Surgery for Good Prognosis Breast Cancers
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe introduction of mammographic screening programmes has resulted increasing numbers of women with small breast cancers with biologically favourable characteristics. Many of these cancers may represent overdiagnosis, with a resulting treatment burden for women and healthcare costs for providers. Here, current surgical approaches to the treatment of such tumours are reviewed, together with alternative approaches to their management.Recent FindingsThe surgical treatment of small, screen-detected breast cancers with biologically favourable characteristics has been extrapolated from the management of ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 21, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and the Response in Low-to-Middle Income Countries
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to healthcare, particularly in resource-constrained low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aim to summarize the challenges faced by LMICs in providing breast cancer care during the pandemic and their response during this crisis.Recent FindingsConversion of oncology centers into COVID-19 isolation centers and lack of LMIC applicable guidelines for breast cancer treatment worsened the challenge for providers. Few LMICs changed their management framework, taking steps like triaging patients, prioritizing care, therapeutic spacing, and a s...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 16, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Long-Term Non-progression in Metastatic Breast Cancer Beyond 5 Years: Case Series and Review
AbstractPurpose of reviewMetastatic breast cancer (MBC) was traditionally viewed as homogeneously progressive and incurable among all comers, but there is new evidence that MBC harbors a range of tumor molecular/immune subtypes and degrees of aggressiveness. Thus, MBC is not rapidly fatal in all affected patients.Recent findingsA small subset of patients will attain long-term disease control, or undetectable disease, and will enjoy a prolonged survival with little disability from their disease or treatment. Though the term is controversial, some patients with long-term non-detectable disease may effectively be considered â...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 15, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Digital Pathology: Way of the Future
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides a summary of the development and current use of digital pathology in routine practice, with specific relevance to breast disease. It aims to be of interest to all members of the breast multidisciplinary team.Recent FindingsDigital pathology is being increasingly used across many institutions internationally. It is gaining increased acceptance amongst pathologists due to improvements in technology, and there are published guidelines to assist in the validation of its use in routine practice. The adoption of digital pathology brings advantages to the pathologist, to the pathology...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 13, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: Ongoing Trials, Challenges, and Future Directions
We describe the rationale for and study design of clinical trials for patients with both early stage and metastatic ILC. Molecular alterations specific to or enriched in ILC may serve as treatment targets.SummaryILC has specific features that may be treatment targets. Clinical trials for ILC are available and being developed. (Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports)
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 12, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Why is LCIS Important —Pathological Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) encompasses classical LCIS and other rarer and more recently recognised variants, namely pleomorphic LCIS (PLCIS) and florid LCIS. Each of those entities has characteristic histological diagnostic criteria, different rates of underestimation of malignancy and recommended management. In addition, those lesions can mimic a number of benign and malignant breast lesions and can particularly be mistaken for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Accurate diagnosis of those lesions is critical to ensuring the appropriate patient management.Recent FindingsSeveral international g...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 7, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Locoregional Therapy for the Primary Tumour in Women with a De Novo Diagnosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe role of locoregional treatment (LRT) in the setting of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is widely debated due to conflicting results on the impact on outcomes. This review provides a brief overview and evaluation of current evidence.Recent FindingsThe majority of retrospective studies suggest LRT provides some survival benefit, but it is not known exactly which subgroup of patients would benefit the most. The significant concerns about inherent biases associated with these studies make interpretation of results challenging. Recent data from prospective clinical trials are conflicting and suggest ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 22, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Treatment of Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is the most common malignancy diagnosed in women of childbearing age and is increasing in frequency as the average age of pregnancy rises. Outcomes for PABC are similar to age- and stage-matched controls. In this review, we discuss current treatment recommendations for PABC.Recent FindingsTreatment of PABC involves complex coordination by a multi-disciplinary team of providers including surgical, radiation, and medical specialists. The timing and administration of these therapies must be tailored to account for the pregnancy in order to keep both woman and ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 13, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Sisters Network, Inc.: the Importance of African American Survivor Advocates in Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo explain the role of African American survivor advocates in addressing breast cancer disparities.Recent FindingsThe Sisters Network, Inc. is a national African American survivor advocates organization, founded in Houston Texas in 1994 and active today via affiliate chapters throughout the United States as well as its national headquarters. The Sisters Network provides essential outreach, educational, and research support to the breast oncology community.SummaryThe breast oncology community should partner with the Sisters Network and support their activities in efforts to achieve breast health equ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 9, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Fertility and Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in women worldwide. As the average age of child-bearing increases, more women will not have started or completed their families at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis. The scope of this review is to present current practices for fertility preservation, evidence for such practices, and future directions for fertility counseling and treatment for women with breast cancer.Recent FindingsIn the face of multimodality treatment for breast cancer including surgery, gonadotoxic chemotherapies, and radiation, women who desire to become biological mothe...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 4, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Oncologic Safety of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy for Patients with Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn patients undergoing mastectomy, benefits of nipple preservation include improved esthetics and quality of life. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the oncologic safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) in women with breast cancer, focusing on complications, recurrence, and patient reported outcomes.Recent FindingsClinical presentation, risk factors for nipple involvement, and preoperative imaging may be helpful in choosing appropriate candidates. Recent series suggest that complications after NSM are slightly increased when compared to traditional mastectomy but likely related to increas...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 29, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Axillary Primary and Breast Cancer Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAxillary primary breast cancer, also known as occult primary breast cancer, is a rare entity representing less than 1% of all breast cancers. The surgical management of the axilla in breast cancer has changed significantly, with implications for the management of axillary primary breast cancer. Much of the data is limited by era, small cohorts, or large retrospective database studies. The purpose of this review is to reinforce the diagnostic work up of occult breast cancer, review updated management strategies of the axilla and breast, and summarize changes and updates in practice management and ou...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 23, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Surveillance Protocols for Survivors at Risk for Lymphedema
This article provides an overview of the prospective surveillance model (PSM), an optimal framework for early identification of BCRL in individuals at risk, shares implementation strategies across two different cultures, and suggests future direction for research and clinical practice to enhance implementation. (Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports)
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 7, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Advances in Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRadiation therapy remains an integral component in the treatment of all stages of breast cancer which is the leading cause of cancer worldwide for women. We aimed to identify and characterize clinical trials in radiation therapy that have led to changes in practice essential for every physician who treats breast cancer.Recent FindingsHypofractionation, accelerated partial breast irradiation, and prone positioning have led to shorter treatment times and decreased toxicity for early-stage breast cancer patients. For patients with nodal metastasis, regional nodal radiation has improved disease-free su...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 6, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Safety and Outcomes of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTraditional breast-conserving surgery combined with whole breast radiation results in equivalent overall survival as total mastectomy, with the benefit of being less invasive with fewer surgical complications and faster recovery. However, the surgical defect in the breast parenchyma, when combined with whole breast radiation, can result in cosmetic deformities that many patients find distressing. Partial mastectomy performed using plastic/reconstructive surgical techniques with the goal of optimizing both oncologic and esthetic outcomes is referred to as oncoplastic (breast) surgery. Herein, the su...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 5, 2021 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
