This episode features Philip Poortmans MD PhD, University of Antwerp & Iridium Netwerk, discussing key themes from the 2026 European Breast Cancer Conference. He focuses on individualizing breast cancer therapy through de-escalation, covering the EUROPA trial, radiation boost data, axillary radiothe
European Breast Cancer Conference: Focus on Therapy De-escalation and Individualization
An interview with:
Philip Poortmans MD PhD, Radiation Oncology Department, University of Antwerp & Iridium Netwerk, Belgium
BARCELONA, Spain—One of the important themes at the 2026 European Breast Cancer Conference was to individualize therapy for every patient by de-escalating some modalities of treatment in the light of the increasing efficacy of others. The Audio Journal of Oncology sought the opinion of one of Europe’s oncology leaders, Philip Poortmans MD, PhD, researcher at the Iridium Netwerk and the University of Antwerp, in Belgium about findings from the EUROPA trial looking at older patients with early breast cancer, new date on omitting radiation boost to the tumor bed after breast conserving therapy, using axillary radiotherapy in place of axillary node dissection, and the case for watchful waiting in more patients with DCIS.
AUDIO JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY PODCAST: Philip Poortmans MD PhD
IN: [GOODIN] “Now, Philip Poortmans is …..
OUT: …….of Oncology, I’m Peter Goodwin 11:57secs
Philip Poortmans MD PhD A J Oncology EBCC 2026
References
- EUROPA trial
Related Episodes

Fleur Mauritz MD; EBCC 2026: RAPCHEM Study Shows Risk-Based Radiotherapy De-Escalation is Safe After Primary Systemic Therapy for Early Breast Cancer
Fleur Mauritz MD discusses the 10-year follow-up findings from the RAPCHEM study, presented at the EBCC 2026. The research indicates that risk-based radiotherapy de-escalation is safe and effective following primary systemic therapy for early breast cancer patients. This approach allows for tailored treatment, potentially reducing side effects without compromising low recurrence rates. The study provides crucial long-term evidence supporting individualized radiotherapy strategies.

Jelle Wesseling MD PhD; 2026 EBCC: ‘Lord’ Trial Finds Active Surveillance for Estrogen-Receptor-Positive, HER2- Negative, Grade 1–2 DCIS Just As Effective as Standard Therapy
At the 2026 EBCC, Jelle Wesseling MD PhD discusses the LORD-trial, which found active surveillance for low-risk, estrogen-receptor-positive, HER2-negative, grade 1–2 DCIS is as effective as standard therapy. The trial's reassuring findings led to early cessation of randomization, supporting de-escal

Elisa Agostinetto MD; 2026 EBCC: Circulating Tumor DNA Trumps Clinical Prognostic Markers After Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients with Early Breast Cancer
Elisa Agostinetto MD presented at EBCC 2026, highlighting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a superior prognostic marker over clinical indicators for predicting relapse and progression in early breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy. This research supports ctDNA for post-neoadjuvant risk st
