Case Based - Overview
Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment of a Patient With Stage IIB HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Release Date: June 29, 2009
Expiration Date: June 29, 2010
Interactive Case Study Overview
Neoadjuvant therapy has become a standard option for patients with stage III invasive breast cancer and is commonly utilized in patients with stage II disease as well. Neoadjuvant therapy can decrease tumor burden in locally advanced breast cancer so that surgical resection is possible, improve the safety of breast-conserving surgery, and reduce micrometastatic disease to lower the risk of recurrence following surgery. The recent increase in the use of preoperative therapy has illuminated several controversies concerning surgical management, axillary lymph node assessment, and radiation therapy. Should axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy be performed in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy? What is the optimal timing for sentinel lymph node biopsy? Patient selection for breast-conserving surgery versus mastectomy and the surgical placement of tumor markers prior to neoadjuvant therapy are also areas of debate. Additionally, there is no standard neoadjuvant regimen, and the optimal combinations of cytotoxic and targeted agents are under investigation. For patients with HER2+ breast cancer, both HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in the neoadjuvant setting, although the most effective sequence and duration of therapy is still under debate. Ongoing trials are exploring the appropriate therapeutic strategies for this patient population as well as the optimal timing for incorporation of radiation therapy into HER2-targeted therapy.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the latest clinical data and treatment options concerning the staging of and neoadjuvant therapy for patients with HER2+ breast cancer.
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 role of neoadjuvant HER2-targeted therapy in patients with HER2+ breast cancer
- Examine the options for surgical lymph node assessment in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy
- Discuss the optimal incorporation of radiation therapy into HER2-targeted treatment strategies
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Complete the Pretest.
- Study the educational activity.
- Complete the Posttest.
- Answer the evaluation questions.
- After completion of the Pretest and successful completion of the Posttest and evaluation, you will receive your certificate online.
You will be permitted 2 attempts to successfully complete the Posttest.
The tests and evaluation must be completed by June 29, 2010, in order for you to receive your certificate.
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