Abstract 94: Epigenetic silencing of CDO1 sustains viability of breast cancer cells via the reduction of cellular ROS

Is imaging the future of axillary staging in breast cancer?

Axillary management in patients with breast cancer has become much less invasive with the introduction of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). However, over 70 % of SLNBs are negative, questioning the generic use of this invasive procedure. Emerging evidence indicates that breast cancer patients with a low axillary burden of disease do not benefit from axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Non-invasive techniques such as paramagnetic iron oxide contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide genuine alternatives to axillary staging and should be evaluated within clinical trials. Selective axillary surgery could then be offered based on imaging findings and for therapeutic intent. This non-operative approach would reduce morbidity further and facilitate interpretation of follow-up imaging. Key Points • Modern imaging and biopsy greatly help the axillary staging of breast cancer. • Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced MRI offers a further advance. • Sentinel lymph node biopsy may become redundant with SPIO-enhanced MRI. • Selective therapeutic axillary surgery should be based upon preoperative imaging findings.

Conference Scene: Update from the 30th Miami Breast Cancer Conference

The Miami Breast Cancer Conference, the innovation of Daniel Osman and his wife Lois, is now in its 30th year. At the world-famous Fontainebleau Hotel, overlooking the yellow sands of Miami Beach, participants enjoyed talks from some of the world’s leading breast cancer researchers. A variety of topics were discussed, ranging from how cancer operates at the genome level, to breaking developments in adjuvant therapy, and to debate about pertinent surgical management and discussion of how changes to the regulatory framework for trials is increasing the speed with which we can move from the laboratory to the clinic.

Conference Scene: Highlights from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2012

At the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2012, long-term follow-up data from large clinical trials support a change in practice for the use of sentinel node mapping after neoadjuvant therapy and the safety and efficacy of hypofractionated radiation therapy. The duration of adjuvant therapy was further defined, with advantages reported with the extended use of adjuvant tamoxifen for 10 years and for 12 months of adjuvant trastuzumab.