STATEMENT OF NEED/TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in medicine. Results presented at major cancer conferences 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, the practicing medical oncologist must be well informed of these advances.

To bridge the gap between research and patient care, Cancer Conference Update uses one-on-one discussions with leading oncology investigators to discuss key clinical trial results presented at major oncology symposia. 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.

GLOBAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Critically evaluate the clinical implications of emerging clinical trial data in breast cancer treatment and incorporate these data into management strategies in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant, metastatic and preventive settings.
• Counsel postmenopausal patients with ER-positive breast cancer about the risks and benefits of adjuvant aromatase inhibitors and of switching to or sequencing aromatase inhibitors after tamoxifen.
• Describe and implement an algorithm for treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in the adjuvant and metastatic settings.
• Evaluate the emerging data on various adjuvant chemotherapy approaches and explain the absolute risks and benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens to patients.
• Counsel appropriate patients with metastatic disease about selection and sequencing of endocrine therapy and about the risks and benefits of various chemotherapeutic and biologic options.

PURPOSE OF THIS ISSUE OF CANCER CONFERENCE UPDATE

The purpose of Issue 1 of Cancer Conference Update is to offer the perspectives of Drs Mackey, Ravdin and Hudis on the integration of data presented at the 2006 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 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 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. 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 CDs, review the CME information and complete the Post-test and Evaluation Form located in the back of this book or on our website, CancerConferenceUpdate.com.

Publications Discussed by:

John Mackey, MD
Peter M Ravdin, MD, PhD
Clifford Hudis, MD
Additional Publications Discussed During the Program

Editor's Office