Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, MD, PhD - On the Cusp of the Era of Immuno-Oncology in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Rational Strategies to Make the Most of Immunotherapies and Other Effective Treatment Modalities Throughout the Disease Continuum

Go online to PeerView.com/ZEX860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Tremendous advances have been made in the treatment of many other subtypes of breast cancer, but treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has remained challenging. However, recent developments suggest that we are on the brink of a new era in TNBC therapy that now brings the novel class of cancer immunotherapies to this population of patients. In this activity, based on a recent live satellite symposium held in Dallas, Texas during the 20th Annual Meeting of The American Society of Breast Surgeons, our expert panel discusses the biologic rationale for the use of cancer immunotherapies in breast cancer in general and TNBC specifically, as well as the evolving evidence supporting the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced/metastatic and early-stage resectable TNBC. Additionally, the panel focuses on patient/tumor evaluation and candidate selection for immunotherapy, using current and novel biomarkers to guide clinical decisions in early-stage and advanced disease, the importance of being aware of potential immune-related adverse events and how to diagnose/manage them, and the need for close collaboration among breast surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, and other professionals involved in the management of patients with breast cancer. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Describe the biologic rationale and rational strategies for harnessing the immune system in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) specifically, and in breast cancer more broadly, including combinatorial or sequential approaches with immune checkpoint inhibitors and other effective therapies (eg, chemotherapies, other immunotherapies, PARP inhibitors and other targeted agents, surgery, radiation, etc.) that may enhance immunogenicity and improve outcomes, Discuss biomarkers that may have utility in guiding and refining clinical decisions regarding the selection of appropriate candidates for immune-based and other therapies in TNBC, and the nuances of testing for these biomarkers in practice, Analyze efficacy, safety, and other key data from clinical trials assessing immunotherapy and immune-based combinations or sequential strategies with other effective treatment modalities throughout the continuum of TNBC, including metastatic, locally advanced, and early-stage resectable disease, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors and/or other effective treatment modalities into management plans of patients with TNBC based on the latest evidence, indications, recommendations, disease stage, patient and tumor characteristics, biomarker testing results, and patient needs/preferences.