March / April 1998

Vol 5, No 2 CME Pretest

In this issue, the topic of neuro-oncology is addressed. First, answer the pretest questions below. After reading the articles, proceed with answering the CME posttest questions.

This Journal provides 4 hours of Category 1 Continuing Medical Education

Complimentary CME Credits

Physicans can earn up to 4 credit hours of Category 1 for the Physican's Recognition Award of the American Medical Association by reading the material in this issue and successfully answering the questions in the posttest at the end of this issue. Every successfully answered 10 questions will earn 1 credit hour. CME is presented by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol-Myers Oncology Division.

Educational Objectives

After reading this issue, clinicians will be expected to:

• know the indications for and outcomes from surgical resection of metastases to the brain,
  
• appreciate the management options for tumors at the base of the skull, and
  
• discuss novel approaches to diagnosis and management of primary brain tumors.

This program was planned in accordance with ACCME Essentials.
Release Date: March 1, 1998 Expiration Date: March 1, 1999

Pretest

1. Which is the most important factor influencing survival in a patient undergoing resection of a single brain metastasis?

a. size of brain metastasis

b. histologic tumor type

c. status of primary cancer

d. extent of associated edema

2. A prospective phase III clinical trial in patients with recurrent gliomas who had failed standard therapy demonstrated implantation of 3.8% BCNU in polyanhydride polymer wafers onto the surface of the resected tumor cavity produced what effect on six-month subsequent survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme?

a. increased by 50%

b. no effect

c. decreased by 25%

d. decreased by 50%

3. A large skull base meningioma that is causing symptoms is probably best managed by:

a. external-beam radiation

b. observation

c. gamma knife radiosurgery

d. surgical resection