The HER-2/neu Gene and Protein in Breast Cancer 2003: Biomarker and Target of Therapy

The HER-2/neu Gene and Protein in Breast Cancer 2003: Biomarker and Target of Therapy Jeffrey S. Ross, Jonathan A. Fletcher, Gerald P. Linette, James Stec, Edward Clark, Mark Ayers, W. Fraser Symmans, Lajos Pusztai, Kenneth J. Bloom Oncologist 2003; 8: 307-325 Author Information and Disclosures Target Audience: Physicians who wish to advance their current knowledge of clinical cancer medicine in breast cancer and are involved in providing patient care in a cancer care environment. Method of Physician Participation: Read course materials, complete course quiz and evaluation form (optional). Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Define the historical background and biological basis of the discovery of the HER-2/neu gene and its first use as a prognostic factor in breast cancer. Recall the uses of HER-2/neu testing prior to the approval of trastuzumab, including the impact on anthracycline adjuvant and first-line chemotherapy responses. Explain the basic principles of all the HER-2/neu tests in clinical practice: IHC, FISH, Southern blot, PCR, tissue ELISA, and serum ELISA. Contrast the pros and cons and uses and limitations of the IHC versus the FISH approach to HER-2/neu testing. Critique the most recent data comparing IHC with FISH for the prediction of response to single-agent trastuzumab and trastuzumab in combination with standard chemotherapy for advanced metastatic breast cancer. Describe the HER-2/neu expression patterns in all types of breast conditions, including in situ carcinoma, lobular versus ductal carcinoma, Paget's disease, male breast cancer, breast sarcoma, and benign breast disorders. The NIH/FAES designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME Activity Information Accreditation CME Instructions For Credit Privacy Statement Hardware/Software Requirements Release Date: Aug. 1, 2003 Most Recent Review: Aug. 1, 2003* Most Recent Update: Aug. 1, 2003 Date Credit Expires: Apr. 10, 2007 Time to Complete: 1 hour Medium: Internet Online *Click here to learn more about our review process.