Novel Breast Cancer Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies

STATEMENT OF NEED

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, and it is estimated that 15% of cases are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)"positive and may therefore benefit from HER2 inhibition (ACS, 2019). Monoclonal antibodies target HER2 function by preventing the formation or blocking the signaling of the oncogene HER2. The resulting loss of signaling downregulates oncogenic signaling in the cancer cell, resulting in improved clinical outcomes for patients (Costa & Czerniecki, 2020). Currently, HER2-targeted monoclonal antibodies are a mainstay of treatment in both early-stage and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. However, HER2-targeting monoclonal antibodies are associated with cardiotoxicity, the effects of which can be increased by advanced age or the use of other cardiotoxic agents (Brown et al, 2021). In this session, Abbey Kaler, MS, APRN, FNP-C, will review the current options for treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer using HER2-targeted monoclonal antibodies, including the advantages and disadvantages regarding the combination of trastuzumab/pertuzumab/hyaluronidase, the indications for margetuximab, and the latest guidance on managing cardiac and other adverse events with HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy.

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 monoclonal antibodies for breast cancer
Evaluate clinical tools for assessing and grading adverse events associated with novel monoclonal antibodies
Apply strategies to optimize the safety and tolerability of novel monoclonal antibodies
Develop educational strategies to help patients understand the benefits and risks of their breast cancer treatment plan