Community Practice Connections™: Advancing Precision Testing and HER2-Targeted Care for Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Activity Overview

HER2 overexpression or amplification defines a distinct subset of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) for which HER2-directed therapy is standard, but identifying those patients is less straightforward than in breast cancer: HER2 is scored by different criteria, intratumoral heterogeneity is common, and HER2 status can be lost on treatment. The first-line landscape has moved in both directions at once. The addition of pembrolizumab to trastuzumab and chemotherapy is now restricted by PD-L1 expression, while a phase 3 bispecific antibody regimen has reported results but remains investigational in this setting. At progression, retesting can change the treatment plan, and trastuzumab deruxtecan carries toxicities that demand specific monitoring. As community oncologists navigate this landscape, accurate biomarker testing, correct application of biomarker-based restrictions, and proactive toxicity management have become critical.

This Community Practice Connection™ program provides an in-depth review of biomarker testing and HER2-directed treatment across the disease course in advanced GEA. This unique and engaging multimedia activity is ideal for the community-based clinician. It focuses on practical interpretation of clinical trial data and management strategies for HER2 and PD-L1 testing, first-line regimen selection, HER2 retesting at progression, and antibody-drug conjugate toxicity in the community oncology setting.

Target Audience

This educational program is primarily directed toward medical oncologists, molecular pathologists, radiologists, gastroenterologists, advanced practice providers, and nurses who are involved in the management of patients with advanced or metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (GEAs).

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this activity, you should be better prepared to:

• Apply best practices for HER2 biomarker testing in patients with GEA to guide timely, individualized treatment decisions
• Evaluate emerging clinical trial data assessing novel HER2-targeted treatment strategies for GEA
• Incorporate the latest evidence on HER2-directed therapies into individualized treatment plans for patients with advanced GEA
• Implement strategies to mitigate and manage AEs associated with HER2-targeted therapy

The staff of Physicians’ Education Resource^®, LLC have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

PER^® mitigated all conflicts of interest for faculty, staff, and planners prior to the start of this activity by using a multistep process.

Off-Label Disclosure and Disclaimer

This accredited continuing education activity was planned in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence to ensure balance, objectivity, independence, and scientific rigor. Faculty were instructed to use generic names when possible and to base recommendations on the best available evidence. Proprietary product names may be referenced in clinical discussion for educational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

This activity may include discussion of investigational, unapproved, or off‑label uses of drugs or devices. Learners are advised to consult prescribing information for products discussed. Content is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent clinical judgment of a health care professional. Learners are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and apply their own clinical judgment.

The views expressed are those of the individual faculty members and do not necessarily reflect the views of the accredited provider or any entity providing commercial support.

This activity may have used AI-assisted tools to support educational development. All content was reviewed and approved by qualified faculty or planners. The accredited provider retains full responsibility for accuracy, balance, and independence.