25 Years in Breast Cancer Translational Research: Progress, Challenges and Future Directions

Translational research has profoundly reshaped the biological understanding and clinical management of breast cancer, shifting the field from a largely uniform therapeutic paradigm toward an increasingly precise and personalized model of care. The identification of molecular subtypes, together with the development of targeted and immune-based therapies, has fundamentally transformed clinical practice and led to substantial improvements in patient outcomes.

Despite these major advances, significant challenges persist. Tumor biological heterogeneity, mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance, and the limited availability of robust and reproducible prognostic and predictive biomarkers continue to hinder the optimal personalization of treatment strategies. Addressing these unresolved issues remains a central priority in contemporary breast cancer research.

Prof. Christos Sotiriou is Research Director at the F.R.S.-FNRS, Chef de Clinique at the Jules Bordet Institute, and Director of the Bordet Cancer Research Laboratories in Brussels. His research is dedicated to the molecular characterization of breast cancer and the development of prognostic and predictive biomarkers through advanced omics technologies. Prof. Sotiriou has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern understanding of breast cancer biology and is widely recognized as a pioneer in translational breast cancer research. With an H-index exceeding 100 and more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, he is an internationally acknowledged leader in the field, holding key positions in major scientific organizations and serving as Associate Editor for breast cancer at Annals of Oncology.

In this lecture, Prof. Sotiriou will guide the audience through twenty-five years of innovation in translational breast cancer research, offering a critical appraisal of the achievements to date and the challenges that remain. The presentation will highlight emerging directions and future opportunities aimed at advancing a more integrated, biologically driven, and truly personalized approach to breast cancer care.