Article Details - Overview
The Next Generation of Combinations for Breast Cancer: Building on Targeted Therapies
Online Only Cancer Summaries & Commentaries
Release Date: August 22, 2008
Expiration Date: August 22, 2009
Publication Overview
Author
PER Editorial Staff
Overview and Purpose
Audio Commentaries by: Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD
The treatment of breast cancer has evolved rapidly in recent years, primarily due to targeted therapies designed to inhibit pathologic signaling. In particular, endocrine therapy and HER2-targeted agents have significantly improved clinical outcomes in a variety of settings. De novo and acquired resistance to these approaches, however, remain a substantial clinical problem. Methods under investigation to treat HER2+ disease that has progressed on standard antibody-based therapies include the use of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting HER2 receptor alone or in combination with other HER2-targeted agents, the use of novel antibody-drug conjugates, and the targeting of downstream pathway components. Inhibitors of proteins that drive adaptive responses involved in hormone therapy resistance are also being evaluated. These agents can potentially restore the sensitivity of hormone receptor–positive breast cancers and prevent the emergence of resistance if used earlier in disease progression. The adaptive nature of breast cancer requires the continued development of novel strategies and careful analysis of data from clinical trials investigating methods for overcoming resistance to existing therapies.
The purpose of this activity is to educate physicians on novel strategies designed to prevent or overcome resistance to HER2-targeted agents or endocrine therapy in the treatment of 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:
- Assess the efficacy and safety of dual HER1/HER2 inhibition using antibody-based therapies and small-molecule TKIs in heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that has progressed on HER2-targeted therapy
- Evaluate the safety and preliminary antitumor activity of HER2-targeted immunotoxins in HER2+ MBC that has progressed on HER2-targeted therapy
- Assess the safety and efficacy of the addition of a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor to conventional therapy for HER2+ MBC that has progressed on HER2-targeted therapy
- Evaluate the underlying rationale, efficacy, and safety of combining an mTOR inhibitor with an aromatase inhibitor as neoadjuvant therapy for postmenopausal patients with newly diagnosed estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer
- Evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining a histone deacetylase inhibitor with endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor–positive MBC with resistance to prior aromatase inhibitor therapy
Instructions for Participation
- 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.
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