In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the use of Tai Chi Chih, a movement meditation, in treating insomnia in breast cancer (BC) survivors. This study concluded that both Tai Chi Chih and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia provide similar benefits for breast cancer survivors. Some background Breast cancer patients often...
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In April, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) held a free education event on cancer called Progress and Promise Against Cancer in Washington, D.C. Surrounded by experts in cancer research, Kim Hall Jackson shared her patient story. One evening in 2008, Jackson, an event planner, was running the mayor’s inaugural event in...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the association between beta blocker use and outcomes in HER2 negative breast cancer (BC) patients. This study concluded that beta blocker use leads to improved progression free survival in BC patients. Some background Beta blockers are therapies used to treat various heart related conditions....
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In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the frequency and severity of the adverse events associated with non-hormonal drugs (NHD) used to treat hot flashes in breast cancer survivor patients. This study concluded that the use of high-dose NHD led to increased rates of adverse events when compared to patients not using NHD. Some...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate whether neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) influenced the eligibility of HER2 positive breast cancer patients to undergo breast conserving therapy (BCT). This study concluded the use of NST can result in patients who are non-eligible for BCT converting to patients that are eligible for BCT. Some...
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In July 2015, we published a post called Patients Included In Research: Studying Cancer by Mutation Not Organ. In that post, we shared the goal that cancers would be treated not by the site of origin, but rather by their genetic features. Achieving this goal is closer than you think! This week the FDA announced accelerated approval** of a...
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We are adding to the list of respite opportunities that are available for adults with cancer. In addition to a couple of programs like the ones featured in Free Vacations for Adults affected by Cancer, there are a few foundations for adults with cancer that are much like the well-known Make-A-Wish Foundation (for children) which provide support for...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated whether beta blockers (BB), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) have a beneficial effect on breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS; the time between diagnosis and death from BC). The use of BB was found to be associated with better BCSS survival. Some...
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In a nutshell This study compared the side effects and outcome of two drug regimens in women with high-risk node-positive breast cancer (BC). Both treatment regimens were found to have similar survival outcomes. Some background Standard treatment in node positive BC (cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes) consists of two categories of...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the use of dexamethasone (Ozurdex) mouthwash for preventing stomatitis in patients with breast cancer(BC). The use of dexamethasone oral solution was found to significantly reduce the incidence and severity of stomatitis. Some background Everolimus (Afinitor) and exemestane (Aromasin) are mTOR inhibitors...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) was useful for preoperative treatment of early-stage breast cancer (BC) patients. APBI was found to be an effective treatment option with good cosmetic results for certain early-stage BC patients. Some background Breast conserving therapy (surgery to remove...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the results of previous trials to determine the effects of breast cancer (BC) radiotherapy (RT) on the long-term risk of developing other health conditions later in life. This study determined that for long-term smokers, the future health risks associated with RT may outweigh the benefits. Some background RT...
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