EBCC-15: key news headlines
With the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-15) (March 25–27, Barcelona, Spain) underway, we’re bringing you significant headlines from the conference in one convenient place.
Discover key presentations to look out for in this conference report by our Senior Editor Jade Parker (Taylor & Francis Group).
Polyurethane-coated breast implants reduce scarring for mastectomy patients
A multicenter study of 1,455 women across 15 countries has demonstrated that polyurethane-coated implants reduce the incidence of scar tissue as well as the need for revision surgery and associated infection risks.
“This study highlights an important step forward in improving long-term outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy. While reconstructive surgery has advanced considerably, capsular contracture (scarring) remains one of the most challenging complications, particularly for patients who also require radiotherapy,” explained EBCC15 Chair Isabel Rubia (who was not involved in the research) from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid, Spain.
The presentation, recognized by the EBCC15 Multidisciplinary Team Award, provides evidence-based guidance for breast cancer reconstructive surgery, particularly for patients likely to need radiotherapy. Overall, the study could enhance long-term quality of life and aesthetic outcomes while reducing healthcare costs that come with corrective procedures.
Abstract no: 2, “The impact of polyurethane coated implants on the risk of capsular contracture after immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiotherapy: the OPBC-09 PRExRT study”, in Plenary session ‘Opening of the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference and Awards’, 09:00-10:30 hrs, Wednesday 25 March, Rooms 113–116. https://cm.eortc.org/cmPortal/Searchable/ebcc15/config/Normal#!abstractdetails/0000983000
Our top picks for the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-15)
Navigate EBCC-15 with confidence. We’ve identified must-attend sessions that deliver the latest breast cancer insights.
Tailored radiotherapy yields low recurrence, even after 10 years
A multicenter study has shown that implementing risk-stratified radiotherapy (based on post-chemotherapy lymph node status) achieves remarkably low 10-year locoregional recurrence rates (2.9%) in early breast cancer patients.
“This study examined whether it’s possible to scale back radiotherapy in patients whose cancer shows a good response when chemotherapy is given prior to surgery,” explained Fleur Mauritz (Maastricht Radiation Oncology Institute, The Netherlands), who presented the findings at EBCC15.
The study highlighted that tailoring radiation intensity to pathologic response, ranging from omission in node-negative mastectomy patients to comprehensive nodal irradiation in high-risk cases, maintained long-term disease control across all risk groups (2.4–3.2% recurrence).
The approach potentially spares low-risk patients from unnecessary radiation toxicity while maintaining oncologic safety.
“A major strength of our study is that it’s the first to demonstrate the benefits of tailoring radiotherapy for this group of patients over a 10-year period. It is important to note that most patients in the study underwent axillary lymph node dissection, a procedure that was common 10 years ago but is used less often in current practice. This study did not compare patients treated with and without radiation therapy. For the final conclusion, we will have to wait for the results of a randomized trial from the USA, which are expected in 3 years,” Mauritz added.
Abstract no: 1, ‘Radiotherapy Long term results of Radiation therapy de-escalation in cT1-2N1 breast cancer After Primary CHEMotherapy (RAPCHEM: BOOG 2010-03): 10-year follow-up results of a Dutch, prospective, registry study’, by Fleur Mauritz et al, presented in ‘Opening of the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference and Awards’, Plenary session, Rooms 113–116, 09:00–10:30 hrs CET, Wednesday 25 March. https://cm.eortc.org/cmPortal/Searchable/ebcc15/config/Normal#!abstractdetails/0000983400
Elinzanetant reduces hot flushes regardless of breast cancer hormone treatment type
A new subgroup analysis of the OASIS-4 trial has demonstrated that elinzanetant is effective and well-tolerated by breast cancer patients experiencing vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flushes or night sweats) that arise from endocrine therapy. The findings, presented at EBCC15, demonstrated the drug’s effectiveness regardless of whether patients receive tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, or ovarian function suppressors.
“Elinzanetant is the first approved targeted agent for this very frequent symptom that deeply affects the quality of life of breast cancer patients. By helping patients to tolerate better their breast cancer treatment, elinzanetant may contribute to improved compliance and, therefore, better cancer outcomes,” explained study presenter Fatima Cardoso (ABC Global Alliance and Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France).
Next steps for the study include exploring potential interactions between elinzanetant and several other targeted agents, used in combination with endocrine therapy, to widen the patient population who could receive elinzanetant. The team is also looking to conduct trials in other patient groups, such as metastatic breast cancer patients and male patients with breast cancer.
Source: https://event.eortc.org/ebcc15/2026/03/26/hormone-treatment-breast-cancer/
Abstract no: 3, “Efficacy of elinzanetant for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms in women with breast cancer: subgroup analysis of the OASIS-4 trial by type of endocrine therapy”, Thursday 26 March, Oral abstract session, 09.30-11:00 hrs, Room 113-116, https://cm.eortc.org/cmPortal/Searchable/ebcc15/config/Normal#!abstractdetails/0000984690
Phase III ADARNAT results suggest that radiotherapy may reduce lymphoedema risk
New results from a pilot phase of the ADARNAT Phase III trial suggest that patients with breast cancer may be able to avoid lymphoedema, which can occur after surgery to remove lymph nodes in the armpit (the axilla), by having radiotherapy instead.
“Many patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy experience a significant reduction in axillary disease burden and ultimately present with only one or two lymph nodes that are positive for cancer metastases, which often correspond to the sentinel lymph node, while the remaining axillary nodes are negative,” explained clinical trial lead Amparo Garcia-Tejedor (Bellvitge University Hospital and the Institut Català d’Oncologia, both located in Spain).
Pilot results from the ADARNAT trial showed no axillary recurrences in the axillary radiotherapy group versus one occurrence in the axillary lymph node dissection group. Disease-free and overall survival rates were similar after a 2 year follow-up.
Lymphoedema occurred less frequently with axillary radiotherapy (18.9% vs 26.7%), although the difference was not statistically significant in this small cohort. While axillary radiotherapy caused more acute skin toxicity (27.8% vs 13.3%), the effects were short-lived and did not affect everyday activities.
These preliminary findings support continued patient trial recruitment, which is expected to take 3 years, plus a 5-year follow-up period.
Conference Chair Isabel Rubio, who was not involved in the study, commented: “These findings from the pilot phase of the Phase III ADARNAT clinical trial are encouraging. They provide a sound basis for the clinical trial to proceed. Once the trial reports its final results in a few years’ time, we will know whether radiotherapy rather than surgery is safe for patients who have received neoadjuvant treatments.”
Abstract no: 7, “Axillary radiotherapy as an alternative to axillary dissection for node-positive breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: two-year survival results from the ADARNAT pilot phase”, Thursday 26 March, Oral abstract plenary session, 09:30-11:00 hrs CET, rooms 113-116, https://cm.eortc.org/cmPortal/Searchable/ebcc15/config/Normal#!abstractdetails/0000982980
Abstract no: 28, “What Is the Real Impact of Axillary Radiotherapy on Treatment-Related Toxicity? A Randomized Comparison with Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in the ADARNAT Trial”, Friday 27 March, 11:00-11:30, Poster in the Spotlight session, Exhibition Hall, https://cm.eortc.org/cmPortal/Searchable/ebcc15/config/Normal#!abstractdetails/0000984730