Breast Cancer Update - A CME Audio Series and Activity

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. The purpose of this special issue of Breast Cancer Update is to present the most current research developments in the targeted therapy of breast cancer, including results of recent trials of adjuvant trastuzumab.

GLOBAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

• Describe a clinical algorithm to optimally assess targets for adjuvant systemic therapy (HER2, ER/PR) at initial diagnosis of early breast cancer and the rationale for targeting these pathways.
• Describe results of recent clinical trials of adjuvant trastuzumab and counsel appropriate patients with HER2- positive early breast cancer about the absolute risks and benefits of adjuvant trastuzumab.
• Discuss a management strategy for use of adjuvant trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy.
• Describe and implement a clinical algorithm for assessment of cardiac function in patients who are candidates for or are receiving adjuvant trastuzumab.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF BREAST CANCER UPDATE

The purpose of this special edition of Breast Cancer Update is to support these objectives by offering the perspectives of Drs Geyer, Kaufman, Leyland-Jones, Romond, Slamon and Wolmark and information presented at the recent NSABP meeting on the integration of the most recent emerging clinical research data in targeted therapy and adjuvant trastuzumab 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 6.25 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent 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. www.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.