Case Based - Overview
Treatment of a Patient With HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer With Metastases to the Spine, Lung, and Liver
Release Date: November 25, 2008
Expiration Date: November 25, 2009
Interactive Case Study Overview
Despite improvements in breast cancer mortality due to early detection and adjuvant therapy, 40,000 patients succumb to breast cancer yearly in the United States, primarily due to progression of metastatic disease. As a result, options for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are rapidly evolving, with new treatments and improvements on existing therapies continuously emerging. Therapy for this patient population focuses on prolonging survival and improving quality of life through palliation of symptoms. Because many patients progress on traditional microtubule-targeting agents such as taxanes, whether administered in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, new microtubule-targeted agents such as epothilones are currently under investigation. For patients with HER2+ MBC, HER2-targeted therapies substantially improve disease outcome, but pairing them with the optimal cytotoxic agents is important to maximize the therapeutic potential.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the therapeutic options for patients with HER2+ MBC, including new cytotoxic/biologic combination strategies under investigation.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with breast cancer. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Evaluate the therapeutic options for patients with spinal cord compression due to breast cancer spinal metastases
- Assess the efficacy and safety of microtubule- and/or HER2-targeted agents in patients with MBC
- Identify the major adverse events associated with epothilone therapy in the treatment of MBC
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before beginning the educational activity.
- Complete the Pretest.
- Study the educational activity.
- Complete the CME test.
- Answer the evaluation questions.
- After successful completion of the CME test and evaluation, you will receive your certificate of credit online.
Successful completion is determined by a score of 67% or greater.
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