Breast Cancer

Immunotherapy and Breast Cancer

Immunotherapy is revolutionizing the landscape of cancer treatment, and its application in breast cancer is rapidly evolving. Although traditionally considered less immunogenic than other tumor types, certain subtypes of breast cancer—most notably triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—have shown responsiveness to immune-based therapies. Combination strategies represent a major focus in current research. The synergy between immunotherapy and chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation is under intense investigation. Experts will share insights from recent trials exploring these combinations, aiming to enhance immune system activation while overcoming resistance mechanisms. Checkpoint blockade has emerged as the most promising immunotherapy strategy in breast cancer. Inhibitors targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and CTLA-4 are being actively studied and utilized. Combination strategies represent a major focus in current research. The synergy between immunotherapy and chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation is under intense investigation. Emerging topics will also include the role of the gut microbiome in modulating immune responses and treatment outcomes. Early research suggests that gut flora diversity and composition can influence the efficacy of immunotherapy and may serve as a modifiable factor in patient outcomes.