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
Update: Breast Cancer and Hormone Therapy in the WHI Observational Study
- May 21, 2013
- Allan S. Brett, MD
- General Medicine
New findings about breast cancer risk reinforce older ones from the Women's Health Initiative.
- Reviewing:
- Chlebowski RT et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013 Apr 17; 105:526
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Avoiding Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
- May 21, 2013
- William J. Gradishar, MD
- Oncology and Hematology
Dual targeting of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 produced in-breast pathologic complete remission in 27% of patients.
- Reviewing:
- Rimawi M et al. J Clin Oncol 2013 May 10; 31:1726
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Chemotherapy: How Much Is Enough?
- May 21, 2013
- William J. Gradishar, MD
- Oncology and Hematology
Maintenance therapy for metastatic breast cancer prolonged survival but increased hematologic toxicity.
- Reviewing:
- Park YH et al. J Clin Oncol 2013 May 10; 31:1732
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Potential Drawbacks of Breast ImplantsFree
- May 16, 2013
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
Review and meta-analysis suggest implants are associated with delayed breast cancer detection and higher breast cancer mortality.
- Reviewing:
- Lavigne E et al. BMJ 2013 Apr 30; 346:f2399
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
How Beneficial Is 3D Mammography with Tomosynthesis?
- May 16, 2013
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
Three-dimensional imaging increased sensitivity and lowered false-positive rates, but isn't currently appropriate for routine screening.
- Reviewing:
- Ciatto S et al. Lancet Oncol 2013 Apr 25
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Prognosis of Breast Cancer Diagnosed During PregnancyFree
- May 9, 2013
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
Survival was similar whether breast cancer was diagnosed in pregnant or nonpregnant women. CME
- Reviewing:
- Amant F et al. J Clin Oncol 2013 Apr 22
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Mastectomy Is More Common in Medicaid Patients
However, women with private insurance were more likely to undergo mastectomy for small tumors.
- Reviewing:
- Adepoju L et al. JAMA Surg 2013 Apr 24
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Endocrine Treatment Toxicity in Breast Cancer: A Good Thing?
- April 30, 2013
- William J. Gradishar, MD
- Oncology and Hematology
Specific adverse effects were associated with treatment benefit, but further confirmation is needed.
- Reviewing:
- Fontein DBY et al. J Clin Oncol 2013 Apr 22
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Reassessing the Safety of Alcohol Consumption After a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
- April 25, 2013
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
- Women's Health
A cohort study found modest alcohol intake to be associated with enhanced cardiovascular and overall survival.
- Reviewing:
- Newcomb PA et al. J Clin Oncol 2013 Apr 8
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Is Trastuzumab Effective for Lobular Breast Cancers?
- April 23, 2013
- William J. Gradishar, MD
- Oncology and Hematology
Survival improvements were similar in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma or infiltrating ductal carcinoma.
- Reviewing:
- Metzger-Filho O et al. J Clin Oncol 2013 Apr 15
