In a nutshell This study assessed the impact of pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab (herceptin) on survival of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Some background Neoadjuvant therapy refers to treatments given before surgery in order to shrink the tumor and allow for complete surgical removal of the...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined whether tamoxifen (nolvadex) can reduce the risk of contralateral breast cancer in women diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation. Some background The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations are associated with a high risk of developing breast cancer. While prophylactic mastectomies (a...
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In a nutshell This article investigated whether the body mass index or BMI (defined as weight divided by the square of height) can be used to determine how a patient with breast cancer treated with hormonal therapy may benefit from further treatment with a type of hormonal therapy called aromatase inhibitors. Some background Aromatase inhibitors...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study assessed the efficacy of using a new test called the 95-gene classifier (95-GC) to foretell the likelihood of cancer recurrence (return of the cancer) in patients with estrogen-receptor positive and node-negative (cancer that has not yet spread into the lymph nodes) breast cancer. Some background...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated survival rates after a local recurrence (return of the cancer close to the place of the initial cancer) in young breast cancer patients treated with breast conserving surgery. Some background Young patients with early stage breast cancer are usually treated with breast conserving surgery or BCS (removal of the...
Read MoreIn a nutshell In this study, researchers examined two methods of delivering radiation therapy as a treatment for breast cancer. They compared the cosmetic outcomes of breasts treated with targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Some background Medical and technological improvements have enhanced survival...
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In a nutshell In this study, researchers examined whether breast cancer patients who chose to have preventive removal of both breasts (bilateral mastectomy or BM) experience more post-surgery complications than patients who have removed only the cancer-affected breast (unilateral mastectomy or UM). Some background Most women with early breast...
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In a nutshell In this trial researchers examined whether the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery) influenced survival or recurrence rates in women undergoing breast conserving therapy for breast cancer. Some background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) refers to chemotherapy treatments received prior to surgery. This approach is often...
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In a nutshell In this study, researchers investigated whether high-fat dairy products are linked to breast cancer recurrence (return of the cancer) in breast cancer patients. Some background High levels of estrogen (the main female sex hormone) represent one of the major causes of breast cancer. In Western cultures, most dairy cows have high...
Read MoreIn a nutshell The study compared survival rates in patients with early stage breast cancer treated with mastectomy versus lumpectomy plus radiation therapy. Some background Most breast cancers grow in response to female hormones (estrogen or progesterone), via their receptor (a protein found on the surface of the cancer cells). These cancers are...
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In a nutshell This review analyzed the effect of tamoxifen (Nolvadex) on survival and risk of recurrence (return of the cancer) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Some background DCIS is a type of early-stage breast cancer. The cancer begins in the milk ducts of the breast breast and stays in its original place (in situ). This...
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In a nutshell This study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrence (return of the cancer) in patients with colorectal cancer following surgical removal. Some background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. Treatment for CRC has generally involved surgery to remove the cancer along with the entire area...
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