Editorial Note: The year 2024 has been a “harvest year” for original research in breast cancer in China, with numerous studies presented at international oncology conferences or published in top-tier journals. It has also been a "global year" for China's breast cancer treatment guidelines, as the CSCO BC Guidelines expanded from domestic dissemination to Southeast Asia. Chinese breast cancer researchers have demonstrated both grand aspirations and diligent effort, leaving an indelible mark this year. In an interview with Oncology Frontier, Dr. Zefei Jiang, President-elect of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) and a leader in the Oncology Department at the Chinese PLA General Hospital, shared insights on the major advancements in breast cancer research and practice in China during 2024Meeting at the Summit，China’s Original Research Takes the International Stage
Oncology Frontier: Could you review China’s original research achievements in breast cancer in 2024?
Dr. Zefei Jiang: 2024 has been a banner year for original breast cancer research in China. Many studies were featured in oral presentation sessions at prestigious conferences such as ASCO, ESMO, ESMO Asia, and SABCS. Simultaneously, a significant number of related papers were published in leading international medical journals.
For instance, Academician Erwei Song and his team published a phase I/II study in JCO, reporting preliminary efficacy and safety data on SHR-A1811, a novel HER2 ADC developed in China for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. Academician Binghe Xu and his team published the EVER-132-002 study in Nature Medicine, providing new evidence for the use of the TROP-2 ADC sacituzumab govitecan (SG) in treating HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer in Asian patients. Professor Zhiming Shao’s team further advanced the “Fudan Subtyping” model, validating it in clinical trials and focusing on first-line treatment and neoadjuvant therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Their results were successively published in Lancet Oncology (FUTURE-SUPER study), BMJ (BCTOP-T-A01 study), and JAMA (CamRelief study).
As for myself, my research team published the TORCHLIGHT study on January 8, 2024, in Nature Medicine. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of toripalimab combined with nab-paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for advanced TNBC, providing patients with a novel immunotherapy option developed in China. This regimen was approved by the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in June 2024 and included in the updated national medical insurance catalog by the end of the year.
These examples represent only the “tip of the iceberg” of original breast cancer research in China. Many domestic teams are conducting innovative studies and advancing the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. While integrating important international progress into our clinical practice and guidelines, China is increasingly contributing original research that is poised to have a global impact.
Innovation Benefiting Patients，New Drugs Approved and Covered by Insurance
Oncology Frontier: What progress has been made in 2024 regarding innovative drug approvals and access for breast cancer patients in China?
Dr. Zefei Jiang: In 2024, at least six innovative drugs were approved for breast cancer indications or expanded indications in China. These include subcutaneous formulations of monoclonal antibodies, novel HDAC inhibitors, PD-1 inhibitors, TROP-2 ADCs, and PARP inhibitors, with many being China-originated.
Another significant achievement is the inclusion of new drugs in the updated national medical insurance catalog announced at the end of 2024. Insurance coverage has greatly improved the accessibility of these innovative treatments. For example, T-DXd, a novel anti-HER2 ADC, was initially priced high when approved in early 2023, prompting many patients to seek treatment abroad. However, thanks to successful negotiations between the government and pharmaceutical companies, T-DXd was quickly included in the insurance catalog, making it more affordable.
Similarly, the subcutaneous formulation of pertuzumab and trastuzumab offers a convenient dual-targeted therapy. Its inclusion in the insurance catalog ensures that more patients can benefit from this innovative regimen. These advancements not only bring hope to breast cancer patients but also drive further progress in the field.
Standardized Treatment，Updates and Dissemination of Breast Cancer Guidelines
Oncology Frontier: How have the updated breast cancer guidelines impacted clinical practice in China in 2024?
Dr. Zefei Jiang: Under the leadership of Academician Jinming Yu, the fifth CSCO Board of Directors has adhered to the principles of academic rigor, public service, and dedication. By organizing experts to develop and update a series of clinical guidelines and consensus documents, CSCO has promoted standardized cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research in China.
In 2024, we began updating the CSCO BC Guidelines, officially releasing the new version in April, followed by nearly 1,000 nationwide guideline dissemination sessions. These sessions reached every corner of the country, delivering the guidelines directly to grassroots physicians and enabling them to stay updated on the latest developments in the field. The sessions were highly welcomed, with some even reporting unauthorized reproductions of the guidelines due to high demand.
We are committed to respecting intellectual property while continuing to expand our dissemination efforts to ensure that China’s “gold standard” for breast cancer treatment benefits every doctor and patient in the country.
CSCO BC Guidelines Dissemination Sessions in Jiangsu, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei
Embracing the World，Global Collaboration and the International Expansion of CSCO BC Guidelines
Oncology Frontier: In late 2024, CSCO BC Guidelines went global, and CSCO initiated high-level dialogues with ESMO. What is the significance of these collaborations for the future of Chinese oncology?
Dr. Zefei Jiang: Approximately 40 years ago, China opened its doors to reform, and generations of Chinese doctors sought to learn from and adopt advanced scientific and management practices from Western countries. Today, while continuing to engage with top international experts and presenting original research at major conferences such as ASCO and ESMO, we are also bringing more Chinese treatment regimens to other countries, enhancing the global influence of Chinese clinical oncology.
For instance, at the 2024 CSCO Annual Meeting, we welcomed experts from India and other Belt and Road countries to discuss international collaboration in drug development. During the ESMO Asia Congress, CSCO and ESMO engaged in high-level dialogues, expressing mutual interest in deeper collaboration in cancer prevention, treatment, and research.
In December 2024, I, along with Professors Shusen Wang and Kun Wang, led CSCO BC experts on an international tour to Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. Many local doctors, particularly those of Chinese heritage, appreciated the comprehensive and innovative treatment options presented in our guidelines.
In the future, under CSCO’s guidance, we will strengthen international exchanges, invite ASCO and ESMO experts to participate in CSCO BC and CSCO Annual Meetings, and amplify the voices of Chinese experts at global platforms like the St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference. We also hope to engage colleagues from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan in guideline development, enhancing the quality and international reputation of Chinese guidelines while benefiting more breast cancer patients in China and around the world.
