Each year, the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium^® presents the latest scientific data and discussions with the help of breast cancer experts from around the world, including Carlos Barrios, MD. A familiar face in the audience and behind the microphone at the SABCS^®, Dr. Barrios is the director of the Oncology Research Center at Hospital São Lucas, Brazil, current President of the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group and a member of the Oncoclínicas Group. Here, he lends his perspective on the importance of the SABCS^® to the breast cancer community and shares what he is looking forward to at this year’s symposium.

In your opinion, why do attendees choose to return to SABCS^® each year?

Although there are many alternative meetings held throughout the year, participants from all over the world attend the SABCS^® to learn about the results of the latest and most critical clinical trials, discuss research advancements in breast cancer treatments, receive updates in personalized medicine approaches, and are exposed to emerging technologies in diagnosis and treatment.

Why do so many attendees come from around the world to attend SABCS^®? What value does it offer you personally?

SABCS^® attracts international attendees due to its reputation for presenting cutting-edge research and fostering collaborations. It offers exposure to diverse perspectives in the management of breast cancer and the opportunity to learn from world-renowned specialists in the field. The meeting represents a unique opportunity to learn from expert interpretation and discussion of presented data in a way that makes it easier to address clinical practice impact.

Personally, I value the opportunity to network and discuss different approaches in clinical practice with colleagues from around the world, while still gaining insights into new research.

What topics on the program are you most interested in and why? What about outside of your specialty?

Interesting topics include new insights into the biology of breast cancer, translational research, novel therapies, drug resistance, biomarker identification, and the integration of new technologies and AI in oncology. Outside my specific area of interest, I look forward to gaining insights regarding genetics, patient advocacy, and the psychosocial aspects of patient care.

What are some of the ways that you disseminate learnings from SABCS^® to your multidisciplinary colleagues and patients in your country of practice?

After SABCS^® we share the learnings through presentations, post-event meetings, and webinars. The meeting information also immediately becomes part of the weekly discussions in multidisciplinary tumor boards. After regulatory approvals, practice-changing results are integrated into institutional clinical protocols.

What are your tips for first-time attendees?

First-timers should plan their agenda in advance, look for advice from colleagues that have been there before, and preferentially look for presentations that cover their main interests. The main sessions where clinical trial results are presented and discussed should be prioritized. Poster sessions are a great opportunity to network and interact with investigators and colleagues from all over the world. As the program is usually very intense, it’s important to balance sessions, networking, and self-care.

What about the Exhibit Hall do you enjoy most and what are you most looking forward to this year?

The Exhibit Hall presents the opportunity to explore new products, technologies, and services in an informal setting. Interaction with patients and patient advocacy organizations are extremely instructive and should be explored.