CME

Faculty: Deepak Sambhara, MD This rebroadcast of a live regional meeting series, part of The Focused Sight Initiative: Quality Improvement Interventions in Retinal Diseases, brings together retina specialists and eye care professionals to address systemic gaps in the timely diagnosis, referral, and management of patients with retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Faculty discuss the clinical consequences of treatment delays, highlight real-world challenges to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy adherence, and examine disparities in access to care. Learners will explore best practices for identifying patients at risk for progression, optimizing referrals from optometry to retina specialists, and implementing patient-centered communication strategies to improve outcomes. Emphasis is placed on leveraging imaging tools for earlier detection, addressing cultural and socioeconomic barriers, and adopting practice-level interventions to reduce loss to follow-up.

Faculty: Jonathan Barratt, MD, PhD Professor Jonathan Barratt illustrates the integration of shared decision-making in the management of IgA nephropathy while interacting with a real patient with IgAN, highlighting how patient-centered conversations about proteinuria, GFR, and blood pressure can guide individualized treatment strategies. Emphasis is placed on explaining diagnostic findings such as the Oxford MEST-C score, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating emerging therapeutic options, including SGLT2 inhibitors, RAS blockade, budesonide, and sparsentan. Considerations around lifestyle, medication adherence, side effects, and life planning—such as employment and family planning—are explored. This dialogue-driven format demonstrates how collaborative care supports sustainable treatment adherence and improves patient engagement.

Faculty: Steven Fishbane, MD Faculty: Maurizio Gallieni, MD Drs. Steven Fishbane and Maurizio Gallieni discuss chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP), a prevalent and under-recognized complication of CKD. They review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies supported by pivotal phase 3 trials and new European S2k guidelines, including the use of difelikefalin, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist. Additional insights from biomarker analyses in the KALM studies underscore the link between inflammation and pruritus severity, suggesting a dual mechanism of action for difelikefalin. The program emphasizes the importance of actively screening for CKD-aP and using validated tools to assess symptom burden in clinical practice.

Faculty: Ellie Kelepouris, MD, FACP, FAHA Faculty: Nihar Desai, MD Using a real-world patient case, Drs. Ellie Kelepouris and Nihar Desai examine clinical challenges in managing hyperkalemia among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF). They explore the use of modern potassium binders to sustain guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and break down the differences between patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC). Their discussion includes guideline recommendations from KDIGO and European societies, the sodium-related safety signals with SZC, and supporting data from trials such as REALIZE-K and DIAMOND. Findings from the CARE-HK registry are also discussed, highlighting low potassium binder use despite high rates of recurrent hyperkalemia and underutilization of GDMT in advanced CKD.

Faculty: Prof. Dr. Johann Bauersachs Faculty: Javed Butler, MD Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who have not experienced a recent worsening event pose a major clinical challenge: persistent and under-recognized cardiovascular (CV) risk. Recent findings show that these patients carry significant annual rates of CV death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization, despite adherence to quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and device support. For cardiologists, the challenge is twofold: accurately identifying high-risk individuals without overt clinical deterioration and knowing when and how to intensify therapy in patients who appear stable but remain vulnerable. Recent data show that soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) may provide significant reductions in CV death and all-cause mortality, particularly in individuals with moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≤6,000 pg/mL). These findings are especially important because this population is far more common in routine cardiology practice and has historically been overlooked in discussions of additional therapy. However, cardiologists often underestimate risk in these ambulatory patients and may hesitate to add therapies when GDMT appears to be working well. Tune in to learn best practices for patient selection and the implementation of added sGC therapy.

Faculty: Prof. Dr. Johann Bauersachs Faculty: Carolyn S. P. Lam, MBBS, PhD, MRCP, MS, FACC, FAMS, FESC Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who have not experienced a recent worsening event pose a major clinical challenge: persistent and under-recognized cardiovascular (CV) risk. Recent findings show that these patients carry significant annual rates of CV death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization, despite adherence to quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and device support. For cardiologists, the challenge is twofold: accurately identifying high-risk individuals without overt clinical deterioration and knowing when and how to intensify therapy in patients who appear stable but remain vulnerable. Recent data show that soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) may provide significant reductions in CV death and all-cause mortality, particularly in individuals with moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≤6,000 pg/mL). These findings are especially important because this population is far more common in routine cardiology practice and has historically been overlooked in discussions of additional therapy. However, cardiologists often underestimate risk in these ambulatory patients and may hesitate to add therapies when GDMT appears to be working well. Tune in to learn best practices for patient selection and the implementation of added sGC therapy.

Faculty: Javed Butler, MD Faculty: April W. Armstrong, MD, MPH Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who have not experienced a recent worsening event pose a major clinical challenge: persistent and under-recognized cardiovascular (CV) risk. Recent findings show that these patients carry significant annual rates of CV death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization, despite adherence to quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and device support. For cardiologists, the challenge is twofold: accurately identifying high-risk individuals without overt clinical deterioration and knowing when and how to intensify therapy in patients who appear stable but remain vulnerable. Recent data show that soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) may provide significant reductions in CV death and all-cause mortality, particularly in individuals with moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≤6,000 pg/mL). These findings are especially important because this population is far more common in routine cardiology practice and has historically been overlooked in discussions of additional therapy. However, cardiologists often underestimate risk in these ambulatory patients and may hesitate to add therapies when GDMT appears to be working well. Tune in to learn best practices for patient selection and the implementation of added sGC therapy.

Faculty: Prof. Dr. Johann Bauersachs Faculty: Carolyn S. P. Lam, MBBS, PhD, MRCP, MS, FACC, FAMS, FESC Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who have not experienced a recent worsening event pose a major clinical challenge: persistent and under-recognized cardiovascular (CV) risk. Recent findings show that these patients carry significant annual rates of CV death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization, despite adherence to quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and device support. For cardiologists, the challenge is twofold: accurately identifying high-risk individuals without overt clinical deterioration and knowing when and how to intensify therapy in patients who appear stable but remain vulnerable. Recent data show that soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) may provide significant reductions in CV death and all-cause mortality, particularly in individuals with moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≤6,000 pg/mL). These findings are especially important because this population is far more common in routine cardiology practice and has historically been overlooked in discussions of additional therapy. However, cardiologists often underestimate risk in these ambulatory patients and may hesitate to add therapies when GDMT appears to be working well. Tune in to learn best practices for patient selection and the implementation of added sGC therapy.

Faculty: Javed Butler, MD Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who have not experienced a recent worsening event pose a major clinical challenge: persistent and under-recognized cardiovascular (CV) risk. Recent findings show that these patients carry significant annual rates of CV death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization, despite adherence to quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and device support. For cardiologists, the challenge is twofold: accurately identifying high-risk individuals without overt clinical deterioration and knowing when and how to intensify therapy in patients who appear stable but remain vulnerable. Recent data show that soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) may provide significant reductions in CV death and all-cause mortality, particularly in individuals with moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≤6,000 pg/mL). These findings are especially important because this population is far more common in routine cardiology practice and has historically been overlooked in discussions of additional therapy. However, cardiologists often underestimate risk in these ambulatory patients and may hesitate to add therapies when GDMT appears to be working well. Tune in to learn best practices for patient selection and the implementation of added sGC therapy.

Faculty: Prof. Dr. Johann Bauersachs Faculty: Carolyn S. P. Lam, MBBS, PhD, MRCP, MS, FACC, FAMS, FESC Contemporary trial data and global registries consistently show that ambulatory patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who have not experienced a recent worsening event still carry residual risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalizations. These annual rates have been estimated to exceed 10%–20%, despite adherence to quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and device support. This paradox of clinical stability on the surface, yet significant residual risk underneath, creates a critical blind spot in the management of chronic HFrEF. Recent data show that the addition of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators provides significant reductions in CV death and all-cause mortality, particularly in individuals with moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≤6,000 pg/mL). These findings are especially important because this population is far more common in routine cardiology practice and has historically been overlooked in discussions of additional therapy. Tune in to explore a case to better understand which patients can derive the most benefit from added therapy.

Faculty: Taofeek K. Owonikoko, MD, PhD This online educational activity reviews the scientific rationale for B7-H3 as a therapeutic target in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Tune in for recent clinical trial data on B7-H3–directed antibody-drug conjugates in ES-SCLC, including key efficacy and safety outcomes in pretreated populations. Learners will gain practical guidance on identifying appropriate candidates for these therapies based on trial eligibility and real-world considerations. Emphasis is placed on interprofessional management of treatment-related adverse events to elevate patient safety and continuity of care.

Faculty: Charles E. Geyer Jr., MD, FACP Faculty: Komal Jhaveri, MD, FACP This online educational activity equips clinicians with up-to-date, practice-changing insights from SABCS 2025. Experts review pivotal data across early-stage and metastatic breast cancer, including advances in HER2- and TROP2-directed ADCs, and discuss how these findings can meaningfully inform treatment selection. Participants will learn how to apply new evidence to expand therapeutic options, improve patient outcomes, and navigate emerging safety and quality of life considerations.

Faculty: David Chin Yee, MD, FASRS In this case-based discussion, Dr. David Chin Yee presents his challenges and outcomes when managing a patient with diabetic macular edema who initially declined treatment due to language limitations, cultural beliefs, and mistrust of medical interventions. The case highlights the implementation of culturally sensitive strategies and underscores the value of cultural competence and patient-centered communication in overcoming barriers to care.

Faculty: María-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD Faculty: Luciano Costa, M.D., Ph.D. This educational activity examines the growing evidence supporting bispecific antibodies in earlier treatment lines of multiple myeloma. Experts discuss the rationale for upstream use of bispecific antibodies and review key data from pivotal trials highlighting the evolving role for bispecific antibodies as early-line treatment. Practical considerations such as monitoring and managing adverse events associated with bispecific antibodies are discussed to guide real-world adoption. Together, these insights help clinicians integrate emerging evidence into practice to optimize patient outcomes as bispecific antibodies move earlier in the myeloma treatment paradigm. On March 5, 2026, the FDA approved teclistamab plus daratumumab for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent.

Faculty: Kevin J Harrington, PhD, FRCP, FRCR, FRSB Faculty: Cristina Rodriguez, MD This online educational activity provides clinicians with an in-depth review of the latest findings in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) from ESMO 2025, highlighting advances in both resectable locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic disease. Faculty experts first explore new data on perioperative and adjuvant immunotherapy in locally advanced disease then discuss novel targeted and immunotherapy-based approaches that are showing promise in recurrent/metastatic disease. Safety profiles, patient-reported outcomes, and multidisciplinary considerations are addressed to support thoughtful integration of these therapies into real-world practice. These insights reinforce evolving strategies designed to enhance outcomes for patients across the full HNSCC spectrum.

Faculty: William Wierda, MD, PhD Faculty: Matthew S. Davids, MD, MMSc This activity focuses on optimizing first-line treatment strategies for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Drs. William Wierda and Matthew Davids discuss key distinctions between continuous BTK inhibitor therapy and time-limited venetoclax-based regimens, while highlighting considerations such as comorbidities, toxicities, IGHV status, and TP53 aberrations. They examine recent and emerging data from trials including CLL17, AMPLIFY, and BRUIN CLL-313, as well as novel agents. The conversation underscores the importance of personalized therapy selection in frontline CLL care.

Faculty: David Eichenbaum, MD In this didactic case presentation, Dr. David Eichenbaum discusses an 88-year-old patient with non-central geographic atrophy who received inappropriate bevacizumab treatment due to uncoordinated care after relocating seasonally. The case illustrates challenges that can arise in managing retinal disease across geographically distant sites. Dr. Eichenbaum emphasizes opportunities for improved referral handoffs, patient education, and system-based solutions to ensure continuity of evidence-based treatment.

Faculty: Jennifer R. Brown, MD, PhD Faculty: William Mencia, MD, FACEHP This activity explores treatment sequencing strategies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) following frontline therapy failure based on prior therapies, mechanisms of resistance, and minimal residual disease status. Dr. Jennifer Brown discusses how distinguishing between resistance and intolerance to BTK and BCL2 inhibitors informs second-line treatment decisions. The conversation highlights the role of measurable residual disease (MRD) in guiding therapy duration, biomarker reassessment, and shared decision-making based on patient preferences and clinical risk factors.

Faculty: Esther Lee Kim, MD In this case-based presentation, Dr. Esther Lee Kim reviews a young patient with long-standing type 2 diabetes who presented with bilateral vision loss and was initially referred for possible retinal vein occlusion. The case underscores how demographic factors can inform the risk of rapid disease progression, even in the setting of a relatively controlled HbA1c. Dr. Kim reviews longitudinal outcomes and offers clinical pearls emphasizing the importance of timely referral, frequent monitoring, and use of ancillary imaging to guide risk stratification and management in high-risk patients.

Faculty: John C. Byrd, MD Faculty: William Mencia, MD, FACEHP Dr. John Byrd discusses current and emerging strategies for managing double-class-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in community settings. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing resistance from intolerance to BTK inhibitors through clinical history and molecular testing. Data from the BRUIN trial support the use of pirtobrutinib in select patients, while newer agents, including BTK degraders and bispecific antibodies, offer promising potential. Collaboration with CLL specialists is encouraged to guide therapy sequencing and access advanced treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy.