This presentation was selected by the Breast Cancer Symposium Steering Committee as an independent educational activity held at the site of the 2007 Breast Cancer Symposium. This presentation is not sponsored or endorsed by any of the sponsoring or co-sponsoring organizations of the 2007 Breast Cancer Symposium.
Overview and Purpose
The Beyond Taxanes: New Chemotherapeutic Options for Patients With Refractory Metastatic
Breast Cancer satellite symposium will address the latest developments in novel agents for the treatment of patients who have progressed on conventional taxane-containing regimens, with a
specific focus on novel microtubule-targeted agents. In addition, therapeutic issues pertaining to
special patient groups, such as the elderly and patients with preexistent toxicities from earlier treatments,
will be discussed. Recent trial results will be reviewed and integrated into moderated panel
discussions in which controversial aspects of patient management will be debated. An initial session
will focus on the mechanisms of drug resistance as they pertain to taxanes, including the use of biomarker
analysis and other predictive factors that might be used to more effectively select the optimal
treatments for patients with breast cancer. Clinical data on epothilones and other novel agents targeting microtubules will be reviewed in a second session, with a third session devoted to treatment considerations for patients with resistant/refractory metastatic breast cancer. This symposium will close with a moderated panel discussion
focusing on therapeutic options for patients with taxane-resistant metastatic breast cancer, the
design of relevant clinical trials, and current questions concerning taxane-resistant breast cancer.
Target Audience
This educational program is directed toward medical oncologists as well as fellows in training involved
in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. Oncology nurses, oncology physician assistants, and
other health professionals interested in the treatment of cancer are also invited to attend.
CME Accreditation and Credit Designation
Physicians: 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.
Physician Assistants: AAPA accepts category 1 credit from AOACCME, Prescribed credit from AAFP,
and AMA Category 1 CME credit for the PRA from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this symposium, you should be able to:
Describe the known cellular mechanisms that lead to clinical resistance to taxanes
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of agents in development for patients with MBC that
has been pretreated with or is resistant to taxanes, including epothilones, novel vinca
alkaloids, and other new microtubule-targeted agents
Discuss practical issues in treatment decision making for patients with relapsed/refractory
MBC, including the selection of combination or sequential regimens and the evaluation
of options for special patient groups, such as the elderly and patients with preexisting
toxicities
