ABCSG News
Günther Steger
ABCSG-24 trial results presented in Berlin:
Further optimizing breast cancer therapy
The neoadjuvant therapy protocol ABCSG-24 was activated in Austria in mid-2004. The clinical objective of this study was to investigate to what extent rates of complete pathologic remission could be improved (i.e., breast cancer cells eliminated completely, as seen in patients’ dissected material). Today in Berlin, Prof. Günther Steger, MD, presented impressive trial results from ABCSG-24. Twenty-seven ABCSG centers recruited a total of 536 patients across Austria to participate in ABCSG-24, a study in neoadjuvant (preoperative) breast cancer treatment. Initial and substantial results of this innovative therapy protocol have now become available and were presented today by Prof. Steger at the European multidisciplinary ECCO/ESMO conference in Berlin.
Complete pathologic remission was shown in 16% of the patients receiving standard preoperative treatment with epirubicin and docetaxel (ED) and in 24% of women given combined epirubicin-docetaxel-capecitabine therapy.
This difference in complete pathologic remission is statistically significant, as much as clinically relevant: An 8% absolute difference - and a relative difference of approx. 50% - is a finding of utmost importance to many women with breast cancer worldwide. Thus, the results of this study represent another important step in optimizing treatment and improving these patients’ probability of survival.
In the media
Cancer World, Juli/August 2009Cover Story
Michael Gnant: Pushing the boundaries
Download article
Link: Cancer World
Cancerworld
Published under the Sharing Progress in Cancer Care initiative and edited by Kathy Redmond, Cancer World explores the world of European cancer care from the perspective of the clinician, the researcher, the administrator and the patient. Though a combination of features, comment, analysis, and in-depth interviews with some of Europe's most influential oncology leaders, it explores issues related to treatment, diagnosis and prevention.
It also takes a wider look at the political, financial and bureaucratic decisions that affect how far and how fast innovative therapies and technologies are adopted into mainstream practice. The magazine's primary audience is in Europe, where it has a readership of over 14,000.
ABCSG treatment makes history:
ABCSG-12 trial results published in the New England Journal of MedicineABCSG Trial 12 demonstrated that bisphosphonate treatment added to standard therapy reduces the risk of recurrence by 36% in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-sensitive breast cancer as compared to patients receiving conventional antihormonal treatment. The renowned New England Journal of Medicine published this result in its current issue – an honor rarely bestowed on researchers in Austria.
Premenopausal breast cancer patients participating in ABCSG-12 were administered zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate, in addition to their antihormonal treatment. The effect was excellent, as shown by a longitudinal analysis: Not only did women given this combination experience a substantially lower recurrence rate: Their survival chances were improved, as well. Five years after diagnosis, more than 98 percent of these breast cancer patients were alive – and that is without adjuvant chemotherapy given routinely in the USA and elsewhere. Moreover, a trend was observed in terms of enhanced overall survival with bisphosphonate treatment.
The professional world acknowledged these impressive research results with much advertence. The significance the international scientific community attaches to these insights is now reflected in this publication in the New England Journal, one of the most distinguished medical journals worldwide.
„The New York Times”; Interview with Dr. Michael Gnant
about the results of ABCSG trial-12 »
Download: "The New YorK Times" - article
October 31, 2008
OVER 100 PATIENTS HAVE NOW BEEN RANDOMIZED INTO PANTHER !
We are grateful to all patients participating in ABCSG-25 and to all Principal Investigators for their substantial contributions. Let’s continue!
100 Patients in ABCSG-25 (Panther)
After a virtual upswing in recruitment over the past 2 weeks, we are pleased to announce:OVER 100 PATIENTS HAVE NOW BEEN RANDOMIZED INTO PANTHER !
We are grateful to all patients participating in ABCSG-25 and to all Principal Investigators for their substantial contributions. Let’s continue!
September 23, 2008
Recently, the chances of healing breast cancer patients have drastically improved: Following succesful surgery, a novel treatment approach has the potential to reduce the risk of a recurrent cancer by 36 percent. In this respect, the ABCSG has issued a folder with the most up-to-date details. The folder can be ordered from www.abcsg.at and has been deposited at more than 100 of the Group's centers.
Breast cancer: Risk of relapse can be reduced by 36 percent
Recently, the chances of healing breast cancer patients have drastically improved: Following succesful surgery, a novel treatment approach has the potential to reduce the risk of a recurrent cancer by 36 percent. In this respect, the ABCSG has issued a folder with the most up-to-date details. The folder can be ordered from www.abcsg.at and has been deposited at more than 100 of the Group's centers.
September 15, 2008
Another successful publication
Lancet Oncology releases follow-up data from the ABCSG-12 bone mineral density subprotocol
This journal applies demanding measures on authors to exclusively publish the most significant and up-to-date international research results. The ABCSG has again been successful in attracting scientific attention with the bone mineral density subprotocol of ABCSG Trial 12.
Feel free to download the Lancet Oncology paper from here
Another successful publication
for the ABCSG
Lancet Oncology releases follow-up data from the ABCSG-12 bone mineral density subprotocolThis journal applies demanding measures on authors to exclusively publish the most significant and up-to-date international research results. The ABCSG has again been successful in attracting scientific attention with the bone mineral density subprotocol of ABCSG Trial 12.
Feel free to download the Lancet Oncology paper from here
International Study
Soon To Come in Austria
ABCSG-30, BETHThe ABCSG is the first institution in Europe to launch the new Bevacizumab and Trastuzumab Adjuvant Therapy (BETH) trial, ABCSG-30. A total of 16 centers will be taking part in this study protocol. The trial investigates the integration of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab into a trastuzumab treatment plan for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Pre-study visits are currently well underway.
August 25, 2008
Download Publication
Results of ABCSG Trial Published in Lancet Oncology
Lancet Oncology yesterday published the online version of a paper dealing with bone mineral density data from ABSCG Trial 12. The ABCSG is grateful to and congratulates all co-authors of this publication. The print version is to be released in September.Download Publication
Information for ABCSG12 Investigators:
The Webcast of the Zoledronic Acid Investigator Meeting that was held during the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on 1 June 2008 in Chicago, Illinois, is now available for you to accessDetailed Information in the Members-Area
June 10, 2008
Download: article
ASCO Daily News
Zoledronic Acid added to Endocrine Therapy improves Outcome for Premenopausal Patients with Early Breast CancerDownload: article
June 10, 2008
Daily Clinical Updates
Zoledronic Acid Demonstrates Significant Disease-Free Survival Advantages in Premenopausal Women with Endocrine-Responsive Breast Cancer Compared With Endocrine Therapy Alone
Link: www.primeoncology.org
Daily Clinical Updates
from the Annual Oncology Meeting in Chicago
Zoledronic Acid Demonstrates Significant Disease-Free Survival Advantages in Premenopausal Women with Endocrine-Responsive Breast Cancer Compared With Endocrine Therapy Alone
Link: www.primeoncology.org
June 4, 2008
Sarah Maxwell and Peter Goodwin report from: American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, May 30-June 3, 2008, Chicago
INTERVIEW:
Michael Gnant, Medical University of Vienna,
Austria Zoledronic Acid Reduces Recurrence In Early-Stage Breast Cancer
ABSTRACT:
LBA4
AUDIO JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY Volume 16 Number 11
Sarah Maxwell and Peter Goodwin report from: American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, May 30-June 3, 2008, Chicago
INTERVIEW:
Michael Gnant, Medical University of Vienna,
Austria Zoledronic Acid Reduces Recurrence In Early-Stage Breast Cancer
ABSTRACT:
LBA4
ASCO Daily News
Link: www.asco.org
PRIME Oncology Expert Interviews from Chicago, Illinois
PRIME Oncology invites you to view the interview with Dr. Lee Lokey and Dr. Michael Gnant, discussing data presented on Sunday, June 1, 2008.
This interview will focus on the following:
Abstract No: LBA4 Adjuvant ovarian suppression combined with tamoxifen or anastrozole, alone or in combination with zoledronic acid, in premenopausal women with hormone-responsive, stage I and II breast cancer: First efficacy results from ABCSG-12.
Link: Video
June 2, 2008
Breast cancer:
Clear improvements in young patients’ chances of survival
for further Information ....
Breast cancer:
Clear improvements in young patients’ chances of survival
ABCSG study results attract worldwide attention at US presentation
The Viennese oncologist Prof. Michael Gnant, MD, President of the Austrian Breast & Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG) presented spectacular study results to the participants of the globally most important cancer conference in Chicago, USA: He demonstrated that treatment with a bisphosphonate crucially improves young breast cancer patients’ chances to remain permanently healthy after their cancer operation.for further Information ....
May 18, 2008
ABCSG goes round the world
Abstract No: LBA4
This conference will be organized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Research results presented at this venue are trend-setting for future cancer treatments across the globe.
Prof. Gnant, Dept. of Surgery at Vienna Medical School and President of the ABCSG, will deliver a highlight at the Plenary Session by presenting study data from ABCSG Trial 12. This breast cancer investigation was initiated in 1999 and accrued 1,803 premenopausal patients. Participants received an endocrine treatment with anastrozole or tamoxifen, with or without being additionally adminstered a bisphosphonate.
Nine years thereafter, the ABCSG is now facing results revolutionary enough to be presented at a plenary session. Speakers at such sessions are selected by a specialist ASCO board who would only let the best come in.
ASCO is particularly keen on the highest levels of topicality. The presentations are thus required to be based on exclusively non-released, new data.
ABCSG-12 fulfills these criteria, and we are truly anxious to see the most recent Austrian contribution to improved breast cancer therapies.
We will keep you up to date. Immediately following the ASCO presentation in Chicago, you will be provided with a precise website summary that contains all detailed study results of ABCSG-12.
ABCSG goes round the world
ABCSG Trial 12 to be presented at the most important cancer conference in Chicago
On June 1, Austria will be taking a pole position at the most influential scientific cancer conference worldwide to take place in Chicago: ABCSG President Prof. Michael Gnant, MD, will present the results of ABCSG Trial 12 to top scientists from across the globe. Being invited to hold this speech is in worldwide recognition of the scientific quality attained by cancer research in Austria.Abstract No: LBA4
This conference will be organized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Research results presented at this venue are trend-setting for future cancer treatments across the globe.
Prof. Gnant, Dept. of Surgery at Vienna Medical School and President of the ABCSG, will deliver a highlight at the Plenary Session by presenting study data from ABCSG Trial 12. This breast cancer investigation was initiated in 1999 and accrued 1,803 premenopausal patients. Participants received an endocrine treatment with anastrozole or tamoxifen, with or without being additionally adminstered a bisphosphonate.
Nine years thereafter, the ABCSG is now facing results revolutionary enough to be presented at a plenary session. Speakers at such sessions are selected by a specialist ASCO board who would only let the best come in.
ASCO is particularly keen on the highest levels of topicality. The presentations are thus required to be based on exclusively non-released, new data.
ABCSG-12 fulfills these criteria, and we are truly anxious to see the most recent Austrian contribution to improved breast cancer therapies.
We will keep you up to date. Immediately following the ASCO presentation in Chicago, you will be provided with a precise website summary that contains all detailed study results of ABCSG-12.