STATEMENT OF NEED / TARGET AUDIENCE

Medical oncology, particularly breast cancer, is one of the most rapidly advancing and developing fields of medicine. The constant emergence of new systemic agents, new indications for existing systemic agents, novel therapies, clinical trials and research findings demands that oncology nurses remain dedicated to continuing education in order to offer their patients the best care possible. This program provides nurses access to the most up-to-date research developments in breast cancer and the opinions of oncology nurses and research leaders with experience and expertise in the field. This information can be effectively translated into everyday patient management decisions.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To present the most current research developments in breast cancer and to provide the perspectives of medical oncologists, oncology nurses and patients on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR THIS ISSUE OF BREAST CANCER UPDATE FOR ONCOLOGY NURSES

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

• Describe the mechanisms of action for hormonal therapies utilized in the treatment of estrogen receptorpositive breast cancer.
• Discuss the basis for selection and sequence of hormonal therapies in the metastatic and adjuvant settings.
• Describe fulvestrant therapy, including administration, side effects and nursing indications.
• Discuss the results of the ATAC trial and its implications in the treatment of postmenopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer.
• Describe the clinical issues related to the management of patients with HER2-positive disease, including HER2 testing, use of trastuzumab and the ongoing adjuvant trastuzumab clinical trials.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS

This educational activity for 4.4 contact hours is provided by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine. Postgraduate Institute for Medicine is an approved provider of continuing education by the Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

California Board of Registered Nursing

The Postgraduate Institute for Medicine is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 13485 for 4.4 contact hours.

A statement of credit will be issued only upon receipt of a completed activity evaluation form and will be mailed to you within three weeks.

HOW TO USETHIS MONOGRAPH

This CE activity contains both audio and print components. This monograph contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program.

BreastCancerUpdate.com/Nurses 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 red underlined text. There are no fees for participating and receiving CE credit for this activity. To receive credit during the period of December 2004 through December 2005, participants should read the learning objectives and faculty disclosures, 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 the BreastCancerUpdate.com/Nurses website and mail or fax the evaluation form to the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine.