OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITY

Currently, no standardized algorithm or sequencing of therapies exists for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Instead, numerous acceptable agents and regimens represent a plethora of therapeutic options, and treatment decisions are often individualized based on variables that include specific tumor/disease characteristics, age, comorbidities, prior exposure to endocrine/biologic/chemotherapy and the side-effect profiles of individual agents. For this reason, current clinical management of mBC is dictated by a number of clinical scenarios in which multiple treatment choices may be available but the optimal strategy is highly debatable and may be dependent on a diverse array of considerations. To provide clinicians with strategies to better manage the entire set of needs of patients with mBC, this series employs a unique case-based approach, including the perspectives of leading breast cancer investigators on their strategies for managing the intricacies of treatment decision-making in the metastatic setting. Upon completion of this CME activity, medical oncologists should be able to formulate an up-to-date and more complete approach to patient care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Select appropriate, individualized treatment plans for patients with mBC, based on multiple clinical and psychosocial factors.
• Provide patient care from a holistic perspective — including communicating with patients, loved ones and caregivers about the psychosocial and economic aspects of living with mBC — and implement appropriate management and referral strategies.
• Evaluate the source of pathology reporting, and retest patients with questionable or potentially inconclusive results.
• Query patients receiving systemic therapies about the incidence of specific side effects, and implement supportive measures or dose/schedule modifications as needed.
• Review data on the continuation of biologic therapy with disease progression, and apply this information to clinical practice.

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 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. 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 an audio component. To receive credit, the participant should listen to the CD, review the Internet content and complete the Post-test and Educational Assessment and Credit Form located in on our website at VisitingProfs.com.

This program is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.

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EDITOR
Neil Love, MD

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