Minimally Invasive Breast Cancer: How to Find Early Breast Cancers
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer, affecting over 2 million women annually, stands as the most prevalent non-skin cancer worldwide and ranks as the second leading cause of death in women. The 5-year relative survival rate decreases to 86% for regional breast cancer and drops significantly to 30% for distant breast cancer. Therefore it is critical to detect breast cancer early at the localized stage to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with the diagnosis.Recent FindingsConsiderable variability exists among radiologists in interpreting breast imaging, emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines to enh...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 6, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Chemoprevention —Historical Perspectives and Current Trends
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo explore the landmark clinical trials which shaped contemporary chemoprevention practice, discuss trends in chemoprevention uptake, and highlight the obstacles faced along the way.Recent FindingsPoor chemoprevention uptake has been attributed to numerous factors, most notably fear of side effects and lack of physician recommendation. A lower dose of tamoxifen taken for a shorter period has been shown to be an effective alternative and harbors fewer side effects than the standard regimen for chemoprevention.SummaryDespite new regimens with more favorable side effect profiles and shorter treatment ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 3, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Impact of Systemic Therapy on Fertility in Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFertility concerns are common among young women diagnosed with breast cancer, as systemic therapy increases the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency and delays family planning. Here, we review the impact of systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER-2 directed therapy, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapy, on ovarian reserve.Recent FindingsWith an improved understanding of disease biology, fewer women are treated with gonadotoxic chemotherapy. There are limited data on the fertility impact of novel targeted treatments and immunotherapy, though preclinical and preliminary st...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 3, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Hereditary Breast Cancer, Genetics, and Fertility Preservation
Discussion of future fertility is important at time of diagnosis of a cancer mutation and breast cancer. Additional research is needed on mutation carriers to determine how their pathogenic variants affect fertility and risks of fertility preservation options. (Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports)
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - December 20, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer in Pakistan: Screening and Detection
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is a major health issue with over 2 million new cases diagnosed annually. The burden of this disease is much higher in low- to middle-income countries (LMIC) secondary to lack of access to health care, screening, diagnostic services, as well as options for treatment. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness about breast diseases, and cultural barriers often lead to late detection and patient ’s presenting with stages of breast cancer.Recent FindingsThe incidence of breast cancer is increasing in Pakistan. To address the challenges of lack of awareness including cultural factors, limit...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - December 5, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Stigma in Iraq
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStigma is a damaging psychological experience that breast cancer survivors often face. This review looks at the available data about breast cancer stigma in Iraq and provides a worldwide overview of breast cancer stigma, related factors, and consequences.Recent FindingsThe prevalence of perceived cancer-related stigma ranges from 5 to 90% in different countries. According to the only available study regarding breast cancer stigma in Iraq, among 100 women surveyed, only 6% felt shame when diagnosed with breast cancer, but 48% felt that some shame had delayed their diagnosis. The median breast cancer...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - October 25, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Radiation Management for Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewNeoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) utilization is an important part of breast cancer therapy. Recent advances call into question the optimal role of radiotherapy after NAC, as many radiation studies were performed without NAC. This review was conducted to understand the current data, outstanding questions and ongoing trials related to radiotherapy after NAC.Recent FindingsResponse to NAC is associated with promising clinical outcomes, particularly in triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancer. Retrospective data suggest that modification of radiotherapy based on tumor response to NAC may be appropriate, t...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - September 22, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Use of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) for Early Molecular Detection of Breast Cancer Relapse in Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe intent of this review is to discuss the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis for molecular residual disease (MRD) detection in patients with early-stage TNBC.Recent FindingsBaseline ctDNA concentration correlates with tumor clinical features. ctDNA dynamics during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) predicts pathologic complete response (pCR), residual cancer burden (RCB), and relapse. Use of ctDNA plus imaging modalities during NAC may improve accuracy of pCR prediction. A lead-time exists from MRD detection and relapse. Tumor-informed assays tracking multiple ctDNA variants s...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - September 21, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Radiation Therapy in Patients with Germline Mutations: a Review of the Current Evidence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death among in women in the USA. The development of breast cancer is associated with numerous risk factors including genetic predisposition. A steady increase in breast cancer incidence coupled with a plateau in recent years ’ mortality rates has created an urgent need to find solutions that can improve clinical outcomes. Radiation therapy is a major pillar in locoregional management of breast cancer. As such, we review the current evidence which supports radiation in the management of hereditary breast cancer.Recent Findings...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 22, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Clinical Trials in East Africa
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is one of the commonest cancers among women in sub-Saharan Africa. It occurs at an earlier age and with a more aggressive biology compared to the West. Yet despite this high prevalence and unusual phenotype, breast cancer in sub-Saharan African remains understudied, and this population is underrepresented in clinical trials.Recent FindingsWhile the immunohistochemical phenotype of breast cancer in East Africa and the West appears similar, there is growing evidence supporting the unique molecular nature of African breast cancer diagnosed. More needs to be done to study the African brea...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 19, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Posttreatment Breast Imaging Considerations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSurveillance imaging improves survival in women with a personal history of breast cancer (PHBC); however, imaging strategies vary in this population. This review evaluated current literature and guidelines regarding imaging modalities and approaches in women with PHBC.Recent FindingsThe consensus among major breast societies is that annual surveillance mammography is recommended in all women with PHBC. Noting limitations of mammography, supplemental imaging modalities have emerged and are increasingly utilized by practices, providing the benefit of incremental cancer detection at the expense of pot...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 15, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Updates in the Pathology and Therapy of BRCA Germline –Associated Breast Cancer with a Focus on HER2 Amplification
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGermline pathogenic variants of the breast cancer type 1 or 2 susceptibility genes (BRCA1 orBRCA2) are associated with the majority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes (HBOC). The prevalence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene amplification or protein overexpression inBRCA1/2-associated breast cancers is low. SimultaneousBRCA1/2 pathogenic variants and HER2 alterations confer a poor prognosis. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the recent literature characterizing the concurrent presence ofBRCA1/2 and HER2 alterations in breast cancer patients, current manag...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 11, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Pre-operative Radiation and Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Non-metastatic Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo discuss the rationale and latest strategies for combining pre-operative radiation therapy (pre-op RT) and immunotherapy (IO) in the treatment of non-metastatic breast cancer.Recent FindingsIO has recently been incorporated into the standard-of-care treatment for patients with stage II –III triple-negative breast cancer. Other subtypes of breast cancer have notably been excluded from most major IO trials due to their perceived lack of immunogenicity, though oncologic outcomes for all high-risk patients warrant further improvement. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated th e feasibility o...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 11, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Paget ’s Disease of the Breast: a Review of Clinical Management
AbstractSummaryPaget ’s disease of the breast (PDB) is a rare breast neoplasm that presents as eczematous changes near the nipple that is often associated with underlying malignancy.Recent FindingsThe pathogenesis of Paget ’s disease of the breast is debated to either originate from malignant ductal epithelial cells, transformation in situ, or both. Tissue biopsy is the hallmark for diagnosis in order to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure prompt treatment. Imaging modalities such as mammogram, ultrasound, and magnetic re sonance imaging are used to ascertain if there is a concurrent underlying carcinoma. Treatment options r...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 11, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction in Breast Cancer Treatment: Clinical Trials and State of the Evidence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a major contributor to morbidity in breast cancer survivors. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) has emerged as a promising surgical option for prevention of BCRL. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate recent literature on ILR in breast cancer patients.Recent FindingsShort-term outcomes of ILR at most centers have shown low BCRL rates similar to those seen with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Some centers reporting more than 4-year follow-up have demonstrated up to 50 –75% BCRL risk reduction following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 5, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
