The Controversies in Breast Cancer: Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy 2008 3-day congress is dedicated to an in-depth discussion of the emerging data that underlie optimal adjuvant and neoadjuvant breast cancer therapy, with a particular focus on data that impart an understanding of the biologic bases and natural history of the breast cancer subtypes. A significant emphasis on case discussion and management of patients with early-stage and locally advanced breast cancer will provide a forum to discuss and debate the controversies and practical applicability of the evolving clinical trial findings. The congress will address new data that influence practice in multidisciplinary areas of early breast cancer care, including pathology, breast imaging, breast cancer genetics and risk reduction, surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy. The presentation and discussion of prognostic and predictive biomarkers will be a major theme of the congress to reflect the emerging issues that arise when oncologists strive to match the best therapy to the right patient. The congress will include lectures and case presentations, with a detailed discussion of diagnostic and treatment options as well as a point-counterpoint debate on controversial topics. Small-group breakout sessions with the faculty will be conducted for more in-depth discussion of controversial patient cases and topics. Participants will have the opportunity to critically review existing clinical trial data on adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies and evaluate the application of these data to the ongoing management of patients with breast cancer through case discussions, panel discussions, and participant-directed discussion of patient-management dilemmas.

This educational program is designed to be of high clinical utility to medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists practicing in the community or academic institutions. Oncology fellows, oncology nurses, oncology physician assistants, and pharmacists interested in the treatment of breast cancer are also invited to attend.

At the conclusion of this symposium, you should be able to:

• Discuss the recent clinical trial data that provide the underpinnings for state-of-the-art adjuvant and neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer
• Review and debate the clinical utility and implications of novel genomic and pathologic diagnostic tools to subset breast cancer
• Evaluate novel cytotoxic and biologic agents and their utility in neoadjuvant or adjuvant regimens
• Analyze the optimal ability of adjuvant chemotherapy by breast cancer subtype
• Apply the available data toward an understanding of the optimal choice and duration of endocrine therapy
• Describe the principles of state-of-the-art imaging and surgical techniques as well as radiation therapy and apply them to the treatment of patients with breast cancer
• Review new diagnostic and management insights into hereditary breast cancers
• Review the latest data on preoperative therapies and surgical and radiotherapy management strategies

Physicians: Physicians’ Education Resource is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

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.