About the Conference

Our Mission

The mission of this research conference is to bring together a diverse audience to create a collaborative research environment with a long term goal of developing curative approaches for metastatic breast cancer patients.

Our Background

Creating a Distinctive Conference

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference was established in 2014 as an annual research conference for metastatic breast cancer by Theresa’s Research Foundation with leadership from Dr. Matthew Ellis and Dr. Danny Welch. The specific focus on metastatic disease is based on a major unmet clinical need (incurability); thereby distinguishing this conference from other breast cancer-centered conferences. The first conference was hosted at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. In 2015, 2016 and 2017 the MBCC was hosted at Baylor College of Medicine. The 2018 Conference took place at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The 2019 Conference was held with Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Additional leadership is provided by Dr. Xiang Zhang, Dr. Alana Welm and the conference planning committee. 

What is MBC?

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), Stage IV, or advanced breast cancer is the spread of cancer cells beyond the breast to other organs of the body. Metastases account for greater than 90% of cancer morbidity and mortality. In metastatic breast cancer, this translates to nearly 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and more than 500,000 deaths worldwide. Metastatic breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women less than 50 years of age.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Advocacy Program

Our conference comes in part from the efforts of our advocacy program, Theresa’s Research Foundation.

Who should attend

This activity is intended for clinicians, patient advocates, scientists, trainees and other healthcare professionals involved in research, treatment, or care of patients with metastatic breast cancer.