A Conversation with Dr. Aureli Torné | The Impact of New Technologies in Medicine | Innovation, Communication and The Evolution of Breast Cancer Medicine in the Age of AI
Since 2011, I have had the great honor of interviewing Dr. Aureli Torné on multiple topics related to gynecology, learning about advances in research and treatment, and also exploring the impact of new technologies on the management of conditions such as breast cancer, as well as the importance of health communication and education in preventing disease and promoting early diagnosis, always conveying information that is both truthful and hopeful.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Aureli Torné Bladé for his time and his enduring commitment to making medical knowledge more accessible, as well as for his dedication to prevention, education and greater public awareness of the issues that shape our health, and well-being.
«Today, we can reconstruct the breast earlier and with better aesthetic and functional results. Immediate reconstruction.»
«The trend is to reduce the aggressiveness of treatments without compromising oncological safety. Breast-conserving surgery combined with radiotherapy offers the same survival as mastectomy in appropriately selected patients.»
«New technologies, and especially artificial intelligence, are radically improving the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in several ways.»
«Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential in cancer prevention in general and also in breast cancer.»
«Implementing a healthy lifestyle, although it does not guarantee the prevention of breast cancer, can significantly reduce the risk.»
«All the advances in research and treatments we have referred to bring us closer to a future in which breast cancer is becoming a completely manageable condition.»
“Although significant progress has been made in the treatment and understanding of breast cancer, there are still important challenges in the fight against this disease, including continuing to advance personalized medicine in order to better predict which treatments will work and for which patients, based on the specific genetics and biology of the tumor.”
Dr. Aureli Torné Bladé | Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
Interview by Houda Bakkali | Published on October 6, 2026
What are the main advances in breast reconstruction after partial surgery or mastectomy?
Today, we can reconstruct the breast earlier and with better aesthetic and functional results. Immediate reconstruction, during the same procedure when a mastectomy is performed, is becoming increasingly common. The placement of definitive implants behind or in front of the pectoral muscle when possible, or of expanders (a temporary device that allows the skin and tissues to be progressively expanded through periodic saline fills, creating the space needed to subsequently place a definitive breast implant), helps reduce the impact that breast removal can have.
In selected cases, a skin-sparing and even areola- and nipple-sparing mastectomy can also be performed, with direct placement of an implant and good cosmetic results. Finally, in more complex cases or when prosthetic reconstruction is to be avoided, reconstructive surgery using the patient’s own tissue (flaps such as the DIEP) can be performed, and fat grafting can be used to improve or complete the result.
Finally, in breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic surgery techniques make it possible to remove the tumor and reshape the breast during the same procedure, achieving the best balance between oncological safety and aesthetic outcome.
How are localized treatments and breast-conserving surgery evolving compared with mastectomy?
The trend is to reduce the aggressiveness of treatments without compromising oncological safety. Breast-conserving surgery combined with radiotherapy offers the same survival as mastectomy in appropriately selected patients. In the axilla, sentinel lymph node biopsy has replaced axillary lymph node dissection in most cases.
On the other hand, radiotherapy has been greatly shortened, with regimens lasting only a few days compared with the five-week treatments used a few years ago. And neoadjuvant systemic treatments (before surgery) allow the tumor size to be significantly reduced in many patients and facilitate less extensive surgery in both the breast and the axilla.
What is preventive mastectomy and when is it recommended?
It is the removal of both apparently healthy breasts to reduce the risk of developing cancer. It is considered mainly in women who carry high-risk mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or other hereditary genes associated with a high predisposition to developing breast cancer. Although this risk-reducing surgery does not completely eliminate the possibility of developing cancer, it reduces it very significantly.
It is a very personal decision that must be made on an individual basis, after extensive genetic counseling and with the help of a multidisciplinary team that can help the patient understand and assess the balance between the benefits and the possible consequences of the procedure. As an alternative, many women may opt for an intensive surveillance strategy, mainly through magnetic resonance imaging and mammography.
In patients with breast cancer, when is physiotherapy treatment recommended?
Practically always, and the sooner the better. Shoulder mobilization should begin early, in accordance with the surgical team’s instructions. This rehabilitation is key to preventing and treating limitations in mobility, scar adhesions, lymphedema, and pain or stiffness after surgery and radiotherapy. Physical activity can also help improve some of the musculoskeletal discomfort frequently reported by women receiving hormone therapy.
Physical exercise during chemotherapy or once treatments have been completed is also of great help in reducing fatigue, maintaining functional capacity, and improving quality of life.
What is the prognosis for metastatic breast cancer?
In recent years, this adverse clinical situation has seen very significant advances and, in many patients, the disease can remain controlled for years. The prognosis depends on many factors, such as the location and extent of the disease and, especially, the biological characteristics and molecular subtype of the tumor, which determine the existence of possible therapeutic targets.
For example, hormone-dependent and HER2-positive tumors currently have multiple targeted therapies that have very significantly prolonged survival. Even triple-negative tumors, traditionally associated with more aggressive behavior, have incorporated new options, such as immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates, which are improving outcomes.
Each case is different, and general figures say little about a specific patient. That is why correct biological characterization of the disease and individualization of therapeutic options are important.
What is the relationship between genetics and breast cancer?
Between 5 and 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. Hereditary cancer is cancer related to an inherited genetic alteration (mutation) that increases the predisposition to developing certain types of cancer. Having this mutation does not mean that cancer will necessarily develop, but rather that the risk is higher than in the general population.
In breast cancer, the best-known genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2, but there are others, such as PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, or TP53. Knowing that a mutation exists makes it possible to intensify early-detection strategies and, in certain cases, consider risk-reducing surgery. Even in patients who have already developed cancer, having this information can modify the surgical strategy, allow the use of certain specific treatments, such as PARP inhibitors, and offer counseling and genetic testing to other family members.
What role does prevention play and how can it be promoted?
It is fundamental, both primary prevention and early diagnosis. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining an appropriate weight, especially after menopause, and engaging in regular physical activity, helps reduce the risk. It is also advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption as much as possible and not to smoke, as both are associated with an increased risk. A healthy diet, based mainly on fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, with limited consumption of ultra-processed foods, is also part of these recommendations. In addition, breastfeeding, when possible, has a protective effect against breast cancer.
On the other hand, early diagnosis through participation in screening programs is fundamental. To promote it, it is especially helpful to provide clear information, facilitate access, and ensure that the message also reaches patients through primary care, preventing certain women from being excluded from programs because of social, cultural, or healthcare access barriers. Screening through periodic mammography makes it possible to diagnose breast cancer at earlier stages and reduce mortality; the strategy must be adapted to the age and, especially, the individual risk of each woman.
Is breast cancer common in men? Are there differences in diagnosis and treatment?
It is a rare disease, accounting for approximately 1% of breast cancers. It is usually diagnosed at more advanced stages, among other reasons because there is a lower perception of risk.
Most tumors are hormone-dependent, so hormone therapy plays a central role. Much of the therapeutic approach is extrapolated from the evidence available in women because there are fewer specific studies. In addition, all men diagnosed with breast cancer should be offered genetic counseling and testing given the greater likelihood of finding a hereditary predisposition.
And communication in the midst of the digital age? What challenges does it pose?
Currently, one of the major challenges is precisely managing the enormous amount of information available about breast cancer appropriately. Patients have immediate access to content on the internet, social media, the media, and artificial intelligence tools, but this information varies greatly in quality and is not always based on scientific evidence. This can generate misinformation, false expectations, fear, or rejection of effective interventions.
On the other hand, medical information is increasingly complex and personalized (genetics, biomarkers, molecular classification, new treatments, etc.), making it necessary to translate highly technical knowledge into understandable language. The challenge, therefore, is no longer simply to facilitate access to information, but to ensure that it is reliable, up-to-date, understandable, and adapted to each patient, and that it allows them to participate in an informed way in decisions about their health.
In this increasingly technological context, we must not forget that no digital tool can replace the time, trust, and empathy of a conversation during a medical consultation.
Dr. Aureli Torné Bladé | Present and Future of Breast Cancer
Interview by Houda Bakkali | Published on October 19, 2024
In the field of scientific research, where are we now in the fight against breast cancer?
The field of breast cancer research is dynamic and constantly evolving, with many ongoing studies that promise to continue improving survival rates and patients’ quality of life. The most notable aspects are:
- early detection thanks to screening programs, where imaging techniques continue improving their ability to detect tumors at very early stages, whose prognosis is excellent;
- more personalized and targeted treatments, thanks to biomarkers and genetic testing that make it possible to design specific treatments adapted to each type of tumor, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects;
- new treatments such as immunotherapy, which is based on using the immune system to fight the tumor and has proven effective in a subgroup of tumors with a poorer prognosis;
- improving equity in breast cancer treatment, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic characteristics, have access to detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
What challenges still lie ahead?
Although significant progress has been made in the treatment and understanding of breast cancer, there are still important challenges in the fight against this disease, some of which are:
- better understanding treatment resistance developed by some tumors;
- continuing research into why some tumors present metastases and relapses after successful treatment, and in some cases these are more aggressive and more resistant to previous treatments;
- developing less toxic treatments, with fewer side effects and a better impact on patients’ quality of life;
- continuing to advance in personalized medicine in order to better predict which treatments will work and for which patients, based on the specific genetics and biology of the tumor.
How are new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) impacting the diagnosis and therapeutic approach to this disease?
New technologies, and especially artificial intelligence, are radically improving the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in several ways. Artificial intelligence can analyze images with a level of detail that surpasses human capability, which will improve the accuracy of mammograms and other imaging tests, and therefore can increase their sensitivity and promote the early detection of lesions. Its ability to analyze data from different patients, including information on all biological and clinical variables and responses to previous treatments, can help identify which treatments will be most effective for a specific patient. Ultimately, artificial intelligence can support clinical decision-making by integrating and analyzing large volumes of medical information, from clinical protocols to the latest research and clinical trial data, facilitating physicians’ access to relevant and updated information in real time.
A healthy lifestyle, to what extent does it help prevent breast cancer?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential in cancer prevention in general and also in breast cancer. For example, there is strong evidence linking overweight and obesity with a higher risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause, since adipose tissue increases estrogen levels and promotes inflammatory activity. Alcohol consumption is also clearly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, which is why limiting intake or avoiding it completely is recommended. Regarding regular physical activity, numerous studies have shown that it can reduce risk, as it also helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces inflammation, and improves hormonal regulation. Ultimately, implementing a healthy lifestyle, although it does not guarantee the prevention of breast cancer, can significantly reduce the risk.
What role does communication play in addressing the disease?
Communication plays a fundamental role in addressing breast cancer, impacting multiple aspects. It is important to educate the public, and for this purpose, well-designed public health campaigns can increase awareness and motivate women to participate in screening programs or adopt healthier lifestyles. In addition, communication in the care of breast cancer patients is essential to ensure they understand their disease, the diagnostic and treatment options, understanding the benefits and risks of each option and facilitating informed decision-making. Empathetic communication and psychological support are fundamental for patients and their families, as they help them manage the stress, fear, and uncertainty associated with the disease.
A hopeful message for patients and families
All the advances in research and treatments we have referred to bring us closer to a future in which breast cancer is becoming a completely manageable condition, with continuous and progressive improvements in all areas (detection, diagnosis, treatment), which is reflected in excellent results and heralds a hopeful future for patients and their families.
Dr. Aureli Torné Bladé | The Impact of New Technologies in Medicine: Artificial Intelligence an Augmented Reality
Interview by Houda Bakkali | Published on October 13, 2023
How can Artificial Intelligence transform the healthcare sector?
Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a tool capable of handling vast amounts of data while simultaneously learning from and rapidly analyzing all this information. The truth is that applying this potential to different areas of Medicine will undoubtedly help physicians provide better clinical care by reducing errors in the diagnosis and treatment of our patients.
How is it currently being applied in clinical practice?
Although we are still in the early stages of the clinical application of Artificial Intelligence, there are already numerous examples demonstrating the usefulness of these tools in clinical practice. Some of these examples include the detection of certain types of cancer and support for more personalized treatments, thanks to the ability to assess an enormous amount of data from patients’ medical records or from the scientific literature, for example.
Last week, the press reported that a radiotherapy system at the Catalan Institute of Oncology, thanks to Artificial Intelligence, is able to integrate real-time data to improve the treatment of certain tumors, such as bladder tumors, whose anatomy undergoes constant changes. This makes it possible to increase treatment effectiveness while reducing unnecessary irradiation of surrounding organs.
How can Artificial Intelligence contribute to prevention and early diagnosis?
As we know, one of Artificial Intelligence’s greatest strengths is the analysis and processing of images such as X-rays, histological biopsy images, and 3D medical scans such as CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). In all these areas, Artificial Intelligence can contribute to the ultimate clinical goal of developing tools that help us improve diagnosis.
Today, we are talking about intelligent radiomics for the early diagnosis of lung diseases. Some practical examples include software that contributes to the early diagnosis of lung cancer through CT scans, or to the early detection and monitoring of pulmonary embolism in patients with COVID-19.
Do new technologies such as augmented reality and Artificial Intelligence make Medicine more creative?
The truth is that new technologies, augmented reality, and Artificial Intelligence have not yet completed their rollout in Medicine, but examples demonstrating their effectiveness are already beginning to emerge. Undoubtedly, some of these solutions incorporate greater creativity, for example, in the development of new medicine package inserts that are more educational through augmented reality and can even show patients how the medication works inside their bodies. There are also anatomy study programs that allow students to visualize the human body through augmented reality in a way that is both easy and spectacular. Another example is augmented reality programs for the treatment of phobias and mental disorders, designed with immersive experiences that expose patients with mental illnesses to carefully controlled stressful situations so that they can overcome phobias, panic, anxiety, and similar conditions.Ultimately, all these examples are just a few glimpses of the extraordinary potential these technologies may offer in the years ahead.
Aureli Torné Bladé, breast cancer prevention, women’s health, breast cancer awareness, early detection breast cancer, breast cancer screening, breast health
Dr. Aureli Torné Bladé, Head of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona, and member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia, discusses the challenges in addressing this disease, the impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence on its diagnosis, the importance of prevention, and the value of communication when referring to breast cancer.
Dr. Aureli Torné represents one of the most authoritative and respected voices in the field of gynecologic oncology. His contribution to the research and treatment of cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, the management of human papillomavirus, as well as to the field of gynecological medicine and obstetrics, has been widely recognized. He has participated as a researcher in 35 different research projects and has received more than thirty awards throughout his career.
The work of Dr. Torné is tireless. He has published more than 220 original articles, delivered more than 350 conference communications and 230 lectures at congresses, courses, and medical conferences, edited 7 books, and published 47 chapters dedicated to gynecological medicine.
He has directed and organized numerous medical courses and congresses, participated as a professor in more than 250 courses, supervised 9 doctoral theses, and contributed to the drafting of 20 consensus documents and clinical guidelines.
Throughout his career, he has also held different roles and responsibilities in scientific institutions around the world, including the Spanish Association of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, the Terminology Committee of the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, and the Ibero-American Society of Vulva and Vagina, among others.
Interviews Featured in James Magazine Italia; Montecarlo News, Monaco; Cultura Viva, Colombia; Barna Diario, Barcelona, El Nuevo Herald Miami; Juliet Art Magazine, Italia; Onmeda, Spain–Germany; Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI); DivulgaUNED; Onda Cero, Spain; Málaga Médica: Official College of Physicians; EnFemenino, Spain–France.
A Conversation with Dr. Aureli Torné: A Cartography of Gynecology Health
In this cartography, I curate a selection of my conversations with Dr. Aureli Torné on gynecology health, the impact of technology and the importance of health education and communication since 2011.
AI Is Transforming Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
In this interview, Dr. Aureli Torné examines the impact of artificial intelligence on medicine, with particular emphasis on innovation, communication, and the evolution of breast cancer care in the age of AI.
New Technologies in Medicine
In this interview, Dr Aureli Torné examines the role of technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in medicine, focusing on their applications and the challenges associated with their integration into everyday clinical practice and the dissemination of knowledge.
The Role of Communication in Oncology
In this interview, Dr Aureli Torné discusses communication in healthcare, focusing on interactions with patients and their families, as well as on how the word “cancer” is introduced and discussed.
Ovarian Cancer: Clinical Manifestations and Therapeutic Management
In this interview, Dr Aureli Torné explains the nature of ovarian cancer, its clinical manifestations, and the role of the oral contraceptive pill in its chemoprevention.
Cervical Cancer and the Effectiveness of HPV Vaccination
In this interview, Dr Aureli Torné explains the nature of cervical cancer, its association with human papilloma virus (HPV), and the effectiveness of HPV vaccination.
Vulvar Cancer: Clinical Manifestations, Prognosis, and Therapeutic Management
In this interview, Dr Aureli Torné Baldé explains the nature of vulvar cancer, its clinical signs and symptoms, its incidence, and the therapeutic strategies employed in its management.
