Optimizing HER2-Targeted Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Biomarker Testing, Therapeutic Selection, and Toxicity Management

This activity was originally presented as a Post-HOPA Virtual Symposium.

Program Description

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer diagnoses and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Increasing recognition of oncogenic drivers, including HER2 mutations, amplifications, and overexpression, has expanded the therapeutic landscape, but despite recent advances in molecularly targeted therapies, new diagnostic and management complexities also have been introduced. These distinct HER2 alterations require accurate detection through advanced biomarker testing technologies, which are areas where oncology pharmacists play a pivotal clinical role. As novel HER2-directed therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates, enter the treatment landscape, pharmacists must navigate evolving data, resistance mechanisms, and toxicity profiles to ensure the delivery of patient-centered, evidence-based care. In this case-driven panel discussion, experts will explore real-world scenarios, discuss emerging evidence, and challenge participants to apply clinical reasoning through opportunities for interactive polling and audience response to topics such as biomarker interpretation, therapy optimization, and toxicity management to improve outcomes for patients with HER2-altered NSCLC.

Target audience: Oncology Pharmacist
Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 28, 2026
Expiration date: April 28, 2027
Learner level: Advanced
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Differentiate among HER2 mutations, amplifications, and protein overexpression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on molecular profiles, clinical implications, and diagnostic approaches
• Identify appropriate HER2-targeted therapy for patients with NSCLC by considering biomarker status, clinical characteristics, current evidence, and guideline recommendations 
• Employ pharmacist-driven monitoring, patient education, and dose-modification strategies to effectively manage toxicities associated with HER2-targeted treatments in NSCLC

Accreditation

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 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-101-H05-P. The activity is available for CE credit through April 28, 2027

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view 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.

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Faculty

Darren Luon, PharmD, BCOP, Alia C. Lynch, PharmD, BCOP , Shelby Quinn, PharmD, BCOP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Daphne Davis, PharmD, BCOP; Macara Desai Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

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

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education 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 be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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