Dear Colleagues,

It is our great honor and pleasure to organize the 26th Congress of the International Association for Breast Cancer Research (IABCR) in Kurashiki, Japan. Kawasaki Medical School and the Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS) have the greatest privilege to host this international congress from September 22 to 24, 2008.

The 26th Congress of the IABCR will provide an excellent opportunity for basic and clinical breast cancer researchers from around the world to learn about and discuss the latest scientific research in breast cancer. The theme of this meeting is "Translational Research for Breast Cancer Therapy". In the past decade, a number of new agents, such as third-generation aromatase inhibitors, anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor bevacizumab, and HER1/HER2 dual inhibitor lapatinib, have been successfully introduced into clinics for the treatment of breast cancer. Cooperation among basic research, translational research and sophisticated clinical trials has contributed to this success. Therefore, translational research from laboratory findings to the development of new treatment strategies in clinics plays a key role in the progress of breast cancer therapy.

We warmly welcome you to this international meeting held in Kurashiki, one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan. We hope you enjoy this meeting as well as your stay in Kurashiki.

Hiroshi Sonoo
Local President of the 26th Congress of the IABCR
Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery
Kawasaki Medical School

Airo Tsubura
Local Honorary President of the 26th Congress of the IABCR
Department of Pathology II
Kansai Medical University

Junichi Kurebayashi
Local Secretary General of the 26th Congress of the IABCR
Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery
Kawasaki Medical School