Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2026 | Viewed by 23937

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Guest Editor
Department of General Surgery, National Health Service | NHS, Lincoln, UK
Interests: breast cancer; breast reconstruction; lipomodelling
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Breast cancer is one of the most common adult cancers worldwide with more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer occurring each year. The management of breast cancer is a quickly changing field. The adoption of newer technologies and quality research has helped better diagnosis, prognostication, and treatments. In addition, there have been advancements in the availability of wider targeted therapies to treat breast cancer with improved outcomes. Ongoing research in various fields and a better understanding of this heterogeneous disease is helping to adopt various de-escalation treatment settings. Further research into various subsets of breast cancer patients would be of interest, such as Her2-low breast cancer patients and treatment outcomes with various antibody drug conjugates. Artificial intelligence and digital technology will significantly influence the management of breast cancer in the future. This may be of great help to achieve a consistent improved cancer survival with better patient outcomes being reported across the globe. Advancements in radiomics may enable us to decipher the histological nature of the disease without invasive tissue biopsies.

Dr. Dinesh K. Thekkinkattil
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • breast cancer
  • breast reconstruction
  • artificial intelligence
  • machine learning
  • staging
  • treatment
  • targeted therapy
  • digital pathology
  • radiomics
  • oncoplastic surgery
  • prognosis
  • immunotherapy
  • liquid biopsy

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2063 KB  
Article
Comparison of Stromal Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (sTIL) Levels and Clinicopathological Features in Neoadjuvant-Naive HER2-Low and HER2-Negative Primary Breast Cancers
by Mümin Emiroğlu, Esra Canan Kelten Talu, Cem Karaali, Olçun Ümit Ünal and Mihriban Erdoğan
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050826 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 350
Abstract
Background and Objective: The clinical success of novel antibody-drug conjugates has led to the identification of a new subgroup within traditionally HER2-negative breast cancers, termed ‘HER2-low.’ The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological differences between HER2-low and HER2-negative groups [...] Read more.
Background and Objective: The clinical success of novel antibody-drug conjugates has led to the identification of a new subgroup within traditionally HER2-negative breast cancers, termed ‘HER2-low.’ The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological differences between HER2-low and HER2-negative groups in neoadjuvant-naive primary breast cancer patients, with a specific focus on stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) density. Materials and Methods: The study included 731 neoadjuvant-naive invasive breast cancer patients. Tumors were classified as HER2-negative (IHC 0) and HER2-low (IHC 1+ or 2+/ISH-negative). sTIL levels were evaluated following the International TILs Working Group guidelines. Results: The HER2-low group (38.7%) demonstrated significantly higher histological grade (p = 0.033) and higher sTIL density (p = 0.006) compared to the HER2-negative group. A stepwise increase in sTIL rates was observed parallel to the HER2 immunohistochemical score (0 → 1+ → 2+) (p = 0.015). The HER2-low/hormone receptor (HR)-negative subgroup exhibited the highest sTIL density (median 35%). No statistically significant difference in overall or disease-free survival was found between the groups. Conclusions: HER2-low breast cancers were associated with a more immunogenic tumor microenvironment compared to HER2-negative tumors. This robust immune infiltration may offset the higher histological grade observed in the HER2-low cohort, potentially explaining the comparable survival outcomes. These findings provide a biological rationale for exploring the synergy between novel antibody–drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in the highly immunogenic HER2-low/HR-negative subgroup. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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13 pages, 1634 KB  
Article
Alterations in PD-L1+ Myeloid Cells and Immune Infiltration Are Associated with Atezolizumab and Paclitaxel Therapy Success in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Model
by Kerim Bora Yilmaz, Ece Tavukcuoglu, Hamdullah Yanik, Pelin Seçken, Ertugrul Celik, Sumeyra Guler, Mehmet Mert Hidiroglu, Ibrahim Burak Bahcecioglu, Ismail Erturk, Mehmet Ali Gulcelik, Derya Karakoc and Gunes Esendagli
Medicina 2026, 62(3), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030600 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 679
Abstract
Background and Objectives: A combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy may improve cancer treatment outcomes; however, determining which patient groups will benefit from immunotherapy is critical. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) achieves limited benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and anti-PD-L1 blockade therapy. Materials and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: A combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy may improve cancer treatment outcomes; however, determining which patient groups will benefit from immunotherapy is critical. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) achieves limited benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and anti-PD-L1 blockade therapy. Materials and Methods: In this study, PD-L1 expression levels in myeloid-derived cells in the tumor microenvironment were determined in an experimental TNBC model. Results: Compared with tumor cells, granulocytes, monocytes, and macrophages had significantly higher PD-L1 expression. CD206+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) expressed the highest level of PD-L1. PD-L1 positivity in TAMs was also significantly high in the lung, liver, lymph node, and spleen. Despite treatment initiation in late-stage tumorigenesis, the combination of paclitaxel and the anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody atezolizumab significantly reduced tumor growth. In addition, lung metastasis burden was reduced with combined treatment compared with chemotherapy or anti-PD-L1 monotherapy alone. Conclusions: As a result, alterations in PD-L1+ myeloid cells and immune infiltration can be associated with atezolizumab and paclitaxel therapy success in triple-negative breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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16 pages, 620 KB  
Article
Medication Adherence in Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer and Active Parenting Responsibilities: The Mediating Role of Parenting Stress and Spiritual Well-Being
by Veli Çakıcı, Aysel Oğuz, Süleyman Can, Gizem Bakır Kahveci, Hasibe Bilge Gür, Fahri Akgül, Abdurrahman Yiğit, Alper Topal, Pınar Peker, Erkan Özcan, İvo Gökmen and Yalçın Çırak
Medicina 2026, 62(2), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62020306 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 669
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Medication adherence is a key determinant of treatment effectiveness in early-stage breast cancer, particularly during long-term systemic therapies. As breast cancer is increasingly diagnosed at younger ages, a growing number of women continue to carry active parenting responsibilities during [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Medication adherence is a key determinant of treatment effectiveness in early-stage breast cancer, particularly during long-term systemic therapies. As breast cancer is increasingly diagnosed at younger ages, a growing number of women continue to carry active parenting responsibilities during treatment. However, the associations between parenting-related psychosocial factors and medication adherence remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine the associations between parenting stress, spiritual well-being, and medication adherence in women with early-stage breast cancer who maintain active parenting roles. Materials and Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study included 432 women with early-stage (I–III) breast cancer receiving active systemic therapy across nine oncology centers. Parenting stress was assessed using the Parenting Stress Scale (PSS), spiritual well-being using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), and medication adherence using the 6-item Modified Morisky Adherence Scale (MMAS-6). Spearman correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between variables. Mediation analysis was performed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4) with 5000 bootstrap samples to assess statistical mediation. Results: Parenting stress was positively associated with poorer medication adherence (ρ = 0.248, p < 0.01), whereas spiritual well-being was negatively associated with non-adherence (ρ = −0.225, p < 0.01). Parenting stress showed a strong inverse association with spiritual well-being (ρ = −0.597, p < 0.01). In multivariable regression analyses, both parenting stress and spiritual well-being were independently associated with medication adherence (β = 0.180, p = 0.002 and β = −0.199, p = 0.001, respectively). Mediation analysis demonstrated a significant indirect statistical association between parenting stress and medication adherence through spiritual well-being (indirect effect = 0.0155), consistent with partial statistical mediation. Conclusions: Medication adherence among women with early-stage breast cancer and active parenting responsibilities is associated with psychosocial context in addition to clinical factors. Parenting stress is associated with poorer adherence, whereas greater spiritual well-being is associated with better adherence within a statistical mediation framework. These findings generate hypotheses for future longitudinal and interventional studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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22 pages, 3368 KB  
Article
Adherence and Compliance with Endocrine Treatment After Primary Breast Cancer Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Qualitative Study
by Odhran Cosgrove, Sadaf Zehra and Dinesh Kumar Thekkinkattil
Medicina 2025, 61(11), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61112055 - 18 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with approximately 80% being oestrogen receptor positive, necessitating adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) to reduce recurrence. Treatment adherence is crucial, yet 10–50% of patients take incorrect doses or discontinue therapy, which is [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with approximately 80% being oestrogen receptor positive, necessitating adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) to reduce recurrence. Treatment adherence is crucial, yet 10–50% of patients take incorrect doses or discontinue therapy, which is associated with a 20% increase in mortality. AET may also impact bone health. This study aimed to explore patients’ beliefs about endocrine treatment, investigate how perceptions of medication risk and benefit affect adherence, and assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) during therapy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted. One hundred patients diagnosed with oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in 2020 were sent the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire–Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy (BMQ-AET) and 101 semi-structured telephone interviews were completed. Initial and most recent Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were compared to assess changes in BMD. Results: The questionnaire response rate was 55% (n = 55). Forty-nine patients returned the postal paper survey and six patients responded via QR code. One hundred and one patients participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Of the total cohort, 91.7% were adherent to AET, while 13 patients (8.3%) were non-adherent. Non-adherent patients had significantly lower BMQ-AET Necessity scores (mean 12.08 vs. 19.22; median 12 vs. 20; p < 0.001) and higher Concerns scores (mean 17 vs. 13.46; Median 17 vs. 13; p = 0.002). The most common reasons for non-adherence were joint pain and reduced quality of life (58%), highlighting a need for additional support in managing side effects. Among the participants with suitable DEXA data, the majority (54.2%) demonstrated an increase in BMD over time. Conclusions: This study demonstrates high adherence to AET, with non-adherent patients showing lower perceived necessity and greater concern about treatment. These findings emphasise the importance of addressing patient beliefs to enhance adherence. The observed improvements in BMD suggest that proactive bone health management, alongside AET, may mitigate expected declines, challenging conventional assumptions regarding therapy-related bone loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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11 pages, 541 KB  
Article
Is the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio a Predictive Factor of Pathological Complete Response in Egyptian Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?
by Naglaa F. Ebaid, Khaled S. Abdelkawy, Amira S. A. Said, Mohamad M. Al-Ahmad, Mohamed A. Shehata, Heba F. Salem and Raghda R. S. Hussein
Medicina 2025, 61(2), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020327 - 13 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2492
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of response in breast cancers after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is controversial. This study aims to explore the relationship of NLR with pathological complete response (pCR) in a cohort of Egyptian breast [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of response in breast cancers after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is controversial. This study aims to explore the relationship of NLR with pathological complete response (pCR) in a cohort of Egyptian breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Forty-six breast cancer females received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy and then underwent surgery. All resected tumors were evaluated to determine the pathologic effect of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A complete blood count was carried out at baseline before beginning the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The absolute count of neutrophils was divided by the absolute count of lymphocytes to calculate the NLR. Results: Of the study patients, 18 (39.1%) were considered to have a low NLR (NLR < 1.76), and 28 (60.9%) were considered to have a high NLR (NLR ≥ 1.76). Patients with a low NLR had 18-fold higher rates of pCR when compared to patients with a high NLR (OR 18.1; 95% CI (1.058–310.757); p = 0.046). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the pretreatment NLR is a pivotal predictor factor of the pathological complete response in Egyptian breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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11 pages, 664 KB  
Article
Role of Absorbable Polysaccharide Hemostatic Powder in the Prevention of Complications After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
by Simona Parisi, Francesco Saverio Lucido, Francesca Fisone, Roberto Ruggiero, Salvatore Tolone, Francesco Iovino, Antonio Santoriello, Federico Maria Mongardini, Maddalena Paolicelli, Ludovico Docimo and Claudio Gambardella
Medicina 2025, 61(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010079 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2000
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Although breast surgery has undergone a drastic de-escalation in recent decades, axillary dissection is still indicated in some selected cases. Unfortunately, in 3–85% of cases, complications such as seroma formation occur, highlighting the need for more accurate hemostasis systems. [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Although breast surgery has undergone a drastic de-escalation in recent decades, axillary dissection is still indicated in some selected cases. Unfortunately, in 3–85% of cases, complications such as seroma formation occur, highlighting the need for more accurate hemostasis systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of absorbable polysaccharide hemostatic such as HaemocerTM in preventing postoperative seroma. Materials and Methods: Patients referred to two surgery centers for a diagnosed breast cancer and candidates for axillary lymph node dissection were retrospectively evaluated and included in Group A (treated with HaemocerTM) and B (control group). The primary endpoints were the drain output after 48 h, the daily amount just before the removal, and the duration of axillary drainage placement. Secondary endpoints included the presence of seroma at the ultrasound (US) follow-up, significant blood loss, hematoma, the duration of surgery, and postsurgical complications. Results: The drain output within 48 h was 196 ± 93 vs. 286 ± 38 mL in Groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.013). The daily output before the removal was 40 ± 7 mL in Group A and 47 ± 2 mL in Group B (p = 0.049). The duration of axillary drainage placement was shorter in the experimental group (7 ± 3 days) compared to the control group (10 ± 1 days) with a statistically significant difference (0.037). During the US follow-up, on days 7, 15, and 30, the number of patients affected by seroma and the volumes were lower in the experimental group. Conclusions: The adsorbable hemostatic powder proved to be effective both in reducing the volume of drained fluid postoperatively and in decreasing the number and volume of reported seromas during the US follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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15 pages, 972 KB  
Article
An Intraoperative Ultrasound Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes: Cassandra Predictive Models in Patients with Breast Cancer—A Multicentric Study
by Simona Parisi, Francesco Saverio Lucido, Federico Maria Mongardini, Roberto Ruggiero, Francesca Fisone, Salvatore Tolone, Antonio Santoriello, Francesco Iovino, Domenico Parmeggiani, David Vagni, Loredana Cerbara, Ludovico Docimo and Claudio Gambardella
Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111806 - 4 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2643
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Axillary lymph node (ALN) staging is crucial for the management of invasive breast cancer (BC). Although various radiological investigations are available, ultrasound (US) is the preferred tool for evaluating ALNs. Despite its immediacy, widespread use, and good predictive value, US [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Axillary lymph node (ALN) staging is crucial for the management of invasive breast cancer (BC). Although various radiological investigations are available, ultrasound (US) is the preferred tool for evaluating ALNs. Despite its immediacy, widespread use, and good predictive value, US is limited by intra- and inter-operator variability. This study aims to evaluate US and Elastosonography Shear Wave (SW-ES) parameters for ALN staging to develop a predictive model, named the Cassandra score (CS), to improve the interpretation of findings and standardize staging. Materials and Methods: Sixty-three women diagnosed with BC and treated at two Italian hospitals were enrolled in the study. A total of 529 lymph nodes were surgically removed, underwent intraoperative US examination, and were individually sent for a final histological analysis. The study aimed to establish a direct correlation between eight US-SWES features (margins, vascularity, roundness index (RI), loss of hilum fat, cortical thickness, shear-wave elastography hardness (SWEH), peripheral infiltration (PI), and hypoechoic appearance) and the histological outcome (benign vs. malignant). Results: Several statistical models were compared. PI was strongly correlated with malignant ALNs. An ROC analysis for Model A revealed an impressive AUC of 0.978 (S.E. = 0.007, p < 0.001), while in Model B, the cut-offs of SWEH and RI were modified to minimize the risk of false negatives (AUC of 0.973, S.E. = 0.009, p < 0.001). Model C used the same cut-offs as Model B, but excluded SWEH from the formula, to make the Cassandra model usable even if the US machine does not have SW-ES capability (AUC of 0.940, S.E. = 0.015, p < 0.001). A two-tiered model was finally set up, leveraging the strong predictive capabilities of SWEH and RI. In the first tier, only SWES and RI were evaluated: a positive result was predicted if both hardness and roundness were present (SWES > 137 kPa and RI < 1.55), and conversely, a negative result was predicted if both were absent (SWES < 137 kPa and RI > 1.55). In the second tier, if there was a mix of the results (SWES > 137 kPa and RI > 1.55 or SWES < 137 kPa and RI < 1.55), the algorithm in Model B was applied. The model demonstrated an overall prediction accuracy of 90.2% in the training set, 87.5% in the validation set, and 88.9% across the entire dataset. The NPV was notably high at 99.2% in the validation set. This model was named the Cassandra score (CS) and is proposed for the clinical management of BC patients. Conclusion: CS is a simple, non-invasive, fast, and reliable method that showed a PPV of 99.1% in the malignancy prediction of ALNs, potentially being also well suited for young sonographers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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Review

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34 pages, 5025 KB  
Review
Capsular Contracture in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Contemporary Controversies
by Mihai Iliescu-Glaja, Fabiana Simion, Dana Stoian, Daciana Grujic, Cristi Tarta, Razvan Bogdan, Zorin Crainiceanu, Teodora Hoinoiu and Andrei Motoc
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050831 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 552
Abstract
Capsular contracture (CC) remains the most common long-term complication of implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR), significantly impacting cosmetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and reoperation rates. Despite substantial advances in surgical technique, implant technology, and perioperative management, the incidence of clinically significant contracture persists at approximately [...] Read more.
Capsular contracture (CC) remains the most common long-term complication of implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR), significantly impacting cosmetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and reoperation rates. Despite substantial advances in surgical technique, implant technology, and perioperative management, the incidence of clinically significant contracture persists at approximately 3–5% at five years in non-irradiated patients and escalates dramatically—to 20–50%—in those receiving postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). The etiology is multifactorial, involving subclinical biofilm formation, a dysregulated host immune and foreign-body response, and radiation-induced fibrosis. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence on the pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and modifiable risk factors for CC in IBBR, with particular emphasis on implant surface characteristics (smooth, textured, and polyurethane[PU]-coated), placement plane (prepectoral versus subpectoral), the role of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs), reconstruction timing (direct-to-implant versus two-stage), and the complex interplay with radiotherapy—including radiation timing, fractionation, and emerging delivery techniques. We also address ongoing controversies, including the lack of standardized objective diagnostic criteria, the comparative effectiveness of ADM versus PU-coated implants, and the optimal sequencing of radiation relative to reconstruction. By integrating the latest evidence from very recent major meta-analyses and national registries, this review provides an updated synthesis. We further propose an evidence-based clinical decision framework for CC risk mitigation. This review aims to inform individualized surgical decision-making and identify priority areas for future investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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16 pages, 2318 KB  
Review
HER2-Low Breast Cancer—Current Knowledge and Future Directions
by Abeer M. Shaaban, Tanvier Kaur and Elena Provenzano
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040644 - 1 Apr 2025
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8010
Abstract
The concept of binary classification of HER2 status has recently been challenged following the DESTINY-Breast trial data showing a clinically meaningful response to antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in invasive breast cancer expressing low levels of HER2. HER2-low breast cancer is defined as an immunohistochemistry [...] Read more.
The concept of binary classification of HER2 status has recently been challenged following the DESTINY-Breast trial data showing a clinically meaningful response to antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in invasive breast cancer expressing low levels of HER2. HER2-low breast cancer is defined as an immunohistochemistry (IHC) score of 1+ and 2+ without HER2 gene amplification. While HER2-low breast cancer does not represent a biological entity, it encompasses both hormone receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. Differences exist between this group and HER2-null breast cancer. In this review, we provide an update on HER2-low and HER2-ultralow breast cancer, including background trial data, the evolution of HER2-low expression, current clinical guidelines, quality issues, and future directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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Other

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9 pages, 1010 KB  
Perspective
Operational Advantages of Novel Strategies Supported by Portability and Artificial Intelligence for Breast Cancer Screening in Low-Resource Rural Areas: Opportunities to Address Health Inequities and Vulnerability
by Wolmark Xiques-Molina, Ivan David Lozada-Martinez, Ornella Fiorillo-Moreno, Angel Luis Hernández-Lastra and Valmore Bermúdez
Medicina 2025, 61(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020242 - 30 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3662
Abstract
Early detection of breast cancer plays a crucial role in reducing the number of cases diagnosed at advanced stages, thereby lowering the high healthcare costs required to achieve disease-free survival and helping to prevent avoidable premature deaths. However, women living in rural and [...] Read more.
Early detection of breast cancer plays a crucial role in reducing the number of cases diagnosed at advanced stages, thereby lowering the high healthcare costs required to achieve disease-free survival and helping to prevent avoidable premature deaths. However, women living in rural and low-income areas face multiple obstacles that limit their access to conventional screening methods, such as mammography, which has been widely proven effective, particularly in high-income countries. The main barriers include a lack of healthcare infrastructure, long distances to medical facilities, high costs associated with large-scale screening programs, and shortages of specialized personnel. In this context, emerging technologies offer innovative solutions with the potential to mitigate these challenges. The development of strategies supported by artificial intelligence and the use of portable devices capable of overcoming geographical and sociocultural barriers represent valuable complementary tools for strengthening community-driven screening programs and expanding the reach of large-scale initiatives. However, to date, no comprehensive analysis has been conducted on the availability of evidence assessing the outcomes of breast cancer screening programs in vulnerable and underserved communities. This manuscript outlines the benefits of emerging portable technologies powered by artificial intelligence for detecting significant breast lesions in low-resource rural areas, where traditional screening methods are often difficult to implement. It also highlights gaps in the current knowledge, drawing on the available evidence. A search using PubMed yielded 7629 articles on breast cancer screening, of which only 59 (0.77%) addressed resource-limited settings and rural populations. Further filtering identified 29 original studies (0.38%) with specific epidemiological designs involving humans as the unit of analysis. The findings revealed significant disparities in evidence availability: nine studies originated from high-income countries, while fewer than half were from low-income or lower middle-income countries. Only two studies were conducted in Latin America, specifically in Peru and Argentina. This limited evidence poses challenges for generalizing and replicating recommendations for unexplored settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Breast Cancer Management)
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