innovation and interdisciplinarity to combat complex tumors

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MSD hosted a meeting on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). On this day, the main innovations and problems in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease were discussed. TNBC accounts for up to 20% of all breast cancer cases and is more common in younger patients. The complexity of this tumor lies in its aggressive behavior compared to other subtypes of breast cancer with poor prognosis.

“At MSD, we are committed to research, innovation and development of solutions that improve both survival and quality of life for patients with triple negative breast cancer. “This type of cancer poses unique challenges, but recent advances in immunotherapy and precision medicine provide us with new opportunities to improve the prognosis of these patients,” he said. Paula Ramirez, Deputy Director of Government Relations, MSD in Spainwho opened the event and emphasized the importance of further promoting innovation in oncology and close collaboration with all agents involved in the fight against this pathology.

In this sense, the first half of the day was moderated by Pedro Ferrer, Medical Manager for Breast Tumors and Gynecological Diseases at MSD Spain; Laura Garcia Estevez, Chief of Breast Tumors, MD Anderson Cancer Centerexplained that “the name of this cancer comes from the absence of three specific receptors that are commonly found in breast cancer: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2.” “This lack of receptors limits treatment options, since hormonal approaches or targeted therapy are not effective in these cases,” he emphasized.

For many years, chemotherapy was the only available option for patients with this subtype of cancer. more aggressive, with a higher risk of relapse and historically lower survival rates compared to other types of breast cancer. “It also tends to affect younger women and in many cases is associated with mutations in genes such as BRCA,” the specialist said, adding that “when oncologists receive this diagnosis, we know we have a problem. as “these tumors have more complex clinical behavior and are difficult to treat.”

Another point García Estevez wanted to emphasize is that triple negative breast cancer requires coordinated treatment. multidisciplinary divisions“Because in 90% of cases, chemotherapy is started before surgical options are considered, which requires close collaboration between various specialists, including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons, who must work together to comprehensively treat this type of cancer.

Significant Achievements

For my part, Javier Cortes, Director of the International Cancer Center (IBCC) and President of the Contigo Foundation against Women’s Cancerhighlighted three particularly significant achievements in this area.

“Recently we have seen significant advances in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer, especially with the introduction of new approaches such as immunotherapywhich has shown promising results, especially for early-stage or locally advanced tumors,” Cortes emphasized. Also, Trojan Horses immunoconjugatesalso represent an innovation with great potential to improve the prognosis of these patients. And finally, the expert pointed out the use platinum. “Those of us who have used platinum for some time to treat early-stage triple-negative breast cancer are seeing data that suggests combining immunotherapy with classic platinum produces encouraging results.” These advances have opened doors and new perspectives in approaching this disease and improving the survival of our patients.

In this regard, the expert emphasized the influence of Keytruda (pembrolizumab, MSD). This therapy is combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued as monotherapy as adjuvant treatment after surgery for the treatment of high-risk adults with early-stage or locally advanced triple-negative breast cancer. This was the first immunotherapy approved for this tumor..

Coping with side effects

Another aspect that experts paid attention to was that immune-mediated side effects Immunotherapy treatments for this breast cancer are generally well tolerated. “In my experience and after several years of practicing this type of treatment, I can confirm that the tolerability is significantly better than traditional chemotherapy, allowing patients to access the therapy without suffering from excessive toxicity,” the oncologist emphasized. MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Cortez noted that while immunotherapy side effects can indeed be managed, “there is a small percentage of cases where they may occur.” toxicity specific.” However, compared with other treatments, immunotherapy adds very little overall toxicity.

“Multidisciplinary nature is essential in the management of these cases, since not only immunotherapy, but also other modern treatments, such as immunoconjugates, can cause side effects that require intervention of different specialists“Cortez emphasized. Coordination between oncologists and other experts is key to providing effective and safe care to patients.

In 80% of cases, treatment for breast cancer begins with chemotherapy, which requires a highly specialized breast radiology service to accurately locate the tumor and plan the approach to it. It is extremely important to have a comprehensive team of pathologists and, above all, excellent coordination between specialists, both specialists assured.

However, although this may seem simple, This coordination is not always carried out. in all centers. “Unfortunately, in some places the surgeon proceeds directly to the operation without adequate initial treatment, and this can seriously harm the patient’s evolution,” said García Estevez. Experts emphasized that in cases of triple negative breast cancer, premature surgery without initial chemotherapy can cause a negative “domino effect” that affects the prognosis from the very beginning.

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