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. In order to incorporate research advances into developing treatment strategies for patients, the CME program Meet The Professors utilizes case-based discussions between community oncologists and research leaders.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

• Counsel postmenopausal patients with ER-positive breast cancer about the risks and benefits of adjuvant aromatase inhibitors and about switching or sequencing aromatase inhibitors after tamoxifen.
• Counsel premenopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer about the risks and benefits of adjuvant ovarian suppression alone or with other endocrine interventions.
• Evaluate the emerging data on various adjuvant chemotherapy approaches, including dosedense treatment and the use of taxanes, and explain the relevance to patients considering adjuvant chemotherapy regimens.
• Identify patients with metastatic breast cancer for whom single-agent versus combination chemotherapy would be and counsel them regarding the risk/benefit profiles of chemotherapeutic agents/regimens.
• Develop and explain a management strategy for treatment of ER-positive breast cancer in the metastatic setting.
• Describe and implement an algorithm for HER2 testing and treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in the adjuvant and metastatic settings.

EDUCATIONAL METHOD

To receive CME credit, the participant should listen to the CDs or tapes, review the monograph and complete the evaluation form.

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 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.