In a nutshell This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using the MammoSite device for the treatment of patients after breast conserving surgery. Some background After breast conserving surgery (BCS; surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue without removal of the entire breast),...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated whether the Body Mass Index (BMI) influences the quality of life of breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Some background The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a weight to height ratio calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms to their square of height in meters. A normal BMI ranges...
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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...
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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...
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In a nutshell In this article, researchers investigated the adverse effects of zoledronic acid (Zometa) in breast cancer patients. Specifically, they examined the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and other oral (mouth) complications. Some background Zoledronic acid (zoledronate) is a drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis (loss...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This large analysis determined the risk of CNS metastases as the first site of recurrence in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who received trastuzumab (herceptin). Some background Breast cancer recurrence (return of the cancer) may occur near the site of the original cancer, or at other distant locations. The central nervous...
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In a nutshell In this trial researchers examined whether the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery) influenced survival or recurrence rates in women undergoing breast conserving therapy for breast cancer. Some background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) refers to chemotherapy treatments received prior to surgery. This approach is often...
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In a nutshell In this study, researchers evaluated whether a genetic test called Oncotype DX, reduced the use of chemotherapy treatment for patients with node-positive and estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. Some background Some breast cancers grow in response to estrogen, the main female sex hormone, via their receptor (a protein found on...
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