STATEMENT OF NEED / TARGET AUDIENCE

Breast cancer is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in medical oncology. Published results from a plethora of ongoing clinical trials lead to the continuous emergence of new therapeutic agents and changes in the indications for existing treatments. In order to offer optimal patient care — including the option of clinical trial participation — the practicing medical oncologist must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Breast Cancer Update uses one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program assists medical oncologists in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

GLOBAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the clinical implications of emerging clinical trial data in breast cancer treatment.
  
• Develop and explain a management strategy for treatment of ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant and metastatic settings.
  
• Counsel postmenopausal patients with ER-positive breast cancer about the risks and benefits of adjuvant aromatase inhibitors, and counsel premenopausal women about the risks and benefits of adjuvant ovarian suppression alone or with other endocrine interventions.
  
• Describe and implement an algorithm for HER2 testing and treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant and metastatic settings.
  
• Evaluate the emerging data on various adjuvant chemotherapy approaches, including dose-dense treatment and the use of taxanes, and explain the relevance to patients considering adjuvant chemotherapy regimens.
  
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trials.
  
• Discuss the risks and benefits of endocrine intervention with women with DCIS and those at high risk of developing breast cancer.
  

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF BREAST CANCER UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 2 of Breast Cancer Update is to support these global objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Henderson, Howell and Gralow on the integration of emerging clinical research data into the management of breast cancer.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

Research To Practice designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3.25 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent on the activity.

Home · Search