Posts by Peter W. PENG

Pathogenic germline mutations in certain genes are known to increase the risk of hereditary breast cancer. Approximately 5% to 10% of all breast cancer cases are hereditary, primarily driven by such mutations, with BRCA1/2 being the most common. Germline mutations also guide treatment decisions, as patients with pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline mutations may benefit from PARP inhibitor-based therapies.

Treatment strategies for HR+/HER2+ breast cancer have long been a focus of research. On December 11 (Central Time), during the 47th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), the results of the TOUCH study (Abstract RF1-02) were released, drawing significant attention. This international, open-label Phase II trial explored the efficacy of a chemotherapy-free approach in the neoadjuvant treatment of early HR+/HER2+ breast cancer. Dr. Feng Jin (The First Hospital of China Medical University), Dr. Diandong Zhang (Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University), and Dr. Xinmiao Yu (The First Hospital of China Medical University) were invited to provide in-depth commentary on the study.

The 47th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) will be held from December 10 to 13, 2024, in San Antonio, USA. As one of the largest and most prestigious scientific gatherings in breast cancer research, SABCS showcases the latest research findings, clinical practices, treatment advancements, and technological innovations in breast cancer from the past year.

With the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the widespread application of immunotherapy, the treatment paradigm for driver mutation-negative lung cancer has been fundamentally transformed. Multiple studies have demonstrated that radiotherapy (RT) can regulate both local and systemic immune responses, triggering anti-tumor immune effects. As a result, the immunomodulatory properties of RT and its synergistic effects when combined with immunotherapy have garnered significant attention within the medical community.

At the 2024 Chinese Congress of Holistic Integrative Oncology (CCHIO) held from November 14–17 in Xi’an, Dr. Yinying Wu from The First Affiliated Hospital Xi'an Jiao Tong University delivered a comprehensive lecture titled “Advances in CLDN18.2-Positive Gastric Cancer Research.” The presentation delved into the role of CLDN18.2 protein in gastric cancer, advancements in drug therapies, and preliminary explorations into drug and immunotherapy combinations.

Breast cancer poses a significant global challenge to women’s health. In China, unprecedented efforts are being made to advance standardized diagnosis and quality control in breast cancer care. During the 2024 Conference on Standardized Diagnosis and Quality Control in Breast Cancer, Oncology Frontier interviewed the conference chair, Dr. Fei Ma from the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences . Professor Ma shed light on the core values and profound significance of quality control in breast cancer care, offering a clear direction for future advancements. In the interview, he shared the latest achievements, ongoing challenges, and the pivotal role of quality control in bridging gaps between urban and rural areas and promoting equitable access to high-quality medical resources. He emphasized that comprehensive quality control and the standardization of breast cancer care are critical steps toward achieving the Healthy China 2030 goals.

The 2024 CACA Integrated Lung Cancer Conference, hosted by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association’s Integrated Lung Cancer Committee (under preparation), was held in Zhuhai on October 25–26, 2024. With the theme “Uniting Efforts, Leading the Future,” the conference gathered leading domestic experts and scholars in the field of pulmonary tumors for in-depth and broad academic exchanges on hot and challenging topics related to lung cancer. During the conference, Oncology Frontier invited Dr. Gen Lin from the Cancer Center of Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, for an exclusive interview. Professor Lin shared insights into the current clinical practice of immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and progress in strategies to address secondary resistance in immunotherapy.