NEXT: Navigating Excellence in Hormone Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor2-Positive and Negative (HR+/HER2+ and HER2-) Biomarker Treatment
Series of Webinars on Emerging Biomarkers and their Role in Breast Cancer Treatment
Learning objectives:
2. Learn about various biomarkers and evaluate their role in identifying personalized treatment for each unique breast cancer patient.
3. Discuss current data, guidelines, and use of biomarkers in clinical practice.
4. Assess future strategies and research for biomarkers.
September 2025
1 CE credit
Webinar 1: Optimizing Treatment Strategies for Patients with Complex HR+/HER2-/+ Breast Cancer: A Case-Based Discussion
This topic recognizes that many HR+/HER2-/+ breast cancer cases present with unique challenges that require input from multiple specialists. It allows for discussion of difficult decisions: cases involving patients with intermediate-risk disease, where the benefit of chemotherapy is uncertain; discussion of the role of local therapies (e.g., surgery, radiation) in addition to systemic therapy and the best sequencing of treatments; addressing treatment-related toxicities and managing them to improve quality; and analyzing the role of clinical trials and their impact on treatment decisions.
October 2025
1 CE credit
Webinar 2: Exploring Emerging Biomarkers in HR+/HER2+/- Breast Cancer
The integration of biomarkers such as ER, PgR, and HER2 has improved classification and management of HR+/HER2- and HER2+ mBC, yet their underutilization remains a gap. While the understanding and management of HR+/HER2+ mBC have greatly improved, the underutilization of these biomarkers and their role in treatment decision-making still remains a challenge. Emerging biomarkers like ESR1 and PIK3CA are critical for guiding treatment in resistant cases but lack widespread adoption in clinical practice. Advances in biomarker testing technologies, such as NGS and liquid biopsies have made testing more accessible, though practical challenges (e.g., sample quality, testing delays) still hinder optimal application.
December 2025
1 CE credit
Webinar 3: Advanced IHC and other biomarker testing methods
Accurate biomarker testing is the cornerstone of personalized treatment, but variability in testing methods creates inconsistencies in results. The depth of coverage across NGS platforms and the sensitivity of ctDNA assays impact the detection of clinically actionable mutations. Pathologists play a crucial role in ensuring tissue quality, yet knowledge gaps in test selection and methodologies affect diagnostic accuracy.
February 2026
1 CE credit
Webinar 4: Understanding molecular biomarker pathways in HR+ mBC treatment
Key molecular pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, influence therapeutic response in HR+/HER2- mBC and require targeted interventions. This pathway is often dysregulated in HER2+ mBC, contributing to the aggressiveness of the disease and impacting therapeutic response. Understanding the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis in HER2+ mBC is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and optimizing treatment strategies.ESR1 mutations are associated with endocrine therapy resistance, highlighting the need for biomarker-guided second-line treatments. Understanding these pathways enables clinicians to select therapies that improve outcomes and mitigate adverse events.
April 2026
1 CE credit
Webinar 5: Targeting PI3Kα in HR+ Metastatic Breast Cancer: Advancing Precision Medicine
The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is frequently activated in HR+ mBC, contributing to tumor growth and resistance to endocrine therapy. PIK3CA mutations, particularly those affecting the PI3Kα isoform, are common in HR+ mBC and lead to constitutive pathway activation. Aberrant PI3Kα signaling can contribute to endocrine resistance by bypassing estrogen receptor-mediated growth inhibition. PI3Kα inhibitors offer a targeted approach to disrupt this pathway, improving outcomes for patients with PIK3CA-mutated HR+ mBC. PIK3CA mutation testing enables the identification of patients who are most likely to benefit from PI3Kα inhibitor therapy. Combining PI3Kα inhibitors with endocrine therapy can enhance efficacy and overcome resistance mechanisms.
May 2026
1 CE credit
Webinar 6: Decoding the ESR1 Pathway: Advancing Treatment Strategies in HR+/HER2-/+ Breast Cancer
The ESR1 gene encodes ERα, a key driver of proliferation in HR+ BC. Mutations in ESR1 lead to conformational changes in ERα, resulting in ligand-independent activation and resistance to endocrine therapies that normally block estrogen signaling. Endocrine resistance is a major clinical challenge. ESR1 mutations are a frequent cause of this resistance, making them a critical therapeutic target. Understanding ESR1 mutations allows for a more personalized approach to treatment, enabling clinicians to select therapies that are most likely to be effective. ctDNA analysis provides a non-invasive method for detecting and monitoring ESR1 mutations, offering valuable insights into treatment response and disease progression. Ongoing research is focused on developing novel therapies that can overcome ESR1 mutation-mediated resistance, improving outcomes for patients with endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
June 2026
1 CE credit
Webinar 7: The Role of Biomarkers in Guiding 2nd Line and Subsequent Treatment Decisions
Biomarkers such as ESR1 and PIK3CA guide therapy beyond the first line, offering pathways to overcome resistance. Emerging evidence highlights the efficacy of combination therapies and advanced monitoring techniques in tailoring treatment to evolving cancer profiles. Despite advancements, understanding treatment sequencing and biomarker interpretation in later lines remains a challenge.
