DBCC hosts 24th Annual Breast Cancer Update

by Terry Rogers

 

Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC) will hold their 24^th Annual Breast Cancer Update “BREAKING THE CODE:  Advances in Vaccines and Treatments for Breast Cancer” in a virtual setting on Wednesday, February 23 from 7:30 AM until 1:00 PM. The conference is free to anyone who wishes to attend.

“The DBCC Annual Breast Cancer Update began as a small, scientific meeting to update physicians about the latest trends in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment,” Marilyn Hyte, Board President and Breast Cancer Update Chair, said. “Prior to COVID, we held the event in the Dover Downs ballroom with over 450 people in attendance and last year, when we held the event virtually, there were still hundreds signed up to hear from the presenters.

Leading medical breast cancer experts and informational resources are provided during the update, designed to help breast cancer survivors, their families, physicians, nurses, students, and other healthcare professionals. The program empowers communities to fight against breast cancer by bringing in nationally renowned speakers in the field who provide details on innovative research, treatment and programs available in Delaware.

“Our Keynote Speaker, Keith Knutson, Ph.D., will discuss vaccines that are currently in development that may help treat and prevent breast cancer,” Hyte said. “Known as the Artemis Project, this is an ongoing clinical trial that could prevent the metastasis of breast cancer using mRNA technology. ”

Other speakers at the event include Ramya Varadarajan, MD, Stephanie L. Goff, MD, FACS, FSSO and Jennifer Sims-Mourtada, Ph.D. who will discuss current approaches in oncology. Renee L. Quarterman, MD, FACS, Nathalie Johnson, MD, FACS and Tony Lee, MD, FACRO will discuss current surgical approaches in breast cancer treatment.

“The objective of the update is to identify current trends and advances, not only in breast cancer treatment, but also in diagnosis and clinical trials,” Hyte said. “The program will compare current surgical options for de-escalation of breast surgery and in the axilla while also discuss current approaches and advances in chemotherapeutic treatment options. Discussion will also include current research initiatives on blood diagnostics.”

More information about the update can be found at https://debreastcancer.org/breastcancerupdate/. Registration is available online at https://dbcc.ejoinme.org/BCU2022.