Article Details - Overview
Case Studies in Breast Cancer Vol. 6, No. 6
Release Date: November 12, 2008
Expiration Date: November 12, 2009
Publication Overview
Author
Edward Romond, MD
Overview and Purpose
Increased understanding of tumor biology has resulted in growing numbers of targeted agents for the treatment of breast cancer, with many agents demonstrating efficacy in advanced disease. As these agents begin to be utilized in the adjuvant setting, patient selection becomes increasingly crucial to optimize benefit/toxicity ratios. For patients with HER2+/node-positive early-stage disease, HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody (MoAb) therapy is the standard of care and significantly improves disease outcome. However, investigation of the optimal chemotherapy regimen to pair with HER2-targeted therapy is ongoing, and selection of the optimal regimen might depend on patient and tumor characteristics affecting the risk of recurrence. Additionally, the risk of cardiotoxicity associated with these therapies must be carefully examined and balanced against potential benefits from a particular regimen because it could affect long-term quality of life. Taking these relative risks and benefits into consideration will allow optimal management of patients with HER2+ early-stage breast cancer.
The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on clinical data on the safety and efficacy of HER2-targeted therapy in patients with HER2+ early-stage breast cancer as well as considerations for treatment decision making.
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:
- Discuss the efficacy of HER2-targeted MoAb therapy in patients with HER2+ early-stage breast cancer
- Evaluate the cardiac safety of HER2-targeted therapy in patients with HER2+ breast cancer
- Assess the prognostic factors and considerations involved in treatment decision making in patients with HER2+ early-stage breast cancer
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.
You will be asked to login
or create an account.