Dr. Kyung-hwa Park, professor of medical oncology at Korea University Anam Hospital, underscored the heightened challenges for high-risk early breast cancer patients. “While early-stage breast cancer typically has a high survival rate, recurrence can drastically worsen outcomes,” she said. “In HR-positive/HER2-negative cases, the risk of recurrence peaks within the first one to two years post surgery, especially when residual micrometastases are present—necessitating aggressive adjuvant therapy.”
Dr. Park noted an alarming trend: increasing breast cancer incidence among women in their 30s and 40s. “Recurrence imposes profound emotional and economic burdens on patients, families, and society,” Dr. Park added. “In some cases, financial barriers lead patients to abandon necessary treatment, which remains a critical concern.”
Dr. Park also emphasized Verzenio’s proven clinical efficacy when used alongside endocrine therapy. “Two years of Verzenio in combination with endocrine treatment significantly reduced the risk of recurrence,” she said, citing results from the monarchE trial. “The five-year follow-up data confirm these benefits are durable.”
Mira Kwon, executive director of Lilly Korea’s oncology division, reaffirmed the company’s mission. “We remain committed to improving patient quality of life and expanding access to innovative therapies through comprehensive, ongoing initiatives,” she said.
Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
