San Antonio 2024 Breast Cancer Symposium: Recent Advances in Treatment and Surgery
Abstract
The 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium featured notable advances in both systemic treatment options and surgical approaches for early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. This article summarizes developments in breast cancer treatment, including immunotherapies, targeted therapies, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and personalized surgical strategies, based on data presented at the symposium.
Introduction
The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) is an important platform where the latest scientific data in the fields of oncology and breast surgery are shared annually worldwide. The 2024 symposium provided significant insights, particularly regarding advancements in molecular subtype-based personalized treatment strategies and transformations in surgical practices.
Innovations in Systemic Therapy
Targeted Therapies
In 2024, the phase III DESTINY-Breast06 study on trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) for patients with HER2-low expression garnered attention. This study demonstrated that T-DXd significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-low breast cancer.
Immunotherapies
The role of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients is expanding. In the KEYNOTE-756 study, the combination of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab and chemotherapy was shown to significantly increase pathological complete response (pCR) rates. Additionally, limited benefits were observed in PD-L1-negative patients.
Advances in Endocrine Therapy
In patients with intermediate and advanced hormone-positive breast cancer, data on the oral SERD (Selective Estrogen Receptor Destroyers) agent elacestrant have been encouraging. Updated analyses from the EMERALD study demonstrate a significant improvement in progression-free survival, particularly in patients with ESR1 mutations.
Innovations in Surgical Practices
Redefining the Limits of Surgery
One of the key topics discussed at SABCS 2024 was the decreasing role of surgery in early-stage breast cancer. Clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of “surgery-free surveillance” strategies in patients achieving pCR after neoadjuvant therapy were a focal point of discussion.
New Approaches in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
In sentinel lymph node biopsy, which has replaced challenging axillary dissections, the use of superparamagnetic particles instead of radioactive substances was discussed. This method makes it possible to perform nodal assessment without exposing patients to radioactivity.
Oncoplastic Surgery and Aesthetic Approaches
New planning algorithms and techniques aimed at increasing patient satisfaction in oncoplastic surgery were presented. With three-dimensional imaging-assisted surgical planning systems, both oncological safety and aesthetic success rates are being improved.
Personalized Treatment and Artificial Intelligence
Another notable area at the symposium was artificial intelligence and bioinformatics applications. Digital analysis of pathological images, integration of genetic profiles into patient-specific treatment algorithms, and decision support systems provide a more predictable and effective roadmap at every stage of the treatment process.
Conclusion
The 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium once again demonstrated that the paradigm in breast cancer treatment is shifting. Thanks to molecularly targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and less invasive yet more effective surgical strategies, patients are now offered longer life spans and higher quality of life. The integration of these advancements into clinical practice in the coming years will be made possible through close collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
