Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Ex Vivo Treatment Response of Primary Tumors and/or Associated Metastases for Preclinical and Clinical Development of Therapeutics
Published on: October 2, 2014
Translational highlights in breast cancer research and treatment: recent developments with clinical impact
Peter A Fasching1, Andreas Schneeweiss2, Hans-Christian Kolberg3
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen.
Purpose Of Review:
Over the last decades the time which is needed to translate a preclinical finding or idea in the clinic has reduced continuously. Especially but not only for breast cancer the number of tested drugs and targeted pathways have increased immensely. In addition, the introduction of immune-oncological treatments has further advanced the possibilities for future treatments. This review focuses on recent developments in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer including results from major clinical trials and recent conferences.
Recent Findings:
Many pathways involved in the progression or treatment of breast cancer have been also identified in the cause and pathogenesis of breast cancer. Therefore, breast cancer risk can be described in much more detail, possibly leading to new prevention strategies. In breast cancer treatment the introduction of PARP inhibitors has begun. Recent trials will lead to a better understanding whether PI3K inhibitors can be developed for application in the clinic and first large randomized trials show the superiority of anti PD-1/PD-L1 treatments.
Summary:
Treatment strategies which were developed over the last decade are moving rapidly into the clinical use. The understanding of treatment targets and involved side effects will be important for the safe implementation of these treatments into routine practice.
Insights
Recent advancements accelerate breast cancer treatment translation. New strategies, including immune-oncology and targeted therapies like PARP and PI3K inhibitors, show promise for improved prevention and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The translation of preclinical findings into clinical applications for breast cancer has accelerated.
- There's been a significant increase in tested drugs and targeted pathways, particularly for breast cancer.
- The advent of immune-oncological treatments has expanded future therapeutic possibilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
- To highlight key findings from major clinical trials and conferences.
- To discuss the evolving landscape of breast cancer therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent clinical trials and conference proceedings.
- Analysis of emerging pathways in breast cancer pathogenesis and treatment.
- Synthesis of data on novel therapeutic agents and strategies.
Main Results:
- Pathways involved in breast cancer progression are also implicated in its pathogenesis, aiding risk assessment and prevention.
- PARP inhibitors are now used in breast cancer treatment.
- Ongoing trials are evaluating PI3K inhibitors, and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatments demonstrate superiority in large trials.
Conclusions:
- Treatment strategies are rapidly entering clinical use.
- Understanding treatment targets and side effects is crucial for safe clinical implementation.
- Continued research is vital for advancing breast cancer care.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of...
Translation
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Proteins are...
Initiation of Translation
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
Termination of Translation
Improving Translational Accuracy

