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

STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Breast cancer is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in oncology. Published results from a plethora of ongoing clinical trials lead to the continuous emergence of new therapeutic techniques, 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 breast surgeon 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.

GLOBAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

• Critically evaluate the clinical implications of emerging clinical trial data in the prevention and treatment of noninvasive (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer.
• Counsel postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor-positive tumors about the risks and benefits of aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting.
• Describe the current guidelines for, and ongoing clinical trials of, local and regional therapy for noninvasive and invasive breast cancer.

Issue 3, 2003, of Breast Cancer Update for Surgeons consists of discussions with five research leaders on a variety of important topics including: local and systemic therapy of DCIS, intraoperative radiation therapy, adjuvant endocrine therapy, mammography trials and breast conservation.

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR ISSUE 3

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

• Distinguish subsets of patients with DCIS for whom radiation therapy may not be necessary.
• Determine the role of estrogen receptor testing for patients with DCIS.
• Counsel patients about the controversies regarding the value of screening mammography.
• Describe the results of the ATAC trial and implications in treating postmenopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer.
• Describe ongoing clinical trials of aromatase inhibitors for DCIS and chemoprevention; counsel appropriate patients about participation.
• Counsel patients about the risks and benefits of mastectomy versus breast-conserving surgery.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

NL Communications Inc is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT

NL Communications Inc designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.75 category 1 credits towards the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent on the activity.

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