Locoregional Recurrence in ER+ HER2– Breast Cancer: Clinical Reality, Therapeutic Uncertainty, and the Need for Biologic Insight - M.Flanagan - 20260317

Locoregional recurrence (LRR) in breast cancer remains a clinically significant event associated with increased risk of distant metastasis and breast cancer–specific mortality. While advances in surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy have reduced recurrence rates, management of LRR—particularly in estrogen receptor–positive (ER+), HER2-negative disease—remains highly variable and is often guided by clinical judgment rather than tumor biology. This talk will review current patterns of locoregional recurrence, associated outcomes, and contemporary treatment approaches, highlighting areas of uncertainty in systemic therapy decision-making. The session will also introduce ongoing research aimed at understanding the molecular evolution of ER+ HER2– tumors at the time of recurrence, with the goal of informing more biologically driven treatment strategies during what may represent the final potentially curative opportunity.

Meghan Flanagan, MD, MPH, Associate Professor

3/17/2026 7:45:00 PM