VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round

New drugs to improve outcomes in early disease

29 March 2023

This webinar is a unique opportunity for medical professionals and researchers to learn about the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. Dr Belle Sasse and Dr Ying Zhong are leading experts in the field and provide valuable insights and analysis on the most recent data.

Aim: To present the latest developments in early breast cancer treatment, in efforts to overcome the disease.

Learning Objectives: In this session, you will gain insights into:

• The role of immunotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy in the neo/adjuvant setting, with a particular focus on the KEYNOTE 522 study.

• The latest data on CDK 4/6 inhibitors in early disease, with recent data from the updated MonarchE trial. 

Background

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to treating breast cancer, particularly when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. The KEYNOTE 522 study has demonstrated the potential for improved outcomes with this combination therapy in the neo/adjuvant setting, and our speakers will provide valuable insights and analysis on the latest data.

Similarly, CDK 4/6 inhibitors are standard of care in advanced disease. We now have several trials testing the use of these inhibitors in the early setting, with mixed results. Our panel of experts will present the latest data from the updated MonarchE trial. These inhibitors have been shown to improve progression-free and overall survival in combination with endocrine therapy.

Chair

Dr Belinda Yeo

Dr Yeo is Research & Education Lead, Breast Cancer jointly with Professor Bruce Mann. She holds a joint appointment with Austin Health as a Medical Oncologist, and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) as a Clinician Scientist with a specific interest in breast cancer. She is a member of the VCCC Alliance Cancer Education and Training Advisory Committee, supervisor and mentor of medical oncology trainees, honours and PhD students and has contributed to the Master of Cancer Sciences. She is also a member of the Precision Oncology Steering Group and Chair of the Breast Cancer Group for Clinical Trials Australia. 

Presenters

Dr Belle Sasse
Medical Oncology Advanced Trainee - Breast Fellow, Monash Health

Dr Belle Sassé graduated with honours from Monash University, followed by a year undertaking medical research in Yokohama, Japan. She completed Basic Physician Training at Monash Health, and is currently completing a Breast Fellowship at Monash. Belle speaks French and Japanese, and has a keen interest in breast cancer, cancer in pregnancy, and oncofertility.

Dr Ying Zhong
Medical Oncology Advanced Trainee
Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, Austin Hospital

The VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round is targeted at a clinical audience and features an open discussion about real cases and patients. While these cases are de-identified, the imagery, content and discussion can be graphic. It is not appropriate for consumer participants.