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...
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Breast-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...
Read MoreCould the frequency of chemotherapy treatment alter breast cancer survival?
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...
Read MoreTraditional Chinese medicine; the effects on breast cancer survival
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,...
Read MoreBreast cancer in premenopausal women; hormone treatment with ovarian suppression
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effectiveness of exemestane (Aromasin) to treat premenopausal women with breast cancer and treatment outlook in comparison to tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Some background Tamoxifen is a type of hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer. This type of treatment is generally specific for hormone receptor...
Read MorePreventing depression in breast cancer patients after surgery; can melatonin help?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the effectiveness of melatonin (Circadin) to treat women with breast cancer who have depressive symptoms. Some background Depression or depressive symptoms (anxiety, sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain and dizziness) can occur in up to 50% of women with breast cancer. This can occur following surgery and...
Read MoreIs there any need for trastuzumab after surgery if you received trastuzumab before surgery?
In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of adjuvant therapy (treatment given after surgery) in patients who had a complete response to therapy with trastuzumab (Herceptin) before surgery. Some background Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is treatment used to decrease the size of the tumour before surgery. An example of treatment...
Read MoreSkin-sparing mastectomy; an acceptable treatment?
In a nutshell This paper studied the outcomes of a skin-sparing mastectomy procedure. Some background More and more people are undergoing skin-sparing mastectomies. This is a treatment for breast cancer where breast tissue is removed, but the overlying skin is preserved as much as possible. It also allows for immediate breast...
Read MorePreventing lymphedema with The Optimal Lymph Flow program
In a nutshell This paper studies a lymphedema risk reduction program entitled "The Optimal Lymph Flow". Some background Many breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing lymphedema (build up of fluid that causes swelling in the affected limb) after surgery. A higher body mass index (BMI) also increases the risk...
Read MoreDoes radiation therapy increase the risk of failure in immediate breast reconstruction?
In a nutshell The study examined whether radiation therapy increased the risk of implant failure in women undergoing immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Some background Treatment for breast cancer generally includes a combination of surgery to remove either the tumor or the full breast (mastectomy), radiation, and chemotherapy....
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