09 Nov Pink October 2026: an evening to learn about and discuss breast cancer research
Tuesday 27 October 2026 at the Domaine du Haut Carré in Talence, to markPink October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Patients/Society group at our cancer research laboratory in Bordeaux (BRIC – Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BoRdeaux Institute of onCology) organised an evening of discussion open to everyone. Around sixty participants – patients, relatives, researchers, healthcare professionals and members of organisations – gathered in the beautiful setting of the Agora du Haut Carré at the University of Bordeaux to learn about the latest scientific advances and discuss the challenges involved in managing this disease.
A journey into the heart of research
The evening began with a presentation on BRIC by our director, Frédéric Saltel, who outlined our organisation and its links with the University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux University Hospital and the Bergonié Institute; he then emphasised the importance of research in better understanding and combating breast cancer. Several presentations then addressed key topics:
- The mechanisms of breast cancer: how does the disease develop? What is the care pathway? What is life like after cancer? (Sophie Chassande, BRIC)
- Triple-negative breast cancers: an aggressive form of cancer for which the BRIC teams are exploring new therapeutic approaches. (Maïlys Baché, Gaïd Le Corre, Team 7)
- The onset of metastases: how and why do certain cancer cells spread to other organs? (Alyssa Mattioda, Team 3)
- An innovative project: the development of treatments for brain metastases, a major challenge in improving patients’ survival and quality of life. (Kévin Boyé, Team 7)
- PhotoBioModulation: Vanessa Rabeau (Bordeaux University Hospital, Vivmed, Gironde Cancer League) presented Vivmed, a project using this technique to mitigate the side effects of radiotherapy and hormone therapy.
A round-table discussion on side effects and quality of life
One of the highlights of the evening was the round table about the side effects of treatments and the post-cancer effects. All the previous speakers shared their expertise and experience, alongside other guests. The vital support provided by the charities (the Gironde Cancer League, RoseUp and Rose Médoc) was highlighted, as they support patients and their loved ones. Thomas Mathivet (BRIC, Team 1) discussed related research aimed at improving patients’ comfort. Patient partners (Valérie Bellamy of the Bergonié Institute, Sophie Chassande of the University Hospital and the BRIC, Eddy Lambert of the BRIC) and a carer (Martin Haguedorn, BRIC) spoke about their experiences and their commitment alongside the researchers.
A convivial occasion for discussion
Following the presentations, participants were able to chat freelywith researchers, healthcare professionals and representatives from patient organisations over drinks. Scientific posters and organisation stands provided an opportunity to explore the topics discussed in greater depth and to forge links between all those involved in the fight against breast cancer.
Why was this event important?
This evening demonstrated that research is not confined to laboratories: it also involves patients, organisations and healthcare professionals. Together, they contribute to:
Gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying breast cancer.
To develop innovative treatments, particularly for metastases.
To improve patients’ quality of life before, during and after treatment.
To raise public awareness of the issues surrounding research and care
This event was organised on the fringes of the European symposium ‘Enlight Cancer Days’, also organised by our laboratory, which brought together more than 240 European scientists conducting research into cancer over the following three days.
Thank you to the funders of these two events
· Université de Bordeaux
· Enlight Netcare
· SFC – Société Française du Cancer
· Ligue Contre le Cancer
· Fondation ARC pour la recherche sur le cancer
· Cancéropôle Grand Sud Ouest
And private sponsors: Biolegend, Discover Echo, Macherey Nagel, MedChem Express, 10x Genomics, Novogene, Dutscher
