ASCO 2023 | Late recurrences in ER-positive breast cancer and the challenges it poses for treatment

Michael Gnant, MD, FACS, FEBS, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, discusses late recurrences in ER-positive breast cancer and the challenges it poses for treatment. Unlike other cancers, the risk of recurrence in this subtype persists at a low rate for a long time, even up to 15-25 years after the initial diagnosis. Extending the duration of endocrine treatment has been attempted to address this, but there are natural limitations due to side effects and economic considerations. Studies have shown that the optimal treatment duration for most patients is 7 to 8 years, with 10 years reserved for high-risk cases. The discussion also highlighted the concept of the “carryover effect,” where limited treatment in the early stages of the disease can provide long-lasting benefits. New innovations in breast cancer treatment, such as Cdk4/6 inhibitors and other drugs, offer optimism for additional benefits in the future while maintaining the carryover effect to benefit patients in the long term. This interview took place at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2023 Annual Congress in Chicago, IL.

These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.