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.
The 2012 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Highlights include sentinel lymph node surgery, eribulin, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and chemotherapy for completely excised local recurrence.
Is Initial Salpingectomy Appropriate for BRCA Mutation Carriers?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Model suggests that primary BSO remains the best overall risk-reducing strategy for mutation carriers who have completed childbearing.
By Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
January 10, 2013
Covering:
Kwon JS et al., Obstet Gynecol 2013 Jan; 121:14
Perlman MD., Obstet Gynecol 2013 Jan; 121:4
Sorting Out the Complications of Brachytherapy for Breast Cancer
An observational study in older women showed significantly higher rates of skin and wound complications with brachytherapy than with whole-breast irradiation.
Grappling with Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer
For multiple reasons, black women in the U.S. have lower incidence but substantially higher breast cancer mortality than white women.
By William J. Gradishar, MD
January 8, 2013
Covering:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2012 Nov 16; 61:922
Breast Cancer Diagnosed Between Mammograms Isn't More Aggressive
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Women with "interval" breast cancers had the same prognosis as women with breast cancers who were never screened.
Nonmedical Treatments for Breast Cancer Survivors' Menopausal Symptoms
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Both cognitive-behavioral therapy and physical exercise improved endocrine and urinary symptoms and physical function but did not decrease frequency of hot flashes.
Acupuncture for Breast Cancer–Related Fatigue
Women's Health Summary and Comment
A short course of acupuncture significantly improved measurements of fatigue in women who had been treated for breast cancer.
By Diane E. Judge, APN/CNP
December 13, 2012
Covering:
Molassiotis A et al., J Clin Oncol 2012 Oct 29
Bower JE., J Clin Oncol 2012 Oct 29
Rethinking Tamoxifen: Is Longer-Duration Therapy Better?
Contrary to prior findings, 10 versus 5 years of treatment improved outcomes for patients with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer.
Overdiagnosis of Breast Cancer in the Mammography Era
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
The incidence of early-stage breast cancer has doubled, but the incidence of late-stage disease hasn't changed much.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
November 29, 2012
Covering:
Bleyer A and Welch HG., N Engl J Med 2012 Nov 22; 367:1998
Systemic Treatment for Brain Metastases from HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Two thirds of patients achieved a partial response; half experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse effects.
Screening Mammography: Does Overdiagnosis Overshadow Prevention of Advanced Breast Cancer?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Analysis of U.S. data spanning 30 years suggests many mammographically detected tumors are destined to be harmless.
By Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
November 21, 2012
Covering:
Bleyer A and Welch HG., N Engl J Med 2012 Nov 22; 367:1998
Late Cardiac Events Rare After Adjuvant Trastuzumab for Breast Cancer
Trastuzumab-related events occurred in a small fraction of patients with HER2-positive disease, and most events occurred early during follow-up.
Predicting Breast Cancer Recurrence After Primary Chemotherapy
The risk for locoregional recurrence increased with younger age, bigger tumors, and larger numbers of confirmed pathologically involved axillary nodes.
T-DM1 Prolongs Survival in Advanced HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Oncology and Hematology Summary and Comment
Free
The drug-antibody conjugate was more effective and less toxic than lapatinib plus capecitabine in patients previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane.
The Manhattan Project of Breast Cancer
Comprehensive molecular studies of breast tumors from the Cancer Genome Atlas Network could lead to more effective personalized therapies.
Diagnostic Radiation, BRCA1/2 Mutations, and Breast Cancer Risk
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Higher cumulative radiation exposure was associated with increased risk.
The Next Big Thing for Metastatic Breast Cancer
The drug-antibody conjugate trastuzumab emtansine demonstrated single-agent activity in patients with previously treated HER2-positive disease.
Is Pregnancy-Associated Cancer Becoming More Common?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
In an Australian study, rising incidence was only partially accounted for by advancing maternal age.
Does Diagnostic Radiation Increase Breast Cancer Risk in Women with BRCA Mutations?
European questionnaire-based study leaves the question unanswered.
Antiinflammatory Use and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk
Regular long-term use of aspirin, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen did not affect risk, but inflammatory breast tissue lesions might hold clues about possible benefit.
By William J. Gradishar, MD
September 11, 2012
Covering:
Zhang X et al., J Clin Oncol 2012 Aug 27
Hudis CA et al., J Clin Oncol 2012 Aug 27
Does Obesity Attenuate Aromatase Inhibition?
Estrogen suppression was less complete in obese women and was significantly greater with letrozole than with anastrozole across all weight groups.
By William J. Gradishar, MD
September 4, 2012
Covering:
Folkerd EJ et al., J Clin Oncol 2012 Aug 20; 30:2977
Ligibel JA and Winer EP., J Clin Oncol 2012 Aug 20; 30:2940
When Breast-Conserving Surgery Doesn't Work the First Time
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In England, one in five women with breast cancer who had breast-conserving surgery required reoperation.
Does Spironolactone Raise Breast Cancer Risk?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In a large cohort study, risk was not higher in women who used this drug.
