The Tailoring ErbB-Directed Therapies for Optimized Care of Breast Cancer
Patients symposium is designed to educate and update physicians on the latest
ErbB2-targeted breast cancer treatments. Insights gained from studies of the structure
and function of the ErbB receptor family, as well as their clinical implications, will
be discussed. Two lectures will review current data regarding the treatment of early
and advanced/metastatic ErbB2+ breast cancer. In addition, important molecule
pathways involved in the cross-talk of ErbB and hormone receptor signaling as well
as downstream pathways that modulate ErbB function and contribute to resistance
will be examined. Finally, the potential role of breast cancer stem cells in the natural
history of the disease and the possibility of targeting this cell population with biologic
agents will be discussed. Practical concerns such as patient selection and adverse
event management will be considered along with the theoretical basis of ongoing trials
and current hypotheses. The symposium will update oncologists on current treatments
for ErbB2+ breast cancer as well as strategies emerging from the laboratory and being
translated into improvements in clinical care and patient selection.
This presentation was selected by the American Society of Clinical Oncology® as an independent educational activity held in conjunction with an ASCO® meeting. This presentation is not sponsored or endorsed by ASCO.
Target Audience
This educational program is directed toward medical oncologists interested in
reviewing the most recent clinical trial data on the treatment of breast cancer. Surgical
and radiation oncologists and other health professionals interested in the treatment of
breast cancer are also invited to attend.
CME Accreditation and Credit Designation
Physicians’ Education Resource is accredited by the Accreditation Council for
Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Physicians’ Education Resource designates this educational activity for a maximum of
2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate
with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this symposium, you should be able to:
- Discuss how the structure of ErbB receptors impacts signaling mechanisms and the
implications this has on the mechanism of action of targeted inhibitors
- Describe the interactions between the ErbB and estrogen receptor signaling
pathways and review preclinical and clinical data evaluating combination regimens
targeting both pathways
- Recognize potential mechanisms of resistance to ErbB2-targeted agents, including
activation of alternate receptor signaling pathways such as insulin-like growth
factor-1 receptor and Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, inactivation of tumor
suppressors, and ErbB2 receptor processing
- Evaluate recent clinical data from trials investigating the use of ErbB2-targeted
agents in patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory metastatic breast
cancer
- Review the efficacy and safety of ErbB2 inhibitors in the treatment of early-stage
breast cancer as well as the rationale and schemas for next-generation adjuvant and
neoadjuvant trials of ErbB2-targeted agents
- Explain the breast cancer stem cell theory and the potential role of biologic agents in
targeting this cell population
Acknowledgement
This activity is supported by an educational grant from:
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