Current Imaging Approaches in Inflammatory Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer with a rapid clinical onset and a poor prognosis. The nonspecific clinical criteria have resulted in a difficult and delayed diagnosis of this rare disease. Radiologists ’ awareness of the appropriate imaging modalities and features of IBC can improve prompt diagnosis, accurate staging of this aggressive disease, and early detection of distant metastases.Recent FindingsDiffuse erythema and severe breast edema involving over one-third of the breast may obscure an identifiable mass on mammography and ultrasound (US) in ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 16, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Long-Term Considerations for Young Breast Cancer Patients: Fertility, Sexual Health, and Quality of Life
AbstractPurpose of ReviewYoung patients with breast cancer have unique survivorship needs, including fertility and family planning concerns, complications from iatrogenic menopause, and long-term quality-of-life issues. We aim to summarize the latest data on these side effects of cancer care to guide physicians in providing evidence-based survivorship care for this unique group of patients.Recent FindingsFertility preservation is safe prior to cancer treatment without any adverse impact on disease-free recurrence or overall survival. Pregnancy after breast cancer can be achieved safely; preliminary data from the POSITIVE t...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 9, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Post-breast Surgery Pain Syndrome
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPost-breast surgery pain syndrome (PBSPS) is a clinical diagnosis referring to chronic pain following breast cancer surgery. PBSPS affects approximately 25 to 60% of women who undergo breast surgery and can have a substantial impact on quality of life and overall functional ability. We aim to describe and analyze the latest findings in the medical literature regarding clinical patients, preventive efforts, and current and novel treatment techniques of PBSPS.Recent FindingsEarly and multidisciplinary interventions, including pharmacologic, interventional, physical, and psychological therapies, have ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - April 9, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Subtypes: Clinicopathologic Features and Treatment Considerations
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to provide an overview of ten unique breast cancer subtypes and their clinicopathologic features and treatment implications.Recent findingsRecent findings show that while many subtypes (mucinous, papillary, tubular, apocrine) have favorable biology, with better overall survival than invasive ductal carcinoma, some (metaplastic, adenoid cystic) are more aggressive portending worse prognosis for patients.SummaryThe differences in histology represented in these breast cancer subtypes often impacts biology, behavior, and prognosis. Due to their rarity, additional research ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 26, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Long-Term Burden of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) remains a significant burden for breast cancer survivors. With improved survival, recognition of the long-term burden of BCRL on patients is increasingly important.Recent FindingsSurveillance for BCRL is recommended by expert consensus guidelines, with detection of early BCRL associated with lower rates of persistent disease; however, currently, there are no recommendations regarding frequency nor duration. Formal guidelines may reduce the long-term burden of worry for patients. Once BCRL develops, patients experience the life-long burden of managing a chroni...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 25, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Long-Term Implications of Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: What You Should Know About Breast Implant Illness and Breast Implant-Associated ALCL
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMany women who have a mastectomy will have implant-based breast reconstruction. Long-term complications from breast implant surgery include breast implant illness (BII) and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Here, we review recent literature regarding BII and BIA-ALCL.Recent FindingsBII is uncommon; however, some patients report systemic symptoms attributed to their implants. Patients with BII may benefit from implant removal without replacement. Current literature does not suggest that complete removal of the implant capsule adds any clinical benefit. Women with t...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 23, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Radiation-Induced Breast Angiosarcoma: Updates on a Rare Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough rare, breast angiosarcoma imparts poor outcomes relative to other breast malignancies. Here, we review the current literature focusing on radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast (RIA), a subset of secondary breast angiosarcoma.Recent FindingsThe risk of developing RIA increases with time after radiation therapy, and incidence is expected to increase. Cross-sectional imaging with MRI or CT has a higher sensitivity for RIA detection than ultrasound and mammography studies. The clinical outcomes of RIA are improving with the use of wide resections and systemic chemotherapy, with up to an...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 23, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Changes in Radiation Therapy: New Ultrahypofractionated Radiation, Repeat Breast Conservation Therapy in the Management of Breast Recurrence with Re-irradiation, Proton Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewManagement of breast cancer is multidisciplinary, balancing local and systemic control between treatment modalities. Surgical, radiation, and medical therapies are combined to give the best prognosis. The goal of this review is to examine the advancements in radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer.Recent FindingsPublished data supports the shortening of radiation schedules through ultrahypofractionation and utilizing new energy sources through proton beam radiation. Emerging techniques have minimized radiation dosage to organs at risk and skin when compared to traditional radiation sources a...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 21, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Surgical Management of Lymphedema: Prophylactic and Therapeutic Operations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLymphedema is a chronic limb swelling caused by lymphatic dysfunction and is currently incurable. Breast cancer –related lymphedema (BCRL) affects up to 5 million Americans and occurs in one-third of breast cancer survivors following axillary lymph node dissection. Compression remains the mainstay of therapy. Surgical management of BCRL includes excisional procedures to remove excess tissue and physiologic procedures to attempt to improve fluid retention in the limb. The purpose of this review is to highlight surgical management strategies for preventing and treating breast cancer–related lymph...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 20, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Surgery for Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review explores the evidence surrounding the efficacy of preventing and treating lymphedema through surgical means.Recent FindingsSentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) has significantly reduced the need for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), decreasing lymphedema rates. Axillary Reverse Mapping (ARM) techniques offer the opportunity to identify and preserve lymphatics during surgery. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction through lymphatic or lymphatic venous anastomosis and free lymph node transfer attempt to maintain continued post-operative lymphatic flow, further mitigating BCRL risks and opti...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 18, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Emerging Clinical Applications for Cone Beam Breast CT: Changing the Breast Imaging Paradigm
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSince its approval by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015, cone-beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) has gained acceptance among radiologists for breast cancer imaging. This review aims to highlight the advancements and benefits of CBBCT in the diagnostic workup of breast disease. It showcases how CBBCT, including both non-contrast (NC-CBBCT) and contrast-enhanced (CE-CBBCT) protocols, complements and often surpasses the performance of more traditional breast imaging modalities such as mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Recent FindingsStudies in clinical se...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 18, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Genomic Testing to Guide Local Therapy Decisions in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo explore how genomic testing has changed local therapy decision-making, specifically surgical timing and opportunities for de-escalation of radiation therapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR + HER2-) breast cancer.Recent FindingsRandomized trials have shown that genomic tests can be used to guide systemic therapy decision in HR + HER2- breast cancer, with a significant proportion of patients not receiving benefit from chemotherapy. Emerging data suggests that the use of genomic testing on core needle biopsy can also predict response to preoperative therapy and guide choic...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - March 7, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Advancements in Oncologic Surgery of the Breast: A Review of the Literature
This article reviews the latest technologies for partial mastectomy, advances in and oncologic safety of mastectomy including skin and nipple sparing techniques, and a review of oncoplastic breast surgery techniques.SummaryOur goal is to inform all surgeons who treat patients with breast cancer that many options remain available for the surgical treatment of breast cancer. (Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports)
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - February 27, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Contemporary Management of Phyllodes Tumors
AbstractPurposeof ReviewPhyllodes tumors (PT) are rare fibroepithelial lesions of the breast. It is critical to understand the behavior of benign, borderline, and malignant PT so as to recommend appropriate treatment. This review describes findings on diagnostic testing and pathology that differentiate these tumors, as well as recommended management.Recent FindingsBetter understanding of outcomes following PT resection has led to changes in local therapy recommendations, with wide margins (> 1 cm) strongly recommended for malignant PT only. Other PT may be resected with smaller (or no) margin without impact on local...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - February 27, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Best Practices for Hormonal Contraception and Menopause Therapy in Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe present review critically assesses contemporary evidence characterizing the association between hormonal contraception (HC) and/or menopausal hormone replacement therapy (MHT) and breast cancer risk in patients considered “high risk.”Recent FindingsProspective studies of hormonal contraception methods for BRCA 1 mutation carriers do not demonstrate an association between combined oral contraceptives (COC) and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, findings consistent with those seen from systematic reviews evaluating this risk in patients with a family history of breast cancer. The Center...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - February 26, 2024 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
