Harold J. Burstein, MD, PhD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Daniel F. Hayes, MD, of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center debate whether all women with breast cancer and positive lymph nodes should receive chemotherapy.
François-Clément Bidard, MD, PhD, of the Institut Curie and the University of Versailles, discusses phase III study findings on the clinical utility of circulating tumor cell count as a tool to choose between first-line hormone therapy and chemotherapy for estrogen receptor–positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (Abstract GS3-07).
Shom Goel, MD, PhD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses preclinical data that suggest CDK4/6 inhibitors not only stop the growth of breast cancer cells, but also enhance antitumor immunity, a phenomenon that might help improve outcomes for people with advanced disease.
Monica Morrow, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reviews lessons learned from top abstracts, including how to tailor the extent of local therapy to minimize morbidity, the diminishing role of axillary lymph node dissection, long-term sequelae of breast surgical procedures, and the need to discuss outcomes with patients.
Laura S. Dominici, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the lower quality-of-life scores seen after unilateral or bilateral mastectomy compared with breast-conserving surgery in women younger than age 40 who are treated for breast cancer (Abstract GS6-05).
Shoshana M. Rosenberg, ScD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses her study findings on the lower quality of life associated with mastectomy, and the need for intervention and timely referrals to supportive resources, especially for underserved populations (Abstract GS6-04).
