Polygenic Risk Scores in Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is a complex disease that is fueled by genetic as well as non-genetic factors. As data risk estimates become better, stratifying a woman ’s risk for breast cancer can lead to better prevention strategies. The purpose of this review is to introduce the polygenic risk score (PRS) and shed light on its clinical applications as well as shortcomings in the field of breast cancer prevention.Recent FindingsA PRS combines relevant single-nucleotide polypeptides (SNPs) and generates an estimated risk of a specific cancer. It has the ability of questioning the whole genome and incorporating t...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 12, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Average Risk
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to examine the most recent data and guidelines regarding screening for breast cancer in average risk women.Recent FindingsThe differing recommendations for screening reflect differences in value judgements between the benefits (decreased cancer-related death and morbidity) and the harms (potential for overdiagnosis, false positives, false negatives, anxiety, and cost of care) of breast cancer screening.SummaryThere are multiple organizations with recommendations for breast cancer screening in women at average risk. All organizations recommend mammography to screen for ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - July 24, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness and Clinical Breast Examination in the LMIC: Experiences from Tajikistan, Pakistan and Kenya
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is the most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer death among women living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) despite declining mortality in high-income countries. The rising morbidity and mortality from breast cancer is fueled by a number of factors including late presentation, poor access to medical care, and less than optimal diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Reducing the breast cancer burden in LMICs will require improving early detection and overcoming barriers to accessing the health system as well as making diagnosis and treatment more affordable. While Nor...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - July 24, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Mammographic Density: Intersection of Advocacy, Science, and Clinical Practice
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHere we aim to review the association between mammographic density, collagen structure, and breast cancer risk.Recent FindingsWhile mammographic density is a strong predictor of breast cancer risk in populations, studies by Boyd show that mammographic density does not predict breast cancer risk in individuals. Mammographic density is affected by age, parity, menopausal status, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). New studies normalize mammographic density to BMI and this may provide a more accurate way to compare mammographic density in women of diverse race and ethnicity. Preclinical and tis...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - July 23, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Management: All or Nothing, or Something in between?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStandard treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is similar to that of invasive carcinoma. However, there is significant controversy regarding the true clinical implications of DCIS, and thus, the best management strategy. The aim of this review is to highlight relevant biology, diagnostic considerations, treatment options, and recent clinical trials.Recent FindingsOutcomes are generally excellent with low recurrence rates and exceptional disease-specific survival. Outcomes can be predicted using various prognostic indicators and/or nomograms to guide treatment decisions. Ongoing clinical tri...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - July 18, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
How Did We Get There? The Progression from Ductal Carcinoma In Situ to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer. Despite numerous studies investigating the progression from in situ to invasive disease, there is still controversy as to the mechanisms by which a DCIS comes to become an invasive cancer. Here, we reviewed the state-of-the-art of the pathologic and molecular characterization of DCIS.Recent FindingsDCIS displays intra-lesion genetic heterogeneity. Single-cell sequencing studies have demonstrated that progression from DCIS to invasive breast cancer is a complex phenomenon, which can vary from lesion to lesion. Whi...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - July 15, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Atypia as a Biomarker of Risk
AbstractPurpose of ReviewProvide a summary of available evidence on breast atypia as a biomarker of risk.Recent FindingsWith an increase in independent studies on atypical hyperplasia (AH), knowledge has advanced recently regarding its subsequent associated breast cancer risk. For women with AH, absolute risk can be estimated generally as ~ 1% per year, and a greater extent of disease appears to further increase risk. Although both breasts are at increased risk, the risk is higher for the ipsilateral breast. In women with AH, a family history of breast cancer does not confer significantly increased risk. Risk is similar...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - July 12, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Treatment in Resource Constrained Countries: a Zimbabwean Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is becoming a significant burden to the healthcare system in Zimbabwe. The financial toxicity of breast cancer treatment is a significant problem for patients even in the developed world. This review looks at the management of breast cancer patients in Zimbabwe relating it to the other developed nations.Recent FindingsDespite the tremendous progress made by science in the care of women with breast cancer over the past few decades, most of the women in Zimbabwe are yet to benefit from this progress. There is poor access to modern screening methods, quality chemotherapy drugs and reliab...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - July 12, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries : Training Surgeons and Bridging the Gap
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer treatment in low- and middle-income countries involves a series of limitations. On the other hand, oncoplastic surgery has been well established in these countries as an alternative to mastectomy, offering oncologic safety while preserving the natural contours of the female breast. The aim of this review is to discuss recent studies and analyses involving oncoplastic surgery in low- and middle-income countries.Recent FindingsAlthough major differences remain between low- and high-income countries with respect to science, this same pattern is not reflected in oncoplastic surgery. This ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - June 28, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Screening Modalities for Women at Intermediate and High Risk for Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer screening is critically important to detect malignancy at an early stage. Annual mammography remains the gold standard as the imaging modality for patients with an average breast cancer risk. However, women with increased breast cancer risk benefit from supplemental screening using additional imaging modalities. This review summarizes the current recommendations within this patient population.Recent FindingsAnalysis from ACRIN 6666 demonstrated that the cancer detection rate of ultrasound is comparable to mammography with an increased amount of invasive and node-negative cancers detec...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - June 28, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Late Presentation of Breast Cancer in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer incidence and mortality in low- and medium-income countries has increased and is predicted to rise. Late presentation, associated with poor prognosis, is unfortunately common to most of these countries. This review discusses recent studies and offers recommendations to address pertinent issues raised.Recent FindingsLate presentation continues to prevail in many LMICs, worse in sub-Saharan Africa. Socioeconomic and demographic factors play a significant role. The fear of mastectomy is a prominent cause of reluctance to seek treatment. Increasing awareness, clinical breast examination a...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - June 19, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Management Among Refugees and Forcibly Displaced Populations: a Call to Action
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe prevalence of breast cancer is rising among refugees and displaced populations worldwide, and late-stage diagnosis has contributed to poor health outcomes in these populations. With a specific focus on the Middle East and Lebanon in particular, we discuss the challenges associated with breast cancer prevention and treatment among refugees and displaced populations and highlight priorities for urgent and needed action.Recent FindingsIn the Middle East, a complex interplay of social, cultural, economic, and political factors results in delayed diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among displa...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - June 19, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Correction to: Ablative Treatment of Breast Cancer; Are We There Yet?
The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the article title. The captured title was “Local-Regional Evaluation and Therapy (D Euhus, Section Editor)” instead of “Ablative Treatment of Breast Cancer; Are We There Yet?” (Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports)
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - June 17, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Role of Liquid Biopsy in Clinical Decision-Making for Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLiquid biopsies are easily obtainable, non-invasive, longitudinal snapshots that can be used to measure micrometastatic disease burden, monitor disease progression, and provide genomic assessments of primary tumor/metastatic lesions. To date, most published studies have focused on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however, the liquid biopsy field is expanding exponentially and new blood components are currently under investigation.Recent FindingsCTCs and ctDNA remain the most extensively studied liquid biopsy components to date. Several additional blood-bas...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 30, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Surgical Therapy for Women with Multiple Synchronous Ipsilateral Breast Cancer (MIBC): Current Evidence to Guide Clinical Practice
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBased on retrospective, historic data, surgeons have long recommended mastectomy as the surgical approach for women with multiple ipsilateral synchronous (multifocal or multi-centric) breast cancer (MIBC). In the modern era, however, local recurrence rates have significantly decreased due to improved imaging techniques and earlier detection through breast cancer screening, more accurate delivery of radiation, and the advent of targeted systemic therapies. Given the significant non-surgical advancements in the field of breast cancer care, the role of maximally invasive surgery in improving breast ca...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 30, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
