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Watch an exclusive “Ask the Expert” webinar: “Advancing Breast Cancer Treatment From Trials to Clinical Practice.”
Featuring renowned breast oncologist Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, Head, Breast and Gynecological Medical Oncology, Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, this session delves into the critical role of clinical trials in transforming breast cancer care, with a special focus on metastatic breast cancer (mBC).
**a summary of the discussion is below**
Metastatic breast cancer research continues to progress, bringing a range of promising trials and treatment options, from innovative drug therapies to vaccine research. Here’s an overview of key areas of focus:
1. Emerging Treatments by Cancer Type
- Hormone Receptor-Positive (HR+): For HR+ metastatic breast cancer, research emphasizes next-generation endocrine therapies, like Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs) and PROTACs. These therapies are designed to target and inhibit the estrogen receptor in new ways, potentially reducing side effects and enhancing effectiveness.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) and HER2-Positive: Exciting developments in antibody-drug conjugates are advancing for these cancer types. Antibody-drug conjugates combine a targeting antibody with a cancer-killing drug, allowing precision delivery to cancer cells and minimizing damage to healthy cells.
2. Lobular Breast Cancer Studies
Lobular breast cancer, a less common form, has dedicated clinical trials focusing on personalized treatments. Resources like the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance offer updates on studies specifically targeting this subtype, while clinicaltrials.gov provides searchable databases to locate ongoing studies by cancer type and location.
3. Accessing Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: This government-run database allows users to search for trials by specific cancer type, stage, and location. Patients can also find contact details to learn about eligibility criteria, helping them make informed decisions with their oncologists.
- Collaborating with Oncologists: Patients who identify promising trials can discuss eligibility and potential benefits with their oncologists, ensuring a tailored treatment plan that incorporates the latest research.
4. Innovative Vaccine Trials
Among the newest frontiers in cancer research, vaccine trials offer hope for both prevention and treatment of recurrent metastatic disease. While still in experimental phases, these vaccines aim to stimulate the immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells, potentially improving patient outcomes.
With these advancements, the future of metastatic breast cancer treatment looks increasingly hopeful, as patients and healthcare providers have access to more targeted and effective options.