In a nutshell This study looked at whether pertuzumab (Perjeta) benefits patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer when added to trastuzumab (Herceptin) and docetaxel (Taxotere) treatment. They found that adding pertuzumab improved long-term patient outcomes. Some background Breast cancer can now be tested for some of the signals involved...
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Does immune cell boosting drug G-CSF reduce the effects of chemotherapy in different cancers?
In a nutshell This study examined the effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) given as a preventative measure in patients with high- and medium-risk cancer receiving chemotherapy. The results showed that preventative G-CSF allowed more patients to complete chemotherapy treatment and lowered patients’ chances of developing...
Read MoreCan adding capecitabine improve outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer?
In a nutshell This study looked at adding capecitabine (Xeloda) to standard treatment for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It found that capecitabine improved outcomes for patients with TNBC. Some background Breast tissue growth responds to changing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some breast cancer can...
Read MoreDo vitamin and mineral supplements affect the outcomes of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer?
In a nutshell This study examined if patients with breast cancer that took different vitamin supplements before or during chemotherapy had poorer results from treatment. The results showed that anti-oxidants vitamin A, C, E, carotenoids and coenzyme Q10, as well as vitamin B12 and iron, negatively impact the outcomes of patients. Some...
Read MoreImaging techniques to evaluate treatment of lymph node swelling in patients with breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if taking pictures of lymph nodes using medical imaging techniques helped in finding out if treatment for lymph node swelling was working. The study found that using lymphoscintigraphy helped in evaluating the treatment of lymph node swelling. Some background It is common for lymph nodes to be affected...
Read MoreBenefits of therapy for early stage breast cancer
In a nutshell This paper is a document that was developed at a breast cancer conference by a number of experts in the field. It outlines suggested treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The experts concluded that patients and doctors should work together and discuss the benefit of treating early-stage breast cancer in comparison with the potential...
Read MoreSurgical removal of a primary tumor in newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if surgically removing the main tumor in breast cancer which has spread throughout the body would impact the survival of the patient. The study found that removing the primary tumor resulted in a longer overall survival in patients with breast cancer that has spread. Some background A common treatment for...
Read MoreHow useful is preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy for fertility preservation in cancer patients?
In a nutshell This study investigated preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) for fertility preservation (FP). They found that PGT-A was useful in cancer patients attempting FP. Some background Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to treat infertility. It is also an important option for cancer patients. Cancer...
Read MoreGabapentin and pregabalin for hot flushes in women with breast cancer receiving hormonal therapy
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out if two medications, gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) helped relieve symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats in postmenopausal women and women with breast cancer receiving hormonal therapy. The study found that gabapentin reduced the frequency of hot flushes in these women. Some background...
Read MoreAtezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel for unresectable advanced triple-negative breast cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel in unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. This study concluded that this combination had a benefit in patients with PD-L1 immune cell positive...
Read MoreMindfulness-based interventions in cancer patients and survivors
In a nutshell This review aimed to summarize available data about the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for cancer-related symptoms in cancer patients and survivors. This review concluded that mindfulness-based interventions can have a beneficial effect as an adjuvant therapy in these patients. Some background...
Read MoreChemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor positive, node positive invasive breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out how well chemotherapy for invasive breast cancer works, especially in those over 70 years old. The study found that most patients benefit from chemotherapy, however, those aged over 70 benefited less of this treatment than those aged under 70. Some background Most types of breast cancer have guidelines with...
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