Kongressbericht vom 30. Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium vom 13. - 16.12.2007 "Auf dem weg zur individualisierten therapie: Wirkungen verstehen und nutzen lernen"

The 30th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium confirmed the general trend towards individualized and targeted therapies of breast cancer in the last years. The main topics of the conference in the areas prevention and stem cell research were investigations into the HER oncogene network and new or established biomarkers and therapeutic drugs. In addition to new approaches, established substances and drugs, e.g. tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AI), have maintained their clinical importance. Data from the EBCTCG trial's meta-analysis was presented, but the ATAC and ATLAS trials also proved their efficacy in the long-term follow-up. At the same time, the 5 year follow-up data of the ABCSG 12 bone study and the Z-FAST trial demonstrated the efficacy of bisphosphonates for the treatment and prevention of AI-related bone loss and fracture rates. First results from the treatment of AI-related osteopenia with Denosumab, an antibody against RANK ligand, have been promising. Taxanes remain the most efficient drug for adjuvant chemotherapy. Data of a meta-analysis comparing high-dose and standard chemotherapy revealed no clear benefit for the high-dose regimens. Results of the neoadjuvant Gepar-Quattro trial demonstrated a good response to sequential or concomitant chemotherapy with docetaxel and capecitabine only for locally advanced breast cancer. In the Her 2 positive subgroup up-front therapy with Trastuzumab was found to be safe. In conclusion, established therapies were confirmed and new diagnostic tools, treatment modalities and drugs were presented.