In a nutshell This trial compared treatment with trastuzumab (herceptin) in combination with docetaxel, to a new combination drug called trastuzumab emtansine. Some background Some breast cancer cells have certain receptors on their surface that respond to growth inducing molecules. These cancers are referred to as being human epidermal growth...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This phase III clinical trial evaluated the effects on survival of the drug lapatinib in combination with a standard chemotherapy agent called paclitaxel in newly diagnosed HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer patients. Some background Some breast cancer cells have on their surface a protein (receptor) called human epidermal...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between survival outcomes and specific adverse events (AEs) in patients after menopause (postmenopausal) with breast cancer treated with hormone therapy. Some background Most breast cancers grow in response to estrogen, the main female sex hormone. Therefore, hormone therapy...
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In a nutshell This phase II clinical trial tested whether a new drug, entinostat, can work in concert with exemestane (a hormone therapy drug), to fight breast cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy alone. Some background Some breast cancers need estrogen (a female sex hormone) to grow. These breast cancer cells respond to estrogen via...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated whether there is any benefit from radiation therapy (RT) in women over the age of 70 with early stage breast cancer treated with lumpectomy (surgical removal of the cancerous lump) and tamoxifen. Some background Breast cancer in older patients is often fueled by estrogen, a female sex hormone. These cancer...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated whether zoledronic acid (Zometa) can help reduce recurrence (return of the cancer) and improve survival for patients with stage II/III breast cancer (BC). Some background Stage II and Stage III BC is cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes around the breast (under the armpit or above collarbone), but not...
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In a nutshell The aim of this study was to establish the criteria for selecting the best candidates to receive a second breast–conserving surgery (BCS) after ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR- reappearance of a breast tumor on the same side). Some background Some patients with primary breast cancer who receive BCS and...
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This paper evaluates the process health care professionals follow to diagnose a cancer that reoccurs in the same location as a previous cancer (locally recurrent), or a cancer that has spread (metastasized). Despite earlier detection and improved treatment options for breast cancer, it is still the leading cause of cancer related deaths in...
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In a nutshell This paper presents the results of a clinical study which looked at the use of a new drug called Bosutinib (Bosulif) for the treatment of breast cancers diagnosed as being stage III or IV. In patients previously treated with chemotherapy, Bosutinib showed promising efficacy in delaying cancer progression. Some background Locally...
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The present review discusses the principles, methods and complications of breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer patients who need mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast). Women with breast cancer often need extensive surgeries to eliminate the cancer, along with healthy breast tissue, skin or the nipple and areola (the darker area...
Read MoreIn a nutshell Tamoxifen is one of the main drugs used for hormonal treatment of breast cancer. The aim of this article was to establish the value of Tamoxifen as a preventive agent for women who have high chances of developing breast cancer. Main finding: Tamoxifen notably reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in easily identifiable higher risk...
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This article highlights current problems related to breast cancer management in men. Main topics covered are: genetic predisposition to breast cancer in men, treatment approaches and comments regarding patients’ experience. Although only about 1% of breast cancers occur in men, the reality of the disease is unquestionable. Risk factors include...
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