There are now 24 approved antiretrovirals (ARV) and 6 ARV classes. These provide unprecedented treatment opportunities for both treatment-naïve and -experienced HIV-positive patients; however, treatment paradigms remain unsettled and constantly evolving due, in large part, to new clinical trials and other data that are presented or published. Much as in the past, the challenge for healthcare providers is to be aware of these trials and other presented or published data so that they can create an appropriate ARV regimen for each HIV-positive patient - regardless of ARV experience - that is potent, tolerable, safe, durable, and, if possible, maintains future treatment options.
Many of the clinical trials and other studies that affect treatment paradigms and influence clinical decisions regarding ARV therapy are first reported as posters at the most important HIV conference in the United States (US), the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic infections (CROI).
This review and discussion will provide (1) a unique insight into how knowledgeable experts review posters presented at CROI and (2) an in-depth understanding of the posters being reviewed regarding the data presented and its scientific quality and clinical relevance. This CME program will enable all participating clinicians and health care providers caring for HIV-positive patients to become aware of and understand the data presented at this important conference and appropriately utilize those data to improve patient care.
This activity has been designed to meet the educational need of physicians involved in the care of patients with HIV infection.
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:
Discuss poster presentations made at major HIV scientific meetings, including the 17th CROI
Explain to colleagues the clinical trials and data presented in the 10 most important poster presentations at the 17th CROI
Explain the scientific integrity and clinical relevance of the 10 most important poster presentations at the 17th CROI
Use the information and data presented in the 10 most important poster presentations at the 17th CROI to improve patient care
Cal Cohen, MD (Course Director)
Research Director, CRI New England,
Clinical Instructor, Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts
Trevor Hawkins, MD
Associate Professor, University of New Mexico
Medical Director, Southwest CARE Center
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Paul Sax, MD
Clinical Director,
Brigham and Women's Division
of Infectious Diseases and HIV Program
Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts
Andrew Zolopa, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Stanford University School of Medicine
Palo Alto, California
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and ViralEd, Inc.. PIM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) requires instructors, planners, managers and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by PIM for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.
Supported by an educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.
*This coverage is not sanctioned by the conference organizers and is not an official part of the conference proceedings
