In a nutshell This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of accelerated partial breast irradiation (ABPI) with TomoTherapy (TT) after breast conservative surgery (BCS) in patients with invasive breast cancer. This study concluded that this treatment is safe and effective with good long-term outcomes in these patients. Some...
Read MoreType(s) of breast cancer-Ductal carcinoma-Invasive ductal carcinoma Posts on Medivizor
Chemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor positive, node positive invasive breast cancer
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out how well chemotherapy for invasive breast cancer works, especially in those over 70 years old. The study found that most patients benefit from chemotherapy, however, those aged over 70 benefited less of this treatment than those aged under 70. Some background Most types of breast cancer have guidelines with...
Read MoreComparing whole-breast radiotherapy and partial-breast radiotherapy for breast cancer patients who have undergone breast conservation surgery
In a nutshell This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients who received whole and partial breast radiotherapy after undergoing breast conservation surgery. This study concluded that partial breast radiotherapy and lower dose radiotherapy had similar outcomes for patients when compared to whole breast radiotherapy. Some background...
Read MoreThe use of MR imaging to predict invasive breast cancer prognosis
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a prognostic tool in primary breast cancer (BC) patients. The study concluded that MR imaging can identify features which can be used to help predict the risk of distant metastasis (cancer spread to other areas) in patients. Some background Between 20-30%...
Read MoreInvasive breast cancer: a review
In a nutshell This review outlined the recommended treatment options for invasive breast cancer. Some background Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world and it is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Breast cancer often begins in the milk ducts and lobules. In invasive breast cancer, the cancer moves...
Read MoreDealing with cancer pain: Low-dose morphine examined
In a nutshell This study compared weak opioids and low-dose morphine in providing pain relief for moderate cancer pain. Researchers concluded that low-dose morphine is more suitable as pain management for moderate cancer pain than weaker pain relievers. Some background The guidelines for cancer pain relief developed by the World Health...
Read MoreBreast cancer sub-types and the extent of surgery required
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...
Read MoreUsing genes to determine breast cancer outlook
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the prognostic (treatment outlook) value of genetic expression (the expression of genes) on breast cancer survival. Some background The breast cancer over-expressed gene 1 (BCOX1) is a type of gene that may be involved in the development of breast cancer. Finding effective ways of predicting...
Read MoreThe risks of developing a fever during chemotherapy
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the risk factors for patients developing a fever during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Some background Febrile neutropenia is the term that describes the development of a fever in a patient who has neutropenia; low levels of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell). This can often be caused by...
Read MoreA trial comparing three adjuvant chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of women with breast cancer
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of three adjuvant chemotherapy regimens used in the treatment of node positive breast cancer. Some background Adjuvant chemotherapy refers to chemotherapy given in addition to surgery in an attempt to destroy any remaining cancer cells and to prevent cancer recurrence. Adjuvant chemotherapy is...
Read MoreA review of pertuzumab and its use in HER2 blockade
In a nutshell This article reviewed data from recent clinical trials investigating the drug pertuzumab (perjeta) as treatment for metastatic HER2+ breast cancer. Some background HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells. This complex responds to molecules called growth factors, and...
Read MoreDo statins increase survival in inflammatory breast cancer patients?
In a nutshell This study looked at whether patients who receive statins and develop primary inflammatory breast cancer enjoy a better outcome. Some background Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a disease in which breast cells grow in an uncontrolled manner, and inflammation develops in part of the breast. Recently, researchers investigated the...
Read More