The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium^® is the largest breast cancer-specific meeting in the world, and the content of the program is critically important to those dedicated to improving the lives of people living with the disease. From translational science to clinically meaningful and immediately impactful phase 3 research, SABCS^® informs all aspect of breast cancer care.

Two expert moderators participating in this year’s symposium shared their insights into the program with SABCS Meeting News. Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Policy and Strategy at Texas Oncology, is moderating Educational Session 9: Artificial Intelligence in the Clinic from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, December 12. Heather McArthur, MD, MPH, Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, is moderating Educational Session 10: Immunotherapy in the same time slot on Thursday.

What clinical questions are you hoping to have answered by presentations and/or posters throughout the course of the meeting?

Dr. McArthur: As a community, we are always looking for insights into biomarkers that predict for responses to as well as toxicities from specific therapies. This information can potentially directly inform clinical decision-making. We are also very interested in treatment optimization strategies–giving more treatment or better treatments to those who are at high risk of recurrence or progression, while minimizing use of more toxic therapies for those patients who are at lower risk or who have lesser disease burdens.

Why do you attend SABCS^® year after year and dedicate so much time to participating in the meeting?

Dr. Patt: SABCS^® is a wonderful meeting planned by an international contingent of breast cancer leaders throughout the world to share learnings that will help us all advance the field. In addition to offering a strong foundation of breast cancer education and cutting-edge research, it is a great place to network with friends and collaborators. Unlike other scientific meetings, there is also a strong focus on patient advocates and providing content of great interest to breast cancer survivors.

What are some tips for first-time attendees?

Dr. McArthur: SABCS^® is a really great opportunity to connect with your oncology heroes in a very informal environment. I remember when I was a fellow/junior faculty member, and I was given the opportunity to present my posters. People who I had only seen from a distance on the podium came by to chat with me about my work, and meeting and interacting with them was very special to me. The opportunity to share my work and interests with the people who I really continue to look up to is a cherished experience that I don’t think you really get at any other meeting. So take advantage of the informal tone of the meeting and engage with everyone.

In addition, the Educational Sessions are always outstanding, so I highly encourage attendance of those.

Dr. Patt: Try to attend for the duration of the meeting. In the main session there will be cutting edge research and important educational sessions and clinical controversies. At the end of the meeting are sessions that aggregate what is practice changing (View from the Trenches) and the Year in Review. Unlike other meetings where you starve during the day, the poster sessions have food and beverages and allow you to socialize and enjoy yourself while you take in the science. Don’t forget to be present for the full day and to dine with friends on San Antonio’s lovely River Walk as often as you can!

What features of the Exhibit Hall are you most looking forward to?

Dr. Patt: Although there is a focus on patient advocacy throughout the meeting, the Exhibit Hall is where it is most obvious so it is the place most people want to be.

Dr. McArthur: I am very excited about the Culinary Corner – new this year – and the Wellness Lounge. I also heard about the presence of therapy dogs in the Exhibit Hall last year, and I know they were very popular. I think all of these features just speak to the innovative minds of the meeting organizers, as well as to their dedication to patient and provider health and wellness.