Update: Breast Cancer and Hormone Therapy in the WHI Observational Study
General Medicine Summary and Comment
New findings about breast cancer risk reinforce older ones from the Women's Health Initiative.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
May 21, 2013
Covering:
Chlebowski RT et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2013 Apr 17; 105:526
Avoiding Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Dual targeting of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 produced in-breast pathologic complete remission in 27% of patients.
Chemotherapy: How Much Is Enough?
Maintenance therapy for metastatic breast cancer prolonged survival but increased hematologic toxicity.
Potential Drawbacks of Breast Implants
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Review and meta-analysis suggest implants are associated with delayed breast cancer detection and higher breast cancer mortality.
How Beneficial Is 3D Mammography with Tomosynthesis?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Three-dimensional imaging increased sensitivity and lowered false-positive rates, but isn't currently appropriate for routine screening.
Prognosis of Breast Cancer Diagnosed During Pregnancy
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Survival was similar whether breast cancer was diagnosed in pregnant or nonpregnant women.
Mastectomy Is More Common in Medicaid Patients
However, women with private insurance were more likely to undergo mastectomy for small tumors.
Endocrine Treatment Toxicity in Breast Cancer: A Good Thing?
Specific adverse effects were associated with treatment benefit, but further confirmation is needed.
Reassessing the Safety of Alcohol Consumption After a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Women's Health Summary and Comment
A cohort study found modest alcohol intake to be associated with enhanced cardiovascular and overall survival.
By Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
April 25, 2013
Covering:
Newcomb PA et al., J Clin Oncol 2013 Apr 8
Demark-Wahnefried W and Goodwin PJ., J Clin Oncol 2013 Apr 8
Is Trastuzumab Effective for Lobular Breast Cancers?
Survival improvements were similar in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma or infiltrating ductal carcinoma.
Bad Breast Cancer on the Rise in Young Women
In women aged 25 to 39, the incidence of stage IV disease has increased, on average, 2.07% per year from 1976 to 2009; no similar trend was observed in older women.
Breast Irradiation and Cardiac Toxicity
Rates of major coronary events increased linearly with radiation dose.
T-DM1 for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
More evidence that the drug-antibody conjugate is effective and safe for patients with advanced disease
Screening Mammograms in Older Women: Annual or Biennial?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Large observational study in women 66 and older shows that biennial screens retain the advantages of more-frequent screens, with fewer false positives.
Time Lag to Survival Benefit After Colorectal and Breast Cancer Screening
General Medicine Summary and Comment
After about 10 years, 1 colorectal cancer–related and 1 breast cancer–related death were prevented per 1000 people screened.
Optimizing Reproductive Health After Cancer
Women's Health Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
The Children's Oncology Group outlines principles for managing reproductive complications in women who survive cancer while young.
Sexual Dysfunction with Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy: An Underestimated Problem?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Swedish study shows AI use is associated with low sexual desire, inadequate vaginal lubrication, and sexual dissatisfaction.
By Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
February 14, 2013
Covering:
Baumgart J et al., Menopause 2013 Feb; 20:162
Bradford A., Menopause 2013 Feb; 20:128
The AI War is Over: It's a Tie
A new study adds to the evidence that outcomes are similar among aromatase inhibitors for postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
mTOR Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: Not the Answer for All
Adding temsirolimus to letrozole may improve progression-free survival in patients younger than 65.
By William J. Gradishar, MD
February 5, 2013
Covering:
Wolff AC et al., J Clin Oncol 2013 Jan 10; 31:195
Dees EC and Carey LA., J Clin Oncol 2013 Jan 10; 31:171
BRCA Mutations in Hispanics
A substantial portion were large rearrangement mutations, including the first Mexican founder mutation: <$EMPH_O>BRCA1<$EMPH_C> ex9-12del
By Virginia Kaklamani, MD, DSc
February 5, 2013
Covering:
Weitzel JN et al., J Clin Oncol 2013 Jan 10; 31:210
How Much Do Women Know About Breast Cancer Overdiagnosis?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Most participants in an Australian study were unaware of the potential for overdiagnosis with screening mammography.
Treatment Delay and Breast Cancer Outcomes
Waiting longer than 60 days to initiate treatment was associated with poorer survival.
Time to Chemotherapy after Breast Cancer Surgery
The interval is increasing, but the effect on outcomes is unclear.
By William J. Gradishar, MD
January 29, 2013
Covering:
Vandergrift JL et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2013 Jan 16; 105:104
McAuliffe PF et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2013 Jan 16; 105:80
Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors
Treatment significantly improved general fatigue and quality of life and alleviated anxiety and depression, but placebo effect cannot be ruled out.
Heart Failure with Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: A Risk Worth Taking Seriously
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Findings from a large database suggest that trastuzumab is associated with higher rates of HF or cardiomyopathy in clinical practice than it was in clinical trials.
