Editor's Note: At the end of 2024, the 2025 Essentials of CBCS & CSOBO Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines (hereafter referred to as the "New Little Red Book") was officially released during the 16th Shanghai Breast Cancer Symposium and Annual Meeting of the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association Breast Cancer Committee. This updated edition provides fresh guidance for clinical breast cancer practices.

During the launch event, Oncology Frontier interviewed several leading experts, including Professor Lei Fan from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Professor Chunfang Hao from Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, and Professor Huiping Li from Peking University Cancer Hospital (listed alphabetically by surname). They shared their insights into the key features of the New Little Red Book, its practical applications, its impact on clinical practice, and the medical updates they found most significant.

Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center

Key Updates:

• For the controversial pT1mic patients, the New Little Red Book updates the chapter on assessing recurrence and metastatic risk in invasive breast cancer. It states: “Low-risk increases: triple-negative or HER2-positive, and pT1mic.” Additionally, it introduces risk stratification for different types of pT1mic breast cancer and corresponding treatment recommendations.

Reflections:

• Before each annual update of the New Little Red Book, the SIBCS 3C Summit Forum conducts a voting session on controversial clinical issues. The voting results directly inform the recommendations and evidence levels in the new edition.
• This process demonstrates the value of expert voting in shaping the guidelines and providing valuable insights for researchers, showcasing the collaborative nature of its development.

Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital

Features of the Guidelines:

• Authoritativeness: The New Little Red Book is led by experts from CBCS and CSOBO, making it highly authoritative. It integrates the collective expertise of Chinese breast cancer specialists while maintaining international leadership.
• Comprehensiveness: It covers a broad range of topics, including breast cancer screening, diagnosis (pathology and imaging), and treatment strategies for early to advanced stages, ensuring a holistic approach.
• Convenience and Practicality: Designed as a pocketbook, it allows quick referencing of the latest guidance and evidence, facilitating in-depth learning and practical application.
• Timeliness: The guidelines stay up to date with annual updates incorporating the latest clinical advancements, industry policies, and new drug developments, maintaining their relevance and cutting-edge nature.

Reflections:

• The New Little Red Book encapsulates decades of clinical experience, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility to lead the industry’s development.
• Through annual updates, it provides authoritative and comprehensive content, covering all aspects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Nationwide roadshows accompanying its release foster collaboration and progress among breast cancer physicians, inspiring new research directions.
• Professor Hao encourages continuous learning to implement standardized treatments in practice, contributing to the advancement of breast cancer care in China and bringing hope to more patients.

Peking University Cancer Hospital

Impact of the Guidelines:

• The most significant impact of the New Little Red Book is its ability to standardize clinical practices while incorporating innovative advancements, guiding the trend of innovation in breast cancer care.
• Clinical physicians must master the guidelines to integrate standardized care with innovative practices, enhancing credibility and treatment outcomes.

Reflections:

• The New Little Red Book is a culmination of diagnostic knowledge, clinical experience, and expert insights from across the nation, representing the pinnacle of breast cancer treatment in China.
• Its continuous optimization relies on breast cancer physicians identifying clinical challenges, solving them through research and innovation, and advancing high-level evidence-based medicine and novel drug development.
• As the guidelines evolve and are disseminated, the voices of Chinese experts and their innovative findings are increasingly gaining international recognition, playing a critical role in guiding clinical practice worldwide.

The 2025 Essentials of CBCS & CSOBO Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines integrates the collective expertise and innovation of leading Chinese breast cancer specialists. With its authoritative, comprehensive, and practical approach, this annual publication serves as a valuable tool for standardizing and advancing clinical breast cancer care, offering hope and better outcomes for patients.