The 2016 Assisi Think Tank Meeting on breast cancer : white paper

Aristei, Cynthia; Kaidar-Person, Orit; Arenas, Meritxell; Coles, Charlotte; Offersen, Birgitte V.; Bourgier, Celine; Frezza, Giovanni; Leonardi, Maria Cristina; Valentini, Vincenzo; Poortmans, Philip M.P.

doi:10.1007/S10549-016-3998-2

Title

The 2016 Assisi Think Tank Meeting on breast cancer : white paper

Author

Aristei, Cynthia

Kaidar-Person, Orit

Arenas, Meritxell

Coles, Charlotte

Offersen, Birgitte V.

Bourgier, Celine

Frezza, Giovanni

Leonardi, Maria Cristina

Valentini, Vincenzo

Poortmans, Philip M.P.

Abstract

To identify weak points in daily routine use of radiation therapy (RT) for non-metastatic breast cancer patients, particularly when data are lacking or equivocal, a "think tank" of experts met in Assisi. Before the meeting, controversial issues on non-metastatic breast cancer were identified and reviewed, and clinical practice investigated by means of an online questionnaire. During the 3-day meeting, topics were discussed in-depth with attendees and potential sponsors that are involved in breast cancer treatment. Three issues were identified as needing further investigation: (1) Regional lymph node treatment in early-stage breast cancer; (2) Combined post-mastectomy RT and breast reconstruction; (3) RT in patients treated with primary systemic therapy. Future research proposals included the following: (1) Participating in appropriately selected on-going clinical trials; (2) Designing new randomized controlled clinical trials and prospective population cohort studies; (3) Setting-up large database(s) to generate predictive response models and detect biomarkers for tailored loco-regional treatments. It is hoped that the ATTM findings, as described in the present white paper, will stimulate a new generation of radiation oncologists to focus on research in these areas, and that the white paper will become a tool for multidisciplinary groups to help them design research proposals and strategies.

Language

English

Source (journal)

Breast cancer research and treatment. - Dordrecht, 1981, currens

Publication

New york : Springer , 2016

ISSN

0167-6806 [print]

1573-7217 [online]

DOI

10.1007/S10549-016-3998-2

Volume/pages