In a nutshell The authors aimed to assess the results of a specific pre-operative chemotherapy. Some background Pre-operative chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor before surgery. Abraxane and cyclophosphamide (Endoxan) are used as combined chemotherapy and referred to as ABC. 5-fluorouracil (Adrucil), epirubicin (Pharmorubicin) and...
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In a nutshell This article evaluated the benefits of psychology treatments for breast cancer patients with depression. Some background Many women with breast cancer also suffer from depression (22%). This can lead to a decreased quality of life and overall prognosis (treatment outcome). 'Psychodynamic psychotherapy' is a form of...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate if the outcomes of surgery following chemotherapy are different based on the focality of breast cancer tumors. Some background Breast cancer can be characterised as 'unifocal', 'multifocal and 'multicentric'. This refers to the number of areas in which the cancer can be found...
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In a nutshell This article looked at the influence of calpain-9 on breast cancer survival following endocrine therapy. Some background Calpain-9 is a protein that is important in the processes of cell signalling (communication between cells). Irregular expression of these proteins can be seen in breast cancer and some of these proteins can even...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The authors aimed to assess whether chemotherapy has an impact on thyroid function. Some background The thyroid is an endocrine gland (tissue that releases hormones) found in the neck. It controls how quickly the body uses energy used in the body, how the body reacts to other hormones and makes proteins. Thyroid hormones can...
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In a nutshell This paper compares the benefits and risks of axillary lymph node dissection compared to sentinel lymph node dissection. Some background Breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes (organ that is involved in the immune system that is found throughout the body). Generally, for patients with no cancer in their lymph nodes,...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to identify predictors of response to hypofractionated radiation therapy in early-stage breast cancer. Some background Tumor biomarkers are indicators of the state or condition of a tumor, and can predict the response of a tumor to certain treatments. While biomarkers of tumor response to hormonal therapy...
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In a nutshell This paper studies a lymphedema risk reduction program entitled "The Optimal Lymph Flow". Some background Many breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing lymphedema (build up of fluid that causes swelling in the affected limb) after surgery. A higher body mass index (BMI) also increases the risk...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the safety of treatment by surgery alone for low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ patients. Some background Ductal carcinoma in situ is an early stage of breast cancer in which the cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts of the breast. For many years, the standard of care for all patients was surgical removal of...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated the use of progesterone receptor status as an independent predictor of disease prognosis in patients with early breast cancer. Some background Most breast cancer cells grow in response to female hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen. Cancer response to these growth stimuli not only directs treatment...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated breast cancer risk and outcomes among postmenopausal women using hormone replacement therapy. Some background Progesterone and estrogen are steroid hormones that have a crucial role in female maturation and reproduction processes. The female menstrual cycle, ovulation and pregnancy are only part of the...
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In a nutshell This trial compared the effects of different support groups for distressed breast cancer patients. Some background Cancer diagnosis and treatments are known to be a major cause of depression and distress. Among breast cancer survivors, the risk of tumor recurrence and frequent screening contribute to patient stress and depression...
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