Dr. Anees B. Chagpar on the Hottest Topics in Breast Cancer Management

Anees B. Chagpar, MD, associate professor of Surgery (Oncology), director of The Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, Yale Cancer Center, explains some of the most discussed topics in breast cancer. Chagpar was recently the chair at the State of the Science Summit on Breast Cancer held Sept. 15.

Imaging is one area that is generating a lot of discussion, says Chagpar. Whether breast tomosynthesis, which takes multiple images of the entire breast, is a useful tool, is one question that is being explored. Breast MRI is also being considered, and experts are waiting for the latest data, says Chagpar.

In the area of genetics, one question that remains is what should be done with large panel testing as well as variance of uncertain significance, she says. In surgery, the best time to perform a sentinel node biopsy or an axillary node dissection is also being debated. In recent years, surgical techniques have really come a long way, she says.

On the treatment side, several novel targeted and immunotherapies are on the horizon in breast cancer. At the State of the Science meeting, experts with a variety of backgrounds came together to discuss where these treatments are going and what roles they may play, says Chagpar.

Advancements in radiation therapy as well as survivorship are also important areas that those in the field are addressing right now.