In 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...
Read MoreTreatment(s) already received-Lumpectomy Posts on Medivizor
Does a less invasive radiotherapy technique after lumpectomy prevent a breast cancer recurrence?
In a nutshell This study examines the efficacy of a type of radiotherapy called accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) as an adjuvant (additional) treatment for breast cancer patients who underwent lumpectomy. Some background Patients with early-stage breast cancer are usually treated with breast conserving surgery or lumpectomy (surgery...
Read MoreLow dose tamoxifen as post surgical treatment for ductal intraepithelial neoplasia
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of low dose tamoxifen (nolvadex) on tumor recurrence when given as a post surgical treatment for ductal intraepithelial neoplasia. Some background Breast cancer cells which have not yet broken through the tissue layer in which they reside are often called intraepithelial, and are considered to be...
Read MoreThe occurrence and patterns of distance metastasis after breast conserving therapy
In a nutshell This study analyzed the occurrence of distance metastasis (the spread of the cancer to distant organs) in early stage breast cancer patients after breast conservation therapy (BCT). This study also showed the pattern of spread to these distant organs. Some background Early-stage...
Read MoreBenefits of radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery
In a nutshell This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of radiation treatment (RT) given after breast-conserving surgery. The main findings are that RT leads to a dramatic drop in cancer recurrences and a moderately improved survival rate 15 years after the operation. Some background Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) involves the removal of...
Read MorePhase 3 clinical trial comparing the addition of anastrozole versus tamoxifen to goserelin therapy before surgery for patients with early-stage breast cancer
In a nutshell This phase 3 clinical trial compared the safety and efficacy of two different combination treatments in women with early stage breast cancer: anastrozole (Arimidex) plus goserelin (Zoladex) versus tamoxifen (Nolvadex) plus goserelin. Some background An estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer requires estrogen (the primary...
Read MoreDoes radiation therapy improve survival in early stage breast cancer patients treated with lumpectomy and tamoxifen?
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...
Read MoreBreast self-examination in breast cancer survivors
In a nutshell The present study evaluated the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among breast cancer survivors and the factors which influence this practice. Most breast cancer survivors are aware of the benefits of BSE and have performed it since their diagnosis. Some background The number of breast cancer survivors has increased due to...
Read MoreAssessment of lymph node involvement in recurrent breast cancer: results of a nationwide registration study
In a nutshell In patients with recurrent breast cancer, knowledge of regional lymph node involvement serves as an important guide for disease prognosis and treatment decisions. The study presented here investigates the feasibility of “repeat sentinel node biopsy” (SNB) as a prognostic indicator instead of the more invasive “axillary...
Read MoreLocal recurrence rates of breast cancer if treated with chemotherapy before or after surgery
In a nutshell This paper investigates which approach provides longer recurrence free survival time after breast conserving surgery – pre- or post-operative chemotherapy. Some background Breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or BCS is surgery to remove the cancer and a section of healthy tissue around it. Women who choose this...
Read MoreThe pathways followed by doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of recurring and metastatic breast cancer
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...
Read MoreBreast reconstruction for breast cancer patients
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...
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