SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 30, 2017) ― More than 7,000 oncologists, cancer researchers and patient advocates will converge on San Antonio Dec. 5-9 for the 40th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
The symposium is one of the largest breast cancer meetings in the world, with approximately half of attendees coming from more than 90 countries outside of the U.S. The meeting also is significant in that it generates a $19 million economic impact for San Antonio.
The symposium was founded in 1978 by what was then called the Cancer Therapy & Research Center, now known as UT Health Cancer Center, part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio). UT Health remains a co-sponsor, along with the American Association of Cancer Research and Baylor College of Medicine.
Virginia Kaklamani, M.D., a medical oncologist and leader of the breast cancer program at UT Health Cancer Center, is co-director of the conference.
“One of the most important things about the symposium is that it brings together basic scientists and clinical researchers. We have investigators from across the scientific spectrum all talking to each other and learning from each other who translate new discoveries into better care for cancer patients,” Dr. Kaklamani said.
In addition to presenting some of her own research, Dr. Kaklamani will moderate two press conferences on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 7:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., that will highlight major discoveries announced at the conference. She and Richard Crownover, M.D., a radiation oncologist from UT Health, will participate in an Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation Facebook Live session beginning at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8.
40th anniversary events
There are three special events planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the SABCS:
- Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., Hall 2 ― A 30-minute presentation will recognize key people who have contributed to the symposium over the years. They include current and former co-directors from UT Health such as Dr. Kaklamani, Dr. Ismail Jatoi, Dr. Tyler Curiel, Dr. Peter Ravdin (retired), Dr. Charles Coltman (co-founder, retired) and Dr. William McGuire (co-founder, deceased).
- Dec. 6, 8-8:30 a.m., Hall 3 ― Dr. Kent Osborne will give a presentation on the history of scientific breakthroughs presented at the SABCS over the years.
- Dec. 6, 8:30 to 9 a.m., Hall 3 ― Dr. Richard Pazdur, director of the Oncology Center of Excellence at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, will present the SABCS’s 40th Anniversary Lecture: Past and Future of Cancer Drug Development.
In addition to moderating various educational sessions, UT Health Cancer Center researchers will be involved in approximately 15 symposium poster presentations, including several detailed below.
- Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m., in Hall 1, Ratna Vadlamudi, Ph.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UT Health San Antonio, will present results of a study evaluating a new small organic molecule to fight advanced ER-positive breast cancer. http://www.abstracts2view.com/sabcs/view.php?nu=SABCS17L_1413&terms
- Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m., Hall 1, Rajeshwar Tekmal, Ph.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UT Health San Antonio, will present a study examining two estrogen-receptor agonists to help prevent the progression of ER-positive breast cancer. http://www.abstracts2view.com/sabcs/view.php?nu=SABCS17L_1097&terms
- Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m., in the Stars at Night Ballroom 1 & 2, Dr. Kaklamani will present results of the first clinical trial conducted in ER-positive breast cancer patients evaluating a new agent, RAD1901. http://www.abstracts2view.com/sabcs/view.php?nu=SABCS17L_1410&terms
- Dec. 7, 5-7 p.m., in the Stars at Night Ballroom 3 & 4, a second research poster of Dr. Kaklamani’s will be presented. The study tested a new combination treatment of eribulin mesylate and pembrolizumab for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. http://www.abstracts2view.com/sabcs/view.php?nu=SABCS17L_1445&terms
- Dec. 9, 7 a.m., in Hall 1, Manjeet Rao, Ph.D., assistant professor of cell systems and anatomy, will present an emerging approach to treating triple-negative breast cancer by focusing on replication stress. http://www.abstracts2view.com/sabcs/view.php?nu=SABCS17L_1443&terms
Visit sabcs.org for more information, including abstracts, media registration and embargo rules.
Please contact Rosanne Fohn, (210) 567-3026, or Will Sansom, (210) 567-2579, from UT Health San Antonio in advance for assistance in setting up interviews with our faculty researchers.
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