Today, it is imperative for basic researchers to understand and address clinical challenges and for physicians to possess the knowledge and skills to integrate and use new technologies. IMPAKT is a unique Breast Cancer Conference that meets these needs by bridging the gap between research and clinic while also providing the right environment for young professionals to network with and access the knowledge of their senior counterparts.

IMPAKT focuses on translational research in breast cancer and on innovative ways of developing new agents. It is a valuable meeting which brings together pre-clinical and clinical researchers from Academia and Industry, junior and senior oncologists and facilitates the role of mentor and the importance of sharing knowledge to improve careers. The rapid translation of biologically-based laboratory discoveries into daily clinical practice is also important, but equally important is the trip back from the clinic to the laboratory, to further explore and explain clinically observed tumor biology and behavior.

IMPAKT was launched in 2009 by the Breast International Group and the European Society for Medical Oncology, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary alliance of European breast cancer organizations and patient groups and is an annual conference.
IMPAKT is unique:
* It provides information on the myriad discoveries that already have or will have impact on breast cancer research and treatment in the near future.
* It puts into perspective advances on a molecular level in cell biology, molecular pathways exploited for clinical purposes, and a wide range of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tools for breast cancer.
* It is the place where discussion about what biomarkers are, how they should be used in clinical trials and decisions about biomarkers are taken.
* It includes a consensus session for selected biomarkers with the aim of producing and publishing a set of “IMPAKT biomarker guidelines”.
* It keeps in tune with scientific progress in breast cancer research as the therapeutic road from the laboratory to the clinic shortens.
* It has educational sessions for existing diagnostics and new systems providing an understanding of how diagnostics should be added to translational research.
* It focuses on premier data and technologies that sharpen the knife of molecular dissection and define the cellular structures that determine responsiveness to novel therapies.
* It includes sessions on ongoing clinical trials.
* It promotes collaboration in breast cancer research, new ideas for projects and foster new contacts.

IMPAKT is more than just a breast cancer meeting. It represents a strong commitment to foster education by a growing and united European multidisciplinary breast cancer alliance and to work together to keep pace with cutting edge advances in translational research and their relevance for making treatment decisions in daily practice.

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