Interview with Martine Piccart, IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference Co-Founder, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium

In your position – recognized breast cancer leader, Chair of the Breast International Group, elected president of the European Society for Medical Oncology and founder of the IMPAKT conference on translational research in breast cancer - what would you say to the many young researchers out there, some who have developed terrific studies, others that may only have few preliminary results but in an unexplored niche of breast cancer research? Why is IMPAKT the place to present their study?

MP: Without innovation and, more importantly, without innovative thinkers, we would have never been able to reach the current level of knowledge and treatment options that we can offer to cancer patients today. Innovation however is a continuous, never-ending process that needs to be constantly fed. Young researchers are the ‘obvious’ lifeblood of innovation: however, it is important for them not to be afraid to share their research. Sharing is one fundamental aspect that can transform a little project into a big project that can potentially change the future of cancer research and treatment.

In this context, IMPAKT can help a lot: it is the place for them to present these studies, because it is,  and wants to remain (and will remain), a comfortable, convenient, ‘cozy’ conference, where they can feel at ease, even when presenting preliminary data: they have the possibility to share it with other young researchers who might decide to jump onboard, but they will also have the opportunity to be tutored by major experts to adjust and refine their research project and make it successful.

Cancer research is dramatically changing, from its roots: we learnt a great lesson from the deeper knowledge of the biology of the disease, and this is going to shape the future of how we treat cancer patients. Already now we speak about personalized therapies, although probably in a not completely appropriate way. Personalization still needs to be shared in communities to grow to a level of applicability: what are we still missing? How can a platform like IMPAKT help in this context?

MP: We were really missing a conference like IMPAKT! It is a niche conference, definitely different from any other breast cancer conference. It represents a platform to bridge the gap between labs and clinics. And back. How much new information we are obtaining from disciplines that were almost neglected until recently, for instance pathology, which is now tremendously important for treatment decisions: at IMPAKT 2012 you will learn how to read and evaluate the content of a pathology report relevant for the clinic, for design and administration of novel targeted drugs. In today’s oncology setting, it could already be enough not to miss the conference!!!

 The 2012 ‘Firsts’ will include pathology reports, biomarkers, a consensus on the clinical relevance of prognostic multigene signatures, a biotech walk to demonstrate biotech advances. And much more… Still in a manageable format, easy to follow, facilitating networking and connections with your colleagues, peers and some of the top international experts.

All this can really change the way we treat breast cancer patients. And we can only do it with you!