Top Breast Cancer Stories to Know as Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kicks Off

As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it’s an opportune time to reflect on some of the most important breast cancer research, treatment advances, and personal stories shared last month.

Below are topline takeaways from five of the most impactful breast cancer stories from September, including clinical updates that could influence standard of care, inspiring patient journeys, and research focused on preventing recurrence. Each story underscores the evolving landscape of breast cancer treatment and the human experiences behind the statistics.

FDA Grants Priority Review for Enhertu Plus Perjeta in First-Line HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review and breakthrough therapy designation to the combination of Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) and Perjeta (pertuzumab) for adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.

Results from the phase 3 DESTINY-Breast09 trial showed median progression-free survival of more than 40 months, which is significantly longer than the standard-of-care regimen. If approved, this combination could redefine first-line treatment for this aggressive subtype, providing patients earlier access to an effective therapy.

“The DESTINY-Breast09 trial showed that treating patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with Enhertu in combination with [Perjeta] until progression in the first-line setting produced a new landmark of more than 40 months for progression-free survival and nearly doubled the number of patients with no evidence of disease on imaging,” Susan Galbraith, executive vice president of Oncology Haematology R&D at AstraZeneca, said. “This marks the first major evolution in treatment in this first-line setting in more than a decade — a setting where a strong response is crucial, as up to one-third of patients may not receive second-line therapy.”

Young Patient Shares Journey with Early-Stage ER/PR-Positive Breast Cancer

Amanda Davis, 29, reflects on her unexpected diagnosis of estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and the decisions surrounding a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Her story underscores the importance of patient-centered care, genetic testing, and individualized treatment plans. Davis emphasizes the value of a supportive care team in navigating complex surgical and medical options while maintaining quality of life.

“When I was diagnosed, I [thought], ‘My life is perfect. How is this happening? How could this have come about?’” Davis, of John Theurer Cancer Center, in Hackensack, New Jersey, told CURE. “So that was just a crazy, crazy whirlwind of emotion and anxiety.”

Survivor Advocates for Awareness and Policy Through Susan G. Komen

Breast cancer survivor Jennie Smythe, diagnosed at 41 while raising two young children, shares her experience balancing treatment and parenthood. Now an Advocacy Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Smythe highlights the importance of patient representation in research and policy. Her insights emphasize community support, empowerment, and leveraging advocacy to drive progress in breast cancer prevention and care.

“I feel like being an advocate was a job that I was signed up for that I didn't apply to, and I was so lucky to be connected with multiple verticals within the Komen organization. When I saw that there was an opportunity to be an advocate, I signed up for it right away,” she explained in an interview with CURE.

Penn Medicine Study Targets Dormant “Sleeper” Cells to Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence

Researchers at Penn Medicine are investigating a novel approach to prevent breast cancer relapse by targeting dormant “sleeper” cells that evade traditional therapies. Using hydroxychloroquine and everolimus, preliminary studies eliminated these cells in approximately 80% of patients, reducing recurrence rates from an expected one-third to 4% over seven years. This research may pave the way for interventions that prevent metastatic disease and improve long-term outcomes.

“I hope the big takeaway from this study is that we are really narrowing in on how we can monitor patients to detect the cells that ultimately lead to recurrence. By being able to identify those cells, we have the opportunity to eliminate them before they can turn into a relapse,” Dr. Angela DeMichele, the Mariann T. and Robert J. MacDonald professor in Breast Cancer Research, explained in an interview.

Personal Narrative Highlights Challenges of Diagnosis, Surgery, and Chemotherapy

A patient recounts her journey from routine mammogram to stage 3, estrogen-positive breast cancer diagnosis, illustrating the emotional and physical impact of surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone suppression. Her narrative provides perspective on the psychological adjustments, body image challenges, and resilience required during treatment, emphasizing the need for patient-centered approaches that address both medical and personal aspects of care.

References

1. First-Line Enhertu Combo Gets Priority Review in HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer, by Ryan Scott. CURE; Sept 24, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/first-line-enhertu-combo-gets-priority-review-in-her2-metastatic-breast-cancer
2. Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer at 29: A Patient’s Perspective, by Alex Biese. CURE; Sept. 22, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/being-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer-at-29-a-patient-s-perspective
3. Finding Strength and Advocacy During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, by Ryan Scott. CURE; Oct. 1, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/finding-strength-and-advocacy-during-breast-cancer-awareness-month
4. New Strategy May Prevent Breast Cancer Relapse, by Spencer Feldman. CURE; Sept. 30, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/new-strategy-may-prevent-breast-cancer-relapse
5. A Journey Through Change: Breast Cancer Surgery and Survival, by Samantha Darling. CURE; Sept. 28, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/a-journey-through-change-breast-cancer-surgery-and-survival

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