Best practices in molecular testing and targeted therapy for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer

This podcast explores the best practices in molecular testing and targeted therapy for HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.  

Dr Rena Callahan and Dr Roberto Salgado discuss key biomarkers, testing methods, and clinical decision-making, offering expert insights on how to optimise precision medicine.  

Topics include liquid vs. tumour biopsy, single gene vs. broad panel testing, and regional differences in testing practices.  

Tune in for a practical, expert-led discussion on how molecular testing can guide personalised treatment and improve patient outcomes. 

Key clinical takeaways: 

• Molecular testing, especially for biomarkers like ESR1 and PI3 kinase, is a critical component in guiding treatment decisions, particularly in second-line therapy for HR+ HER2- metastatic breast cancer. 

• Liquid biopsy is a valuable tool for ongoing monitoring of metastasis and detecting mutations like ESR1 during disease progression, but tissue biopsies may yield more reliable results for certain mutations like PI3 kinase alterations present early in cancer development. 

• Testing for a broad range of mutations, such as PI3 kinase, AKT, PTEN, ESR1, MSI, and NTRK, allows for the identification of actionable mutations and eligibility for newer targeted therapies, especially in second and third-line treatments. 

• Clinicians must be familiar with the specifics of the assays used to test for mutations, as different methods and testing conditions can impact results. 

You can also watch a video of the experts in conversation and download the accompanying transcript on our website: https://cor2ed.com/precision-oncology-connect/programmes/molecular-testing-targeted-therapy-metastatic-breast-cancer/?media=0

Or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTnXmh1oDwQ

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This content is intended for healthcare professionals only. 

The medical experts in this podcast are expressing their own views and not those of COR2ED, Supporters or their institution.  This podcast is supported by an Independent Education Grant from Thermo Fisher Scientific. 

This podcast is developed by cor2ed.com 

Published March 2025 

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