In a nutshell This study aimed to examine the risk of developing a secondary cancer after breast conserving therapy for early stage breast cancer patients. This study found that patients who have been treated for early stage breast cancer do not have a significantly higher risk of secondary cancers. Some background Women with early stage breast...
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Are two HER-2 medications combined with hormone therapy effective?
In a nutshell This trial aimed to evaluate the use of a second treatment targeting HER-2 in a group of patients that had HER-2, HR positive metastatic breast cancer. This study found that patients treated with dual HER-2 medications with hormone therapy had a superior progression free survival as compared to those using one medication...
Read MoreBreast reconstruction surgery using an omental flap is an option after breast conserving surgery
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF) as used in breast reconstruction. It concluded that LHOF is a promising option in partial breast reconstruction after breast conserving surgery. Some background There are several types of surgery used in the treatment of breast cancer....
Read MoreComparing anastrozole and tamoxifen in the treatment of breast cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to compare anastrozole (Arimidex) and tamoxifen (Nolvadex) in the treatment of breast cancer. This study concluded that anastrozole is effective in the treatment of breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer is classified into different subtypes depending on the presence or absence...
Read MoreFrom Patient to Activist and Researcher: Dr. Mary Kelly Shanahan Part 3
Dr. Kelly Shanahan is a doer. As she wrote about her treatment for early stage breast cancer, “Even the four months of i.v. chemo needed because of one positive lymph node didn’t slow me down: I scheduled chemo for Thursdays, did surgery…on Fridays, threw up on Saturdays, ached from Neulasta® on Sundays, and was back in the office on...
Read MoreEffects of soy and cruciferous vegetables on breast cancer treatment-related symptoms
In a nutshell This study examined improvement in treatment related menopausal symptoms in patients who have had breast cancer and eat a diet rich in soy or cruciferous vegetable. This study found that higher soy and cruciferous vegetable intake was associated with less treatment-related menopausal symptoms and fatigue. Some background...
Read MoreOn Living with Breast Cancer: Dr. Kelly Shanahan’s Patient Journey Part 2
In From Physician to Patient, I introduced Dr. Kelly Shanahan, a mother, wife, and obstetrician-gynecologist living and working in California. Her life changed with a breast cancer diagnosis. “In 2008, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, stage IIB to be exact. I underwent an aggressive bilateral mastectomy, because 1) as an ob/gyn...
Read MoreFrom Physician to Patient: Dr. Kelly Shanahan Part 1
Dr. Kelly Shanahan attended the University of Virginia Medical School, graduating in 1987. Her residency at Temple University in obstetrics and gynecology ending as a chief resident in 1991. After practicing for a short time in Pennsylvania, she moved to California spring of 1994 “seeking a more ‘laid back life.'” She set up a private...
Read MoreCombination chemotherapy and radiation therapy in locally advanced breast cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to find out if radiation added to standard chemotherapy could increase the response to treatment for locally advanced breast cancer. This study found that neoadjuvant radiation added to chemotherapy improved response but not overall survival. Some background Chemotherapy is a treatment option for...
Read More5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands-which are also called suprarenal glands-are part of the endocrine system and are found on the top of each kidney. How the endocrine system hormones work Hormones secreted from glands of the endocrine system travel in the bloodstream to target cells. Target cells have receptors that are specific to each hormone. The hormones and receptors...
Read MoreRight To Try: Needed Legislation or Snake Oil?
Thirty-eight states in the US have passed “Right To Try” laws. These are laws that are created to give terminally ill patients who have run out of options access to experimental drugs that have not completed the FDA approval process. There is an effort underway to pass this type of legislation on a federal level. On February 8, the #LCSM (Lung...
Read MoreBreast conserving surgery in combination with intra-operative radiotherapy is an option for patients with recurrence of breast cancer who have previously had chest irradiation
In a nutshell This study aimed to examine breast conserving surgery (BCS) in combination with intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) for patients who have previously had radiation treatment to the chest. This study found that BCS in combination with IORT provides good local control and overall survival in patients with previous chest...
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