Breast Cancer

Prior to this research, it was known that genetically removing the POLQ protein killed cells with BRCA gene defects, but no drug had been identified that prevented POLQ from functioning.

Oncologist Susan Miesfeldt, MD, of MaineHealth, discussed the importance of genetic testing and counseling for breast and ovarian cancers as well as barriers that must be addressed in order to reach more patients eligible for these services.

Research has also shown activity with sacituzumab govitecan in subsets of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, such as those with active brain metastases.

Study suggests that 8 out of 10 patients with breast cancer who receive treatment with TARGIT-IORT will not need a long course of post-operative external beam radiotherapy.

Rates of death among patients with breast cancer due to any cause were 31% higher in states with Medicaid income eligibility limits no greater than 50% of the federal poverty level.

This discovery could enhance efforts to develop better treatments for breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

The study authors sought to examine the risks of subsequent primary cancers (SPCs) among breast cancer survivors by HR status and age at diagnosis.

The findings contrast with those for adult BMI, which indicate that women who gain weight after menopause have an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

As breast cancer becomes an increasingly treatable disease, clinicians should provide personalized follow-up care to address varying burdens of symptoms up to 5 years after diagnosis.

The KEYNOTE-522 trial met its dual primary endpoints of pathologic complete response and event-free survival, showing a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in EFS compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone.

Loneliness and social isolation have been particularly significant problems for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to isolation and social distancing, according to a study published in Cancer.

These findings also suggest that the efficacy of radiotherapy can be improved with drugs that block the PDGFRb protein.

The new study evaluated data from 5000 patients with EBC and 3496 with ABC to determine associations between BMI and survival rates across both stages.

The study also found that patients with comorbidities such as heart disease and diabetes were more likely to experience a high symptom burden.

Clinicians should consider the impact on subsequent therapies, overall survival, and median time to definitive deterioration with CDK 4/6 inhibitors.

Cynthia Lynch, MD, breast cancer program clinical advisor with Cancer Treatment Centers of America, said oncology pharmacists are vital team members who can help ensure optimal treatment and safety for patients with breast cancer.

Oncology experts recommend patients schedule overdue screenings, as pandemic restrictions ease.

According to the study authors, the findings suggest a need for greater transparency in health care pricing as well as policies eliminating financial obstacles to catching cancer early.

New research findings published in Cell Reports identified a type of immune cells that acts as a major driver of breast cancer growth by preventing the accumulation of a specific protein that induces anti-tumor responses.

A new study led by researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that breast cancer survivors with a higher risk of cancer recurrence based on genomic testing may experience greater fear of their cancer returning.

A new study shows that overweight breast cancer survivors have a statistically significant increased risk of developing second primary cancers, and obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of various cancer types.

Pharmacists may provide nutritional counseling regarding dietary adjustments or recommendations for over-the-counter supplements to assist patient with cancer.

The discovery points to a novel treatment target for shrinking brain tumors that arise secondary to breast cancer, according to the study authors.

Findings from the phase 3 ASCENT trial demonstrate a clinically meaningful 57% reduction in the risk of disease worsening or death for patients receiving sacituzumab govitecan.

Understanding breast cancer and which patients may be more vulnerable to long-term treatment effects and which patients may benefit most, can help oncologists design the best personalized neoadjuvant and adjuvant human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy.