Editor’s Note: In the vibrant spring of April in Chongqing, from April 19 to April 20, 2024, the “11th Sino-French (International) Advanced Breast Cancer Forum (SFBCS)” was held, co-hosted by several prestigious institutions including the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association’s Breast Cancer Committee, the Breast Surgery Expert Group of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Oncology Clinical Research Management Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, the Chongqing Clinical Medical Research Federation, the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Department of the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, the French Academy of Medical Sciences, and the French Surgical Academy Foundation. Experts from China and abroad gathered to share and exchange knowledge on basic breast cancer research, pathology diagnosis, surgical procedures, and systemic treatment, guiding new directions in the precision medicine era for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. During the conference, “Oncology Frontier” had the privilege of interviewing Professor Guosheng Ren, the chairman of the conference, who shared insights on the highlights of the forum and the advancements in breast-conserving and reconstructive surgery.
Oncology Frontier: As the chairman of the conference, could you introduce the highlights of this event?
Professor Guosheng Ren: This year, we simultaneously held the 11th Sino-French (International) Breast Cancer Forum, the 13th Sino-French Breast Reconstruction Workshop, and the 3rd Sino-French Breast Surgery Academy and Advanced Training Program. Our aim was to showcase the latest achievements and methods in the field of breast surgery to our peers in China and provide higher-quality medical services to patients. The first highlight of the conference was the simultaneous operation of these three platforms to meet the diverse needs of different audiences. Another highlight was the emphasis on the application of Oncoplastic Surgery (OPS) techniques in breast reconstruction, beyond traditional reconstruction methods. Additionally, we organized small group face-to-face interactions where new techniques were explained through drawings, physical demonstrations, and verbal descriptions. Our goal remains consistent—to meet the varied needs of different groups with new technologies and therapies, thereby enhancing the quality of medical care for breast cancer patients in China.
Oncology Frontier: With the advancement of technology and the pursuit of better quality of life, many breast cancer patients opt for breast-conserving surgery. Who is suitable for this type of surgery?
Professor Guosheng Ren: As is well known, the removal of a breast due to breast cancer can have a significant physical and psychological impact on patients. How to preserve and reshape the breast is becoming an increasingly important focus in breast surgery. Against the backdrop of more breast cancer patients desiring to preserve their breasts, breast surgeons have performed significant and effective work. However, compared to Western developed countries, the proportion of breast-conserving surgeries in China still has a significant gap. For instance, as reported by foreign scholars yesterday, the rate of breast-conserving surgeries is about 48% in the USA and 66% in Europe, whereas in China, this rate varies significantly between regions and hospitals, averaging about 23%, and even in the best medical institutions, it only reaches 30-40%. Therefore, in providing personalized diagnostic and treatment plans, we should design the most suitable surgical method for each patient based on factors like tumor size, staging, weight, height, and breast size, prioritizing breast-conserving surgery while ensuring treatment safety.
Of course, there are certain limitations to breast-conserving surgery. Traditionally, it is considered more feasible when the removal involves less than 20% of the breast. In recent years, the innovative use of OPS techniques in breast reconstruction has been recognized and developed, allowing for the expansion of the tumor and surrounding tissue removal beyond traditional limits, thus significantly increasing the number of people eligible for breast-conserving surgeries and enhancing the rate of breast preservation.
Oncology Frontier: How do you view the future development of breast cancer oncoplastic conservation and reconstruction?
Professor Guosheng Ren: As mentioned, this conference highlighted the application of OPS in the field of breast reconstruction, aiming to provide patients with a higher quality of life. The removal of a breast due to breast cancer is undoubtedly painful, but through our efforts, we strive to continuously pursue breast preservation while ensuring the safety of cancer treatment. This helps patients rebuild confidence, reduce feelings of inferiority, and enhance their quality of life. The emergence of OPS technology is expected to greatly promote the increase in the breast preservation rate among Chinese breast cancer patients.
I am optimistic about the future development of breast reconstruction and OPS technology in breast surgical procedures. I believe that with the joint efforts of breast surgeons nationwide, we can provide more high-quality, personalized medical services and promote further development of these technologies. We consistently emphasize developing breast-conserving and OPS surgeries under the premise of ensuring the safety of cancer treatment, aiming
to help breast cancer patients rebuild confidence and improve their quality of life. We remain committed to providing personalized, high-quality medical services to benefit breast cancer patients in China.
Professor Guosheng Ren
Second-level Professor of Surgery at the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
Doctoral Supervisor, Recipient of Special Government Allowances from the State Council
National Sixth Batch Chief Science Communication Expert
Chairman of the Oncology Clinical Research Management Committee, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
Former Chairman of the Breast Cancer Committee, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
Head of the Breast Surgery Expert Group, Surgical Doctor Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association
Vice Chairman of the Breast Surgery Group, Surgical Branch, Chinese Medical Association
Vice Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Professional Committee, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
Chairman of the Medical Care Integration Committee, Chinese Hospital Association
Executive Director of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
Distinguished Professor of Two Rivers Scholars in Chongqing
Chief Medical Expert of Chongqing
