In a nutshell This review outlined the recommended treatment options for invasive breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world and it is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Breast cancer often begins in the milk ducts and lobules. In invasive breast cancer, the cancer moves...
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How likely are women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer to benefit from additional exemestane or tamoxifen?
In a nutshell This study looked at the benefit of additional hormone therapy in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive HER2 negative (HR+ HER2-) early breast cancer. They found that patients at higher risk of cancer returning showed greatest benefit from exemestane (Aromasin) plus ovarian function suppression (OFS). Some background HR+...
Read MoreCan we predict recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ after breast conserving surgery?
In a nutshell Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who undergo breast conserving surgery (BCS) are at risk of cancer recurrence. This study aimed to identify risk factors which could predict the likelihood of recurrence. It was found that a low tumor grade, presence of cancerous cells in the area directly around the tumor, the presence of a...
Read MoreAdding bevacizumab to letrozole treatment in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer – A good idea?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of adding bevacizumab (Avastin) to letrozole (Femara) treatment in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic (spread to other areas) breast cancer. They found that bevacizumab treatment prolonged the amount of time before patients experienced worsening of their...
Read MoreSide Effects of Chemotherapy for Cancer: Infographic
Chemotherapy Side Effects Resources Cancer survivorship is impacted by side effects of treatment. Survivorship health information abounds on Medivizor: from the post on neuropathy to the new guidelines that have been created for physicians to care for the side effects for breast cancer survivors. In addition, the Medivizor Library provides a...
Read MoreLooking for patients with inflammatory breast cancer to test eribulin followed by chemotherapy
In a nutshell The main objective of this trial is to determine patient response to eribulin (Halaven) followed by doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) treatment. The main outcome to be measured is number of patients who experience a complete response to treatment (disappearance of signs of cancer). This trial is being conducted...
Read MoreTypes of breast cancer and their impact on elderly patients
In a nutshell This study examined the impact of different breast cancer subtypes in elderly patients. The study concluded that HER2+ disease had the highest rate of metastatic spread in elderly breast cancer patients. Some background Breast cancer is classified into different subtypes depending on the presence or absence of certain receptors....
Read MoreAfter Cancer Treatment: Living Out The Cure
When you’re 8 years old, jumping rope, playing dolls, swinging on swing sets and doing homework are girlhood pursuits. Discovering “Lumpy Luey” in your left chest wall isn’t. In 1978, Stephanie Dodds’ way of coping with the diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma was to give it a name and focus on “getting rid of it.”...
Read MoreSarcoma of the breast – a rare disease
In a nutshell This review examined the results of major studies on breast sarcoma. The authors concluded that more research is still needed to identify effective therapies for the treatment of breast sarcoma. Some background The most common types of breast cancers are referred to as carcinomas and start in the mild ducts of the breast....
Read MoreEribulin – a treatment for metastatic breast cancer
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of the drug eribulin (Halaven) for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer and resistance to taxane therapies. The study concluded that eribulin was effective and well tolerated in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Some background Taxanes are a type of...
Read MoreOncology Basics 2016: The Immune System and Immunotherapy
Oncology Basics 2016 continues with a look at the immune system and immunotherapy. As described in a previous post, one of the regulators of cell division and proliferation is the immune system. Harnessing the power of the immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells is a promising area of oncology research. Immune System Cells Below is a graphic to...
Read MoreThe effect of delaying trastuzumab therapy
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of delaying trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy in patients with breast cancer. The study concluded that delays in receiving trastuzumab therapy of 6 months or more leads to decreased overall survival and relapse-free survival time. Some background Some breast cancers depend on the human epidermal...
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