Medical advancements in breast cancer are truly remarkable. Especially in recent years, numerous new therapeutics have been approved and surgical strategies have been de-escalated for specific patient groups. In the therapeutic setting, CDK4/6 inhibitors as oral maintenance therapy in early breast cancer and immune checkpoint inhibitors (Pembrolizumab) for triple-negative breast cancer (BC) are noteworthy. In the surgical field, prospective randomized controlled trials have currently explored the possibility to deescalate axillary surgery by omitting sentinel lymph node excision (INSEMA, SOUND). As a result, there have been significant improvements in prognosis and a reduction in surgical morbidity for patients. Many exciting trials are underway, and it remains to be seen whether antibody–drug conjugates beyond trastuzumab emtansine, will find their way into the treatment lines for early-stage BC. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence in both diagnostics and treatment recommendation evaluation is a promising area with great potential.

Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, benign inflammatory breast condition often mistaken for inflammatory breast cancer and, therefore, requires a biopsy for accurate diagnosis. Although not cancerous, IGM can cause emotional distress because of severe pain and ensuing breast deformity. Differentiating IGM from other breast inflammations caused by infections is essential. IGM mostly affects premenopausal women and is potentially associated with recent pregnancies and breastfeeding. The risk factors, including smoking and contraceptive use, have inconsistent associations. Steroid responses suggest an autoimmune component, though specific markers are lacking. Methods: We performed a narrative review on potential risk factors, diagnostics, and therapy of IGM. Results: Diagnostics and clinical management of IGM are challenging. The treatment options include NSAIDs, steroids, surgery, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, prolactin suppressants, and observation, each with varying effectiveness and side effects. Conclusions: Current IGM treatment evidence is limited, based on case reports and small series. There is no consensus on the optimal management strategy for this disease. The GRAMAREG study by the EUBREAST Study Group aims to collect comprehensive data on IGM to improve diagnostic and treatment guidelines. By enrolling patients with confirmed IGM, the study seeks to develop evidence-based recommendations, enhancing patient care and understanding of this condition.

Recent trials such as INSEMA and SOUND have demonstrated the oncological safety of omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy in selected patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer. However, the implications for adjuvant treatment decisions in routine clinical practice remain unclear. We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study from university breast cancer centers, analyzing 867 patients diagnosed between 2020 and 2024 who met INSEMA criteria: cT1, G1-2, age ≥50 years, clinically node-negative, undergoing breast-conserving surgery. We evaluated the incidence of pathologically positive lymph nodes, frequency of postoperative upgrades in tumor stage or grading, and potential impact on adjuvant therapy decisions, including indications for CDK4/6 inhibitors, secondary axillary surgery or radiation. Sentinel lymph node biopsy revealed occult lymph node metastases in 14.3 % (n = 124) of patients, with a false-negative rate of 10.5 % when micrometastases and isolated tumor cells were excluded. In 11.6 % of cases, nodal positivity led to relevant therapeutic changes, including chemotherapy, axillary radiation, or potential adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy. Moreover, 18.8 % of patients would have required secondary axillary surgery due to postoperative upgrades in tumor characteristics. The number needed to operate to prevent one invasive recurrence with CDK4/6 inhibitors varies significantly based on age and clinical tumor size, ranging from 1:333 (maximum) to 1:111 (minimum). While omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy appears safe in selected patients, our real-world data suggest that axillary staging retains clinical relevance for guiding personalized treatment, unless other prognostic tests like gene expression profiles are used.

De-escalation is currently taking place in both the surgical and systemic treatment of breast cancer. The introduction of trastuzumab, the first monoclonal antibody against the HER2 receptor, over 20 years ago was a milestone in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and marked the beginning of a new era in targeted tumor therapy. In the sense of de-escalation, omitting non-targeted cytotoxic chemotherapy altogether is often hailed as the ultimate goal of oncological research. Especially in cases of small, node-negative, HER2-positive early breast cancer, it remains a challenge for clinicians to establish the safest and most efficient treatment plan while considering the significant potential for toxic side effects associated with chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy, and the generally excellent prognosis. In this context, several ongoing studies are currently assessing chemotherapy-free regimens as part of strategies aimed at de-escalating therapy in the field of HER2-positive early breast cancer. Despite the promising early results of these studies, the combination of anti-HER2 treatment with a chemotherapy backbone remains the standard of care.

Background/Objectives: This single-center analysis evaluated the number of potential candidates for endocrine-based oral maintenance therapy in a real-world setting, focusing on three therapeutic agents, namely, olaparib, abemaciclib, and ribociclib, for patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative early breast cancer. Methods: All breast cancer cases from the past 10 years (n = 3230) that underwent treatment at the certified Breast Cancer Center of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck Campus, were analyzed. Results: Of a total of 2038 patients with HR+ HER2− eBC, 685 patients (33.6%) qualified for one or more of the three agents—olaparib, abemaciclib, and ribociclib. Of these 685 patients, 523 patients (76.4%) had node-positive and 162 (23.6%) node-negative disease. Moreover, 368 patients (18.1% of a total of 2038 patients with HR+ HER2− eBC) were eligible exclusively for ribociclib, including all node-negative patients. A total of 141 patients (6.9%) met the criteria for all three agents. In contrast, 1353 patients (66.4%) had no indication for combined endocrine therapy. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest analysis addressing all three therapeutic strategies for combined endocrine therapy. The broad indication criteria of the NATALEE study may increase clinic workloads due to more frequent physician/patient interactions. It also remains unclear how therapy recommendations will influence actual treatment, as increased visits and potential side effects could affect patient compliance and adherence.

The trinational survey project conducted by the Young Forums of the German, Austrian, and Swiss Societies for Gynecology and Obstetrics aims to assess the preferences of prospective and practicing gynecologists regarding various work-time models, the compatibility of family and career, as well as parental leave.Between October 2023 and May 2024, a total of 1364 participants took part in the survey. The questionnaire consisted of 62 questions covering topics such as the workplace in general, work-time models, training priorities, team compositions, and professional goals. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.Of the 1364 participants, 75.3% were employed in Germany, 12.9% in Austria, and 11.8% in Switzerland. Men were significantly more likely to aspire to a chief physician position compared to women (26.5% vs. 3.6%; p < 0.001). Only 12.5% of participants overall preferred full-time employment, although 63.0% of residents worked full-time. Additionally, 65.4% of respondents stated that their workplace did not provide childcare with flexible hours. At the same time, 76.0% valued workplace-proximate childcare as an important factor in choosing an employer.The results highlight heterogeneous and individual needs and priorities among all (prospective) gynecologists. At a time when individuality and equality are becoming increasingly significant, it is essential to promote work environments that meet the demands and needs of all physicians. The results should therefore be critically discussed to implement potential adjustments and improvements in practice.