In a nutshell This study investigated the accuracy and reliability of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB) before neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) has begun in breast cancer patients. The study concluded that SLNB before NAST is highly reliable. The authors suggested that patients with a negative SLNB may be able to avoid lymph node removal and...
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How effective is routine treatment with trastuzumab in early breast cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated the role of trastuzumab (Herceptin) as part of standard care in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2+) early breast cancer (BC). The study conclude that trastuzumab was effective in general practice, including patients not often included in clinical trials (such as the...
Read MoreCan the development of lapatinib-related rash predict breast cancer outcome?
In a nutshell This study investigated how the early development of a rash in treatment with lapatinib (Tykerb) impacts survival outcomes in breast cancer. This study concluded that early development of rash may indicate the patients who will benefit more from lapatinib. Some background Lapatinib is a drug which targets epidermal...
Read MoreTattoos, Pain, Libido: Breast Reconstruction Is Not a “Boob Job”
In Before Angelina Jolie: Karen Malkin Lazarovitz’s BRCA Journey (Part 1) Karen explained her experience of learning she had the BRCA mutation. This mutation significantly increased her risk of getting breast cancer (87% risk) and ovarian cancer (54% risk). Here is the rest of her interview. Why Karen Had A Double Mastectomy Waking up everyday thinking...
Read MoreBefore Angelina Jolie: Karen Malkin Lazarovitz’s BRCA Journey (Part 1)
In 2013, Angelina Jolie described her experience of being diagnosed with one of the BRCA mutations in her New York Times OpEd and prophylactic surgeries. But, five years before AJ’s “coming out,” Karen Malkin Lazarovitz @karenBRCAMTL learned she had one of the BRCA mutations. BRCA1 & BRCA2 Genes There are genes in our cells that...
Read MoreThe use of MR imaging to predict invasive breast cancer prognosis
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a prognostic tool in primary breast cancer (BC) patients. The study concluded that MR imaging can identify features which can be used to help predict the risk of distant metastasis (cancer spread to other areas) in patients. Some background Between 20-30%...
Read MoreThe impact of grilled, barbecued and smoked meat consumption on breast cancer survival
In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of consuming grilled, barbecued and smoked meats on breast cancer (BC) survival. This study concluded that a high intake of these foods may have a negative effect on BC survival. Some background Grilled, barbecued and smoked meats are a known source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)...
Read MoreQuality of life after different types of radiation in early-stage breast cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the impact of whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) on the severity of post-treatment side effects and quality of life. This study concluded that both forms of radiation therapy (RT) show similar survival benefits and similar quality of life in early-stage breast...
Read MoreBreast density and the risk of contralateral breast cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated whether a high proportion of dense breast tissue is associated with an increased risk of developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC, cancer in the other breast). This study determined that those with dense breasts at the time of original diagnosis were significantly more likely to develop CBC than those...
Read MoreWho should receive radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ?
In a nutshell This study investigated the rate of loco-regional recurrence (LRR) when breast-conserving surgery (BSC) was not followed by radiotherapy. This study concluded that the rate of LRR was low in patients who did not undergo radiation after BCS, but that age and margin width were risk factors for LRR. Some background BCS is a surgery...
Read MoreBreast-conserving treatments found to be safe and effective in certain patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the factors that can lead to complications after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Some background BCS removes the breast cancer but not the breast itself. IORT may be used during BCS. If cancer returns it is usually near the site of the original tumor. IORT delivers...
Read MoreIntraoperative radiation therapy and breast conserving surgery: an alternative to whole breast radiation
In a nutshell This study investigated the complications that occur after intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) treatment. The authors concluded that IORT is generally a safe treatment to use with BCS. Some background Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) treats breast cancer by removing just the tumor from the affected breast. IORT is sometimes...
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