Global Experts Chart New Course for Advanced Breast Cancer Care at ABC8 2025
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Updated global recommendations, a renewed focus on equity, and a commitment to quality of life defined the outcomes of the 8th Advanced Breast Cancer International Consensus Conference (ABC8), which concluded Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Lisbon.
The three-day conference brought together over 50 leading experts and patient advocates from across the globe to refine strategies for managing advanced and metastatic breast cancer. The culmination of months of evidence review and discussion, the updated consensus statements aim to bridge the gap between scientific advancement and real-world access to care.
Consensus Sessions: Defining the Future of Treatment
The final day centered on the Consensus Sessions, considered the core of the ABC meetings. Discussions encompassed a wide range of critical topics, including optimal treatment sequencing and the integration of biomarkers like ESR1 mutations and PIK3CA testing into clinical practice. Experts also addressed the complex challenges of managing brain and leptomeningeal metastases, and the vital importance of supportive care for long-term survivors.
A key theme throughout the conference was addressing disparities in access to care. The ABC8 Scientific Committee emphasized that guidelines must be applicable not only to well-resourced healthcare systems but also to regions with limited infrastructure. “It’s imperative that progress in cancer care isn’t limited by borders or bias,” stated a senior official during the closing remarks.
Day 2: Integrating Science, Systems, and Survivorship
Day 2 laid the groundwork for the final consensus, exploring the intersection of biological research, systemic therapies, and global health equity. A morning session focused on brain and leptomeningeal metastases, with presentations from experts like Nancy Lin, Orit Kaidar-Person, and Javier Cortés, who discussed advancements in radiotherapy and systemic agents capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Later sessions delved into the clinical application of cutting-edge molecular tools, including ctDNA, NGS, and liquid biopsies. Experts, including François-Clément Bidard and Lisa Carey, highlighted how these technologies are reshaping precision oncology. Panels moderated by Hesham Elghazaly and Sarah Kutika Nyagabona tackled the global disparities in cancer care, exploring the potential of AI, telemedicine, and collaborative initiatives like the ATOM Coalition and Max Foundation to improve access.
The role of maintenance therapy – whether to prioritize escalation, de-escalation, or long-term disease control – was a subject of robust debate among experts including Volkmar Müller, Tanja Spanić, Joseph Gligorov, and Eric P. Winer. The day concluded with a powerful discussion led by Ranjit Kaur, Fran Boyle, Tanja Spanić, and Claire Myerson, emphasizing the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding cancer and prioritizing quality of life alongside medical success.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Progress
The conference commenced with a welcoming address from Prof. Fatima Cardoso, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the ABC Global Alliance and the launch of the Global Decade Report 2.0 and ABC Global Charter 2025–2035. These landmark documents revealed encouraging trends in survival rates, with median overall survival increasing from 26 to 33 months globally, and exceeding 50 months in certain subtypes with access to advanced therapies.
Throughout the day, experts including Eva Schumacher-Wulf, Volkmar Müller, Janice Tsang, and Amanda Drury explored the evolving landscape of oral therapies, focusing on adherence, patient autonomy, and the role of digital support. Sessions also underscored the urgent need for equitable access to comprehensive supportive and palliative care, including psychological, social, and financial assistance.
A landmark lecture by Dr. Larry Norton, reflecting on his pioneering work in dose-dense chemotherapy and mathematical modeling, highlighted the power of combining evidence-based precision with compassionate care.
A Decade of Commitment to Equity and Innovation
As ABC8 2025 drew to a close, a unified message resonated throughout the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa: the next decade of advanced breast cancer care must be a collaborative effort uniting science, policy, and a deep commitment to humanity. With updated consensus statements, renewed advocacy goals, and an unwavering focus on quality of life, the ABC community reaffirmed its mission to ensure that advancements in cancer care reach all patients, regardless of location or circumstance.
From researchers decoding the complexities of molecular resistance to survivors championing advocacy and policy reform, ABC8 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal moment – a testament to the power of unity in the ongoing fight against advanced breast cancer, bringing the world closer to hope, access, and equity for all.
Written by Aharon Tsaturyan, MD, Editor at OncoDaily Intelligence Unit
