Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management of Breast Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Today, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women. Recent advances in diagnostics and treatment have enabled earlier detection, resulting in improved survival rates. Personalized care, encompassing diagnostic strategies, surgical interventions, systemic treatments, and radiation therapy, is grounded in evidence-based practice and a nuanced understanding of tumor biology. Ongoing efforts are focused on detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages through minimally invasive or non-invasive methods that are also cost-effective. A growing body of research examines both tumor-specific features and individual patient factors that may contribute to the development of malignant breast lesions. Significant strides have been made in diagnosing both premalignant and malignant breast conditions. Innovations in imaging such as 3D mammography, surpassing traditional 2D methods, along with improved patient selection and optimized screening protocols have enhanced early detection. Our understanding of what makes screening effective continues to evolve. Additionally, artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool in both diagnostics and the monitoring of treatment response. Nevertheless, identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies and understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance remain areas of uncertainty. The advent of innovative treatments has enabled the emergence of a trend toward the de-escalation of both breast and axillary surgeries, especially in the post-neoadjuvant setting. Postoperative radiotherapy remains a cornerstone of locoregional control. Today, precise radiation techniques and hypofractionated regimens are widely adopted. However, due to the potential side effects of radiation, identifying radiosensitive patient subgroups is increasingly important, a goal that may be achieved through molecular profiling. Ultimately, personalized diagnostics and therapies are essential for effective breast cancer management. Continued research across all aspects of care is vital to improving patient outcomes and long-term prognosis.

We welcome all manuscripts discussing recent advancements and ongoing challenges in the early detection and personalized management of breast cancer. In particular, we hope to focus on novel imaging modalities, prognosis, molecular profiling, artificial intelligence, and the evolving roles of breast surgery, radiotherapy, systemic medical therapy, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Marko Spasic
Guest Editor

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• breast cancer
• diagnostics
• personalized medicine
• breast surgery
• individualized treatment
• radiotherapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy