The 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago delivered some of the most promising advancements in breast cancer care to date, and BCRC WA was proud to contribute to two of the most widely discussed international trials.

Changing the Game in Advanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer

ASCENT 04 Trial
This groundbreaking trial demonstrated that combining sacituzumab govitecan (a targeted therapy) with pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) significantly extended progression free survival in patients with advanced triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who are PD L1 positive.
This could soon become a new first line standard of care for one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes.

Reducing Recurrence Risk in Early Stage Breast Cancer

NATALEE Trial
A major step forward for hormone receptor positive (HR+) HER2 negative breast cancer. This study showed that adding ribociclib to an aromatase inhibitor significantly reduced recurrence, with the benefits continuing even after treatment stopped.
It was well tolerated and effective across all age groups and menopausal statuses, offering renewed hope for early stage patients.

AI & Precision Medicine: Smarter Detection and Diagnosis

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools showed superior sensitivity in immunohistochemistry (IHC) scoring, helping to more accurately identify HER2 low and ultra low breast cancers — subtypes that may respond to emerging therapies.
AI also showed potential in identifying novel biomarkers such as TROP2, which could further personalise treatment options.

Improving Quality of Life: New Hope for Side Effect Management

For women experiencing hot flushes and insomnia caused by hormone therapy, a new non hormonal drug, elinzanetant, showed encouraging early results.
This breakthrough could offer relief without disrupting ongoing cancer treatment.

Advancements in Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer

• Camizestrant (SERENA-6 Trial): This oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) demonstrated a 56% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death in patients with advanced hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, offering a promising new treatment option.

• Fulvestrant and Ipatasertib (FINER Study): The combination of fulvestrant with the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib showed potential benefits in patients with advanced HER2-negative and estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer who had progressed on prior therapies.

For more Breast Cancer Research Updates: Early Breast Cancer Highlights From ASCO 2025