the Patient Experience: Addressing What Matters Most, Heidi Tonne, BSN, RN, OCN^©; Sue Wardian Hartung, RN, MSN, OCN; and Ellie Stull, MSN, RN, OCN

What started as a project to improve our patient satisfaction scores has evolved into an ever-expanding and ongoing journey to improve the overall patient experience. This session will review multiple initiatives that can be undertaken in both the in-patient and outpatient areas to address and improve the patient’s and his/her family’s overall experience while receiving treatment. Engaging patients and families in the discussion and decisions regarding treatment has made these efforts very patient/family centered. One example of an engagement initiative is in the Cancer Care Service’s Patient Family Advisory Council and their impact on the design of the cancer center and some of its programs.

Learning objectives:

1. List two projects utilized in the in-patient setting to improve the patient’s family experience while the patient is receiving treatment in the hospital.
2. Discuss the impact of utilizing the Sacred Moment prior to initiating the patient’s first dose of chemotherapy.
3. Identify two examples of how the Patient Family Advisory Council can impact design plans for a cancer center.

4:30 p.m.

Adjourn

7:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast — Exhibits Open

8:00 a.m.

Opening Remarks, Alan Langnas, DO, Chief of the Section of Transplantation, Department of Surgery; Lisa Runco, Executive Director of Cardiology and Digestive Diseases and Kidney, Nebraska Medicine; and Heidi Leenay, Vice President, OptumHealth Education

8:30 a.m.

Living Kidney Donation: Share Your Spare, Arika Hoffman, MD

There are over 120,000 people listed for organ transplant nationwide. Living donation presents an opportunity to help address the critical need for organ transplants. Dr. Hoffman will discuss the importance of living kidney donation, how living donors are evaluated, and what we understand about short- and long-term donor outcomes.

Learning objectives:

1. Discuss the impact of living kidney donation on the nationwide need for transplantable organs.
2. Identify key components of a living donor evaluation.
3. Describe the expected short- and long-term living organ donor outcomes.

9:15 a.m.

Heart Transplantation and Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), Timothy Ryan, APRN-NP

Heart transplantation is indicated for those patients with end-stage heart failure for whom other treatments have failed. An LVAD may be used as a bridge to transplantation, but it also is a potential permanent alternative to transplantation. Timothy Ryan will discuss how patients are assessed for heart transplant and explain when heart transplantation is contraindicated. He will discuss patient management while waiting for transplant, including medical management and the option for mechanical circulatory support.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe the heart transplantation selection criteria.
2. List indications and qualifications for consideration of the use of an LVAD.
3. Discuss the difference between “bridge to transplant” vs. “destination therapy” in the use of LVADs.

10:00 a.m.

Break — Exhibits Open

10:30 a.m.

The Continuum of Organ Donation: A Panel Discussion, Sue Calabro, RN, BSN, CCTC; Leigh Lindner, RN, BSN, CMSRN; Megan Gregory, BSN, RN; Megan Montrie, BS, HDS-C, CPTC; Amber Saltsgaver, RN, BSN; Karen Townsley, BSN, RN; and Amy Schurke, BSN, RN, CCTC

A robust solid organ transplant program requires a multidisciplinary team to create and provide a seamless and efficient transplant process and program. A panel of speakers will share the many aspects of the transplant process, from referral through candidate evaluation, the actual transplant, and in-patient period and post-transplant management and follow-up.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe the multidisciplinary approach in the evaluation process of a transplant candidate.
2. Summarize the role and responsibilities of the various members of a multidisciplinary solid organ transplant program team.
3. Explain the relationship between a transplant program and the organ procurement organization.

11:45 a.m.

Building a Wall: Biases, Barriers, and Ethics in Transplantation, Jacob Dahlke, MSB

The ethics of allocating human organs for transplantation is a specific application of ethical norms to social practices. Ethical principles and regulatory requirements often overlap in the field of transplantation. Clinical Ethicist, Jacob Dahlke, will identify the broad ethical principles seen in health care. He will then highlight the ethical considerations unique to transplantation. He will also discuss some barriers, including implicit bias, which can limit a fair and equitable transplant process.

Learning objectives:

1. List at least three general ethical principles seen health care delivery.
2. Describe the application of ethical principles in the context of solid organ transplantation.
3. Discuss the application of ethical principles when determining resource allocation in solid organ transplantation on an individual vs. population level.

12:30 p.m.

Lunch (provided) — Exhibits Open

1:30 p.m.

Transformation of Intestinal Failure Management: A Comprehensive Experience for Patients and Families, David Mercer, MD, PhD, FRCS(S)

Intestinal failure is a serious complication of select conditions, and its management will often include extensive bowel resection surgery. A multidisciplinary intestinal management clinic can provide patients and their families with the opportunity for an improved quality of life, improved nutrition, and often an alternative to intestinal transplantation. Dr. Mercer will discuss an intestinal rehabilitation and transplant program. His talk will include medical and surgical interventions that have shown positive outcomes for children and adults with intestinal failure.

Learning objectives:

1. Discuss current cutting-edge techniques, both medical and surgical, in the management of both children and adults with intestinal failure.
2. Describe some of the novel approaches to the comprehensive care of children with intestinal failure and their families.
3. Summarize intestinal failure management approaches that can lead to improved outcomes and lower care-associated costs.

2:30 p.m.

Break — Exhibits Open

2:45 p.m.

Lung Transplantation: Where We Are Now and What the Future Holds, Aleem Siddique, MD

The short supply of organs continues to be a major limiting factor in all solid organ transplantation. But new technologies and techniques continue to improve outcomes as evidenced by the actuarial survival near 90 percent of lung transplant recipients over the last decade. Dr. Siddique will provide an update on the current state of and share some insights into future directions in lung transplantation.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe the lung transplant process and expected outcomes for lung transplant recipients.
2. List at least two current deficiencies in lung transplantation and the initiatives undertaken and planned to address these deficiencies.
3. Discuss some of the future directions expected in lung transplantation.

3:30p.m.

The Ethics of Transplant: Interactive Case Studies, Jacob Dahlke, MSB

Building on his previous session, Clinical Ethicist, Jacob Dahlke, will guide conference participants in an interactive discussion on the application of ethical principles and challenges in solid organ transplantation. Utilizing case studies, participants will be asked to identify biases that may affect decisions related to the allocation of scarce resources. They will be asked to give their input on how these biases can be identified, addressed and resolved. The session is designed to allow maximum audience participation with ample opportunity to give their opinions and share clinical experiences.

Learning objectives:

1. Identify barriers to the development of a just and efficient transplant program.
2. List three principles of primary importance in the allocation of human organs in an “equitable allocation system.”

4:30 p.m.

Adjourn