Standing Together: How Innovation and Compassion Unite Against Breast Cancer This October

In Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland combined, around 56,900 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Yet, thanks to decades of research and innovation, 76.6% of women now survive 10 years or more a milestone built on the combined impact of genomics, AI, and targeted therapeutics.

Here are four pioneering organisations transforming the breast cancer landscape, each reflecting the spirit of innovation and compassion that defines this month.

Based in Amsterdam, Agendia leads the field of molecular diagnostics for breast cancer. Its FDA-approved MammaPrint® test analyses the expression of 70 specific genes within a tumour to predict recurrence risk helping oncologists determine whether chemotherapy is truly necessary.

Recent data from the FLEX study confirmed that genomic insights can identify which patients benefit from aggressive treatment and which can safely avoid it. Agendia’s BluePrint® test further classifies tumours into molecular subtypes, offering oncologists deeper biological understanding to guide personalised oncology treatment.

By transforming genomic data into actionable medical decisions, Agendia is setting new standards in precision medicine helping patients receive care that’s tailored, not templated.

In Nijmegen, Netherlands, Byondis is pioneering antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) powerful, next-generation treatments that combine the targeting accuracy of antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic drugs.

Its lead candidate, SYD985 (vic-trastuzumab duocarmazine), targets HER2-positive breast cancer, delivering chemotherapy directly to tumour cells while sparing healthy tissue. Results from the TULIP Phase III trial showed a median progression-free survival of 7.0 months, compared to 4.9 months with standard treatment, while maintaining a more favourable safety profile.

Byondis’s commitment to developing safer, smarter oncology treatments underscores the next chapter of biopharma innovation where precision meets compassion.

Early detection remains one of the most powerful predictors of survival in breast cancer and ScreenPoint Medical is making it faster and more accurate.

Emerging from Radboud University Medical Centre, its Transpara® AI platform acts as an intelligent second reader for mammograms and digital breast tomosynthesis, highlighting subtle patterns that could indicate early malignancy.

The MASAI trial involving over 105,000 women showed that AI-assisted screening increased cancer detection rates by 29% and reduced radiologist workload by 44%.

By combining deep learning with human expertise, ScreenPoint is helping radiologists detect breast cancer earlier when treatment is most effective and transforming how we deliver AI-driven healthcare globally.

For over 25 years, Roche has shaped the evolution of HER2-positive breast cancer therapy. Its breakthrough treatment Herceptin® (trastuzumab) changed the trajectory of what was once an aggressive, hard-to-treat cancer reducing recurrence by 50% and mortality by 33%.

Building on that legacy, Perjeta® (pertuzumab) and Kadcyla® (trastuzumab emtansine) further refined the standard of care, with the APHINITY trial showing a 17% reduction in mortality risk over 10 years when Perjeta was added to Herceptin and chemotherapy.

Roche’s combination of therapeutics and companion diagnostics, like the Ventana HER2 test, exemplifies the power of data-informed, targeted treatment and continues to guide the future of oncology innovation.

From AI screening solutions to genomic profiling and targeted therapies, this October highlights not only the technological breakthroughs redefining cancer care but also the collaboration driving them forward.

Innovation in life sciences doesn’t happen in isolation it’s powered by the right people, in the right teams, at the right time. That’s where Panda International plays a vital role.

At Panda, we understand that in the race to deliver breakthroughs in oncology and life sciences, every day and every hire counts. Delays in scaling scientific teams can slow down product development, clinical trials, and market launches.

That’s why we partner with leading biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical organisations to remove hiring bottlenecks, ensure compliance, and accelerate innovation helping our clients stay at the forefront of precision oncology, AI-enabled diagnostics, and therapeutic development.

Our specialised recruitment models support projects across the Benelux, DACH, Ireland, and Switzerland regions, connecting scientists, bioinformaticians, medical device engineers, and clinical experts with the companies shaping the future of breast cancer care and beyond.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honour not only the progress achieved in detection and treatment but also the people behind the science from the researchers developing antibody-drug conjugates to the clinicians guiding patients through care.

At Panda, we believe the same principles that drive scientific innovation purpose, precision, and partnership are the foundations of impactful recruitment.

We connect the brilliant minds behind oncology breakthroughs with the organisations empowering them helping shape the teams that redefine what’s possible in healthcare.

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate the resilience of patients, the brilliance of researchers, and the united global effort that reminds us: 

Progress in science begins with people.