STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Breast cancer is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in medical oncology. Published results from 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 — clinicians must be well informed of these advances. To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Breast Cancer Update for Surgeons utilizes one-on-one discussions with leading breast cancer investigators. By providing access to the latest research developments and expert perspectives, this CME program assists breast surgeons in the formulation of up-to-date clinical management strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Formulate an approach to identify and present chemopreventive options to healthy women who are at risk for the development of breast cancer.
• Evaluate issues related to the accuracy, reliability and interpretation of the ER and HER2 status of breast tumors, in the context of local laboratory practices and national guidelines.
• Assess the benefits and challenges of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and biologic therapies.
• Counsel patients with one to three positive lymph nodes about the benefits of postoperative radiation therapy.
• Evaluate the risks and benefits of partial breast irradiation therapy, and develop a plan to identify patients for whom the procedure is contraindicated.
• Utilize magnetic resonance imaging for patients with breast cancer, considering the appropriate role of this technology.
• Identify the rationale for and benefits of extended adjuvant endocrine therapy for patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
• Utilize the Oncotype DX™ assay for appropriately selected patients, to collect prognostic information that guides treatment decision-making.
• Summarize the risks and benefits of adjuvant trastuzumab for patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer.
• Counsel appropriately selected patients about the option of participating in ongoing clinical trials, based on an awareness of the latest research.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF BREAST CANCER UPDATE FOR SURGEONS

The purpose of Issue 1 of Breast Cancer Update for Surgeons is to support the learning objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Morrow, Smith, Carlson and Paik 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 3.0 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 CME ACTIVITY

This CME activity contains both audio and print components. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CDs, review the Internet content and complete the Post-test and Educational Assessment located at www.BreastCancerUpdate.com/CME. www.BreastCancerUpdate.com/Surgeons contains edited comments, clinical trial schemas, graphics and references that supplement the audio program, as well as links to relevant full-text articles, abstracts, trial information and other web resources.

This program is supported by educational grants from Genentech BioOncology and Genomic Health Inc.

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INTERVIEWS

Neil Love, MD
Editor

Monica Morrow, MD
- Select publications

Ian E Smith, MD
- Select publications

Robert W Carlson, MD
- Select publications

Soonmyung Paik, MD
- Select publications

Breast Cancer Update
for Surgeons:
A CME Audio Series and Activity

Faculty Disclosures

Editor's Office