In a nutshell This study evaluated the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in deciding adjuvant therapy (AT; treatment after surgery) in patients with breast cancer (BC). This study showed that personalized AT based on CTCs improved patient survival. Some background BC that has not spread to other areas of the body is called non-metastatic...
Read MoreTreatment(s) now being considered-Total mastectomy Posts on Medivizor
Evaluating radiation therapy after breast removal surgery for node-positive triple-negative breast cancer.
In a nutshell This study was carried out to assess the use of radiotherapy (RT) after mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast) for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that has spread to the lymph nodes. The authors found that RT after surgery was associated with improved survival in patients with larger tumors. Some background Triple-negative...
Read MoreImmediate breast reconstruction as an option for patients with breast removal surgery.
In a nutshell This article aimed to examine the effectiveness of an immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) approach using DIEP-flap repair and compared it to the standard treatment of a delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) in women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing mastectomy (breast removal surgery). The authors concluded that IBR should be...
Read MoreFurther surgery or non-surgical options for patients with remaining breast cancer after surgery
In a nutshell This study evaluated whether treating breast cancer that has not been completely removed with more surgery was more effective than non-surgical options such as chemotherapy. This study found that there was no difference in outcomes between treating with further surgery versus treating with a non-surgical option. Some...
Read MoreSearching for patients with early stage breast cancer to trial a new radiation treatment plan
In a nutshell The trial aims to investigate a new way of delivering radiation therapy in women with early-stage breast cancer. This will involve low doses of radiation therapy being aimed at the part of the breast where the tumor is or was. The main outcomes that will be measured are side effects and recurrence rate. This trial is recruiting in Missouri,...
Read MoreLooking for patients with triple negative breast cancer to test atezolizumab
In a nutshell This trial is examining the effectiveness of chemotherapy and atezolizumab (Tecentriq), given before surgery, for triple negative breast cancer. The main outcomes to be measured will be response in the breast tissue and lymph nodes and survival. The details Triple negative breast cancer is not dependent on the HER2 receptors or...
Read MoreLymph node surgery for early stage breast cancer
In a nutshell This study looked at the impact of removing lymph nodes (immune glands) from the armpit (axillary nodes) in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. The study found that removing the axillary lymph nodes did not signifcantly improve survival in patients with early stage breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer has the...
Read MoreLooking for patients with breast cancer who will be undergoing mastectomy to examine the incidence of chronic pain when Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) and Pectoral (PEC) Interfascial Blocks are used.
In a nutshell This trial is examining the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) or an anesthetic bupivacaine in lowering the incidence of chronic pain after surgery. The main outcome to be measured will be the incidence of chronic pain after each treatment. This study is being conducted in New York City. The...
Read MoreThe accuracy and relevancy of sentinel lymph node biopsy before neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer
In 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...
Read MoreBreast-conserving therapy versus mastectomy in N2 stage breast cancer
In a nutshell This study compared long-term survival following breast conserving surgery or mastectomy in patients with T1-2N2 breast cancer. The authors concluded that breast conserving surgery plus radiation was as effective as mastectomy and radiation in these patients. Some background Breast cancer is staged depending on the severity and...
Read MoreCan anemia affect breast cancer survival?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine whether anemia could negatively affect survival from breast cancer. Some background Anemia is described as a lack of hemoglobin; this is the iron found in our blood. Iron in the blood has several functions, including the transport of oxygen. Anemia can be commonly associated with cancer and is thought...
Read MoreTherapy before surgery: What are the benefits?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the advantage of neo-adjuvant (treatment given before surgery) therapies in terms of eligibility for certain surgeries. Some background Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is often provided to patients prior to surgery in an attempt to first shrink the tumor. This type of treatment is known to increase the...
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