Heather Moore, BCOP, CPP, PharmD

Panelists discuss how HER2 testing optimization requires multisite sampling and quantitative assessment methods to account for intratumoral heterogeneity. Beyond HER2, biomarkers such as PI3K mutations, hormone receptor status, and tumor mutational burden can guide therapy selection for metastatic breast cancer (mBC), enabling more personalized treatment approaches.

Panelists discuss how antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show varying efficacy and adverse event (AE) profiles based on their payload potency, linker stability, and drug-to-antibody ratio. Cleavable linkers enable targeted drug release but may increase toxicity, while noncleavable designs offer better stability. Payload selection impacts both therapeutic index and AEs, with more potent warheads requiring careful optimization of targeting and release kinetics.

Panelists discuss how antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) combine monoclonal antibodies with cytotoxic payloads, enabling precise targeting of breast cancer (BC) cells through specific antigen recognition. Upon binding, the ADC-antigen complex is internalized, releasing the toxic payload inside cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissue. This targeted approach offers improved efficacy and reduces systemic toxicity compared with traditional chemotherapy's broad cytotoxic effects.

Panelists discuss how the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines for HER2-negative breast cancer (BC) have evolved to recognize HER2-low (IHC 1+  or 2+/ISH-negative) and HER2-ultra low (IHC 0) as distinct categories. These classifications, particularly HER2-low, guide eligibility for targeted therapies such as trastuzumab deruxtecan, expanding treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy for previously categorized HER2-negative patients.

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) provide key takeaways on metastatic breast cancer and early breast cancer, emphasizing the enthusiasm surrounding recent advances in the field and the potential for improved patient outcomes.

The panelists share their concluding thoughts on the importance of collaboration between academic and community practices to achieve the best outcomes for their patients, which includes seeking second opinions and incorporating insights from tumor board discussions.

Medical experts discuss their perspectives on therapy approval and the significance of formulary inclusion, emphasizing the need to carefully consider both toxicities and benefits, which may ultimately lead to the operationalization of a drug in clinical practice.

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) discuss the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in early breast cancer, specifically in patients who have undergone chemotherapy and surgery. They highlight the key factors that help determine which patients are most likely to benefit from receiving these medications.

The panelists discuss the clinical and economic factors that influence treatment decisions for early breast cancer (eBC), as well as the differences between eBC and metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in terms of adverse event management protocols and strategies for optimizing patient adherence.

Heather Moore, BCOP, CPP, PharmD, discusses the importance of treatment for early breast cancer, highlighting the use of chemotherapy followed by endocrine therapy. She notes that CDK4/6 inhibitors are being added for higher-risk patients, and oral selective estrogen receptor degraders may also be used in advanced cases.

Frank Scimeca, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, discusses the crucial collaborative effort between academic and community practices in managing and monitoring patients receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors, emphasizing the importance of communication and coordination to ensure optimal patient care.

Heather Moore, BCOP, CPP, PharmD, discusses switching from CDK4/6 inhibitors to later lines of therapy, typically due to toxicities, to alleviate symptoms. She emphasizes the goal of finding a new therapy rather than abandoning treatment altogether, and notes that targeted therapy may be necessary in cases of disease progression.

Frank Scimeca, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, discusses strategies for implementing cost-saving measures and utilizing patient assistance programs to help patients access therapy, while emphasizing the importance of mitigating financial toxicities for patients.