Breast Cancer: Global Clinical Trial Landscape - Focus On Asia Pacific

Distinct molecular and clinical features characterize each group of tumors that develop from ductal or lobular epithelial cells, collectively known as breast cancer. Among women, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the most diagnosed life-threatening cancer.¹ In 2020, it was reported that breast cancer remained the most widespread, with 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths worldwide.⁵

To detect breast cancer early patients must undergo routine screenings, physical examinations, imaging, and even biopsy. Those doing basic routine checks at home are asked to look for breast lumps, changes in shape or size, or nipple discharge. Early diagnosis improves survival rates.² While both luminal A and B subtypes account for 65% of all breast cancers, HER2 and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes account for 20% and 15%, respectively.³

If diagnosed with breast cancer, while patient treatment is very effective—with survival rates of 90% or higher—the decision for what path of treatment will be impacted by the biology and behavior of cancer, as well as the tumor’s subtype, hormone receptor status (ER, PR), HER2 status, stage, presence of mutations in inherited breast cancer genes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, patient’s age, general health, menopausal status, and overall patient preferences.⁵

Biopharma companies have initiated over 3,000 Breast Cancer clinical trials globally since 2016, with the Asia-Pacific region involved in about 35% of the trials. Better understand the incidence, distribution, and possible control of breast cancer in the Asia Pacific region, the standard of care, the trial landscape, and more by accessing this report.