Article Details - Overview
Cancer Summaries and Commentaries Vol. 1, No. 1
Release Date: August 20, 2008
Expiration Date: August 20, 2009
Publication Overview
Authors
Commentary by: Hope S. Rugo, MD; Medical writer: Paul Card, PhD
Reviewed: Susan Peck, PhD, Debu Tripathy, MD; Reviewed by: Susan Peck, PhD, and Debu Tripathy, MD; Reviewed by: Susan Peck, PhD, Debu Tripathy, MD
Overview and Purpose
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has served as a useful paradigm in the development of targeted agents. The inhibition of growth factor and hormone response pathways through a variety of strategies has improved clinical outcomes. The success of anti-HER2 therapies in particular has prompted researchers to investigate additional HER-directed approaches. These include anti-HER2 antibodies, pan-HER small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–specific agents used in combination with endocrine therapy or chemotherapy. Angiogenesis inhibitors combined with HER-targeted agents or chemotherapy are also being assessed in the treatment of MBC, and novel strategies, such as the incorporation of heat shock protein (HSP)90 inhibitors, are being investigated for their ability to improve the effectiveness of targeted therapy.
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy and requires a careful analysis of available data to optimize treatment, including the use of regimens that contain one of the growing number of targeted agents. A thorough review of this information will help clinicians stay up-to-date on targeted approaches currently being evaluated for the treatment of MBC.
The purpose of this activity is to educate physicians regarding current data on the use of targeted therapies for MBC and to highlight new developments regarding the use of these agents in a variety of combination regimens.
Target Audience
This 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 efficacy and safety of adding antiangiogenic agents to taxanes in the treatment of advanced breast cancer
- Evaluate the activity and safety of simultaneous inhibition of HER2 and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling using 2 small-molecule TKIs as first-line therapy for advanced breast cancer
- Appraise the activity and safety of a dual HER2 blockade strategy using 2 humanized monoclonal antibodies in MBC that had progressed on prior HER2-targeted therapy
- Assess the clinical benefit and safety of adding an HSP90 inhibitor to an anti-HER2 agent in the treatment of HER2+ MBC that had progressed on prior HER2-targeted therapy
- Evaluate the clinical benefit and safety of adding an EGFR-targeted small-molecule TKI to an aromatase inhibitor in the treatment of hormone receptor–positive MBC
- Assess response with and clinical benefit from the addition of a platinum agent to an EGFR-targeted antibody in the treatment of hormone receptor–negative/HER2–MBC
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- 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.
- CME credit will be granted for only 1 form of participation, either online or via the printed publication.
Instructions for Participation
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