Top 5 Breast Cancer Stories of 2025: Research, Treatments and Care

Throughout 2025, several studies and events highlighted important developments in breast cancer care, from new treatment options to strategies that improve quality of life. Patients with breast cancer and their caregivers now have more tools and information than ever to navigate treatment, manage side effects and stay informed about emerging therapies.

This year’s top stories include research on hair regrowth after chemotherapy, the rise of antibody-drug conjugates, evidence supporting safe chemotherapy during pregnancy, advances in personalized treatment for metastatic disease and patient education events that empower people to make informed choices about their care. These stories reflect both scientific progress and the ongoing effort to address disparities in access and outcomes for patients with breast cancer.

Can Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Help Breast Cancer Survivors Regrow Hair?

Low-dose oral minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, has been shown to help patients with breast cancer regrow hair without serious heart-related side effects. A retrospective study at NYU Langone Health analyzed 51 patients treated with 5 milligrams or less daily, including those who received chemotherapy and those who had surgery or radiation only. After three to six months, all patients experienced improvement or stability in alopecia, with most side effects being mild excess hair growth.

“Hair loss can be a persistent and sometimes long-lasting external reminder of a woman's breast cancer experience,” said co-lead author Devyn Zaminski. Researchers noted that prior exposure to chemotherapy drugs such as taxanes or doxorubicin did not increase serious risks, supporting low-dose oral minoxidil as a safe option for hair restoration. These findings offer hope for patients seeking to regain a sense of normalcy after treatment.

Why Are Older Women Receiving Antibody-Drug Conjugates More Slowly?

The use of antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, is rising rapidly among patients with metastatic breast cancer, but older women continue to face delays in receiving these therapies. Analysis by Komodo Health, in collaboration with the Tigerlily Foundation, found ADC treatment rates increased 3.7-fold from 2021 to 2023, and median time to therapy decreased from 331 to 109 days. However, women 66 and older received treatment 3.4 times slower than those aged 19 to 35.

The study reviewed approximately 17,000 patients treated with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ADCs Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) and Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy). “Understanding the factors that contributed to these patterns can inform future therapeutic development,” said Maimah Karmo, CEO of the Tigerlily Foundation. The findings highlight both the progress in precision oncology and the need to address systemic barriers to ensure equitable care for older patients.

Is Chemotherapy Safe for Pregnant Patients With Breast Cancer?

Pregnant patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center had outcomes as good as or better than nonpregnant patients, researchers reported in Cancer. Between 1989 and 2022, 143 pregnant patients were matched with 285 nonpregnant patients. Chemotherapy was administered during the second and third trimesters under close maternal-fetal monitoring, and outcomes were comparable — or even superior — for pregnant patients. Five-year disease-free survival was 0.72 for pregnant patients versus 0.52 for nonpregnant patients, and progression-free survival was 0.74 versus 0.62.

“Results of this study suggest that this cohort of patients treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy have at least comparable, if not superior, outcomes,” the researchers noted. These findings support careful monitoring and early intervention to ensure both maternal and fetal safety while maintaining effective cancer treatment.

How Can Patients Personalize Treatment for ER-Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Personalized treatment strategies are increasingly important for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Igor Makhlin discussed the role of biomarker testing to identify ESR1 mutations, which can cause resistance to endocrine therapy. Detecting these mutations enables targeted treatment with options like Orserdu (elacestrant), which has demonstrated effectiveness in the phase 3 EMERALD trial.

Makhlin explains that personalized treatment for patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer involves understanding tumor genetics, timely testing, and appropriate use of targeted agents like Orserdu. Keeping communication open with your healthcare team ensures active management and adaptation of treatment strategies, empowering patients and caregivers to stay informed and in control of their cancer journey.

What Did Patients Learn From the Metastatic Breast Cancer Education Event?

Educational events continue to play a vital role in helping patients navigate metastatic breast cancer care. At a CURE Educated Patient® Updates event in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Brian Czerniecki highlighted emerging therapies, including selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) and antibody-drug conjugates, and discussed the importance of biomarkers such as ESR1. Participants were informed about current clinical trials and personalized treatment strategies.

“There are treatment options for metastatic ER-positive breast cancer… other things coming down the pipeline should help,” Czerniecki said. Events like these provide patients, survivors, and caregivers with knowledge and tools to participate actively in their care and to stay informed about both standard and emerging therapies.

References

1. “Komodo Health Analysis Uncovers Dual Reality in Metastatic Breast Cancer Care: Rapid Targeted Cancer Therapy Adoption Amid Glaring Age-Related Disparities,” news release; https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251020693892/en/Komodo-Health-Analysis-Uncovers-Dual-Reality-in-Metastatic-Breast-Cancer-Care-Rapid-Targeted-Cancer-Therapy-Adoption-Amid-Glaring-Age-Related-Disparities
2. “Finding Hope With Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Managing Breast Cancer,” CURE; https://www.curetoday.com/view/finding-hope-with-antibody-drug-conjugates-in-managing-breast-cancer
3. “Outcomes of patients treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer during pregnancy compared with nonpregnant breast cancer patients treated with systemic therapy” by Dr. Helen M. Johnson, et al., Cancer.

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