Article Details - Overview
Case Studies in Breast Cancer Vol. 6, No. 5
Release Date: September 29, 2008
Expiration Date: September 29, 2009
Publication Overview
Author
Karen Gelmon, MD, FRCPC
Overview and Purpose
Despite improvements in breast cancer mortality due to early detection and adjuvant therapy, 40,000 patients succumb to breast cancer in the United States each year, primarily due to progression of metastatic disease. As a result, options for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are rapidly evolving, with new therapeutic regimens and improvements on existing therapies continuously emerging. For patients with HER2+ breast cancer, HER2–targeted monoclonal antibody therapy is the standard of care. However, when disease progression on standard therapy occurs, the optimal therapeutic approach is unclear. Proposed strategies include continuation of the same HER2-targeted therapy while switching to a new cytotoxic agent and incorporation of alternative agents targeting HER2 or HER2-related pathways into treatment. Each of these approaches must be carefully weighed against associated toxicities, because quality of life is particularly important in the metastatic setting. Additionally, patients with refractory disease need to be identified to avoid repeating ineffective therapies, suggesting that biomarker studies are needed
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on clinical data concerning the treatment of patients with HER2+ MBC following progression on standard HER2-targeted therapy.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for 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 combining 2 HER2-targeted agents in patients with HER2+ MBC that has progressed on prior HER2-targeted therapy
- Assess the efficacy of continuing the same HER2-targeted therapy in combination with an alternative cytotoxic agent in patients with HER2+ breast cancer that has progressed on prior HER2-targeted therapy
- Discuss the efficacy of HER2-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with HER2+ MBC that has progressed on standard HER2-targeted therapy
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Complete the Pretest
- 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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