In a nutshell This study investigated whether accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) was useful for preoperative treatment of early-stage breast cancer (BC) patients. APBI was found to be an effective treatment option with good cosmetic results for certain early-stage BC patients. Some background Breast conserving therapy (surgery to remove...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the accuracy and reliability of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB) before neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) has begun in breast cancer patients. The study concluded that SLNB before NAST is highly reliable. The authors suggested that patients with a negative SLNB may be able to avoid lymph node removal and...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the rate of loco-regional recurrence (LRR) when breast-conserving surgery (BSC) was not followed by radiotherapy. This study concluded that the rate of LRR was low in patients who did not undergo radiation after BCS, but that age and margin width were risk factors for LRR. Some background BCS is a surgery...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the factors that can lead to complications after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Some background BCS removes the breast cancer but not the breast itself. IORT may be used during BCS. If cancer returns it is usually near the site of the original tumor. IORT delivers...
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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...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate whether there was a difference between the rates of local recurrence (the cancer returns to or near the site of the original tumor) in invasive lobular carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma. Some background Invasive lobular carcinoma is characterized as cancer that begins in the milk-producing lobules...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine both the effectiveness and toxicity of a type of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy is a course of chemotherapy that patients often receive after their main treatment. Chemotherapy can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence (the cancer returns) and improve...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to distinguish whether the characteristics of breast cancer could depend on the focality of the tumor. Some background Breast cancer can be characterized as 'unifocal', 'multifocal and 'multicentric'. This refers to the number of areas in which the cancer can be found (focality); unifocal...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to assess the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine used with conventional breast cancer treatments on breast cancer survival. Some background Traditional Chinese medicine is an alternative therapy that can complement breast cancer treatments. This generally includes various forms of herbal medicine,...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the long-term effects of hormone therapy to treat post-menopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Some background Hormone therapy is a form of breast cancer treatment. It targets cancer cells that may be affected by hormones. It is often administered prior to surgery in patients who are unfit to...
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In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine if there was a significant risk of cancer recurrence when breast-conserving therapy is the only treatment for women aged 55 and older. Some background A lumpectomy or 'breast-conserving therapy' is the removal of the breast and some surrounding tissues (the breast remains intact). This is...
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In a nutshell This paper studied whether observation or radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery (surgery to remove part of breast) was better for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ. Some background Ductal carcinoma in situ describes cancer that starts in the milk ducts of the breast, and that has not spread to surrounding breast...
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