Advancing HER2-Driven Cancer Care, Biomarker Testing, and Pharmacist Innovation

Program Description

Precision medicine relies heavily on the accurate characterization of tumor biomarkers. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), encoded by the ERBB2 gene, is a critical oncogenic driver across multiple tumor types, and its status dictates eligibility for targeted therapies; however, reliably determining HER2 status presents substantial clinical challenges. This program will analyze the pathobiology of HER2 and address the difficulties in its assessment across various tumor types beyond breast and gastric cancers. Limitations of current testing methodologies (IHC, ISH, NGS) and the crucial, often inconsistent, interpretation of results, particularly for emerging categories like HER2-low and HER2 ultra-low expression, as well as ERBB2 mutations, will be explored. This webinar will center on strategies that oncology pharmacists can implement to ensure the effective use of biomarker findings, highlighting their evolving roles in precision medicine through institution-based strategies for treatment optimization, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Target audience: Oncology pharmacists, health-system pharmacists

Type of activity: Application

Release date: January 20, 2026

Expiration date: March 20, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Intermediate

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the pathobiology of HER2 in tumor growth and the significance of HER2 alterations.
• Apply HER2 testing methodologies, including guideline-recommended assays specific to various tumor types.
• Express the evolving role of pharmacists in precision medicine, including overcoming challenges in utilizing biomarker findings.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-25-373-L01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through March 20, 2026.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Faculty

Justin Grahl, PharmD, has the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Consultant: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Daiichi-Sankyo

Speaker’s Bureau: AstraZeneca, Daiichi-Sankyo, Merck

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Amy L. Morris, PharmD, BCOP; Victoria Chirdo; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated. 

At least one anonymous peer reviewer has been used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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