Saturday, April 2, 2022
Half of all women have false positive mammograms after 10 years of annual screening
Photo credit UC Davis Health
CANCER DIGEST – April 2, 2022 – Half of women who have an annual mammogram will experience a false positive result over 10 years of screening, according to a new analysis of breast cancer screening data published in the March 25, 2022 journal JAMA Network.
|
| Photo credit UC Davis Health |
CANCER DIGEST – April 2, 2022 – Half of women who have an annual mammogram will experience a false positive result over 10 years of screening, according to a new analysis of breast cancer screening data published in the March 25, 2022 journal JAMA Network.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Mammograms starting at age 40 could cut cancer deaths in black women
Photo credit – University of Georgetown Media Department
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 23, 2021 – A new statistical model based on existing data and self-reported race demographics shows that if black women begin mammography screening every other year at age 40, the number of breast cancer deaths among black women could be reduced by 57 percent compared to starting such screening at age 50.
|
| Photo credit – University of Georgetown Media Department |
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 23, 2021 – A new statistical model based on existing data and self-reported race demographics shows that if black women begin mammography screening every other year at age 40, the number of breast cancer deaths among black women could be reduced by 57 percent compared to starting such screening at age 50.
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Moderate exercise could prevent 46,000 cancer cases annually
Photo credit – Vijay.shivu via Wikipedia Creative Commons
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 16, 2021 – More than 46,000 cancer cases annually could be prevented in the US if people could manage to get just five hours of moderate exercise per week, a new analysis shows.
|
| Photo credit – Vijay.shivu via Wikipedia Creative Commons |
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 16, 2021 – More than 46,000 cancer cases annually could be prevented in the US if people could manage to get just five hours of moderate exercise per week, a new analysis shows.
Friday, August 6, 2021
Common cholesterol drug may boost survival in some breast cancer patients
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Drug offers new hope for high-risk BRCA patients
CANCER DIGEST – June 5, 2021 – Early results show that for the first time a new therapy approach significantly reduced the risk of cancer returning after treatment in high-risk patients with mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
The study was reported in the June 3, 2021 New England Journal of Medicine.
The trial called "Adjuvant Olaparib for Patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutated Breast Cancer," dubbed the OlympiA trial involved 1,836 patients from 420 cancer cancer centers across 23 countries.
The study was reported in the June 3, 2021 New England Journal of Medicine.
The trial called "Adjuvant Olaparib for Patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutated Breast Cancer," dubbed the OlympiA trial involved 1,836 patients from 420 cancer cancer centers across 23 countries.
The trial called "Adjuvant Olaparib for Patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutated Breast Cancer," dubbed the OlympiA trial involved 1,836 patients from 420 cancer cancer centers across 23 countries.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Mushroom consumption may protect against cancer
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Artificial Intelligence analysis of mammograms may predict breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 27, 2020 – A group of Australian researchers have developed a method for predicting breast cancer risk from mammograms. If the system is confirmed by other researchers it could be a game changer for breast cancer screening.
If successfully adopted, the researchers say their new measures could substantially improve screening, reduce mortality and reduce anxiety around screening. The study was published in the International Journal of Cancer.
If successfully adopted, the researchers say their new measures could substantially improve screening, reduce mortality and reduce anxiety around screening. The study was published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Breast cancer survivors can have healthy babies and good long-term health
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 12, 2021 – Women of childbearing age who have survived breast cancer are less likely to get pregnant than non-cancer women, but when they do, they are just as likely to have healthy babies, according to a study presented at the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
The study was a meta-analysis that combined data from 39 studies that involved 114,573 breast cancer patients. It was presented at this year’s conference by Matteo Lambertini MD, PhD, adjunct professor in medical oncology at the University of Genova, Italy.
The study was a meta-analysis that combined data from 39 studies that involved 114,573 breast cancer patients. It was presented at this year’s conference by Matteo Lambertini MD, PhD, adjunct professor in medical oncology at the University of Genova, Italy.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Discovery could lead to treatment for triple negative breast cancer
Sanchita Bhatnagar, PhD – Photo credit UVAHealth
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 20, 2020 – Researchers think they may have found a way to treat a form of breast cancer, called triple negative breast cancer, meaning the tumor does not have any of the receptors commonly found in breast cancer.
These receptors are proteins on the cell surface that allow hormones into the cell. The three most common are estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 or human epidermal growth factor.
Triple negative breast cancer is the most aggressive type of breast cancer and accounts for 40,000 deaths each year in the US.
|
| Sanchita Bhatnagar, PhD – Photo credit UVAHealth |
These receptors are proteins on the cell surface that allow hormones into the cell. The three most common are estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 or human epidermal growth factor.
Triple negative breast cancer is the most aggressive type of breast cancer and accounts for 40,000 deaths each year in the US.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
'Fast MRI' detects significantly more breast cancer in women with dense breasts
Photo credit – Penn Medicine News
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 3, 2020 – Should women with dense breasts be routinely referred for simplified MRI technique following a negative 3D mammogram? That is the question researchers at Penn Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania asked following results of a February 2020 JAMA Network study.
|
| Photo credit – Penn Medicine News |
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 3, 2020 – Should women with dense breasts be routinely referred for simplified MRI technique following a negative 3D mammogram? That is the question researchers at Penn Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania asked following results of a February 2020 JAMA Network study.
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Single dose radiotherapy during surgery is effective for early breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 22, 2020 – Women with early breast cancer treated with a single dose of targeted radiotherapy during surgery were just as likely to survive cancer free for over 8 years and women treated with surgery and conventional radiotherapy, according to a new study.
The findings, published by The BMJ Aug. 19, 2020, show that radiotherapy at the time of surgery to remove the tumor is associated with around an 80% chance of avoiding a full course of conventional radiotherapy, and had fewer side effects and no difference in survival or likelihood of the cancer returning.
The findings, published by The BMJ Aug. 19, 2020, show that radiotherapy at the time of surgery to remove the tumor is associated with around an 80% chance of avoiding a full course of conventional radiotherapy, and had fewer side effects and no difference in survival or likelihood of the cancer returning.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Women who use tobacco less likely to get cancer screenings
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 14, 2020 – A new study has found a strong link between smoking and lower used of cancer screening services by women, and a link to more advanced disease once cancer is diagnosed. The study appears in the online journal BMJ Open.
The study led by Victor Eng of the Department of Dermatology at Stanford University used data collected from the Women’s Health Initiative, a long-running study that originally started in the 1990s and has been extended several times. This analysis of data collected from questionnaires answered by 89,058 women looked at the odds of women undergoing breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening tests based on smoking status.
The study led by Victor Eng of the Department of Dermatology at Stanford University used data collected from the Women’s Health Initiative, a long-running study that originally started in the 1990s and has been extended several times. This analysis of data collected from questionnaires answered by 89,058 women looked at the odds of women undergoing breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening tests based on smoking status.
Friday, August 7, 2020
COVID-19 delays for early stage breast cancer surgery unlikely to impact survival
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 7, 2020 – Delays in breast cancer surgeries for very early stage
.png)
cancer may not affect overall survival, a new study shows, which is reassuring news for women’s the earliest stage of breast cancer whose surgeries were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many elective surgeries were postponed to ensure hospitals had staff capacity to deal with virus patients. Surgeries in the gray area between essential and elective, however concerned many, including breast cancer surgeons. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was one such surgery.
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 7, 2020 – Delays in breast cancer surgeries for very early stage
cancer may not affect overall survival, a new study shows, which is reassuring news for women’s the earliest stage of breast cancer whose surgeries were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many elective surgeries were postponed to ensure hospitals had staff capacity to deal with virus patients. Surgeries in the gray area between essential and elective, however concerned many, including breast cancer surgeons. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was one such surgery.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many elective surgeries were postponed to ensure hospitals had staff capacity to deal with virus patients. Surgeries in the gray area between essential and elective, however concerned many, including breast cancer surgeons. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was one such surgery.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Global trends in breast cancer show disparities by countries
Friday, July 3, 2020
FDA approves home breast cancer treatment amid COVID-19 epidemic
Image credit – US Public Health
Emergency Weekly Report
CANCER DIGEST – July 3, 2020 – The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Phesgo, for home administration for HER-2 positive breast cancer.
A combination of targeted therapy drugs pertuzumab, trastuzumab (Herceptin®) and hyaluronidase is commonly given to HER-2 positive breast cancer patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body as an intravenous infusion at a clinic.
|
| Image credit – US Public Health Emergency Weekly Report |
A combination of targeted therapy drugs pertuzumab, trastuzumab (Herceptin®) and hyaluronidase is commonly given to HER-2 positive breast cancer patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body as an intravenous infusion at a clinic.
Saturday, January 25, 2020
New combination therapy may overcome HER2 resistance
Dhivya Sudhan, Ph.D., (left) and Carlos L. Arteaga, M.D. –
Credit UT Southwestern
CANCER DIGEST – Jan. 25, 2020 – A combination therapy using a drug already on the market together with a promising new drug still being tested may overcome cancers with HER 2 mutations, that have long shown resistance to treatment.
“This finding may give clinicians an effective response to neratinib resistance,” Carlos L. Arteaga, M.D., Director of the Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern said in a press release. "That could make a real difference for patients with breast, ovarian, lung, and other cancers harboring HER2 mutations."
|
Dhivya Sudhan, Ph.D., (left) and Carlos L. Arteaga, M.D. –
Credit UT Southwestern |
“This finding may give clinicians an effective response to neratinib resistance,” Carlos L. Arteaga, M.D., Director of the Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern said in a press release. "That could make a real difference for patients with breast, ovarian, lung, and other cancers harboring HER2 mutations."
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Sustained weight loss linked to lower breast cancer in women
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 22, 2019 – Women who lose weight after age 50 and keep it off lower their breast cancer risk compared to women whose weight remains stable, a new Journal of the National Cancer Institute found.
In the study, researchers from the American Cancer Society and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and others analyzed date from a large ongoing public health study called the Pooling Project of Prospective Studies of Diet and Cancer. The analysis involved more than 180,000 women aged 50 and older from 10 studies, looking at weight loss and breast cancer.
In the study, researchers from the American Cancer Society and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and others analyzed date from a large ongoing public health study called the Pooling Project of Prospective Studies of Diet and Cancer. The analysis involved more than 180,000 women aged 50 and older from 10 studies, looking at weight loss and breast cancer.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Women who can exercise vigorously live longer
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 14, 2019 – Women who are able to exercise vigorously have a significantly lower risk of dying from heart disease, cancer and other causes, a new study shows.
The study involved 4,714 adult women who were referred to treadmill exercise and echocardiography due to known or suspected coronary artery disease.
The study involved 4,714 adult women who were referred to treadmill exercise and echocardiography due to known or suspected coronary artery disease.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Breast conserving therapy for recurrent breast cancer as effective as mastectomy
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 23, 2019 – Treating breast cancer that recurs in the other breast following lumpectomy and whole breast radiation in one breast is as effective as breast removal, new research published in the JAMA Oncology shows.
The multi-center study led by Douglas Arthur, MD, Chair of the Department of Radiation at Virginia University’s Massey Cancer Center involved 58 patients whose breast cancer had recurred with a single tumor in the opposite breast one year or less after lumpectomy and whole breast radiation in the first breast. Recurrent tumors were detected early at 3 centimeters or less in size. Of the 58 cancers, 23 were non-invasive and 35 were invasive.
The multi-center study led by Douglas Arthur, MD, Chair of the Department of Radiation at Virginia University’s Massey Cancer Center involved 58 patients whose breast cancer had recurred with a single tumor in the opposite breast one year or less after lumpectomy and whole breast radiation in the first breast. Recurrent tumors were detected early at 3 centimeters or less in size. Of the 58 cancers, 23 were non-invasive and 35 were invasive.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Artificial intelligence boosts accuracy of breast cancer imaging
Artificial Intelligence learned which lesions were likely malignant (red)
and which were likely benign (green) – Credit NYU School of Medicine
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 17, 2019 – An artificial intelligence (AI) tool identified breast cancer with approximately 90 percent accuracy when combined with analysis by radiologists, a new study finds.
|
| Artificial Intelligence learned which lesions were likely malignant (red) and which were likely benign (green) – Credit NYU School of Medicine |
Saturday, October 5, 2019
New drug pushes cancer cells to error prone division
Breast cancer cell. Image credit: Anne Weston, Francis Crick Institute
via the Wellcome Collection. Licence: CC BY-NC.
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 5, 2019 – A new drug that dramatically increases tumor cell division is showing promise for treating fast-growing cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and certain ovarian cancers.
The drug discovered at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, is named BOS172722 and is an example of a new class of drugs characterized as evolution-busting therapies.
|
| Breast cancer cell. Image credit: Anne Weston, Francis Crick Institute via the Wellcome Collection. Licence: CC BY-NC. |
The drug discovered at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, is named BOS172722 and is an example of a new class of drugs characterized as evolution-busting therapies.
Friday, August 30, 2019
When, how long and type of hormone therapy affects breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 30, 2019 – A new analysis of data linking menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer incidence shows that when and how long and the type of hormone therapy makes a difference.
Using data from more than 100,000 women with breast cancer from 58 epidemiological studies worldwide, researchers found that:
Using data from more than 100,000 women with breast cancer from 58 epidemiological studies worldwide, researchers found that:
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Choosing chicken over beef lowers breast cacner risk
Eating chicken might protect against breast cancer a new study shows.
Investigators from Singapore and the U.S. analyzed information on consumption of different types of meat and meat cooking practices from 42,012 women who were followed for an average of 7.6 years. The findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Limiting sugary sodas and fruit drinks may lower cancer risk
Image used under
CreativeCommons license
CANCER DIGEST – July 13, 2019 – Sugary drinks are associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially breast cancer, a new observational study shows.
The study led by French researchers followed 101,257 health French adults over a maximum of 9 years. The participants completed at least two standardized questionnaires over the course of the study. They were asked about their usual intake of more than 3,000 different food and beverage items. The study appears in the July 10, 2019 British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Earlier studies have shown a link between sugar intake and obesity and visceral or gut fat that is stored around the liver and pancreas. Also links with sugary drinks with diabetes and inflammation are all linked to higher cancer risk.
|
| Image used under CreativeCommons license |
The study led by French researchers followed 101,257 health French adults over a maximum of 9 years. The participants completed at least two standardized questionnaires over the course of the study. They were asked about their usual intake of more than 3,000 different food and beverage items. The study appears in the July 10, 2019 British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Earlier studies have shown a link between sugar intake and obesity and visceral or gut fat that is stored around the liver and pancreas. Also links with sugary drinks with diabetes and inflammation are all linked to higher cancer risk.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
New guidelines call for more intense exercise for cancer patients
Saturday, May 18, 2019
CANCER DIGEST – May 19, 2019 – Eating a low-fat diet reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer, a new analysis of data from a Women’s Health Initiative study shows.
The study of 20,000 women who were randomly assigned to one of two groups shows that among the women who were in the low-fat, more fruits, vegetables and grains group has a 21 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to the group who consumed their usual diets.
The study of 20,000 women who were randomly assigned to one of two groups shows that among the women who were in the low-fat, more fruits, vegetables and grains group has a 21 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to the group who consumed their usual diets.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Link between obesity and breast cancer may be fatty acids in blood
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Two older drugs may offer alternative to triple-negative breast cancer
Metformin and heme both target processes that take
place in the mitochondria – image courtesy U Chicago
CANCER DIGEST – March 9, 2019 – Modern breast cancer therapy most often involves treatment with newer drugs that target three specific protein receptors progesterone, estrogen and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or HER2.
|
| Metformin and heme both target processes that take place in the mitochondria – image courtesy U Chicago |
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Using artificial Intelligence to improve breast mammograms
 |
| The 3CB artificial analysis identified the areas of suspected cancer on the mammogram outlined in solid and dashed lines. Photo courtesy RSNA. |
In reality researchers are using artificial intelligence to see patterns that are not readily visible to the radiologist looking for tumors, for example, or to a research scientist looking for genetic patterns that spell a likelihood of XYZ disease.
0 commentsSaturday, November 24, 2018
Older women benefit from continuing regular mammograms
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 24, 2018 – Women 75 and older continue to benefit from mammograms according to a new study that will be presented this week at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting in Chicago.
In the study, Dr. Destounis and colleagues analyzed data from 763,256 screening mammography exams at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care between 2007 and 2017.
In the study, Dr. Destounis and colleagues analyzed data from 763,256 screening mammography exams at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care between 2007 and 2017.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Obesity and vitamin D deficiency may boost breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 22, 2018 – A new study shows that vitamin D may reduce cancer risk as well as breast cancer mortality, especially in slender or average-weight women.
The study involving 600 Brazilian women showed that obese post menopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer had an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to women of the same age group who did not have breast cancer. The study appears in the September issue of the journal Menopause.
The study involving 600 Brazilian women showed that obese post menopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer had an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to women of the same age group who did not have breast cancer. The study appears in the September issue of the journal Menopause.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Fast-tracked breast cancer drug boosts progression-free survival
Image courtesy of the Talazoparib
Beyond BRCA (TBB) Trial
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 18, 2018 – Just a month after the FDA granted it a priority review, the breast cancer drug Talazoparib has shown that it significantly extends progression free survival and improved quality of life compared to similar patients treated with current standard therapies.
Talazoparib is an investigational anticancer drug called a PARP (poly ADP ribose polymerase) inhibitor, which is being evaluated in breast cancer patients with BRCA gene mutations, as well as other cancer types. The international study was led by Jennifer Litton, MD at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and published in the Aug. 15, 2018 New England Journal of Medicine.
 |
| Image courtesy of the Talazoparib Beyond BRCA (TBB) Trial |
Talazoparib is an investigational anticancer drug called a PARP (poly ADP ribose polymerase) inhibitor, which is being evaluated in breast cancer patients with BRCA gene mutations, as well as other cancer types. The international study was led by Jennifer Litton, MD at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and published in the Aug. 15, 2018 New England Journal of Medicine.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Healthy diet cuts breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 4, 2018 – A diet that encourages both healthy eating and physical activity and discourages alcohol consumption was associated with a reduced overall cancer risk, as well as lower breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer risks.
The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) estimated that in developed countries, around 35 percent of breast cancers and 45 percent of colorectal cancers could be avoided by better adherence to nutritional recommendations.
Many organizations have issued dietary recommendations, but this study evaluated three previously validated nutritional recommendations: The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research
The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) estimated that in developed countries, around 35 percent of breast cancers and 45 percent of colorectal cancers could be avoided by better adherence to nutritional recommendations.
Many organizations have issued dietary recommendations, but this study evaluated three previously validated nutritional recommendations: The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Immunotherapy approach wiped out advanced breast cancer patient's tumors
CT scans 14 months after treatment (right)
show all tumors have disappeared.
Image provided by National Cancer Institute
CANCER DIGEST – June 9, 2018 – Researchers at the National Cancer Institute used certain cells taken from a breast cancer patient’s immune cells to wipe out all tumors in a case of advanced disease that had spread to other parts of the body.
|
CT scans 14 months after treatment (right)
show all tumors have disappeared.
Image provided by National Cancer Institute
|
Monday, May 28, 2018
FDA-approved drug for blood cancer holds promise for aggressive breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – May 28, 2018 – An already FDA- approved drug for the treatment of certain blood cancers, could significantly inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancers, and also treat tumors resistant to chemotherapy.
The drug called decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of cancer that produces abnormal blood forming cells in bone marrow.
The drug called decitabine is used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of cancer that produces abnormal blood forming cells in bone marrow.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
New regimen could cut cost of breast cancer treatment in half
 |
| Herceptin has been shown to prolong survival in about 12 percent of women whose breast cancer is positive for the gene HER2 and has not spread to other parts of the body. Image courtesy Roche Pharmaceuticals |
The study of 4,088 women with HER2-positive, early stage breast cancer showed that 89.4% of women treated for just 6 months with the expensive drug trastuzumab (Herceptin) remained disease free compared to 89.9% of the women treated for 12 months with the drug. The difference is not trivial with a drug that costs about $54,000 per month.
0 commentsSaturday, May 5, 2018
Osteoprosis drug may be effective for aggressive breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – May 5, 2018 – A common drug used to treat osteoporosis may be key to halting the most aggressive form of breast cancer, researchers say.
The drug zoledronic acid (Zometa®) is used to treat high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) that may occur with cancer. It is used in combination with chemotherapy for cancers of the breast and lung that have spread to bones.
The drug zoledronic acid (Zometa®) is used to treat high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) that may occur with cancer. It is used in combination with chemotherapy for cancers of the breast and lung that have spread to bones.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Trojan Horse targets metastatic cancer
Image credit: Pellecchia Lab, UC Riverside
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 24, 2018 – Researchers have developed a Trojan Horse that delivers anti-cancer drug to a metastatic cancer cell. If proven successful, it could be used to reduce or halt metastases, which is the leading cause of death in cancer.
Once cancer metastasizes, or spreads to other parts of the body, there is no current therapy that can target those traveling cancer cells, and chemotherapy is indiscriminate, destroying healthy as well as cancerous cells.
|
| Image credit: Pellecchia Lab, UC Riverside |
Once cancer metastasizes, or spreads to other parts of the body, there is no current therapy that can target those traveling cancer cells, and chemotherapy is indiscriminate, destroying healthy as well as cancerous cells.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Accuracy of tests for predicting breast cancer recurrence vary significantly
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 17, 2018 – Tests used to predict breast cancer recurrence vary significantly in accuracy according to the first side-by-side comparison of the four most common tests.
In a study published in the Feb. 15, 2018 journal JAMA Oncology researchers led by Ivana Sestak, PhD of the Centre for Cancer Prevention at Queen Mary University of London, compared the predictive performance of the four most widely used biomarker analysis tests: Oncotype DX, PAM50, Breast Cancer Index (BCI) and the EndoPredict (EPclin), which all work by looking at the levels of multiple genes related to breast cancer.
In a study published in the Feb. 15, 2018 journal JAMA Oncology researchers led by Ivana Sestak, PhD of the Centre for Cancer Prevention at Queen Mary University of London, compared the predictive performance of the four most widely used biomarker analysis tests: Oncotype DX, PAM50, Breast Cancer Index (BCI) and the EndoPredict (EPclin), which all work by looking at the levels of multiple genes related to breast cancer.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Screening has little affect on breast cancer deaths
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 9, 2017 – A French study of the breast screening program in the Netherlands found that screening for breast cancer every two years produced a 5 percent reduction in cancer deaths compared to a 28 percent reduction in death from improved treatments.
The finding challenges a the current guidelines in the U.S. and other countries that recommend mammography exams every two years for women 50-75. The study was published in the Dec. 5, 2017 British Medical Journal.
The finding challenges a the current guidelines in the U.S. and other countries that recommend mammography exams every two years for women 50-75. The study was published in the Dec. 5, 2017 British Medical Journal.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Few people recognize alcohol as a cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 10, 2017 – Alcohol use increases the risk of breast, colon, esophageal and oral cancers according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) the largest organization of cancer doctors in the world.
More worrisome to the doctors were results of its National Cancer Opinion Survey they conducted earlier this year that showed 70 percent of Americans do not recognize drinking alcohol as a risk factor for cancer.
More worrisome to the doctors were results of its National Cancer Opinion Survey they conducted earlier this year that showed 70 percent of Americans do not recognize drinking alcohol as a risk factor for cancer.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Newly approved breast cancer drug may work for lung cancer
m.jpg) |
| This image shows autophagic vesicles containing mutant K-Ras formed in the membrane of human pancreatic cancer cells after exposure to neratinib – Image courtesy VCU. |
The drug neratinib was designed to inhibit enzymes produced by two other genes, EGFR and HER2, which make enzymes that regulate cancer cell growth and resistance to chemotherapy.
0 commentsMonday, August 7, 2017
Targeted radiotherapy reduces side effects of breast cancer surgery
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 7, 2017 – Targeting the tumor site with radiotherapy after surgery to remove breast cancer resulted in fewer long-term side effects five years later, according to a new British study.
The researchers at 30 radiotherapy centers across the UK, led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, studied more than 2,000 women aged 50 or over who had early stage breast cancer that was at a low risk of coming back. The results of the study were published in the Aug. 2, 2017 The Lancet.Continue reading
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 7, 2017 – Targeting the tumor site with radiotherapy after surgery to remove breast cancer resulted in fewer long-term side effects five years later, according to a new British study.
The researchers at 30 radiotherapy centers across the UK, led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, studied more than 2,000 women aged 50 or over who had early stage breast cancer that was at a low risk of coming back. The results of the study were published in the Aug. 2, 2017 The Lancet.Continue reading
The researchers at 30 radiotherapy centers across the UK, led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, studied more than 2,000 women aged 50 or over who had early stage breast cancer that was at a low risk of coming back. The results of the study were published in the Aug. 2, 2017 The Lancet.Continue reading
Saturday, June 10, 2017
No survival benefit from surgery for advanced breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – June 10, 2017 – A new Austrian study could change treatment for women diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer that has spread throughout the body.
Based on several analyses of past studies, current therapy starts with surgery to remove the main breast tumors followed by chemotherapy to try to kill the remaining tumors dispersed throughout the body, or hormone therapy to block or prevent hormones from feeding further tumor growth, called hormone therapy.
Based on several analyses of past studies, current therapy starts with surgery to remove the main breast tumors followed by chemotherapy to try to kill the remaining tumors dispersed throughout the body, or hormone therapy to block or prevent hormones from feeding further tumor growth, called hormone therapy.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Where your fat is carried can predict cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – May 27, 2017 – Scientists have found that carrying fat around your middle could be as good an indicator of cancer risk as body mass index (BMI), according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer.
This is the first study comparing adult body measurements in such a standardized way for obesity-related cancers. The study combined data from more than 43,000 participants who had been followed for an average of 12 years and more than 1,600 people were diagnosed with an obesity-related cancer.
This is the first study comparing adult body measurements in such a standardized way for obesity-related cancers. The study combined data from more than 43,000 participants who had been followed for an average of 12 years and more than 1,600 people were diagnosed with an obesity-related cancer.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Long-term aspirin use continue to show benefits
Yin Cao, MPH, ScD
CANCER DIGEST – April 9, 2017 – The evidence supporting the benefits of low-dose daily aspirin to prevent cancer continues to grow. In a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting taking place in Washington, D.C. this week, a large long-term study of nurses shows that the overall risk of dying was 7 percent lower for women and 11 percent lower for men who had regularly taken aspirin.
The Nurses’ Health System Study began in 1976 and has followed more than 280,000 nurses since that time using repeated questionnaire and follow-up assessments since the study began.
 |
| Yin Cao, MPH, ScD |
CANCER DIGEST – April 9, 2017 – The evidence supporting the benefits of low-dose daily aspirin to prevent cancer continues to grow. In a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting taking place in Washington, D.C. this week, a large long-term study of nurses shows that the overall risk of dying was 7 percent lower for women and 11 percent lower for men who had regularly taken aspirin.
The Nurses’ Health System Study began in 1976 and has followed more than 280,000 nurses since that time using repeated questionnaire and follow-up assessments since the study began.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Study shows women taking hormones for menopause have lower risk of dying
CANCER DIGEST – March 10, 2016 – Women using hormone replacement therapy to relieve the symptoms of menopause faced a 30 percent lower risk of death compared to women not using hormone therapy, according to a single-center study that will be presented March 17 at the American College of Cardiology's 66th Annual Scientific Session. The study also showed lower levels of atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the heart's arteries among women taking the hormones.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Breast cancer blood test may predict survival
cMethDNA test
Photo courtesy Johns Hopkins
Kimmel Cancer Center
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 5, 2017 – A blood test that spots cancer-linked DNA in women with advanced breast cancer correctly predicted that most of those patients with higher levels of the tumor markers died significantly earlier than those with lower levels.
The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center scientists, who developed the test and led the study, say the results, if confirmed in more studies, suggest that the DNA detector, called cMethDNA, could be widely used to identify breast cancers at higher risk for recurrence and track the success or failure of treatment. Results of the study were published online Nov. 21, 2016 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
 |
| cMethDNA test Photo courtesy Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center |
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 5, 2017 – A blood test that spots cancer-linked DNA in women with advanced breast cancer correctly predicted that most of those patients with higher levels of the tumor markers died significantly earlier than those with lower levels.
The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center scientists, who developed the test and led the study, say the results, if confirmed in more studies, suggest that the DNA detector, called cMethDNA, could be widely used to identify breast cancers at higher risk for recurrence and track the success or failure of treatment. Results of the study were published online Nov. 21, 2016 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
High blood pressure drug may block cancer spread
High-resolution microscope image of an invasive
breast cancer cell (magenta) expressing Myosin-10
induced “sticky-fingers” (green). Credit: Dr Guillaume
Jacquemet, University of Turku
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 18, 2016 – Could a drug already approved to reduce high blood pressure block the spread of breast and pancreatic cancer?
That’s the intriguing question a group of Finnish researchers at the University of Turku are working to find out.
|
High-resolution microscope image of an invasive
breast cancer cell (magenta) expressing Myosin-10 induced “sticky-fingers” (green). Credit: Dr Guillaume Jacquemet, University of Turku |
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 18, 2016 – Could a drug already approved to reduce high blood pressure block the spread of breast and pancreatic cancer?
That’s the intriguing question a group of Finnish researchers at the University of Turku are working to find out.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Blocking key nutrient may kill hard-to-treat form of breast cancer
Triple negative breast cancer
died rapidly when deprived
of cystine
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 27, 2016 – In a new study, Duke University scientists report that an aggressive and treatment-resistant form of breast cancer, called triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), die off rapidly when deprived of a key nutrient called cystine.
Patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, which constitute about 10 to 20 percent of all breast cancer cases, have few treatment options outside of surgery and chemotherapy.
 |
| Triple negative breast cancer died rapidly when deprived of cystine |
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 27, 2016 – In a new study, Duke University scientists report that an aggressive and treatment-resistant form of breast cancer, called triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), die off rapidly when deprived of a key nutrient called cystine.
Patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, which constitute about 10 to 20 percent of all breast cancer cases, have few treatment options outside of surgery and chemotherapy.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Drug targeting hormone receptor boosts progression-free survival
A drug that targets hormone receptors of cancer cells boosts the time patients with advanced breast survive without the cancer progressing, a new study shows.
The study showed that fulvestrant, sold as Faslodex by AstraZeneca, women with advanced hormone receptor positive breast cancer had significantly longer progression-free survival, particularly those with less aggressive lower-volume disease, and was reported at the ESMO 2016 Congress in Copenhagen.
The study showed that fulvestrant, sold as Faslodex by AstraZeneca, women with advanced hormone receptor positive breast cancer had significantly longer progression-free survival, particularly those with less aggressive lower-volume disease, and was reported at the ESMO 2016 Congress in Copenhagen.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Overactive thyroid increases breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 12, 2016 – Women with overactive thyroids have an 11 percent increased risk of breast cancer according to a study of Danish health registry records.
The study led by Mette Søgaard, MD, of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, analyzed the records of 61,873 Danish women diagnosed with below normal levels of the hormone thyroxine (hypothyroidism) and 80,343 women diagnosed with higher than normal
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 12, 2016 – Women with overactive thyroids have an 11 percent increased risk of breast cancer according to a study of Danish health registry records.
The study led by Mette Søgaard, MD, of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, analyzed the records of 61,873 Danish women diagnosed with below normal levels of the hormone thyroxine (hypothyroidism) and 80,343 women diagnosed with higher than normal
Friday, January 1, 2016
Ultrasound shown comparable to mammography for breast cancer detection
Portable ultrasound may be comparable
to mammography for detecting breast
cancer
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 31, 2015 – Ultrasound is as sensitive for detecting breast cancer as mammography, and should be considered for testing for the disease according to an international study.
Researchers led by by Wendie Berg, MD, PhD, in the Department of Radiology at Magee-Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center conducted the study involving 2,809 women from 20 different centers in the United States, Canada and Argentina. Of those 2,662 completed three annual
 |
| Portable ultrasound may be comparable to mammography for detecting breast cancer |
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 31, 2015 – Ultrasound is as sensitive for detecting breast cancer as mammography, and should be considered for testing for the disease according to an international study.
Researchers led by by Wendie Berg, MD, PhD, in the Department of Radiology at Magee-Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center conducted the study involving 2,809 women from 20 different centers in the United States, Canada and Argentina. Of those 2,662 completed three annual
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Gum disease increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women
History of smoking significantly affects the link
Image courtesy: National Institute
of Dental and Craniofacial Research
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 24, 2015 – Research has shown that taking care of your teeth and gums can prevent a lot of diseases you don’t want. Adding to the body of evidence, a new study shows that postmenopausal women with gum disease were more likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not have the chronic inflammatory condition, and a history of smoking significantly the risk, researchers report.
 |
| Image courtesy: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research |
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
5 of 6 at-risk women reject breast cancer prevention drug
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 9, 2015 –Five in six women with increased risk of breast cancer turn down drugs likely to prevent the disease, according to research published in Annals of Oncology
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London collected data from 21,000 women of all ages who were at increased risk of developing breast cancer and had taken part in 26 international studies.
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 9, 2015 –Five in six women with increased risk of breast cancer turn down drugs likely to prevent the disease, according to research published in Annals of Oncology
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London collected data from 21,000 women of all ages who were at increased risk of developing breast cancer and had taken part in 26 international studies.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Black breast cancer patients less likely to benefit from chemo before surgery
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 1, 2015 – Among minority women treated with early chemotherapy, black women have worse outcomes than the other groups, a Yale Cancer Center analysis of the National Cancer Database shows.
Black, Hispanic, and Asian women typically develop advanced-stage breast cancer more often than white women. As a result, black women are more likely to receive chemotherapy prior to surgery, or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, to reduce the tumor volume before the surgeon attempts to remove it in hopes of improving outcomes.
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 1, 2015 – Among minority women treated with early chemotherapy, black women have worse outcomes than the other groups, a Yale Cancer Center analysis of the National Cancer Database shows.
Black, Hispanic, and Asian women typically develop advanced-stage breast cancer more often than white women. As a result, black women are more likely to receive chemotherapy prior to surgery, or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, to reduce the tumor volume before the surgeon attempts to remove it in hopes of improving outcomes.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Biomarker may predict which HER2-negative breast cancer patients will benefit from targeted therapy
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Olive oil and Mediterranean diet may reduce breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 14, 2015 – Eating a Mediterranean diet with added extra virgin olive oil was associated with a 68 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who did not follow the diet in a study of women in Spain, according to an article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine.
The Mediterranean diet comes from foods characterized by the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 14, 2015 – Eating a Mediterranean diet with added extra virgin olive oil was associated with a 68 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who did not follow the diet in a study of women in Spain, according to an article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine.
The Mediterranean diet comes from foods characterized by the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
New blood test may predict breast cancer relapse
Cancer Digest – Aug. 26, 2015 – Scientists have developed a blood test for breast cancer able to identify which patients will suffer a relapse after treatment, months before tumors are visible on hospital scans.
Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust took tumor and blood samples from 55 breast cancer patients with early-stage disease who had received chemotherapy followed by surgery, and who had potentially been cured of their disease.
Cancer Digest – Aug. 26, 2015 – Scientists have developed a blood test for breast cancer able to identify which patients will suffer a relapse after treatment, months before tumors are visible on hospital scans.
Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust took tumor and blood samples from 55 breast cancer patients with early-stage disease who had received chemotherapy followed by surgery, and who had potentially been cured of their disease.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Five heads better than two for cancer diagnosis
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 15, 2015 – If two heads are better than one, can having four or five radiologists read your mammogram increase the accuracy of the diagnosis? A new study of such “collective intelligence” suggests it might.
Currently two physicians typically read mammography screens resulting in about 20 percent of women with cancer diagnosed cancer-free, and another 20 percent without cancer diagnosed as having the disease.
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 15, 2015 – If two heads are better than one, can having four or five radiologists read your mammogram increase the accuracy of the diagnosis? A new study of such “collective intelligence” suggests it might.
Currently two physicians typically read mammography screens resulting in about 20 percent of women with cancer diagnosed cancer-free, and another 20 percent without cancer diagnosed as having the disease.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Shapeshifting marker for cancer cells identified
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 10, 2015 – In a first of its kind study researchers have identified a genetic biomarker responsible for the progression of many breast and prostate cancers.
The newly identified biomarker is called diaphanous-related formin-3 or DIAPH3, which participates in a protein interaction that makes cells rigid. The study found that when this biomarker is lost or decreased, cells become flexible or pliable allowing them to squeeze through tissue spaces. Cancer cells with this property can invade normal tissues and adhere to other tissues in the body.
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 10, 2015 – In a first of its kind study researchers have identified a genetic biomarker responsible for the progression of many breast and prostate cancers.
The newly identified biomarker is called diaphanous-related formin-3 or DIAPH3, which participates in a protein interaction that makes cells rigid. The study found that when this biomarker is lost or decreased, cells become flexible or pliable allowing them to squeeze through tissue spaces. Cancer cells with this property can invade normal tissues and adhere to other tissues in the body.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Study shows how aspirin might halt breast cancer recurrence
Dr. Sushanta Banerjee (seated) is seen
with his research team (from left):
Samdipto Sarkar, Dr. Snigdha Banerjee,
Dr. Amlan Das, Archana De, and Dr.
Gargi Maity. photo by: Tony F. Barnett
CANCER DIGEST – June 13, 2015 – Aspirin may block or slow breast cancer, a laboratory study shows. The Veterans Affairs researchers in Kansas City, MO, have shown that acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, dramatically increased the rate of death of cancer cells in a petri dish and in mice.
While it has been shown to be effective for a host of ailments, including colon, gastrointestinal and prostate cancers, the new study shows how it might also be effective in stopping or slowing the growth of breast cancer by changing the microenvironment of the cancer. The study was published in the April 13, 2015 issue of Laboratory Investigation.
 |
Dr. Sushanta Banerjee (seated) is seen
with his research team (from left): Samdipto Sarkar, Dr. Snigdha Banerjee, Dr. Amlan Das, Archana De, and Dr. Gargi Maity. photo by: Tony F. Barnett |
CANCER DIGEST – June 13, 2015 – Aspirin may block or slow breast cancer, a laboratory study shows. The Veterans Affairs researchers in Kansas City, MO, have shown that acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, dramatically increased the rate of death of cancer cells in a petri dish and in mice.
While it has been shown to be effective for a host of ailments, including colon, gastrointestinal and prostate cancers, the new study shows how it might also be effective in stopping or slowing the growth of breast cancer by changing the microenvironment of the cancer. The study was published in the April 13, 2015 issue of Laboratory Investigation.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
New blood test can predict future breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – April 17, 2015 – It sounds like something out of Dr. McCoy’s physician’s bag on Star Trek, a simple test that can tell whether a patient would likely develop cancer within the next five years, but that’s what Dutch scientists say they have developed.
By analysing a simple blood sample, scientists from the University of Copenhagen have succeeded in predicting if a woman will get breast cancer within two to five years. The method – a metabolic blood profile – is still in the early stages but over time the scientists expect it could be used to predict breast cancer and more generally to predict chronic disease.
0 comments
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Very low breast density linked with lower survival in women with breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – March 13, 2015 – Women with breast cancer whose breasts have very low density have a higher risk of dying from the disease than women with high breast density, a new Finnish study shows.
Dense breast tissue has long been known to be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, and it is difficult to detect small tumors when screening dense breasts. This results in a higher occurrence of clinically detectable cancers. Breast density is matter of the amount of glandular tissue present compared to fat tissue.
Dense breast tissue has long been known to be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, and it is difficult to detect small tumors when screening dense breasts. This results in a higher occurrence of clinically detectable cancers. Breast density is matter of the amount of glandular tissue present compared to fat tissue.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Adding local anesthesia can cut risk of chronic pain after mastectomy
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 25, 2015 – Up to 60 per cent of women may experience chronic pain three months after they've had a mastectomy for breast cancer, and at least half of those will still suffer from this pain one year later.
Unlike the soreness and aching associated with conventional pain, which may also affect these patients, neuropathic pain also affects sensation.
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 25, 2015 – Up to 60 per cent of women may experience chronic pain three months after they've had a mastectomy for breast cancer, and at least half of those will still suffer from this pain one year later.
Unlike the soreness and aching associated with conventional pain, which may also affect these patients, neuropathic pain also affects sensation.
Monday, February 23, 2015
New oral drug shows promise for advanced breast cancer
Click to view YouTube explanation of palbociclib
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 23, 2015 –Women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body achieved longer progression-free survival after treatment with a new oral drug, called palbociclib.
The new drug was recently approved by the FDA for metastatic breast cancer patients just beginning to undergo hormone therapy after an initial phase I clinical trial conducted by researchers in the Abramson Cancer Center and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
|
| Click to view YouTube explanation of palbociclib |
CANCER DIGEST – Feb. 23, 2015 –Women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body achieved longer progression-free survival after treatment with a new oral drug, called palbociclib.
The new drug was recently approved by the FDA for metastatic breast cancer patients just beginning to undergo hormone therapy after an initial phase I clinical trial conducted by researchers in the Abramson Cancer Center and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Tamoxifen reduces breast cancer by 30 percent after 20 years
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 12, 2014 – Tamoxifen remains effective for preventing breast cancer for at least 20 years a new analysis published in TheLancet Oncology shows.
The researchers analyzed data from 7,154 pre- and post-menopausal women who participated in the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS I) study, which ended in 2001. The women were randomly assigned to receive either tamoxifen (20mg daily) or a matching placebo for five years. After completing treatment, the health of all participants was monitored with an average follow-up time of 16 years and maximum of 22 years.
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 12, 2014 – Tamoxifen remains effective for preventing breast cancer for at least 20 years a new analysis published in TheLancet Oncology shows.
The researchers analyzed data from 7,154 pre- and post-menopausal women who participated in the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS I) study, which ended in 2001. The women were randomly assigned to receive either tamoxifen (20mg daily) or a matching placebo for five years. After completing treatment, the health of all participants was monitored with an average follow-up time of 16 years and maximum of 22 years.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Most breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy longer than recommended
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 10, 2014 – Two-thirds of women treated for early-stage breast cancer in the U.S. receive longer radiation therapy than necessary, according a new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Led by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine's Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, and Dr. Justin E. Bekelman, the researchers analyzed insurance claims data provided by Anthem, Inc., a health benefits company (formerly WellPoint, Inc.) from 14 commercial healthcare plans covering 9 million women.
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 10, 2014 – Two-thirds of women treated for early-stage breast cancer in the U.S. receive longer radiation therapy than necessary, according a new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Led by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine's Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, and Dr. Justin E. Bekelman, the researchers analyzed insurance claims data provided by Anthem, Inc., a health benefits company (formerly WellPoint, Inc.) from 14 commercial healthcare plans covering 9 million women.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Ultrasound screening of dense breasts will cost a lot with little benefit
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 9, 2014 – Adding ultrasound screening for all U.S. women with dense breasts would substantially increase healthcare costs with little improvement in overall health, according to an analysis released today in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
With more states mandating notification of women when mammograms shows they have dense breasts, a risk factor for breast cancer, researchers at Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center looked at the costs and benefits of following up mammograms with ultrasound for these women.
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 9, 2014 – Adding ultrasound screening for all U.S. women with dense breasts would substantially increase healthcare costs with little improvement in overall health, according to an analysis released today in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
With more states mandating notification of women when mammograms shows they have dense breasts, a risk factor for breast cancer, researchers at Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center looked at the costs and benefits of following up mammograms with ultrasound for these women.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
3-D mammography boosts cancer detection in dense breasts
A malignancy easily missed on 2-D
mammography was clearly seen on
3-D mammography. Credit - RSNA
Click image to enlarge
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 2, 2014 – A major new study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago this week has found that digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, has the potential to significantly increase the cancer detection rate in mammography screening of women with dense breasts.
The researchers compared cancer detection using full-field digital mammography (FFDM) versus FFDM plus digital breast tomosynthesisin 25,547 women between the ages of 50 and 69.
 |
A malignancy easily missed on 2-D
mammography was clearly seen on 3-D mammography. Credit - RSNA
Click image to enlarge
|
CANCER DIGEST – Dec. 2, 2014 – A major new study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago this week has found that digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3-D mammography, has the potential to significantly increase the cancer detection rate in mammography screening of women with dense breasts.
The researchers compared cancer detection using full-field digital mammography (FFDM) versus FFDM plus digital breast tomosynthesisin 25,547 women between the ages of 50 and 69.
Monday, November 10, 2014
New drug shows promise for people with BRCA1 or 2 cancers
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 10, 2014 – People with certain cancers that stem from mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may soon have another treatment option to slow the cancer progression.
In an early stage clinical trial of the twice-daily drug olaparib, 26 percent of patients had their tumors shrink or disappear for up to 7 months. The phase II trial was designed to determine whether tumors responded to the drug. Whether the drug significantly increases survival will need to be tested in larger phase III studies.
CANCER DIGEST – Nov. 10, 2014 – People with certain cancers that stem from mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may soon have another treatment option to slow the cancer progression.
In an early stage clinical trial of the twice-daily drug olaparib, 26 percent of patients had their tumors shrink or disappear for up to 7 months. The phase II trial was designed to determine whether tumors responded to the drug. Whether the drug significantly increases survival will need to be tested in larger phase III studies.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Herceptin extends survival for in HER2 breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 20, 2014 – Women with early stage, HER 2 positive breast cancer had a 37 percent improvement in survival and a 40 percent reduction in risk of recurrence, when treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) compared to patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Tumors with the human epidermal growth factor 2 protein, or HER 2 positive breast cancer, tend to have more aggressive cancer.
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 20, 2014 – Women with early stage, HER 2 positive breast cancer had a 37 percent improvement in survival and a 40 percent reduction in risk of recurrence, when treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) compared to patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Tumors with the human epidermal growth factor 2 protein, or HER 2 positive breast cancer, tend to have more aggressive cancer.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Stomach position can cut radiation exposure in breast cancer treatment
 |
| YouTube video courtesy OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center |
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 14, 2014 – Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have devised a treatment board that allows breast cancer patients to lie on their stomachs for radiation treatments following surgery for the cancer.
The center’s Dr. Julia White says the prone board allows gravity to pull the breast away from the chest wall and create a more uniform shape that enables better distribution of the radiation dose.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Bone loss drug could prevent breast cancer spread to bones
CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 1, 2014 – A drug used to slow osteoporosis may prevent breast cancer from spreading to the bones, a new study suggests.
Dr. Richard Kremer and co-lead author, Dr. Nancy Mayo, of McGill University Health Center, in Montreal, Canada, worked with colleagues to evaluate data from more than 21,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The study was published in this month’s issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).
Dr. Richard Kremer and co-lead author, Dr. Nancy Mayo, of McGill University Health Center, in Montreal, Canada, worked with colleagues to evaluate data from more than 21,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The study was published in this month’s issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Increasing skirt size linked to breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 24, 2014 – Increases in skirt size every 10 years was linked to a 33 percent rise in breast cancer risk, a new analysis of a large ongoing population study shows.
The findings stem from analysis of data accumulated from the 93,000 UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening study in England, which is following the women over a long time with periodic questionnaires. All the women were over 50 and post menopausal when they entered the study between 2005 and 2010.
|
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 24, 2014 – Increases in skirt size every 10 years was linked to a 33 percent rise in breast cancer risk, a new analysis of a large ongoing population study shows.
The findings stem from analysis of data accumulated from the 93,000 UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening study in England, which is following the women over a long time with periodic questionnaires. All the women were over 50 and post menopausal when they entered the study between 2005 and 2010.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Lilly drug improves survival in colorectal and gastric cancers, not breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 19, 2014 – Mixed results for Eli Lilly’s targeted drug CYRAMZA™ (ramucirumab) were published this week in a pair of studies, one showing a significant increase in overall survival for people with gastric (stomach) and colorectal cancers but no significant increase for patients with breast cancer.
Ramucirumab blocks VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor) a protein important for the formation of blood vessels needed to support tumor growth. A number of these agents are being tested in a variety of solid tumor cancers.
In the unpublished RAISE study of over 1,000 patients with colorectal cancer a Lillypress release reported that adding CYRAMZA to a chemotherapy regimen improved overall survival to 5.2 months compared to 3.8 months for those given the chemo regimen alone.
In the RAINBOW trial of 665 people with stomach cancers, patients receiving CYRAMZA and paclitaxel had an overall survival of 9.6 months compared to 7.4 months in the standard chemo group. It was published online in The Lancet Oncology.
Results in the ROSE/TRIO-12 trial of 1,144 patients with HER2 negative breast cancer published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed no significant improvement in overall or progression free survival. Overall survival was 27.3 months with ramucirumab compared to 27.2 months without it. Progression-free survival for the ramucirumab group was 9.5 months compared to 8.2 months without.
The FDA approved Cyramza™ for advanced or metastatic stomach cancers in April 2014.
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 19, 2014 – Mixed results for Eli Lilly’s targeted drug CYRAMZA™ (ramucirumab) were published this week in a pair of studies, one showing a significant increase in overall survival for people with gastric (stomach) and colorectal cancers but no significant increase for patients with breast cancer.
Ramucirumab blocks VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor) a protein important for the formation of blood vessels needed to support tumor growth. A number of these agents are being tested in a variety of solid tumor cancers.
In the unpublished RAISE study of over 1,000 patients with colorectal cancer a Lillypress release reported that adding CYRAMZA to a chemotherapy regimen improved overall survival to 5.2 months compared to 3.8 months for those given the chemo regimen alone.
In the RAINBOW trial of 665 people with stomach cancers, patients receiving CYRAMZA and paclitaxel had an overall survival of 9.6 months compared to 7.4 months in the standard chemo group. It was published online in The Lancet Oncology.
Results in the ROSE/TRIO-12 trial of 1,144 patients with HER2 negative breast cancer published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed no significant improvement in overall or progression free survival. Overall survival was 27.3 months with ramucirumab compared to 27.2 months without it. Progression-free survival for the ramucirumab group was 9.5 months compared to 8.2 months without.
The FDA approved Cyramza™ for advanced or metastatic stomach cancers in April 2014.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Triple chemo regimen improves response in triple-negative breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 9, 2014 – More women with triple-negative breast cancer achieved a complete response to chemotherapy when either an additional chemo agent or targeted therapy was added to paclitaxel, followed by a combination chemotherapy.
Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 15 to 20 percent of invasive breast cancers and occurs more commonly in younger women, African-Americans, Hispanics and BRCA1-mutation carriers.
The cancer is negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and for HER2. It tends to grow rapidly and spread to lymph nodes. With no identified characteristic molecular abnormalities that can be targeted, the current standard of treatment for triple negative breast cancer is chemotherapy to shrink the cancer before surgery to remove tumors. The study was published online ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Women who achieve a complete response to the pre-surgery chemotherapy, meaning all traces of the cancer is eradicated by the chemo, are much less likely to relapse. In an effort to increase the number of women who achieve complete response researchers led by Dr. William Sikov of the Breast Health Center at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, added either the chemotherapy agent carboplatin or the targeted therapy bevacizumab (Avastin) or both to the standard chemotherapy regimen. Both groups showed significant increases in the number of women who achieved a complete response. Whether this will improve relapse-free or overall survival, however, is not yet known.
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 9, 2014 – More women with triple-negative breast cancer achieved a complete response to chemotherapy when either an additional chemo agent or targeted therapy was added to paclitaxel, followed by a combination chemotherapy.
Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 15 to 20 percent of invasive breast cancers and occurs more commonly in younger women, African-Americans, Hispanics and BRCA1-mutation carriers.
The cancer is negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and for HER2. It tends to grow rapidly and spread to lymph nodes. With no identified characteristic molecular abnormalities that can be targeted, the current standard of treatment for triple negative breast cancer is chemotherapy to shrink the cancer before surgery to remove tumors. The study was published online ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Women who achieve a complete response to the pre-surgery chemotherapy, meaning all traces of the cancer is eradicated by the chemo, are much less likely to relapse. In an effort to increase the number of women who achieve complete response researchers led by Dr. William Sikov of the Breast Health Center at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, added either the chemotherapy agent carboplatin or the targeted therapy bevacizumab (Avastin) or both to the standard chemotherapy regimen. Both groups showed significant increases in the number of women who achieved a complete response. Whether this will improve relapse-free or overall survival, however, is not yet known.
Friday, September 5, 2014
No link between bras and breast cancer
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 5, 2014 – Wearing a bra may not increase your risk of breast cancer, a new population-based study has found.
Since Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer published their book, “Dressed to Kill” in 1995, claiming that bra-wearing may be a major cause of breast cancer there has been persistent concerns about about bras and breast cancer. The study they based their claim on has never been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
The new study led by LuChen, a researcher in the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center interviewed 1085 women with two of the most common forms of breast cancer and 469 women without breast cancer. All were post menopausal between the ages of 55 and 74. The structured interviews assessed lifetime patterns of bra wearing including age when they started wearing a bra, type of bras they wore and amount of time per week they wore them. The study was published in the September Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
"Our study found no evidence that wearing a bra increases a woman's risk for breast cancer. The risk was similar no matter how many hours per day women wore a bra, whether they wore a bra with an underwire, or at what age they first began wearing a bra," said Chen.
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 5, 2014 – Wearing a bra may not increase your risk of breast cancer, a new population-based study has found.
Since Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer published their book, “Dressed to Kill” in 1995, claiming that bra-wearing may be a major cause of breast cancer there has been persistent concerns about about bras and breast cancer. The study they based their claim on has never been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
The new study led by LuChen, a researcher in the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center interviewed 1085 women with two of the most common forms of breast cancer and 469 women without breast cancer. All were post menopausal between the ages of 55 and 74. The structured interviews assessed lifetime patterns of bra wearing including age when they started wearing a bra, type of bras they wore and amount of time per week they wore them. The study was published in the September Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
"Our study found no evidence that wearing a bra increases a woman's risk for breast cancer. The risk was similar no matter how many hours per day women wore a bra, whether they wore a bra with an underwire, or at what age they first began wearing a bra," said Chen.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
No better survival for women who choose double mastectomies
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 2, 2014 – A study of breast cancer treatment has shown no survival advantage for women who have surgery to remove both breasts.
The study of nearly 190,000 California women with cancer is the first to directly compare survival rates of the three most common surgical therapies used to treat breast cancer in one breast. The study published in the Sept. 2, Journal of the American Medical Association confirms results of a July study showing only modest increase in survival for women with early stage breast cancer.
CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 2, 2014 – A study of breast cancer treatment has shown no survival advantage for women who have surgery to remove both breasts.
The study of nearly 190,000 California women with cancer is the first to directly compare survival rates of the three most common surgical therapies used to treat breast cancer in one breast. The study published in the Sept. 2, Journal of the American Medical Association confirms results of a July study showing only modest increase in survival for women with early stage breast cancer.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Protein may predict breast cancer outcomes
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 25, 2014 – Researchers have identified a protein that may be the first biomarker for breast cancer that has begun to spread to other parts of the body.
In a study published online today, Canadian researchers at McGill University, Montreal led by Josie Ursini-Siegel show that elevated levels of the protein, named p66ShcA, in the blood is strongly linked to genes that trigger a process that aids tumor cells to begin seeping into the blood stream. The study appeared online in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology.
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 25, 2014 – Researchers have identified a protein that may be the first biomarker for breast cancer that has begun to spread to other parts of the body.
In a study published online today, Canadian researchers at McGill University, Montreal led by Josie Ursini-Siegel show that elevated levels of the protein, named p66ShcA, in the blood is strongly linked to genes that trigger a process that aids tumor cells to begin seeping into the blood stream. The study appeared online in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Overweight breast cancer patients may benefit from aspirin, ibuprofen
Monday, August 11, 2014
Osteoporosis drugs don't protect against breast cancer
Alendronic acid (Fosamax) is taken for
osteoporosis (NIH image)
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 11, 2014 – Osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates may not protect women from breast cancer as had been thought, according to a new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco (UCSF) despite several observational studies that showed women who took them were less likely to get breast cancer.
_Oral_Tablet.jpg/220px-003783568lg_Alendronic_acid_35_MG_(as_alendronate_sodium_45.7_MG)_Oral_Tablet.jpg) |
| Alendronic acid (Fosamax) is taken for osteoporosis (NIH image) |
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 11, 2014 – Osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates may not protect women from breast cancer as had been thought, according to a new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco (UCSF) despite several observational studies that showed women who took them were less likely to get breast cancer.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Some birth control pills may boost breast cancer risk
CANCER DIGEST – Aug. 4, 2014 – A study of 1,102 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 21,952 who were cancer free, found that recent oral contraceptive use increased breast cancer risk by 50 percent, compared with never or former use.
The study led by Elisabeth F. Beaber, PhD, MPH, at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash. looked at the electronic pharmacy records of women who recently used birth control pills containing high-dose estrogen. They found that some of the formulations increased breast cancer risk 2.7 times, and those containing moderate-dose estrogen increased the risk 1.6-fold compared to women who did not use those contraceptives.
The study led by Elisabeth F. Beaber, PhD, MPH, at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash. looked at the electronic pharmacy records of women who recently used birth control pills containing high-dose estrogen. They found that some of the formulations increased breast cancer risk 2.7 times, and those containing moderate-dose estrogen increased the risk 1.6-fold compared to women who did not use those contraceptives.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Breast cancer screening costs up, early detection unchanged
CANCER DIGEST – July 16, 2014 – Medicare spending on breast cancer screening increased by nearly $300 million a year between 2001 and 2009 but the detection rates of early stage tumors were unchanged, according to a new study published July 16 in the JNCI: Journalof the National Cancer Institute. Using data from the SEER-Medicare linked database, researchers at the Yale Cancer Center created two groups of women 65 and over and compared them.
CANCER DIGEST – July 16, 2014 – Medicare spending on breast cancer screening increased by nearly $300 million a year between 2001 and 2009 but the detection rates of early stage tumors were unchanged, according to a new study published July 16 in the JNCI: Journalof the National Cancer Institute. Using data from the SEER-Medicare linked database, researchers at the Yale Cancer Center created two groups of women 65 and over and compared them.
Tuesday, July 16, 2014
Double mastectomy to prevent cancer may result in small survival benefit
CANCER DIGEST – July 16, 2014 – Women without BRCA genetic mutations who have breast cancer in one breast and choose to have both breasts removed to prevent cancer in the opposite breast have an average increase in life expectancy ranging from 1 to 7 months depending on type and stage of cancer, according to a study published July 16 in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
CANCER DIGEST – July 16, 2014 – Women without BRCA genetic mutations who have breast cancer in one breast and choose to have both breasts removed to prevent cancer in the opposite breast have an average increase in life expectancy ranging from 1 to 7 months depending on type and stage of cancer, according to a study published July 16 in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
MRI-PET imaging combination could cut unnecessary breast biopsies by half
CANCER DIGEST – June 24, 2014 – A new technique using four imaging approaches, was 96 percent accurate in distinguishing malignant breast tumors from those that were benign, and provided better results than combinations of two or three imaging approaches. The researchers at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria reported their study results in the June 2014 Clinical Cancer Research. They estimated that this technique could reduce unnecessary breast biopsies recommended by the commonly used imaging method, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), by 50 percent. Pinker and colleagues recruited 76 patients to the study who had suspicious or inconclusive findings from a mammography or a breast ultrasonography. They performed a multi-parameter imaging using MRI and contrast dye that shows tumor activity along with a PET scan on all the patients. In addition, they used three other methods. All results were compared with microscopic exam of the tumors to evaluate which imaging combination was most efficient in making an accurate diagnosis. Of the 76 tumors, 53 were malignant and 23 were benign, based on histopathology. The method called MP 18FDG PET-MRI was the most accurate.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
New guidelines call for extending tamoxifen for 10 years
Joanne Mortimer, MD, Director of the Women's
Cancers Program at City of Hope Comprehensive
Cancer Center, Duarte, California
CANCER DIGEST – June 5, 2014 – An expert panel at the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) meeting last week announced new guidelines for adding endocrine (hormone) therapies such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors for post menopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) include Exemestane (Aromasin®),Letrozole (Femara®), and Anastrozole(Arimidex®).
Following breast cancer treatment, the panel recommends that:
- Postmenopausal patients should be offered continued tamoxifen for a total duration of 10 years or an AI for a total duration of up to 10 years of adjuvant endocrine therapy.
- Postmenopausal women should be offered added endocrine therapy with one of the following options: tamoxifen for 10 years; or an AI for 5 years; tamoxifen for 5 years, then switching to an AI for up to 5 years; or tamoxifen for 2-3 years and switching to an AI for up to 5 years.
- Women who are postmenopausal and are intolerant of either tamoxifen or an AI should be offered the alternative type of adjuvant endocrine therapy.
|
Joanne Mortimer, MD, Director of the Women's
Cancers Program at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California |
Following breast cancer treatment, the panel recommends that:
- Postmenopausal patients should be offered continued tamoxifen for a total duration of 10 years or an AI for a total duration of up to 10 years of adjuvant endocrine therapy.
- Postmenopausal women should be offered added endocrine therapy with one of the following options: tamoxifen for 10 years; or an AI for 5 years; tamoxifen for 5 years, then switching to an AI for up to 5 years; or tamoxifen for 2-3 years and switching to an AI for up to 5 years.
- Women who are postmenopausal and are intolerant of either tamoxifen or an AI should be offered the alternative type of adjuvant endocrine therapy.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
MRI and anxiety linked to double mastectomy choice
CANCER DIGEST – May 21, 2014 – Many women who have breast cancer in one breast may be opting for double mastectomy for reasons other than a genetic or family history of the disease indicating a high risk of cancer in the other breast. Researchers who analyzed data from 1447 women with breast cancer who were followed and surveyed twice over a five year period found that 32.2 percent considered having both breasts removed, 45.8 percent received single mastectomy and 22.8 percent received breast conserving surgery, or lumpectomy. Among the the 7.6 percent who actually underwent double mastectomy most had an MRI and were more likely to fear recurrence. Few had a clinically significant risk of developing cancer in the other breast. The study published today in the journalJAMA Surgery concluded that more research is needed to understand the factors driving the use of double mastectomy.
Labels: breast cancer, double mastectomy,mastectomy
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Drug doubles time to progression in advanced breast cancer
Monday, March 24, 2014
Early study promising for advanced breast cancer
SCIENCE DAILY – Mar. 24, 2014 – In a study of advanced breast cancer, researchers using highly targeted radiation therapy called radioembolization, reported that imaging showed 98.5 percent of liver tumors treated in 69 women had stopped growing. Radioembolization delivers micro-beads containing the radioactive isotope yttrium-90 (Y-90) directly to the main artery serving the liver through an image-guided catheter. The study in 75 women with cancer too advanced for other therapies was presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 39th Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, this week.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Lumpectomy better than mastectomy
MEDPAGE TODAY – Mar. 21, 2014 – An analysis of 132,149 women treated for early stage breast cancer shows that those treated with breast-conserving surgery had a 30 percent better five- and 10-year survival compared to women who had mastectomy. The difference rose to 47 percent when radiation was added to breast-conserving surgery. The study by researchers at the University of Utah analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program from 1998 to 2008. They published their report in JAMA Surgery.
Early study promising for advanced breast cancer
SCIENCE DAILY – Mar. 24, 2014 – In a study of advanced breast cancer, researchers using highly targeted radiation therapy called radioembolization, reported that imaging showed 98.5 percent of liver tumors treated in 69 women had stopped growing. Radioembolization delivers micro-beads containing the radioactive isotope yttrium-90 (Y-90) directly to the main artery serving the liver through an image-guided catheter. The study in 75 women with cancer too advanced for other therapies was presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 39th Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, this week.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Lumpectomy better than mastectomy
MEDPAGE TODAY – Mar. 21, 2014 – An analysis of 132,149 women treated for early stage breast cancer shows that those treated with breast-conserving surgery had a 30 percent better five- and 10-year survival compared to women who had mastectomy. The difference rose to 47 percent when radiation was added to breast-conserving surgery. The study by researchers at the University of Utah analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program from 1998 to 2008. They published their report in JAMA Surgery.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Pair of studies show missed mammograms increase risk of late-stage diagnosis
|
| Mammogram showing suspicious lesions |
In a single institution study in the Nov. 2013 AmericanJournal of Roentgenology researchers found that,regardless of age, women who underwent mammography were more likely to have early-stage breast cancer at diagnosis than were those who did not undergo mammography.
In an earlier study analyzing treatment failure among 7,301 breast cancer patients in the Sept. 9, 2013Cancer, Harvard researchers found that among the 609 breast cancer deaths, 65 percent had never had a mammogram.
July 8, 2010 – SEATTLE – Cancer Digest – Fish oil linked to lower breast cancer risk
May 10, 2010 – ATLANTA (Cancer Digest) – Cost of cancer care doubled? So have other healthcare costs
April 27, 2010 – DURHAM, N.C. – (Cancer Digest) – Use and costs of imaging rising faster than cost of cancer care
April 22, 2019 – WASHINGTON, D.C. (Cancer Digest) – Zeroing in on density and breast cancer risk
April 18, 2010 – WASHINGTON, D.C. (Cancer Digest) – Vitamin and calcium supplements may cut breast cancer risk
