The Science of HER2-low Breast Cancer and Implications for the Pathology Team 

This one-hour virtual tumor board is the first of two designed to help pathologists understand the latest evidence regarding HER2-low breast cancer, HER2 testing guidelines, the implications for the pathology team as HER2-low therapies emerge, and ways to streamline communications with oncologists and other members of the cancer care team. The virtual tumor boards will feature authentic patient cases, scenarios, and digital slide images to engage learners. 
 
This first virtual tumor board will help pathologists understand the science and emerging evidence around HER2-low breast cancer, as well as changes to practice that will be necessary in preparation for anticipated approvals of HER2-low breast cancer therapies and will include the following topics: 

• Science and emerging evidence around HER2-low breast cancer 

• Considerations for laboratories and cancer centers related to the potential approval of HER2-low therapies (eg, the need to document HER2 IHC and ISH status, enhanced communication with oncologists and other members of the cancer care team) 

• Application through cases of patients with breast cancer along the lower spectrum of HER2 expression 

• Suggestions for effective coordination and collaboration among pathologists, oncologists, and other key members of the cancer care team 

The activity offers 1.0 CME/CMLE credit. 

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. 

Faculty/Authors

Aysegul A Sahin, MD
Director of Educational Operations 
Department of Pathology, Division of Pathology/Lab Medicine
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX 

Ali Brown, MD, FASCP
Chief Officer, Medical Quality
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Washington, DC 

Erin Downs-Kelly, DO
Director, Breast Pathology
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH 

Physician's Competency: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism  

CME/CMLE Credit: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 1.0 hour
Format: Online educational activity

Credit Designation Statement

The ASCP designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

ASCP designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 CMLE credit.  This activity meets CMP and state re-licensure requirements for laboratory personnel. 

For questions regarding CME credit, please contact ASCP Customer Service at 1-800-267-2727, during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time 

Method of Participation

To complete the activity and receive credit, the participant must complete the online course. CME certificates will be provided on-line. 

Provided by the American Society for Clinical Pathology in partnership with Q Synthesis, LLC and Clinical Care Options, LLC 

Funded by independent educational grants from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. 

Instructions

To claim CME/CMLE credit for the exercise, do the following:

1. Review the Technical Considerations.
2. Click Go to Content and click the first module of the course.
3. Complete the Demographic Survey.
4. Complete the Pre-Test.
5. Review the Educational Activity.
6. Complete and submit the Post Exam. You will have a maximum of three attempts to obtain the required score. You will be notified if you have met the credit requirements after each attempt.
7. Submit the course Evaluation.
8. Enter the maximum number of credits offered and click Claim CME/CMLE to register credit.

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• Describe the science and emerging evidence around the diagnosis and treatment of HER2-low breast cancer 

• Discuss potential updates to laboratory processes and procedures to prepare for the anticipated emergence of HER2-low as a diagnostic category of breast cancer 

• Apply principles of leadership to engage and inform members of the cancer care team about ongoing research around HER2-low breast cancer 

• Outline ways to improve communication and coordination among pathologists, oncologists, and other members of the cancer care team when discussing HER2 test results in patients with breast cancer