Cancer News: Breast
Grilled meat linked to higher risks for breast cancer patients
Recent findings show that higher consumption of grilled, barbequed, and smoked meat may increase the mortality risk among breast cancer survivors.
New treatment for certain metastatic breast cancers approved
The US FDA approved a new treatment for hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after endocrine therapy.
Some breast cancer patients may have shorter radiotherapy course
A study showed that a higher-dose, shorter form of radiation is safe, effective, and no more damaging to the breast tissue or skin of breast cancer patients under age 50 than it is in older patients.
Genetic tests not always done when recommended
Fewer women with history of breast and ovarian cancer take a recommended genetic test. This may increase their risk for additional cancers in the future.
Broader use for fulvestrant approved in some breast cancer types
Fulvestrant has been approved by the FDA for broader use in hormone-receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer.
Less breast cancer radiation has better cosmetic outcomes, say 65+ patients
Breast cancer patients aged 65+ reported being more satisfied long term with the cosmetic outcomes of less radiation. However, this should be balanced with a slightly higher recurrence risk.
Combination treatment for HR positive, HER2 positive breast cancer improves outcomes
Adding pertuzumab to a standard regimen for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer improved progression-free survival in a clinical trial.
A system to cool the scalp may help prevent hair loss for breast cancer patients
In a clinical trial, women diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 breast cancer used a scalp-cooling system while undergoing chemotherapy. The results show that it helped them prevent hair loss.
Improved response to treatment against breast cancer with BRCA mutation
Adding veliparib to carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy improved the overall response rate among patients with locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
Combining breast cancer treatments more than double progression free survival
Adding everolimus to fulvestrant more than doubled progression-free survival for women with metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer resistant to aromatase inhibitor therapy.
Combination therapy against HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer
Buparlisib, in combination with fulvestrant endocrine therapy, improved outcomes for patients with hormone (HR)-positive advanced breast cancer after treatment with everolimus plus exemestane.
Radiation therapy before breast reconstruction may affect quality of life
Many breast cancer patients will consider breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Radiation therapy can alter the tissue around the breast, impacting reconstruction efforts.
Combination therapy for metastatic breast cancer shows improved survival
Progression-free survival doubled in patients with aromatase inhibitor-resistant metastatic breast cancer treated with everolimus plus fulvestrant vs fulvestrant alone.
Benefits of breast reconstruction after mastectomy do not change much with age
Older women enjoy the same benefits from breast reconstruction following mastectomy for breast cancer as younger women without much higher risk for complications.
Higher vitamin D levels may be linked to better breast cancer outcomes
Breast cancer patients with high vitamin D levels in the blood may have less dangerous tumors and better outcomes. This is according to research within an ongoing study.
New breast cancer drug approved by the European Commission
Palbociclib is now approved in Europe for the treatment of women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-), locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Women with history of depression may have worse outcomes in breast cancer
Women who have a history of depression may have worse survival outcomes, compared to patients without past mental health challenges. This is based on Danish research.
New combination therapy for breast cancer one step closer to approval
Adding palbociclib to letrozole for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive (ER+), HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer increased progression-free survival from 14.5 to over 25 months.
Could weight loss help reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence?
Emerging research seems to indicate that women who had breast cancer and maintain a normal weight have lower risk of the cancer coming back.
Precision medicine contributes in chemotherapy decisions
Precision medicine test in cancer care helps patients and doctors decide if chemotherapy is the proper treatment and what side effects will occur.
Ribociclib increases progression-free survival in breast cancer
Ribociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) combined with letrozole improves by 44% the progression-free survival in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive advanced breast cancer.
A specific estrogen receptor prolongs survival in breast cancer
Fulvestrant increases progression-free survival (PFS) in hormone receptor positive (ER+) advanced breast cancer patients.
Breast reconstruction right after mastectomy improves psychology
Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy causes fewer breast cancer psychological side-effects, compared to delayed breast reconstruction (DBR).
Innovative alternative to mastectomy in recurrent breast cancer
Treating recurrent breast cancer with a 2nd lumpectomy and partial breast irradiation brings better results compared to conventional breast surgery.
Additional radiation decreases recurrence rate of ductal carcinoma
A supplemental "boost" of radiation may reduce breast cancer recurrence in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) patients.
Recommendations on post-mastectomy RT in breast cancer
An expert panel issued recommendations on post-mastectomy radiation therapy for breast cancer patients, calling for careful counseling and clinical judgement.
Unravelling the chemo brain: how long does it last?
Half of female breast cancer survivors may suffer from chemo brain, a genuine consequence of chemotherapy. Study tries to find how long it is likely to last.
How obesity & smoking influence cardiotoxicity in breast cancer
Obesity and smoking were associated with higher risk of developing cardiotoxicity after treatment in breast cancer patients, clinical studies reveal.
Olanzapine prevented chemotherapy-induced nausea
Patients undergoing chemotherapy experienced no nausea or vomiting after including olanzapine to their prophylactic drug combination, a phase 3 study reveals.
Why do breast cancer survivors suffer from chronic pain?
A new analysis shows that cutting of sensory nerves during breast cancer surgery is connected with post-surgical chronic pain.