HER2 Revolution at ESMO Africa 2026

The foundation of this strategy rests on the importance of implementing effective Neoadjuvant treatment approaches in the early stages of therapy, with a clear focus on achieving long-term success through well-crafted and timely interventions.

Professor Curigliano emphasized that achieving a pathological complete response (pCR) is the most powerful predictor of long-term success1, effectively opening a "curative window" that clinicians must prioritize. However, as the discussion moved from clinical evidence to real-world practice, it became clear that this standard of care depends solely on the Multi-disciplinary Tumor Board (MDT). In this collaborative environment, surgeons and oncologists work as partners from the beginning, ensuring that every patient is discussed before surgery to maximize their chances of a curative outcome.

Building on this clinical foundation, the symposium’s Q&A session shifted the focus to the "whole patient," showing how medical decisions impact a person’s future quality of life. A key discussion emerged regarding fertility preservation.  Because more patients are being cured, oncologists must prioritize protecting ovarian function and discussing oocyte collection before starting chemotherapy. Similarly, the dialogue on subcutaneous versus intravenous administration showed that choosing more efficient delivery methods can save significant healthcare costs and time without compromising treatment efficacy.

These practical points highlighted a core message: true patient-centric care means balancing powerful clinical tools with the individual's long-term well-being and life goals. 

The focus on individuals also expanded into a broader conversation about the socioeconomic impact of breast cancer across Africa.  Ad-interim Medical Director for Roche SA, Kovashni Nair, noted that a key takeaway was the amplification of the impact that early detection and effective early treatment have on societal essentials. This is because in many African communities, women serve as the economic and foundational pillars of their families2; therefore, a successful curative strategy preserves not just a life, but the essential societal value that these women contribute.

Ultimately, the value of this engagement was found in the high level of collaboration it fostered among the African oncology community. By sharing wisdom and discussing future treatment pipelines, healthcare professionals turned global data into a practical roadmap for their local interventions. The symposium's success was demonstrated by an engagement level that surpassed previous years, showing that when science is anchored in a clear societal purpose, it creates a more unified and powerful mission for care.