As we close out 2024, we’re taking this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge how far we’ve come in breast cancer research and awareness in the last 12 months. This year brought impressive progress in detection, treatment, and research, reminding us that these milestones are the collective efforts of patients, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals, and communities. 

Below are some of the incredible strides in breast cancer care that have been made in 2024.

January 2024

• Study findings from SABCS suggest that all women with breast cancer should undergo genetic testing for BRCA
• Metastatic breast cancer treatments have aided decline in deaths, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

February 2024

• Novel drug combination shows promise for advanced HER2-negative breast cancer

May 2024

• FDA approves Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for any HER2-positive solid cancer
• ACS launches the largest-ever study of cancer risk and outcomes in Black women in the United States
• Black Americans’ risk for breast cancer gains clarity in analysis of 40,000 genomes
• Global study confirms safety of fertility treatments in BRCA-positive breast cancer survivors

June 2024

• New ultra-sensitive blood test predicts recurrence of breast cancer, months or even years before relapse
• Predictive testing to avoid overtreatment in HR+ HER- early breast cancer
• Enhertu delays progression of HER2-low and ultralow metastatic breast cancer
• NATALEE data shows ribociclib reduces risk of recurrence for high-risk node-negative early breast cancer phase III of NATALEE trial
• Navigating uncertainty with 18-F FES PET/CT: Modern solutions to diagnostic dilemmas in breast cancer patients

July 2024

• Woman at Pittsburgh hospital becomes first to receive vaccine for early-stage breast cancer
• Researchers discover novel way to make breast cancer cells die
• AI model identifies certain breast tumor stages likely to progress to invasive cancer

August 2024

• Taking a “cross-cutting approach” with cancer vaccinations

September 2024

• Novartis’ breast cancer trial of Kisqali reveals 28.5% risk reduction
• Women will be notified of breast density after a mammogram

October 2024

• FDA approves inavolisib with palbociclib and fulvestrant for endocrine-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated, HR-positive, HER2-negative, advanced breast cancer

November 2024

• Updated findings in preventive breast cancer vaccine study
• Scientists discover why breast cancer drug works better for some people

December 2024

• Lilly’s Imlunestrant, an Oral SERD, Significantly Improved Progression-Free Survival as Monotherapy and in Combination with Verzenio® (abemaciclib) in Patients with ER+, HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer

As we look ahead to 2025, Outcomes4Me remains committed to empowering breast cancer patients with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their care. 

If you would like to connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.