Article Details - Overview
In-Depth Tumor Board: Biologic Therapy for Breast Cancer
Release Date: September 24, 2008
Expiration Date: September 24, 2009
Publication Overview
Author
PER Editorial Staff
Overview and Purpose
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that displays a wide variety of clinical presentations and pathologic phenotypes. Endocrine therapy and chemotherapy remain the cornerstones of most breast cancer regimens, although novel agents and new formulations of established drugs are being evaluated to improve therapeutic ratios and provide additional treatment options for refractory disease. Biologic agents have emerged as a powerful approach to the treatment of breast cancer: antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) against angiogenic and HER-mediated signaling are being actively investigated. These classes of drugs have significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with advanced or early-stage breast cancer. Additional approaches, including newer HER-targeted agents, the targeting of HER2 signaling components downstream, and the use of conjugated immunotoxins, continue to be developed. However, implementation of these novel therapies needs to be carefully weighed against the potential for toxicity, particularly as these agents move into the adjuvant setting. Careful analysis of existing data will help clinicians incorporate the wide variety of therapeutic options into individualized regimens for the treatment of advanced and early-stage disease.
The purpose of this activity is to inform physicians about current data on established and investigational targeted therapies for breast cancer and the development of individualized regimens that can be incorporated into daily practice.
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:
- Assess and apply current data on the effi cacy and safety of anti-HER2 antibody-based therapy in the adjuvant treatment of HER2+ early-stage node-negative breast cancer
- Analyze current data on the risk of cardiac dysfunction associated with anti-HER2 therapy using antibodies and small-molecule TKIs in breast cancer
- Discuss current and investigational treatment options for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that had progressed on prior HER2-targeted therapies
- Evaluate current data on the efficacy and safety of antiangiogenic therapy for MBC
- Assess current data on the optimization of chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of MBC
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Complete the Pre Test
- 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.
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