4th International Consensus Conference on Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC4), Lisbon, November 4, 2017 : ABC4 Consensus:
Michael Untch1, Rachel Würstlein2, Norbert Marschner3
1Klinik für Gynäkologie, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany; Writing Committee.
Insights
The fourth Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC4) consensus conference highlighted new treatments for metastatic breast cancer, including CDK4/6 inhibitors and dual antibody blockade. Patient advocacy and global collaboration were central to advancing care for advanced breast cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Breast Cancer Research
- Clinical Consensus
Background:
- The fourth international Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC4) consensus conference convened in Lisbon, November 2-4, 2017.
- Focus on novel therapeutic strategies for advanced breast cancer (ABC), defined as metastatic or locally far-advanced disease.
- Emphasis on integrating patient advocacy and global perspectives into treatment guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss and establish consensus on the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating advanced breast cancer.
- To review emerging therapies such as CDK4/6 inhibitors, dual antibody blockade, and PARP inhibitors.
- To address challenges in managing specific subtypes like HR-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative ABC, as well as BRCA-associated cancers and cerebral metastases.
Main Methods:
- Consensus-based voting by international experts on diagnosis and treatment of advanced breast cancer.
- Discussion of molecular testing for personalized medicine approaches.
- Review of clinical data and guidelines for various advanced breast cancer subtypes.
Main Results:
- Key developments in treatment strategies for advanced breast cancer were identified, including the importance of CDK4/6 inhibition for HR-positive ABC.
- The utility of dual antibody blockade for HER2-positive ABC and PARP inhibition for triple-negative ABC were discussed.
- Emphasis on precision medicine through molecular testing and management of cerebral metastases.
Conclusions:
- The ABC4 conference underscored significant progress in advanced breast cancer treatment, particularly with targeted therapies.
- A global alliance was formed to promote and coordinate patient advocacy efforts worldwide.
- The consensus provides a framework for advanced breast cancer management, with German specialists commenting on its alignment with national guidelines.
Abstract:
The fourth international advanced breast cancer consensus conference (ABC4) on the diagnosis and treatment of advanced breast cancer (ABC) headed by Professor Fatima Cardoso was once again held in Lisbon on November 2 - 4, 2017. To simplify matters, the abbreviation ABC will be used hereinafter in the text. In clinical practice, the abbreviation corresponds to metastatic breast cancer or locally far-advanced disease. This year the focus was on new developments in the treatment of ABC. Topics discussed included the importance of CDK4/6 inhibition in hormone receptor (HR)-positive ABC, the use of dual antibody blockade to treat HER2-positive ABC, PARP inhibition in triple-negative ABC and the potential therapeutic outcomes. Another major area discussed at the conference was BRCA-associated breast cancer, the treatment of cerebral metastasis, and individualized treatment decisions based on molecular testing (so-called precision medicine). As in previous years, close cooperation with representatives from patient organizations from around the world is an important aspect of the ABC conference. This cooperation was reinforced and expanded at the ABC4 conference. A global alliance was founded at the conclusion of the consensus conference, which aims to promote and coordinate the measures considered necessary by patient advocates worldwide. Because the panel of experts was composed of specialists from all over the world, it was inevitable that the ABC consensus also reflected country-specific features. As in previous years, a team of German breast cancer specialists who closely followed the consensus voting of the ABC panelists in Lisbon and intensively discussed the votes has therefore commented on the consensus in the context of the current German guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer 1 , 2 used in clinical practice in Germany. The ABC consensus is based on the votes of the ABC panelists in Lisbon.
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