Lobular Breast Cancer Research: What We’re Learning and What’s Next

Invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC) has unique biological and clinical characteristics that can create challenges in diagnosis, imaging, treatment, and long-term monitoring. In this prerecorded conversation, Laurie Hutcheson, Executive Director of the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA) and patient advocate and ILC survivor, and Dr. Rita Mukhtar, breast surgeon and Associate Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology at UCSF, join Megan-Claire Chase, Director of Health Impact & Strategic Partnerships and SHARE, to explore the evolving landscape of lobular breast cancer research. The conversation highlights key research presented at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), including advances in understanding the molecular biology of ILC, emerging imaging approaches, questions surrounding surgery and systemic therapy, and the ongoing need for research specifically focused on people with lobular breast cancer.

The discussion also looks beyond initial treatment to the challenges of monitoring for recurrence and treating metastatic ILC, including the potential role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other emerging approaches. Speakers also discuss the history and growth of the lobular research community, the creation of Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 15th, and the continued efforts to bring greater visibility and research investment to ILC.