Preview: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024
By David Haselwood, Executive Director of the CanSup Cancer Support Network
The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) is where the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer research and care are unveiled. Patients and survivors, this symposium isn’t just for doctors—it’s about discoveries that may soon affect your care. Each year we preview the key trends we see from SABCS that are most relevant to our users. From innovative treatments to new insights on survivorship, here are five key trends to watch, each with examples of how they could impact you.
1. The Evolving Role of Biomarkers
Biomarkers are changing how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated. These unique indicators in your blood or tumor tissue help doctors tailor treatments to your specific cancer type.
- HER2-low Therapies: Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) is expanding treatment options for patients with HER2-low tumors. Learn more in this session under Poster Session P3-08-21.
- Liquid Biopsies (ctDNA): Non-invasive blood tests may soon detect cancer recurrence earlier than traditional scans. View updates under Poster Session PS4-04 here.
- PI3K Mutations: Explore treatments like alpelisib (Piqray) targeting PI3K mutations at Poster Session P2-10-21, as detailed here.
Why this matters: Biomarker advances mean fewer one-size-fits-all treatments and more personalized approaches, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects.
2. CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Therapy
CDK4/6 inhibitors such as Ibrance (palbociclib), Kisqali (ribociclib), and Verzenio (abemaciclib) are extending survival for many patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. At SABCS, researchers will dive into maximizing their benefits.
- Combination Therapies: Studies on pairing these inhibitors with AKT inhibitors to overcome resistance will be discussed during Session Highlights on Novel Therapeutics here.
- Postmenopausal Considerations: Adjustments for older patients will be explored in Poster Session P2-06; see details here.
- Earlier Use in Treatment: Learn about early-stage trials at Poster PS4-07; more information is available here.
Why this matters: These inhibitors have transformed breast cancer care, and new combinations or expanded uses could bring even better results.
3. Immunotherapy Innovations
Immunotherapy, which harnesses your immune system to fight cancer, has been a breakthrough for some breast cancer patients. SABCS will reveal its expanding potential.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is being tested in HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive cancers. Updates are part of Poster Session PS3-01; details here.
- Therapeutic Vaccines: NeuVax and others may help prevent recurrence, featured in Poster Session PS3-03, as outlined here.
- Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs): Learn about TIL research during Session Highlights on Innovative Immunotherapy Approaches here.
Why this matters: Immunotherapy offers hope for patients with few options, and expanding its reach could transform care for many.
4. Survivorship and Quality of Life
Cancer care doesn’t stop after treatment. Survivorship studies at SABCS will focus on improving life post-cancer, addressing physical and emotional challenges.
- Chemobrain Solutions: Discover brain-training tools discussed in Session PS1-04; view updates here.
- Lymphedema Management: New therapies will be presented during Poster Session PS2-09; find more here.
- Mental Health Support: Virtual counseling and survivor-led groups will be covered in Poster Session PS1-08 here.
Why this matters: A better quality of life means moving beyond survival to truly thriving after cancer.
5. Advances in Imaging and Diagnostics
New imaging and diagnostic tools are paving the way for earlier detection and more precise treatment.
- AI in Mammograms: Presentations on reducing false positives with AI will feature in Session PS4-05; learn more here.
- Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: This promising technique is discussed in Poster Session P3-02, as shown here.
- Molecular Imaging: Updates on advanced PET scans appear in Session Highlights on Diagnostic Advancements here.
Why this matters: Smarter diagnostics mean less uncertainty, earlier treatments, and better outcomes for patients.
This year’s SABCS is packed with innovations that could soon influence your care. From personalized therapies to survivorship strategies, the future of breast cancer treatment looks bright. Stay tuned for updates after the symposium!
For more details, visit the SABCS 2024 Program.
