Surgery in the Setting of Metastatic Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAmong individuals with metastatic breast cancer, surgical resection of the primary tumor remains controversial, and its benefit is unclear. In this review, we highlight select retrospective and prospective studies which have sought to address this clinical scenario. In addition, we discuss further considerations that may be relevant.Recent FindingsNumerous retrospective studies have suggested a potential survival benefit associated with surgical resection of the primary breast tumor in women with metastatic disease; however, three randomized controlled trials more recently have challenged these fin...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 20, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status and Social Determinants of Health on Disparities in Breast Cancer Incidence, Treatment, and Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDifferences in socioeconomic status (SES) and social determinants of health (SDH) account for many of the disparities seen among patients diagnosed with breast cancer. This review outlines how low SES/SDH factors impact patients along the continuum of breast cancer care from screening to survivorship.Recent FindingsFactors such as place of residence, race, income, insurance status, and social networks all strongly correlate with the degree to which patients have access to and utilize breast cancer screening, their composite treatment once diagnosed, the financial impact of treatment, and ultimately...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - January 18, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Right Sizing Systemic Therapy for Patients with Breast Cancer. Where are we Today?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs outcomes for patients with early-stage breast cancer have improved, oncologists have sought to de-escalate systemic therapy to minimize toxicities while maintaining robust clinical outcomes. This review summarizes current strategies to de-escalate systemic therapy in early-stage breast cancer.Recent FindingsDe-escalation has emerged as an option for some patients with early-stage breast cancer. Recent studies in HERAbstract_Para2-positive breast cancer support de-escalating neoadjuvant regimens with paclitaxel and dual HER2 blockage with additional therapy based on response to chemotherapy. In E...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - December 20, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Disparities in Time to Treatment for Breast Cancer: Existing Knowledge and Future Directions in the COVID-19 Era
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite significant advances in detection and treatment for breast cancer, the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women remains 40% higher than that for White women. Timely work-up and treatment improve outcomes, yet no gold standard exists for which to guide providers.Recent FindingsA large body of literature demonstrates disparities in time to treatment for breast cancer, and most studies show that Black women receive treatment later than their White counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic has been projected to worsen these disparities, but the extent of this impact remains unknown.SummaryIn this...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - December 6, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Disparities and the Digital Divide
Abstract Purpose of ReviewSocioeconomically disadvantaged populations and minority groups suffer from high breast cancer mortality, a disparity caused by decreased access to specialty care, lower treatment adherence, co-morbidities, and genetic predisposition for biologically aggressive breast tumor subtypes. Telehealth has the potential to mitigate breast cancer disparities by increasing access to specialty care and health information. However, unequal access to high-speed/broadband internet service and telehealth itself magnifies breast cancer disparities in vulnerable populations. This review evaluates the impact of t...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - November 28, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Foreword from the Editors
(Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports)
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - November 17, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Male Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMale breast cancer (MBC) accounts fo
r less than 1% of all breast cancers. Because of this rarity, treatment data is limited to retrospective analyses. The purpose of this paper is to improve awareness of risk factors and the presentation of MBC and to review current data regarding management.Recent FindingsRisk factors for MBC include age, androgen-estrogen imbalance, family history, and genetic predisposition. Palpable mass and nipple changes are the most common manifestation. Delays in diagnosis lead to a higher stage at presentation when compared to women. Most patients have HR-positive dise...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - November 12, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Screening: Is There Room for De-escalation?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer screening is highly controversial and different agencies have widely varying guidelines. Yet it is currently used extensively in the USA and frequently the thought is “the more, the better.” The purpose of this review is to objectively assess the risks and benefits of screening mammography and consider whether there may be areas where it could be de-escalated.Recent FindingsOver the past few years, there have been several meta-analyses that are concordant, and it is now agreed that the main benefit of screening mammography is about a 20% reduction in breast cancer mortality. This ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - November 7, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Management of Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) can be challenging to manage, requiring the balance of appropriate oncologic therapy with maternal fetal risk. Multidisciplinary collaboration is integral, and this review aims to evaluate current practices and management options for PABC.Recent FindingsImaging evaluation favors ultrasound and mammogram during pregnancy. Staging imaging is also feasible with thoughtful consideration of the risks, benefits, and fetal radiation exposure. Treatment options for PABC vary with gestational age, and careful planning for surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation the...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - November 4, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer
Abstract Purpose of ReviewThe treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy requires special consideration in order to achieve the optimal outcome for the mother and fetus. This review will evaluate recent changes and updates in the treatment of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. We will provide a succinct evidenced-based review of current treatment guidelines for multimodal therapy in pregnancy-associated breast cancer.Recent FindingsTargeted therapy and immunotherapy are emerging as standard treatment options for a significant subset of patients with breast cancer. However, the safety of specific treatments and the timi...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - October 26, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Mechanisms of Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Hormone Receptor-Positive (HR +) Breast Cancer: Spotlight on Convergent CDK6 Upregulation and Immune Signaling
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCDK4/6 inhibition (CDK4/6i) is a key component of first-line combination treatment with endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (HR + /HER2 − MBC). Understanding and overcoming resistance are ongoing areas of investigation. Diverse resistance mechanisms have been uncovered in cell cycle regulators and growth factor signaling components, converging on upregulation of CDK6 or on perturbation of the cell cycle downstream of CDK4/6. In this review, we discuss studies in the past few years that add new findings to this growing knowledge base.Rec...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - September 16, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Leveraging Electronic Health Records to Address Breast Cancer Disparities
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and the leading cause of cancer death. However, racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as rural and underserved populations, face disparities that limit their access to specialty care for breast cancer. To address these disparities, health care providers can leverage an electronic health record (EHR).Recent FindingsFew studies have evaluated the potential benefits of using EHRs to address breast cancer disparities, and none of them outlines a standard approach for this effort. However, these studies outline that EHRs can be used to i...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - September 3, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Disparities and the COVID-19 Pandemic
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented challenges on breast cancer patients and health care providers. The impact of the pandemic on preexisting breast cancer disparities remains unknown but is projected to have adverse outcomes.Recent FindingsEarly work has demonstrated that pandemic-related temporary suspensions in breast cancer screening, interruption of clinical trials, and treatment delays have an adverse impact on breast cancer patient outcomes and may worsen disparities.SummaryIn this review, we highlight existing knowledge regarding breast cancer disparities and the impact of the CO...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 30, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Allostatic Load and Breast Cancer: a Systematic Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThis systematic literature review aims to synthesize the existing literature on allostatic load and breast cancer.Recent FindingsEight articles met the study inclusion criteria. Study results suggest high allostatic load is associated with poorly differentiated tumors and Black race among women with a history of breast cancer. Additionally, psychosocial support and exercise appear to be avenues to reduce allostatic load. Unfortunately, the relationship between allostatic load and tumor size, hormone receptor status, and patient-reported outcomes, i.e., health-related quality of life, are unclea...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 8, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Disparities Related to Young Age at Diagnosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite being uncommon, breast cancer at a young age correlates with worse outcomes. Several aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis may affect young and older patients differently, including biology, genetic predisposition, fertility concerns, and psychosocial outcomes. Understanding these differences is critical to providing tailored, high-quality care to young patients.Recent FindingsYoung women with breast cancer are less likely to have early stage at presentation and more likely to have tumors with aggressive characteristics. Genetic mutations predisposing to breast cancer are more common. Due to...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - August 4, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
