Here are four trends Komen is watching that are shaping the breast cancer research landscape in 2026 and beyond.  

Breast cancer research continues to advance with new clinical trial results, often leading to FDA approvals and new options for breast cancer diagnosis, testing and treatment. Komen monitors clinical trial results, FDA approvals and ongoing studies to stay informed about new and exciting advances coming soon for the breast cancer community.   

Trend #1: Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) Continue to Expand Treatment Options 

ADCs are a type of cancer therapy that combines a targeted antibody with a chemotherapy drug, helping deliver treatment more directly to cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cells. They remain one of the most active areas of breast cancer drug development. In 2026 alone, there have been four new FDA approvals for ADCs in both early and metastatic breast cancer (MBC). 

Recent FDA approvals of datopotamab deruxtecan (Datroway) and sacitzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) as first-line treatment options for metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are examples of how these therapies are reaching more patients. These approvals also highlight the growing role of TROP-2-targeted therapies, which are being studied across breast cancer types. Additional data from the DESTINY-Breast05 and DESTINY-Breast11 trials have demonstrated the potential of trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) in early HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer.  

What We’re Watching 

• DYNASTY-Breast02, studying the investigational HER2-targeting ADC trastuzumab pamirtecan in advanced breast cancer 

• Development of HER3-targeted ADCs, including HERTHENA-Breast04  

• Additional TROP-2-targeted ADCs entering clinical development 

Trend #2: New Approaches to Overcoming Hormone Therapy Resistance 

Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer is the most common breast cancer type, but resistance to hormone therapy remains a challenge for both early and metastatic disease. So far in 2026, there have been two FDA approvals that aim to provide more options for metastatic HR+ breast cancer that has progressed on initial hormone therapy. May 2026 marked the FDA approval of vepdegestrant (Veppanu), a PROTAC ER degrader, for patients with ESR1-mutated ER+/HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer based on results from the VERITAC-2 trial. In July, the PAM pathway inhibitor gedatolisib (Revtorpyk) was FDA approved for metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancers without a PIK3CA mutation. These approvals reflect ongoing efforts to address hormone therapy resistance with new types of targeted therapies. 

Komen is also closely watching the impact of the recent accelerated FDA approval of camizestrant (Etcamah), based on the results from the SERENA-6 trial. This trial tested whether switching to an oral SERD medication (camizestrant), if an ESR1 mutation was found through a liquid biopsy, can improve outcomes compared to remaining on traditional hormone therapy until disease progression.  

What We’re Watching 

• SERENA-4, evaluating camizestrant plus a CDK4/6 inhibitor in the first-line HR+/HER2- setting 

• KANDELA-302, studying the next generation of CDK inhibitors  

• FDA decision on the lidERA trial, testing the oral SERD giredestrant in early HR+ breast cancer 

Trend #3: Advances in Testing Are Helping Guide Breast Cancer Care 

Not all advances in breast cancer are new drugs. Researchers are also developing tests that can predict recurrence risk, identify patients most likely to benefit from specific treatments and support more personalized treatment decisions. For example, findings from the OPTIMA trial suggest that genomic testing may help guide treatment decisions for some people with early breast cancer. Researchers are also exploring liquid biopsies and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing as tools to monitor treatment response, identify molecular residual disease (MRD) and detect recurrence earlier than traditional methods.  

While these approaches are encouraging, important questions remain regarding when testing should be used in the clinic, which patients are most likely to benefit and how treatment should change when ctDNA is detected. 

What We’re Watching 

• Trials supported by the Komen-supported Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium: 

• PREDICT-RD, exploring ctDNA-guided detection and treatment escalation in high-risk early TNBC 

• EVOLVE-BDT, studying biomarker-driven treatment strategies in metastatic breast cancer 

• SIGNAL-ER 101, evaluating ctDNA-guided treatment de-escalation in early HR+/HER2- breast cancer 

Trend #4: Treatment is Becoming More Personalized 

With more options available than ever, breast cancer treatment is becoming more personalized. Researchers are working to identify which patients need more treatment, which patients can safely reduce treatment and in which order therapies could be given that may provide the greatest benefit. 

This includes treatment de-escalation strategies (safely lowering the amount of treatment given) that reduce unnecessary side effects for lower-risk patients, as well as escalation strategies (safely adding additional treatment) for patients who may benefit from more treatment. Researchers are also studying treatment sequencing (the best order to give therapies) as more options become available. 

What We’re Watching  

• CompassHER2-pCR, evaluating treatment de-escalation strategies in HER2+ breast cancer 

• TRADE-DXd, studying the optimal treatment sequencing of ADCs 

• ARCHER and Stop-HER2, exploring treatment duration and intensity in some patients with metastatic breast cancer 

An evolving landscape 

Across all four trends, a common theme in the breast cancer landscape is to deliver more precise treatments earlier in the disease course while personalizing care to each patient’s breast cancer. As therapies, diagnostics and clinical trial strategies continue to advance and evolve, researchers are working on improving outcomes for people living with breast cancer. Komen is encouraged by new advances that are leading to more options, improved outcomes and ultimately more hope for patients.  

Check out our What’s New Page to learn about the most recent developments in breast cancer research and clinical trial results. 

Go to our Clinical Trials Page to learn more about clinical trials, find a trial and connect with a patient navigator who can answer your questions.