Report From SABCS: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Thoughts from a first timer...
"For thirty-four years, the symposium's mission has been to provide state-of-the-art information on breast cancer research. From a one-day regional conference the symposium has grown to a five-day program attended by a broad international audience of academic and private researchers and physicians from over 90 countries. The symposium aims to achieve a balance of clinical, translational, and basic research, providing a forum for interaction, communication, and education for a broad spectrum of researchers, health professionals, and those with a special interest in breast cancer."
That said, nothing can prepare you for the SABCS. Tens of thousands of people, mostly doctors and researchers, attend the sessions provided by other doctors and researchers. These sessions report on recent research results and are delivered every 15 or so minutes from sunrise to way past sunset.
In addition to the formal sessions there are more informal "poster discussions" and "poster sessions." These informal discussions and presentations provide information on studies and research that are not presented in the main sessions. The poster sessions are divided into subtypes, such as: Tumor Cell Biology and its many sub-subtypes, Prognosis/Response Predictions, Epidemiology, Risk and Prevention, Psychosocial, Quality of Life, and Educational Aspects and Treatment.
In addition, there are seminars, discussions and advocacy sessions hosted by major pharmaceutical companies that go late into the evening. At the end of each day, the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation offers "Hot Topics Mentor Sessions." In these sessions, four doctors summarize four studies from the main session and explain them in lay terms. These sessions are well attended by advocates and patient advocates as they provide a detailed yet understandable summary of the day's reports.
Two trials in particular created excitement at SABCS. The Cleopatra and Bolero 2 seem to present findings that may have significant impact upon the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The Cleopatra study looks at adding Pertuzumab to Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Docetaxel reduces risk of progression in Her2 positive metastatic breast cancer. The Bolero 2 trial reports that Everolimus (Afinitor) with Exemestane enhances Progression Free Survival (PFS) in postmenopausal women with ER positive metastatic breast cancer. Further details of both trials can be read here. Additional information about SABCS can be found here, and in about 30 days, slides of many of the sessions will be available on the SABCS site.
SHARE was honored this year to present a poster on the Novela, which was created by Ivis Sampayo, Senior Director of Programs and Latina SHARE. The Novela is a compelling story in comic book style that dispels myths of breast cancer in the Latino community. You can read the Novela here. If you are interested in hearing more about SABCS, SHARE is hosting Dr. Rick Michaelson, Chief Medical Officer for Oncology at the Cancer Center of Saint Barnabas Hospital. SHARE advocates will be speaking as well. The program is on Wed, Jan 25th at 6 PM. Check the calendar for more details and to register.
Posted January 3, 2012.
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