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Case Studies in Breast Cancer Vol. 6, No. 2

Release Date: August 20, 2008
Expiration Date: August 20, 2009

Publication Overview

Author

Erica Mayer, MD, MPH

Overview and Purpose

For patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), the primary goals of therapy are prolongation of survival and palliation of symptoms. While targeted therapies show substantial activity in HER+ MBC, systemic chemotherapeutic regimens have been the mainstay of treatment for patients with HER– MBC. No specific chemotherapy regimen has emerged as optimal, and several cytotoxic agents are now under investigation in combination with targeted agents. The incorporation of antiangiogenic therapy into chemotherapeutic regimens is increasing as these agents continue to demonstrate significant efficacy in the metastatic setting. Several classes of targeted antiangiogenic agents, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are currently under investigation in breast cancer. Ongoing research is also addressing the optimal strategy of the integration of antiangiogenic therapy into chemotherapy regimens in order to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity.

The purpose of this activity is to discuss the therapeutic options, including the addition of antiangiogenic therapy to traditional chemotherapy regimens, for patients with HER– MBC.

Target Audience

This publication 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:

  • Compare strategies for administration of chemotherapy, including concurrent and sequential regimens, in the treatment of patients with MBC
  • Evaluate the latest clinical data on the efficacy of antiangiogenic monoclonal antibodies as first-line therapy for patients with HER– locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer
  • Identify and describe the novel antiangiogenic small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently being evaluated in the treatment of patients with MBC

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  1. Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
  2. Study the educational activity.
  3. Complete the CME test.
  4. Answer the evaluation questions.
  5. 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.

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It is the policy of Physicians' Education Resource to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its educational activities. As an organization accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), Physicians' Education Resource requires everyone who is in a position to control the content of an educational activity, including spouses/partners, to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. The ACCME defines “relevant financial relationships” as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 12 months that create a conflict of interest. Physicians' Education Resource has implemented a mechanism to identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to the activity.

Erica Mayer, MD, MPH
No relevant relationships to disclose

PER Editorial Staff
No relevant relationships to disclose

This CME activity might include discussion of investigational and/or unlabeled uses of drugs. If the activity includes discussion of investigational and/or unlabeled uses of a drug, specific information is located on the title page. Please refer to the full prescribing information for each drug discussed in this newsletter for FDA–approved dosing, indications, and warnings.

Commercial Support

An educational grant for this activity was provided by Genentech BioOncology.

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Illustration

Abdominal/pelvic computed tomography scans reveal innumerable low-density lesions with rim enhancement throughout the liver, consistent with metastases (pretreatment), and resolution of enhancing hepatic lesions (posttreatment).

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this activity are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor, supporter, or publisher. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this activity to ensure accuracy, the authors, and Physicians' Education Resource and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this activity, whether arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever or for any consequences arising therefrom.

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©Copyright 2008 by Physicians' Education Resource. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, without written permission from the publisher.

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Editor, Case Studies in Breast Cancer
Physicians' Education Resource
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