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

• Critically evaluate the clinical implications of emerging clinical trial data in breast cancer treatment and incorporate these data into management strategies in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant, metastatic and preventive settings.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the availability of ongoing clinical trials.
• Counsel postmenopausal patients with ER-positive breast cancer about the risks and benefits of adjuvant aromatase inhibitors and of switching to or sequencing aromatase inhibitors after tamoxifen, 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 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 absolute risks and benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens to patients.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients with metastatic disease about selection and sequencing of endocrine therapy and chemotherapies and about the risks and benefits of chemotherapeutic agents and combinations.
• Evaluate the emerging data for biologic therapies and determine how these should be incorporated into the treatment algorithm for appropriate patients with metastatic disease.
• Describe the computerized risk models and genetic markers to determine prognostic information on the quantitative risk of breast cancer relapse, and when applicable, utilize these to guide therapy decisions.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF BREAST CANCER UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 8 of Breast Cancer Update is to support these global objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Burstein, Ravdin, Livingston, Bear, Carey and Chang 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 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

HOW TO USE THIS MONOGRAPH

This CME activity contains both audio and print components. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs or tapes, review the monograph and complete the Post-test and Evaluation Form located in the back of this monograph or on our website. This monograph contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program. BreastCancerUpdate.com includes an easy-to-use, interactive version of this monograph with links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources indicated here in blue underlined text.

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Editor’s Note:
Heart of Oncology

Interviews
Harold J Burstein, MD, PhD
- Select publications

Peter M Ravdin, MD, PhD
- Select publications

Robert Livingston, MD
- Select publications

Harry D Bear, MD, PhD
- Select publications

Roundtable Discussion: Molecular Biology 101
- Select publications

CME Information

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office