Advancing Breast Cancer Care: Insights from the "From Genes to Care" Webinar

Our recent webinar, moderated by Dr. Anil K. Rustgi of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), brought together leading experts from India and the U.S. to explore cutting-edge advancements in breast cancer genetics and treatment.

December 23, 2024

 Key Highlights:

  • Dr. Rajiv Sarin, Clinician-Scientist and Professor of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, emphasized that while only 5–10% of cancers are inherited, genetic counseling and testing are crucial in identifying high-risk individuals.
  • Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director and Professor of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre,  addressed the challenges in India, highlighting the high breast cancer mortality rate among younger women and noting that combining chemotherapy with surgery improves survival rates by over 12% for patients under 50.
  • Dr. Meghna Trivedi, Herbert Irving Associate Professor of Medicine, HICCC, shared insights on early detection in the U.S., underscoring the need for MRI screenings, preventive surgeries, and equitable access to genetic testing, especially for minority groups.
  • Dr. Neil Vasan, Physician-Scientist and Clinical Oncologist, HICCC, discussed groundbreaking targeted therapies like Alpelisib and Capivasertib, which block malfunctioning pathways in cancer cells, and stressed the vital role of patient advocacy in research and awareness.
Screenshot of Dr Sudeep Gupta's presentation

 Takeaway: Increasing access to genetic testing, improving early diagnosis, and developing affordable treatments are key to transforming breast cancer care globally.

Watch the full recording here