Articles tagged with Breast Cancer
A phase II clinical trial found that adding dasatinib to letrozole therapy doubled the time before disease progression for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Progression-free survival was also improved by 10 months compared to letrozole alone.
A Mayo Clinic study found that endoxifen, an active metabolite of tamoxifen, is safe and shows anti-tumor activity in early-stage trials. The findings suggest a potential new treatment for estrogen-positive breast cancer patients who don't respond to standard hormonal therapies.
A randomized trial found that exercise reduced worst pain scores by 20% among women taking AIs, with a dose-response effect on pain relief. The study suggests exercise as a potential clinical intervention to improve AI-associated joint pain and adherence.
Researchers used deep genome sequencing to study changes in breast cancer tumors after brief exposure to therapy, finding a reduction in mutated genes that can predict future clinical outcomes. The study's findings have the potential to personalize treatment plans for individual patients and improve patient outcomes.
A double-blind, randomized trial found that anastrozole significantly reduced breast cancer incidence among postmenopausal women at high risk for developing the disease. The study showed a 53% reduction in breast cancer incidence with few side effects.
Researchers identified three types of mutations in the estrogen receptor gene ESR1 that cause resistance to hormone therapy, including gene amplification, point mutation, and translocation. These findings provide insights into how to develop targeted treatments for drug-resistant breast cancer.
Research found that women with HER2- and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy had lower pathologic complete response rates if their tumors had PIK3CA gene mutations. These mutations were more common in HER2-positive breast cancers.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Yale University found that moderate daily exercise can decrease joint pain in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer. After a year, joint pain scores decreased by 20% in the exercise group compared to 3% in the non-exercise group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a unique class of breast cancer cells that lead the invasion process into surrounding tissues. The team found that these 'leader cells' express a protein called K14, which is essential for their invasive behavior and may be a new target for therapy.
Researchers at Jefferson Breast Care Center found that genomic tests like MammaPrint and BluePrint provide more accurate classification of breast cancer subtypes than traditional methods. These tests enable better identification of patients who benefit from chemotherapy, reducing unnecessary treatment risks.
A new multi-gene test can identify breast cancer patients at high risk of developing aggressive triple-negative cancers. The test analyzes genetic signatures associated with poor prognosis, which may reveal potential targets for new drugs and therapies.
A nearly 20-year observational study found that regular vigorous exercise reduces the risk of developing estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer in black women. The study, which involved over 44,700 black women nationwide, showed a significant protection against this aggressive subtype of breast cancer.
A randomized controlled trial found that surgical removal of the primary tumor and axillary lymph nodes did not improve overall survival in women with metastatic breast cancer. The study suggests that conventional wisdom may need to be revised for patients who have metastatic breast cancer.
A re-examination of large breast cancer screening studies reveals a substantial reduction in mortality rates for women undergoing screening. The results suggest that the estimates of women needed to be screened to prevent one death vary significantly, but can be standardized to a similar scenario.
Researchers found that women with HER2-positive breast cancer who had high levels of immune cells in their tumors gained the most benefit from presurgery treatment with chemotherapy and trastuzumab. This biomarker can help identify patients most likely to benefit from this therapy.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found a combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy reduced cancer recurrence in women with small, HER2-positive tumors. After 3.6 years, only 0.5% of patients experienced cancer recurrence.
Researchers have found that omitting radiotherapy in older patients with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer who undergo surgery and hormone therapy is a viable option, resulting in a lower rate of unnecessary treatment. The study suggests that these patients are at low risk of recurrence, making radiotherapy optional.
The NeoALTTO trial analyzed event-free and overall survival in patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer. The study found improved pathologic complete response rates, which may translate to better long-term outcomes.
A new study has identified a highly effective treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, combining docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab. The treatment regimen demonstrates improved outcomes and a safer profile compared to anthracycline-based therapies, which are currently dominated in breast cancer treatment.
A new study found that Herceptin plus Taxol is highly effective in treating lower-risk breast cancer patients, with a 98.7% success rate of being cancer-free for at least three years. The treatment had minimal side effects, with only 3.2% experiencing severe neuropathy.
African-American women with breast cancer are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease at a younger age. Researcher Ritu Aneja has found a protein called HSET as a potential biomarker for identifying these cancers, which could lead to customized treatment plans.
VIB researchers have identified a protein, Nrp1, that suppresses the anti-tumor activity of macrophages. Blocking Nrp1 restores this immune response, leading to reduced tumor growth and improved prognosis.
Researchers found a strong association between high 2-HG levels, DNA methylation patterns, and poor survival outcomes in African-American breast cancer patients. The study identified a distinct breast cancer subtype with elevated 2-HG levels that was associated with reduced survival.
Researchers discovered an association between oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) levels and DNA methylation patterns with breast cancer prognosis. Chloroquine treatment was found to limit osteoclast generation, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
A year of resistance and impact training can help older breast cancer survivors preserve bone density, even with less exercise. Muscle strength declines more quickly than bone density and may require continued participation in a supervised exercise program.
A study of 1,344 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2011 found that those with interruptions in health insurance coverage or low income levels were significantly more likely to receive non-concordant treatment. Women with lower incomes had a higher likelihood of nonconcordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network...
A computer model found that genetic screening for breast cancer risk in conjunction with MRI can reduce cancer deaths and identify a population at an intermediate risk. The study compared two tests to categorize patients by lifetime risk, finding the 7SNP test was most cost-effective for those with an intermediate risk.
A study found that women who had more frequent screening mammography had a significantly lower rate of lymph node positivity, improving patient prognosis. The researchers suggest that following guidelines recommending annual screening beginning at age 40 may benefit breast cancer patients.
Researchers assessed MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in 12 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer. The procedure proved safe and effective, with 10 patients showing no residual disease post-surgery. Continuous MRI monitoring allowed for precise temperature control during the ablation process.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that cancer survival rates still differ significantly between European countries, with Nordic countries having the best survival rates for most cancers. However, there is evidence of narrowing gaps between east and west, particularly for breast and prostate cancers.
Research suggests that automated breast density measurement can predict breast cancer risk in younger women, with changes in breast density over time playing a significant role. Women under 50 are at high risk for density-associated breast cancer, and earlier mammogram screenings may be beneficial for those with denser breasts.
A large screening study found that 3D mammography increased breast cancer detection by 22% and reduced recall rates. The technology improved the accuracy of suspicious findings, leading to a 46% increase in positive predictive value.
A new receptor, similar to those for endorphins or morphine, has been discovered to play a crucial role in the body's response to sepsis. Blocking this receptor may help reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for critically ill patients suffering from sepsis.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) led to reduced recall rates and an increase in cancer detection compared to digital mammography. The study found that DBT decreased the average recall rate by 1.62% and increased the cancer detection rate by 21.5%.
A special issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology addresses imaging-based screening and radiology's role in preventive medicine. The issue explores breast density legislation, digital breast tomosynthesis, lung cancer screening, and CT colonography reimbursement, highlighting both benefits and controversies.
A computer algorithm predicts breast cancer type with 93% accuracy by identifying three genes involved in estrogen signaling. The technique has the potential to replace traditional lab tests, potentially becoming more affordable and accessible in the future.
Researchers found that high cholesterol's metabolite, 27HC, mimics estrogen to drive breast cancer growth. Statins appear to reduce this effect, suggesting a link between dietary changes and breast cancer prevention. Human breast tumors express the enzyme making 27HC, which can promote tumor growth.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified USP13, an enzyme that stabilizes the tumor-suppressor protein PTEN, preventing its destruction by the cell's proteasome machinery. This discovery provides a new avenue for treating cancers with low levels of PTEN.
Research suggests that women who test negative for BRCA2 mutations but have a family history are still at higher risk of developing breast cancer, with a fourfold increased risk compared to the general population. The study found that genetic factors other than BRCA-related genes may contribute to this increased risk.
A high-fat diet starting at puberty accelerates breast cancer development and alters immune cells, leading to precancerous lesions. This type of diet may also produce a distinct gene signature consistent with basal-like breast cancers, which have a worse prognosis.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified Engrailed 1 as a protein overexpressed in basal-like carcinomas, which can lead to chemotherapy resistance. A synthetic peptide designed by Adriana Beltran and colleagues can disrupt Engrailed 1's function, causing rapid cell death.
Researchers identified epigenetic alterations associated with the aging process in disease-free breast tissues, which are further altered in breast tumors. These changes may contribute to the development of breast cancer by increasing cancer risk.
A new study by MU researchers recommends that women on hormone replacement therapy with progestin avoid ingesting pure apigenin as a supplement. Apigenin, found in celery and other plants, can increase the incidence of breast cancer tumors when combined with synthetic hormones.
A large national study found that breast MRI screenings nearly tripled from 2005 to 2009, with a notable increase in high-risk women. Despite this progress, the study highlights areas for improvement in the use of breast MRI for risk-based screening.
A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found obesity to be a major risk factor for developing basal-like breast cancer in women. Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that obesity alters the cellular microenvironment of mammary glands, promoting the growth of basal-like tumors.
Two studies on breast MRI usage found a significant increase in its use for diagnostic evaluations and screenings, particularly among high-risk women. The studies also revealed disparities in the use of breast MRI, with some groups receiving more frequent screening than others.
Researchers discovered mutations in immunity genes in every breast cancer analyzed, suggesting an important role of immune system mutations in breast cancer development. The study's findings could lead to targeted prevention and therapy using vaccines or antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a technology that can detect breast cancer biomarkers in blood samples, potentially leading to early diagnosis. The technology uses carboxypeptidase N enzyme to separate and detect peptides created by the enzyme in blood serum proteins.
A new USC study found that the protein Lkb1 promotes orderly skeletal growth and prevents skeletal tumors by controlling the progression of immature cartilage cells. This discovery sheds light on how this protein helps keep people organized, with implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Researchers found that simple compression bandages are as effective as expensive daily lymphatic massages in treating breast cancer-related arm swelling, known as lymphedema. The study followed over 100 women with breast cancer and found no difference between the two treatments.
Researchers at NYU College of Nursing have developed a new method to detect breast cancer-related lymphedema using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) ratios. The study found that BIA ratios can accurately identify lymphedema in breast cancer survivors, allowing for earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Researchers found that modulating the hormonal environment makes endometrial cancers more sensitive to PARP inhibitors. In high estrogen environments, tumors did not respond to the therapy due to increased DNA repair capabilities.
Researchers found that women with fewer financial resources are more likely to delay seeking medical attention for breast abnormalities, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that reducing copays and other 'hidden' costs may improve timeliness of diagnosis in this population.
A new '1-stop' radiotherapy technique has shown non-inferiority to traditional treatment in reducing breast cancer recurrence. The TARGIT trial found a single dose of targeted radiation during or soon after surgery reduced local recurrence risk by 80% compared to standard radiotherapy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have found that a cholesterol metabolite called 27-hydroxycholesterol promotes tumor growth in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers. The discovery may explain why endocrine-based therapies are often unsuccessful, providing a new target for therapy.
The EORTC study found that baseline recorded health-related quality of life parameters provided additional prognostic information for survival in eleven types of cancer, including brain, breast, and colorectal cancers. The specific health-related quality of life parameters found to be predictive for survival varied by cancer site.
Researchers have developed an algorithmic approach to analyzing breast cancer screening data, enabling more precise detection of malignant tumors. The machine learning method reduces false positives and unnecessary interventions, improving patient outcomes.
A study found that six patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer developed mutations in the estrogen receptor after taking anti-estrogen therapies, leading to treatment resistance. The discovery sheds light on why patients become resistant to hormonal therapy and offers new insights into developing targeted treatments.
Researchers are developing computer-aided diagnosis methods for mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs to identify specific tumor characteristics. This technique may also help identify genes that influence the risk of disease.
A new study found that obesity is the largest predictor of earlier onset puberty in girls, with white girls experiencing breast development at a median age of 9.7 years. The study suggests that greater obesity may be the cause of this phenomenon, highlighting potential psychosocial and biologic outcomes for affected girls.