Novel Breast Cancer Therapies: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

STATEMENT OF NEED

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, and it is

estimated that 12% of cases are classified as triple-negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (ACS, 2019). Immune checkpoint inhibition in combination with chemotherapy is a new strategy in breast cancer, with the first immunotherapy approval for patients with advanced triple-negative disease occurring in 2019. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can boost the immune system and help immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibition in combination with chemotherapy has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)"positive triple-negative breast cancer, including in early-stage, high-risk disease, unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability"high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair"deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, or tumor mutational burden"high (TMB-H) tumors that have progressed (Thomas et al, 2021; NCCN, 2022). In this session, Julie LaBarbera, NP, will explore the uses of immune checkpoint inhibition, a therapeutic strategy which is moving to earlier settings in breast cancer, including preoperative therapy with pembrolizumab/chemotherapy. In addition, the discussion will feature an overview of immune-mediated adverse events and how they can be effectively graded and managed.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, oncologists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to
Assess the indications and safety and efficacy profiles of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors for breast cancer
Evaluate clinical tools for assessing and grading adverse events associated with novel immune checkpoint inhibitors
Apply strategies to optimize the safety and tolerability of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors
Develop educational strategies to help patients understand the benefits and risks of their breast cancer treatment plan