From March 12 to 15, 2025, the 19th St. Gallen Breast Cancer Conference (SGBCC) was held with great success. During the conference, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) and SGBCC jointly organized the "Voice of China" session, showcasing China's advancements in clinical research, basic science, translational medicine, and radiomics within the breast cancer field, which sparked vibrant discussions among global experts. “Oncology Frontier” invited the co-chairs of this session—Prof. Zefei Jiang (St.Gallen International Consensus panel Member, CSCO President-Elect, Chinese PLA General Hospital) and Prof. Michael Gnant (SGBCC Conference Chair, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna)—to engage in a profound dialogue on the future of Sino-global collaboration.

Oncology Frontier：The 2025 SGBCC has commenced. How has SGBCC influenced breast cancer diagnosis and treatment globally, including in China, over recent years?

Prof. Michael Gnant: The overall impact of the St. Gallen Breast Cancer International Conference is that it sets the standard of care. So, it’s not so much about new data or new studies. It’s more about what should be done for each patient subgroup from a global perspective—and that’s something that is particularly well-respected in Asia. With increasing Chinese contributions, which I’m very happy about, I think it’s also of growing relevance to Chinese patients and physicians.

Prof. Zefei Jiang: Indeed, Chinese scholars have been engaged with SGBCC for years, initially as observers. Now actively contributing clinical expertise at major forums, these specialists demonstrate China’s growing role in global healthcare. Within the St.Gallen panel’s international cohort, Chinese scholars constitute a significant contingent. Five specialists from different parts of China, including four from the mainland and one from the Taiwan region of China , are advancing the integration of China’s clinical wisdom into global healthcare frameworks through structured academic exchanges.

Oncology Frontier：The inaugural “Voice of China” session was a highlight. What distinguishes its significance?

Prof. Zefei Jiang: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all media colleagues for your attention to this conference. It is our great honor to host the dedicated “Voice of China” session at SGBCC, co-chaired alongside Prof. Binghe Xu, Prof. Zhimin Shao, Prof. Yongmei Yin, and internationally renowned experts. The session also saw the participation of Prof. Michael Gnant (SGBCC Congress Chair), Prof. Giuseppe Curigliano (ESMO President-Elect), and distinguished scholars across various fields.

During the session, we introduced the CSCO and CSCO Breast Cancer Committee (CSCO BC) to global peers. Prof. Yongmei Yin presented a series of groundbreaking Chinese-led studies, while Prof. Qiang Liu shared international advancements in tumor biomarkers alongside his team’s innovative work. Prof. Yizhou Jiang, representing Prof. Zhimin Shao’s research group, unveiled transformative findings in breast cancer translational medicine. Prof. Kun Wang highlighted his team’s cutting-edge radiomics research addressing hot topics in early-stage breast cancer treatment. These presentations not only demonstrated the remarkable progress Chinese scholars have achieved in clinical and translational research but also fostered vibrant interactions with international experts. The “Voice of China” session served as a dual platform: amplifying China’s academic contributions on the global stage while enabling international colleagues to gain deeper insights into China’s scientific advancements.

We sincerely thank all media partners for your unwavering support of the “Voice of China” session. Special recognition goes to institutional members like Hengrui Pharmaceuticals for their exceptional contributions in enriching the venue with distinctive Chinese cultural elements—showcasing innovative therapies, traditional artifacts, and authentic delicacies—which added a unique charm to the event.

Prof. Michael Gnant: The inaugural “Voice of China” initiative we launched this year represents a pivotal collaboration between the SGBCC and CSCO. Through close coordination with Chinese experts like Zefei Jiang and Yongmei Yin, we sought to strengthen two-way engagement: enhancing Chinese experts’ participation in SGBCC dialogues while fostering global insights into China’s breast cancer landscape. These efforts have yielded remarkable results—this year’s conference hosts 200 Chinese experts, a tenfold increase from the 20 attendees two years prior.

The “Voice of China” session provides a unique platform, particularly for emerging leaders with high potential, to present cutting-edge research to a world-class faculty and engage in cross-border dialogue. China’s growing contributions to global breast cancer knowledge are undeniable, and this forum offers invaluable opportunities for collective learning, critical discussion, and intellectual exchange—benefits that extend to all participants.

Oncology Frontier：How is Chinese clinical research reshaping global paradigms? In what ways will SGBCC reciprocate to advance clinical practice in China?

Prof. Michael Gnant: Chinese research institutions command significant international respect, particularly premier institutions like the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing and Fudan University in Shanghai, which have made substantial contributions to the field. However, given the scale of China’s population, certain challenges persist—notably in early detection systems where optimizing screening protocols to enable less invasive interventions remains critical. Implementing nationwide strategies for nearly 1.5 billion people presents complexities far beyond those faced in smaller nations, though international collaboration offers a viable pathway forward.

Through my extensive travels and collaborations in China, I’ve observed a dynamic two-way exchange emerging: Global best practices, such as prioritizing breast-conserving surgeries over mastectomies, are increasingly integrated into local clinical protocols. Concurrently, Chinese innovations—like Fudan University’s molecular subtyping system for triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers—are beginning to reshape global treatment paradigms. This symbiotic relationship exemplifies how cross-border partnerships can elevate standards of care while fostering scientific progress on a global scale.

Oncology Frontier：Today, the ” Voice of China” resonates at SGBCC; tomorrow, SGBCC will embark on a roadshow in China. What are your expectations for future collaborations between SGBCC and CSCO?

Prof. Zefei Jiang: Following the conclusion of SGBCC, we will swiftly organize domestic post-SGBCC symposiums in China. Additionally, a dedicated SGBCC session has been specially incorporated into the agenda of the China Breast Cancer Conference in April. This session will convene global thought leaders, including Prof. Michael Gnant (SGBCC Congress Chair), international faculty from the “Voice of China” session, and renowned experts such as Ptof. Binghe Xu, Prof. Zhimin Shao, and Prof. Yongmei Yin, to dissect key SGBCC highlights.

These initiatives aim to ensure the timely dissemination of global insights from the conference, enabling Chinese clinicians to stay abreast of international advancements. By fostering knowledge exchange between Chinese and global peers, we seek to elevate the standards of breast cancer care and patient management across China.

Prof. Michael Gnant: I believe the expectation is that this ongoing dialogue—encompassing both scientific advancements and clinical practice data exchange—will continue to deepen. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting numerous cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Tianjin. With three planned trips to China this year, I eagerly anticipate engaging with new teams who possess not only vast clinical experiences from treating large patient populations but also growing scientific influence.

Through these interactions, I envision a reciprocal learning process: The global medical community stands to gain significantly from China’s innovations, while Chinese practitioners may also find value in international experiences. This mutual exchange of knowledge promises to elevate standards of care worldwide, and I look forward to contributing to this collaborative ecosystem.