In a nutshell This study aimed to find out if endocrine therapy (ET) is best used alone or with targeted therapy in the treatment of hormone positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer. The study found that patients who used ET and targeted therapy together experienced a better quality of life in some regards compared to ET used alone. Some...
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To Treat or Not To Treat Cancer: Medical Decision-making
Cherry Hughes** is an active, energetic 75 year old, still working in the marketing and public relations profession in Great Britain. Her life is filled with friends and fun. “I love cooking and eating out. I am deeply interested in politics. I love music …I go to jazz clubs. I love going to France …I have a little apartment...
Read MoreAlcohol consumption’s effect on breast cancer mortality
In a nutshell This study aimed to examine the effect alcohol consumption has on patients with breast cancer. This study concluded that low, moderate and high levels of alcohol intake were not associated with an increased chance of mortality as compared to non-drinkers. Some background Alcohol intake is a known risk factor for breast cancer...
Read MoreWhat is Neutropenia?
There are 1.6 million people diagnosed with cancer in the US each year. Of these, 650,000 receive chemotherapy. Did you know that 60,000 people a year are hospitalized for neutropenia, a common side effect of chemotherapy? One in fourteen die because of it. Of the 650,000 receiving chemotherapy, 104,000 are not aware of neutropenia and 52,000 don’t...
Read MorePost-traumatic stress disorder can develop in patients with cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who have had treatment for cancer. This study found that a number of patients undergoing cancer treatment developed PTSD after treatment and recommended that supports are put in place. Some background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a...
Read MorePost-traumatic stress disorder can develop in patients with cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who have had treatment for cancer. This study found that a number of patients undergoing cancer treatment developed PTSD after treatment and recommended that supports are put in place. Some background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a...
Read MorePost-traumatic stress disorder can develop in patients with cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who have had treatment for cancer. This study found that a number of patients undergoing cancer treatment developed PTSD after treatment and recommended that supports are put in place. Some background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a...
Read MoreEmergencies and Illness
After three hurricanes, flooding, fires and mudslides, and now severe cold and snow in the Deep South and throughout the country, the US has had its share of emergencies. Are you prepared? For people who rely on oxygen, who are on dialysis, have diabetes or other serious conditions, it is time to think about putting together some of the essentials. What...
Read MoreThe optimal duration of hormone therapy for post menopausal patients with early breast cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to compare the benefits of taking letrozole for 2.5 years versus 5 years in post-menopausal patients with early stage breast cancer. This study found no benefit of five years extended therapy with letrozole compared to 2.5 years, after an initial five years of hormone therapy. Some background Breast...
Read MoreCAR T-Cells and HIV: What’s the Connection?
It has taken decades of work for researchers to find ways to activate the immune system to treat cancer (what we now call immuno-oncology or I-O). Much of that work has been poorly funded. Largely, it has been the result of researchers getting experience in other disciplines (like infectious disease) and then transferring that expertise to oncology...
Read MoreThe biosimilar filgrastim is effective at preventing fever during chemotherapy for breast cancer
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effectiveness of filgrastim (Neupogen) as compared to original G-CSF treatments lenograstim and pegfilgrastim (Neulasta). The study concluded that filgrastim was as effective as original G-CSF treatments. Some background Low white blood cell counts can occur...
Read MoreEndocrine therapy and targeted therapy are safe for patients over 65 with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endocrine therapy, with or without targeted therapy, for patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer. This study concluded that the use of endocrine therapy and targeted therapy is safe for use in patients over 65. Some background There are several treatment...
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