Course Description
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Diagnosis and treatments are part of the practice of a wide number of medical specialists and there are national initiatives calling for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of breast cancer patients. The multiple components and aspects of the treatment of breast cancer require a high level of coordinated care among different specialties. This coordination becomes even more challenging because of the rapid evolution of new treatment modalities and is especially important due to of the possibility of improved outcomes both in terms of curing the disease, as well as maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of the patient.
The meeting will offer presentations and panel discussions on a number of currently important topics on the 360 view of treatment in breast cancer, including integrative approaches to treatment, targeted chemotherapy, and de-escalation of surgical management. The impact of breast cancer on young patients will be discussed. Speakers will seek to discuss financial toxicity in breast cancer. Surgical topics include oncoplastic surgery, the role of prophylactic mastectomy, technical pearls for nipple sparing mastectomy, re-innervation / nerve sparing mastectomies, lymphatic surgery, and state of the art reconstruction. Additionally, the program will examine nipple-sparing mastectomy both therapeutic and prophylactic, treatment of breast cancer in a previously augmented breast, the status of MRI screening for breast cancer, the effects of reconstruction on the delivery of post-mastectomy radiation, and the evolving role of alloplastic materials in breast reconstruction. It will also cover in depth the state-of-the-art emerging field of lymphatic surgery to treat lymphedema as well as sensory concerns to the most complex reconstructions available covering topics such as sensation sparing mastectomies to restoring sensation with nerve transfers. Experts in the field will cover the state of partial breast irradiation, intraoperative radiation therapy, timing and indications for post-mastectomy radiation, and chemotherapy and its role in restaging breast cancer.
This three-day symposium will evaluate and discuss different models for coordination of breast cancer care from major centers across the United States. The meeting’s intent is not only to educate the faculty and attendees about the wide range of options available for breast cancer coordinated care, but also to encourage the development of more standardized treatment strategies and protocols for the local treatment of breast cancer.
Learning Objectives
- Implement integrative approaches to management of side effects.
- Recognize the impact of breast cancer on the young patient.
- Identify new frontiers of targeted chemotherapy.
- Discuss strategies to de-escalate surgical approaches.
- Apply an evidence-based protocol for the conservative treatment of lymphedema, including primary, adjunctive, and alternative treatments.
- Identify the new options available to surgically treat patients with lymphedema.
- Describe different philosophies regarding radiation delivery including new techniques and how to minimize side effects to the surrounding tissue.
- Implement surgical techniques designed to improve the likelihood of nipple preservation and reduce the risk of flap or nipple necrosis with mastectomy.
- Define the roles and responsibilities of physical and occupational therapists in the continuum of care post-mastectomy.
- Describe different philosophies regarding timing of radiation, radiation delivery and reconstruction and how to minimize side effects.
- Identify the different methods of breast reconstruction including implant-based reconstruction, flap-based reconstruction, and microsurgical-assisted free flap reconstruction.
- Identify the importance of the total care of the patient including the financial burden and impact this may have on the healing process.
- Recognize racial disparities in breast cancer treatment.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team involved in the collaborative care of patients with breast cancer.
- Integrate a team-based approach in the care of patients with breast cancer.
Target Audience
This program is specifically designed to be a multidisciplinary program and is intended for a wide range of medical practitioners who are interested in the latest information regarding the local treatment of breast cancer. The program is purposely targeted for general, plastic, breast and oncologic surgeons, as well as radiation and medical oncologists. It is also intended for primary care physicians, oncology nurses and practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists, genetic counselors, hospital administrators and other members of the healthcare team who have an interest in the treatment of breast cancer patients.
Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, MedStar Health is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit Designation Statement
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 16.00 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
PHYSICIANS: MedStar Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 16.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
NURSES: This activity is approved for 16.00 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS: This continuing education program has been approved by the Maryland Board of O.T. Practice for 16.00 contact hours.
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS: An application has been made to the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for continuing education credits. Approval by the Board is pending, however not guaranteed.