Breast Cancer
The latest information on BRCA, chemotherapy, mammography, mastectomy, and more, drawn from across our primary care and specialty care areas. Sign up now for monthly e-mail alerts on new content.
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Can Newly Identified Genetic Variants Help Predict Risk for Breast Cancer?
- March 17, 2010
- Virginia Kaklamani, MD, DSc
- Oncology and Hematology
Risk assessment combining genetic information and clinical risk factors did not substantially improve the ability to predict risk over standard clinical risk models.
- Reviewing:
- Wacholder S et al. N Engl J Med 2010 Mar 18; 362:986
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
After Surgery, Is Time to Radiotherapy Linked to Local Recurrence of Breast Cancer?
- March 16, 2010
- Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP
- General Medicine
In older women, the longer the interval, the greater the risk for recurrence.
- Reviewing:
- Punglia RS et al. BMJ 2010 Mar 2; 340:c845
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
You've Got a Friend: Befriending for the Distressed
- March 15, 2010
- Peter Roy-Byrne, MD
- Psychiatry
This intervention, pioneered in the U.K., is better than nothing — but not as helpful as psychotherapy.
- Reviewing:
- Mead N et al. Br J Psychiatry 2010 Feb; 196:96
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Does Aspirin Extend Breast Cancer Survival?
- March 11, 2010
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
Aspirin use was associated with lower risk for distant recurrence and breast cancer–related death.
- Reviewing:
- Holmes MD et al. J Clin Oncol 2010 Feb 16
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Mammographic Screening for Women with Cognitive Impairment
- March 11, 2010
- Diane E. Judge, APN/CNP
- Women's Health
Screening rates were lower — but not negligible — among women with cognitive impairment, a surrogate marker for shortened life expectancy.
- Reviewing:
- Mehta KM et al. Am J Public Health 2010 Jan 14
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Do Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Attenuate Tamoxifen's Benefits in Breast Cancer Survivors?
- March 4, 2010
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
Paroxetine was associated with excess mortality in breast cancer survivors who were receiving tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy.
- Reviewing:
- Kelly CM et al. BMJ 2010 Feb 8; 340:c693
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Insights into Therapy for BRCA1-Associated Breast Cancers
- March 2, 2010
- William J. Gradishar, MD
- Oncology and Hematology
Cisplatin treatment in patients with these cancers showed promising results.
- Reviewing:
- Byrski T et al. J Clin Oncol 2010 Jan 20; 28:375
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Does Adjuvant Antiestrogen Therapy Affect Cognitive Function in Women with Hormone-Sensitive Breast Cancer?
- February 25, 2010
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
Tamoxifen, but not the aromatase inhibitor exemestane, was associated with diminished verbal memory and executive functioning.
- Reviewing:
- Schilder CM et al. J Clin Oncol 2010 Feb 8
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Paroxetine Use Negates Benefits of Tamoxifen in Women with Breast Cancer
- February 18, 2010
- Paul S. Mueller, MD
- General Medicine
Paroxetine inhibits conversion of tamoxifen to its active metabolite.
- Reviewing:
- Kelly CM et al. BMJ 2010 Feb 8; 340:c693
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Should All Jewish Women Be Offered BRCA Mutation Screening?
- February 11, 2010
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
Canadian study suggests that the answer is yes.
- Reviewing:
- Metcalfe KA et al. J Clin Oncol 2010 Jan 20; 28:387
