First in the series, the Norton-Simon collaboration has led, on the one hand, to an improved understanding of the nature of tumor cell biology, whilst on the other, it has brought about a profound shift in our appreciation of how these precepts may apply to the clinical treatment of human malignancy. As with many fundamental shifts in our understanding, the translation into community-based practice has taken considerable time... and is far from complete. With the evaluation of key opinion leaders, we will explore the reasons why Dr. Norton's hypothesis is not yet in widespread use and within the clinical context of breast cancer treatment develop evidence-based, peer-accepted educational programs that will address this.

During this educational session, Dr. Bruce Chabner will host Dr. Paul Goss as they discuss Aromatase Inhibitors and their role in the treatment of breast cancer. Since 80% of breast cancers express hormone receptors, it is no wonder that endocrine therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of this disease. We are fortunate to have Dr. Goss, a world-class expert in this fast-paced field, give us the status of Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Therapy.

The conventional treatment of breast cancer is undergoing a major change derived from the development of new targeted molecules that exploit differences in gene expression between malignant and normal cells. Since these pathways are essential for cell proliferation or metastasis, their perturbation often culminates in cell death through apoptosis. Furthermore, because these molecular targets are usually abundant in cancer cells, patients may expect to encounter fewer side effects. Targeted therapy and breast cancer is the topic of this Milestone that our interlocutor, Dr. Bruce Chabner, will discuss with Dr. Eric Winer, a clinical investigator whose research has greatly improved the length and quality of life for breast cancer patients.

With the development of new targeted drugs that exploit differences in gene expression between malignant and normal cells, conventional treatment of non-small cell lung cancer is undergoing a renaissance.

To explore the impacts of contemporary drugs on lung cancer and to describe some of their side effects in patients, we are pleased to introduce two innovators who are at the leading edge of this Milestone in Oncology.

“Lung Cancer … at the advent of targeted therapy,” is the topic that our interlocutor Dr. Bruce Chabner will discuss with Dr. Tom Lynch, a clinical investigator whose research is lengthening high quality life for lung cancer patients. We are doubly fortunate to also welcome Dr. Mario Lacouture whose research focuses on the dermatological disorders that arise in cancer patients as a consequence of some therapy.