Radiation Oncology

Breast

Breast Cancer: The Basics What is the breast? What is breast cancer? Am I at risk for breast cancer? Male Breast Cancer How can I prevent breast cancer? What screening tests are available? What are the signs of breast cancer? How is breast cancer diagnosed and staged? What are the treatments for breast cancer? Early/Moderate Stage
Finding and Fitting a Breast Form: Tips for Breast Cancer Survivors Women with breast cancer face several cosmetic changes that may affect their body image and quality of life, including the loss of one or both breasts. In order to feel better about themselves and their bodies, some women may choose to be fitted with a breast prosthesis. Breast prostheses are breast forms that are put inside a bra to make your
The Role of Mammography and Physical Examination in Detecting Recurrent Tumor and Contralateral Breast Cancer for Patients with Stage I-II Breast Cancer Treated with Breast Conservation Treatment Presenter: Changhu ChenPresenter's Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania and University of ColoradoType of Session: ScientificBackground Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women Women who want to preserve their breast and are appropriate candidates can receive breast conservation treatment (BCT) which uses lumpectomy combined with
Location and Control of Local Disease Predict Overall Survival and Distant Metastases Free Survival in Patients with Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence after Breast Conserving Therapy for Stage I/II Breast Cancer Presenter: Y. ChenPresenter's Affiliation: Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MAType of Session: ScientificBackground The best approach to ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast conserving surgery and radiation has not been established. Studies have shown that patients with ipsilateral breast tumor
Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Management of Early Breast Cancer: Implications for Partial Breast Irradiation Presenter: R.D. TendulkarPresenter's Affiliation: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OHType of Session: ScientificBackground For patients with early stage breast cancer, breast conserving treatment (BCT), consisting of lumpectomy followed by breast irradiation is currently a standard of care. Current radiotherapy techniques involve delivery of
Long-term Results of a Randomized Trial of Accelerated Hypofractionated Whole Breast Irradiation Following Breast Conserving Surgery in Women with Node-Negative Breast Cancer Presenter: T.J. WhelanPresenter's Affiliation: Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, CanadaType of Session: PlenaryBackground Large, well-designed trials have demonstrated that lumpectomy followed by whole breast radiotherapy is equivalent to mastectomy as treatment for early-stage breast cancer (Fisher B, NEJM,
Five-year Analysis of Treatment Efficacy and Cosmesis by the American Society of Breast Surgeons MammoSite Breast Brachytherapy Registry Trial in Patients Treated with Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) Presenter: F.A. ViciniPresenter's Affiliation: William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MIType of Session: ScientificBackground For patients undergoing breast conserving surgery with lumpectomy or quadrantectomy, adjuvant whole breast radiation therapy has consistently been demonstrated to significantly decrease ipsilateral breast
Soy and Breast Cancer: Should breast cancer survivors eat soy foods? What are soy foods? Examples of soy foods include: soybeans (also called edamame), soybean sprouts, tofu, soymilk and fermented soybeans (also called tempeh). These traditional soy foods have been used in many cultures as good sources of protein for thousands of years. More recently, processed soy protein has been added to a variety of foods,
Brown Bag Web Chat: Life After Breast Cancer Date: October 28, 2011 Time: 1:15 - 2:15 pm EST Join the OncoLink Team for a live, interactive webchat on breast cancer. Our experts will address your questions during the live event, or you can submit questions ahead of time. You can use your (public) Twitter account to participate during the live event (use the hashtag #oncochat). Focus on
The Impact of Vitamins & Supplements During and After Breast Cancer Treatment Date: March 13, 2013 Time: 6:30-8PM ET LIVE from Living Beyond Breast Cancer's March community meeting, learn how vitamins and supplements affect your breast cancer treatment plan and follow-up care, understand the latest research on the role of specific vitamins and supplements in reducing risk of recurrence and explore how to obtain
After Breast Cancer: Survivor Education Webinar Date: May 2, 2013 Time: 12:30-1:30PM ET Presented by: Dr. Kathryn Schmitz Dr. Schmitz is the Principal Investigator on the groundbreaking PAL trial, which demonstrated that exercise, and specifically weight training, is not only safe for breast cancer survivors, it actually decreased the risk of developing lymphedema. Join us to discuss issues
Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Many women can identify someone they know who has had breast cancer. It is, after all, one of the most common cancers in women. You often hear the statistic of 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, but what does that really mean? You can think of it as a 12% lifetime risk, so 12 out of 100 women can be expected to develop the
MRI as a Screening Tool for Breast Cancer Following some recent changes to the American Cancer Society's (ACS) guidelines for breast cancer screening, MRI as a screening tool has made many headlines. In the 2 minute news segment, the consumer often misses out on the complete facts. Let's spend a bit more time discussing the new recommendations and what they mean for all women. Screening
Understanding Your Pathology Report: Breast Cancer What is a pathology report? A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissue from the body. You will probably never meet the pathologist, but samples of your breast tissue and lymph nodes, removed during surgery or biopsy, will be sent to him or her for review. The pathologist prepares a summary report of
The CancerLand Bookshelf: Not Done Yet: Living Through Breast Cancer She was a great nodder: a person sitting in the audience smiling and nodding her head while I was speaking. I love great nodders. When I stand in front of a room full of people leading a workshop, I’m always on the lookout for them. Once the session begins, I scan the room and the minute I spot one, (head bobbing up and down with enthusiasm and
Life After Breast Cancer - Brown Bag Cha Ask the OncoLink experts your questions about life after breast cancer. Experts will address issues related to: Nutrition, Exercise, Fatigue, Sexuality, dating and relationships, Fear of recurrence, Living with advanced disease and Lymphedema. You can submit questions ahead of time or during the live event. A transcript will be available after
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Breast Reconstruction Do I need to have breast reconstruction? It is never medically necessary to have breast reconstruction. This is considered an elective procedure, meaning you can choose to have it done or not. Some women choose to have a mastectomy (removal of all of the breast tissue) without reconstruction. Although it is considered elective, it is not considered
Surgery and Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Look at the Studies In December of 2005, the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) published the combined results of 78 clinical trials evaluating radiation therapy and surgery in breast cancer patients.The group has published updates of this data every 5 years, and this publication represents 15 years of follow-up. The paper is jam-packed with
Weightlifting Slashes Lymphedema Risk After Breast Cancer Treatment Weight Lifting Does Not Appear to Increase Risk of Arm Swelling, Discomfort For Breast Cancer Survivors - JAMA Video See a transcript from our live webchat: Physical Activity & Lymphedema (PAL) Trial Results with Dr. Kathryn Schmitz,PhD, MPH – Brown Bag Chat. Penn Study: Slowly Progressive Weight-Training Program Reduces Chances of
I Am Not My Breast Cancer: Women talk openly about love & sex, hair loss & weight gain, mothers & daughters, and being a woman with Breast Cancer Author: Ruth Peltason
Woman to Woman : Breast Cancer and Reconstruction Options -- a Discussion for any Woman Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Producer: Bosom Buddies, Inc. 1998 Running Time: 41:30 minutes OncoLink Rating: One of the most common cancers in women is breast cancer with another woman diagnosed every 3 minutes. With screening and increased public awareness, this malignancy has usually been intervened upon in the early stages, meaning a greater chance
HER-2/neu Amplification in Benign Breast Disease and the Risk of Subsequent Breast Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18, No. 2 (January): 267-274, 2000BackgroundThe HER-2/neu oncogene (also called c-erbB-2) codes a surface membrane protein that interacts with the epithelial growth factor receptor. Several studies have reported an association between HER-2/neu amplification and both earlier relapse
BRCA1/BRCA2 Germline Mutations in Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer Patients After Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy: Implications for Breast-Conserving Management in Patients With BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutation Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 17, No 10:3017-3024, October 1999.BackgroundFor women with early stage breast cancer, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy (LRT) has been an acceptable standard of care. Much effort has been made to identify a subgroup of patients who are at higher risk for ipsilateral breast
Lumpectomy and radiation therapy for the treatment of intraductal breast cancer: findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-17 Authors: Fisher B, Dignam J, Wolmark N, Mamounas E, Costantino J, Poller W, Fisher ER, Wickerham DL, Deutsch M, Margolese R, Dimitrov N, Kavanah M. Source: J Clin Oncol. 1998 Feb; 16(2): 441-52 Background Intraductal carcinoma-in-situ of the breast, commonly referred to as DCIS, is a pathologic diagnosis that is occurring with increasing
Tamoxifen in treatment of intraductal breast cancer: National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-24 randomized controlled trial Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Lancet 1999 Jun 12; Volume 353: pages 1993 - 2000BackgroundWe have shown previously that lumpectomy with radiation therapy was more effective than lumpectomy alone for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We did a double-blind randomized controlled trial to find out whether lumpectomy,
Postoperative radiotherapy in high-risk postmenopausal breast-cancer patients given adjuvant tamoxifen: Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group DBCG 82c randomised trial Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Lancet 1999 May 15; Volume 353(Number 9165): 1641-8Background/Discussion/CritiqueThe New England Journal publications in 1997 from Denmark and Canada demonstrated a survival benefit for postmastectomy radiation therapy (RT) in premenopausal women with high risk breast cancer. The benefits of tamoxifen in
Similar Long-Term Results of Breast-Conservation Treatment for Stage I and II Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Compared with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast Source: Cancer. 2005 Jun 15;103(12):2447-54. Authors: Santiago RJ, Harris EE, Qin L, Hwang WT, Solin LJ. Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Background In breast cancer, invasive lobular cancers (ILC) are rarer than invasive ductal cancers (IDC), and the majority of the large randomized trials establishing the
Impact of Concurrent Versus Sequential Tamoxifen With Radiation Therapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Breast Conservation Treatment Source: J Clin Oncol. 2005 Jan 1;23(1):11-6. Authors: Harris EE, Christensen VJ, Hwang WT, Fox K, Solin LJ. Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Background The optimal sequencing of breast irradiation and adjuvant systemic therapy is controversial. A randomized trial evaluating the sequencing of radiation and cytotoxic
Late Cardiac Mortality and Morbidity in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients After Breast-Conservation Treatment Authors: Harris EER, Correa C, Hwang W-T, Liao J, Litt HI, Ferrari VA, and Solin LJ. Source: JCO Vol. 24, Sept. 1, 2006. Background The Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group meta-analysis demonstrated increased cardiac mortality among patients who received radiation therapy for breast cancer (RR = 1.27, P = 0.0001). However,
Long-Term Outcome after Breast-Conservation Treatment with Radiation for Mammographically Detected Ductal Carcinoma in Situ of the Breast Source: Cancer. Vol. 103, p. 1137-1146 (2005). Authors: Solin LJ, Fourquet A, Vicini FA, Taylor M, Olivotto IA, Haffty B, Strom EA, Pierce LJ, Marks LB, Bartelink H, McNeese MD, Jhingran A, Wai E, Bijker N, Campana F, Hwang WT. Affiliations: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (LJS, WTH) and 9 other centers. Background The role of
Risk of Breast Cancer with Oral Contraceptive Use in Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: JAMA, Volume 284:1791-1798, (October) 2000Précis: Some oral contraceptives may link to higher risk of developing breast cancerIntroductionBreast cancer is common and on the increase. Use of hormonal contraceptives is also common and is expected to increase worldwide. Whether hormonal contraceptives (OC) cause
Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Intraductal Breast Cancer: Findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-17 Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998; volume 16 (number 2): pages 441 - 452BackgroundWith the use of screening studies such as mammograms and ultrasounds along with self breast exams, there has been a trend towards an increased incidence of finding breast cancers that are not invasive
Large Breasts and Breast Cancer Hello, My girlfriend believes that she has heard that there is an increased risk of breast cancer among women with larger than average breasts. She is also under the impression that having her breasts reduced would lower that risk. I am wondering if you (or someone you could refer me to) are aware of any studies which might
Partial Breast Irradiation Versus Traditional Radiation Question Why do I have to come for radiation every day for weeks? I have heard about some radiation for breast cancer that is done in only 5 days- what is that and is it just as good? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: The purpose of delivering radiation therapy in a relatively small dose once a day for about 6
Evaluating Breast Cancer Risk Question How do I know if I am at risk for breast cancer? Answer Charles B. Simone, II, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn Medicine responds: Breast cancer is the most common solid cancer in women. Approximately 1 in 8 women will developed breast cancer during their lifetime. Other than female gender, the most common risk factor for developing
3 Versus 6 Cycles of CMF in Breast Cancer Patients with 1 to 9 Positive Nodes: Results of the German Adjuvant Breast Cancer Group (GABG) III Trial Presenter: H. Maass Affiliation: GABC Background: For breast cancer, one of the standard adjuvant chemotherapy regimens is CMF for 6 cycles. Although there is clear data that prolonging CMF for more than 6 cycles is not beneficial, there are limited data evaluating the efficacy of fever cycle of CMF. This study was performed to better
A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Fractionation Schedules for Breast Irradiation Postlumpectomy in Node-Negative Breast Cancer Presenter: Timothy J. Whelan Affiliation: Hamilton Regional Cancer Ctr, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Ctr, Toronto, ON, Canada; McMaster Univ, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Kingston Regional Cancer Ctr, Kingston, ON, Canada; Ottawa Regional Cancer Ctr, Ottawa, Background: Many women with early stage
Prognosis After Regional Nodal Recurrence in Patients With Stage I-II Breast Cancer Treated With Breast Conservation Therapy Presenter: Eleanor HarrisPresenter's Affiliation: University of PennsylvaniaType of Session: ScientificBackground Regional nodal recurrences as first sites of failure are rare in early stage breast cancer treated with breast conservation therapy (BCT). They have been reported as first sites of failure in 1-3% of patients, with prognosis after this
Screening Mammography Is Associated with Earlier Stage Disease and Greater Eligibility for Breast Conservation in Women Aged 40 and Older with Breast Cancer Presenter: G.M. FreedmanPresenter's Affiliation: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USAType of Session: PlenaryBackground No cancer screening test has been studied more than mammography. Yet, after more than 35 years of trials, many questions remain regarding at what age and at what interval women should be screened. Currently, screening
Eighteen-Year Results in the Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer With Breast Conservation Versus Mastectomy Presenter: Matthew PoggiPresenter's Affiliation: Radiation Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, MDType of Session: ScientificBackground Several randomized clinical trials comparing conservative surgery followed by whole breast irradiation to mastectomy for patients with early stage breast cancer have reported long-term outcomes. These studies include
Brachytherapy Alone Versus Whole Breast Radiotherapy After Breast Conserving Surgery: 5-year Results of a Phase I-II Study and Interim Findings of a Phase III Trial Presenter: Csaba PolgarPresenter's Affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, HungaryType of Session: ScientificBackground Partial breast irradiation (PBI) has recently received alot of attention, especially since the FDA approval of a balloon-type brachytherapy applicator. This therapeutic approach is
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Via Interstitial Brachytherapy as the Sole Radiation Modality for Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer Presenter: Peter Y. ChenPresenter's Affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MIType of Session: ScientificBackground In several randomized clinical trials BCT including whole breast irradiation has been found to yield equivalent survival rates when compared to mastectomy in patients with early carcinoma
Pattern of Local Recurence After Conservative Surgery and Whole-Breast Irradiation: Implications for Partial Breast Irradiation Presenter: Gary Freedman, MDPresenter's Affiliation: Fox Chase Cancer CenterType of Session: ScientificBackground The standard treatment with radiation therapy (RT) for breast conservation therapy (BCT) is whole breast irradiation. 75-85% of local recurrences occuring within 10 yrs of BCT are true local recurrences (TLR) meaning they recur within
The Impact of Regional Nodal Radiation In Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer with Clinically Negative Nodes Treated with Breast-Conserving Therapy Presenter: T. VuPresenter's Affiliation: CHUQ, Pavillon Hotel-Dieu de QuebecType of Session: ScientificBackground Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women Axillary dissection is often part of breast conservation therapy (BCT) because it can decrease axillary recurrence, it helps with staging and prognosis, it guides medical oncologists in
Analysis of Local Failure After Breast Conserving Therapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Presenter: Eugenio F. Vines, MDPresenter's Affiliation: Instituto de Radiomedicina, Santiago, ChileType of Session: ScientificBackground Locally advanced breast cancer remains a large problem in developing countries. The standard treatment for LABC remains mastectomy; however, in Chile, patients with LABC who achieve adequate response to
Practical Issues in Multidisciplinary Management of Breast Cancer: 29th Annual Symposium of the American Society of Breast Disease Conference Dates: April 14 - 16, 2005 Conference Location: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Sponsoring Group: American Society of Breast Disease Conference Web Page URL: www.asbd.org Topics Covered: Topics and Interactive Workshops to include: Is Breast MRI Ready for Prime Time? Oncoplasty in Partial Mastectomy
MRI detection of multi focal breast carcinoma: Report from the International Breast MRI Consortium Presenter: M. D. SchnallPresenter's Affiliation: University of PennsylvaniaType of Session: ScientificBackground Single institution studies have suggested that MRI more accurately determines the extent of cancer within the breast compared to mammography, increasing the ability to detect multi-focal disease and potentially alter the
A Randomized Trial of Tamoxifen With or Without Breast Radiation in Women With Early Breast Cancer 50 Years of Age and Over Presenter: A. FylesPresenter's Affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON, CanadaType of Session: PlenaryBackground The search continues for a subset of women with favorable breast cancer characteristics in whom radiation may be avoided. This trial was designed to determine the effects of radiation therapy plus tamoxifen versus
Lumpectomy Plus Tamoxifen or Arimidex With or Without Whole Breast Irradiation in Women with Favorable Early Breast Cancer Presenter: R. PoetterPresenter's Affiliation: Dept. of Radiotherapy and Radiobiology, Medical University of ViennaType of Session: PlenaryBackground In treating early-stage breast cancers with favorable prognostic features, the question has been raised as to whether oncologists might be overtreating these patients. In other words, is it necessary
ASTRO Patient Summary: Lumpectomy Plus Tamoxifen or Arimidex With or Without Whole Breast Irradiation in Women with Favorable Early Breast Cancer Lumpectomy Plus Tamoxifen or Arimidex With or Without Whole Breast Irradiation in Women with Favorable Early Breast Cancer This presentation reviewed a recent study involving postmenopausal women with early stage, hormone receptor positive breast cancer (ER+ or PR+). Some have wondered if treating these patients with lumpectomy, radiation and
New Directions in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Updates from the 29th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) Conference Dates: February 1, 2007 Conference Location: Seattle, WA Conference Dates: February 5, 2007 Conference Location: Pittsburgh, PA Conference Dates: February 6, 2007 Conference Location: Cleveland, OH Conference Dates: February 7, 2007 Conference Location: Southfield, MI Conference Dates: February 8, 2007 Conference
Breast Highlights: Highlights from the 30th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference Dates: February 9, 2008 Conference Location: New York, New York Conference Dates: February 16, 2008 Conference Location: Chicago, IL Sponsoring Group: The American School of Oncology Conference Web Page URL: http://www.asoncology.com/Appweb/AsOncologyRegistration/frmPmMeetingWebList.asp Topics Covered: Breast Highlights:
Cardiac Morbidity and Mortality After Breast Conservation Treatment in Early-stage Breast Cancer Patients With Pre-existing Cardiac Disease Presenter: R. GuttPresenter's Affiliation: University of MarylandType of Session: ScientificBackground Patients with left-sided breast cancer have been shown to have an increase in the subsequent development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI), but no increase in mortality versus patients with right-sided breast
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is Associated with Higher Risk of Local Recurrence after 3D-Conformal External Beam Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (3D-APBI) Authors: I. M. Pashtan, M. Ancukiewicz, J. Y.Wo, A. E. Hirsch, B. L. Smith, S. N. Powell, A. Recht, A. G. Taghian. Affiliations: Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Boston, MA. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,
Cardiac Toxicity is Not Increased 25 Years After Treatment of Early Stage Breast Carcinoma With Mastectomy or Breast Conservation Therapy From the National Cancer Institute Randomized Trial Abstract # 87 Presenting Author: Charles B. Simone, II, MD Presenting Author's Affiliation: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiation Oncology, Philadelphia, PA Background The current options for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer are modified radical mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery plus
Repeat CT Simulation during Whole Breast Irradiation Can Influence the Selection of Treatment Modality for Breast Cancer Tumor Bed Boost Abstract Number: 271 Presenting Author: N. Novalchuk, MD Affiliation: Boston Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Background In the United States, radiation boost to the tumor bed is routinely delivered as part of treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The EORTC boost study (Bartelink H, J Clin Oncol. 2007
Managing the Side Effects of Hormonal Therapies for Breast Cancer A webinar in conjunction with Living Beyond Breast Cancer Date: June 13, 2013 Time: 6:30-8pm ET Whether you are undergoing hormonal therapy or are considering it with your healthcare provider, understanding the possible side effects and how to manage them effectively will help you minimize discomfort and lessen the impact on your day-to-day life.
Radiation Therapy and Breast Reconstruction: Considerations and Timing When women are diagnosed with breast cancer, they are immediately faced with an overwhelming amount of information and a need to make important decisions regarding treatment. The most important thing that must be decided on with their team of oncologists is how to best treat the cancer and reduce their risk of a recurrence or spread. However,
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) Pronounced: ta-MOX-i-fen Classification: Antiestrogen About Tamoxifen Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue. While estrogen may not actually cause breast cancer, it is necessary for the cancer to grow in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. With estrogen blocked, the cancer cells that feed off estrogen may
Mammogram After Breast Cancer Treatment? Question Do I still need to get a mammogram after breast cancer treatment? If so, how often? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: If you have had breast conservation surgery for your breast cancer, then mammograms once per year are recommended. If you had a single mastectomy, with or without reconstruction, the opposite
Pregnancy and Breast Cancer Question Does pregnancy make you more likely to develop breast cancer? I have been hearing more and more about women who find out they have breast cancer when they are pregnant. Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: Pregnancy does not increase the risk of getting breast cancer. Women do get breast cancer during
Safety of Pregnancy After Breast Cancer Question How long after breast cancer treatment is it safe to become pregnant? Will the hormones of pregnancy increase the risk of my cancer coming back? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: First, the hormonal situation during pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of cancer coming back. Second, there is no
Risk of Breast Cancer With Family History Question How much more likely is a person with a family history of breast cancer to get it than the rest of the population? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: In general, a woman in the United States has an approximate 1 in 9 chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 80. A family history in a first
Soy Foods After Breast Cancer Question I do not eat soybeans, tofu, tempeh, flax seeds. I do not consume any soy supplements. I am looking for a complete list of those foods that are no-no's for ER 100% patients re: estrogens, phytoestrogens, xenoestrogens. I have a list from www.dietaryfiberfood.com, which lists foods high in phytoestrogens and lignans (content and amounts
Family History Of Breast Cancer On Father's Side Question Does family history of breast cancer on my father's side put me at risk for cancer? Answer Jill Stopher, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor at Penn Medicine, responds: Even though breast cancer mostly affects women, risk for breast cancer can be passed down from both your mother and your father's side of the family. There are a number
Genetic Counseling & Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Mutations What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations? BRCA1 and BRCA2 is short for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are present in all individuals. Everyone has two copies of each of these genes - one from each parent. Mutations of genes are like spelling errors in the genetic code of a gene.
NCI/PDQ^® Patients: Prevention of Breast Cancer TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview of PreventionPreventionPurposes of this summaryBreast Cancer PreventionSignificance of breast cancerBreast cancer preventionChanges to This Summary (02/20/2007)Questions or Comments About This SummaryTo Learn MoreAbout PDQ® Overview of Prevention Back UpPreventionDoctors cannot always explain why one person gets
NCI/PDQ^® Health professionals: Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information About Breast CancerIncidence and MortalityGenetic Characteristics and Risk FactorsScreeningPatient EvaluationPrognostic and Predictive FactorsContralateral DiseaseHormone Replacement TherapyBreast ReconstructionFollow-upRelated SummariesCellular Classification of Breast CancerStage Information for Breast
NCI/PDQ^® Health professionals: Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information About Male Breast CancerIncidence and MortalityTreatment Options for Male Breast CancerInitial Surgical ManagementAdjuvant TherapyLocally Recurrent DiseaseDistant MetastasesChanges to This Summary (01/06/2012)About This PDQ® SummaryPurpose of This SummaryReviewers and UpdatesLevels of EvidencePermission to
NCI/PDQ^® Health professionals: Breast Cancer Screening (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary of EvidenceScreening by MammographyStatement of benefitStatement of harmsScreening by Clinical Breast ExaminationStatement of benefitsStatement of harmsScreening by Breast Self-ExaminationStatement of benefitStatement of harmsSignificanceIncidence and MortalityOther Risk FactorsBreast Cancer DiagnosisEvaluation of Breast
NCI/PDQ^® Health professionals: Breast Cancer Treatment and Pregnancy (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information About Breast Cancer Treatment and PregnancyStage Information for Breast Cancer Treatment and PregnancyOther Considerations for Pregnancy and Breast CancerLactationFetal Consequences of Maternal Breast CancerConsequences of Pregnancy in Patients with a History of Breast CancerEarly Stage Breast Cancer (Stage
NCI/PDQ^® Patients: Breast Cancer Screening (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS What is screening?General Information About Breast CancerBreast Cancer ScreeningRisks of Breast Cancer ScreeningChanges to This Summary (08/18/2011)Questions or Comments About This SummaryGet More Information From NCIAbout PDQ® What is screening? Back UpScreening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This
NCI/PDQ^® Health professionals: Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS OverviewFactors Associated With Increased Risk of Breast CancerHormone therapyIonizing radiationObesityAlcoholMajor inheritance susceptibilityFactors Associated With Decreased Risk of Breast CancerExercise Early pregnancyBreast-feedingInterventions Associated With Decreased Risk of Breast Cancer Selective estrogen receptor
NCI/PDQ^® Patients: Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information about Male Breast CancerStages of Male Breast CancerInflammatory Male Breast CancerRecurrent Male Breast CancerTreatment Option OverviewTreatment Options for Male Breast Cancer Initial SurgeryAdjuvant TherapyDistant MetastasesTreatment Options for Locally Recurrent Male Breast CancerTo Learn More About Male
NCI/PDQ^® Patients: Breast Cancer Treatment and Pregnancy (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information about Breast Cancer and PregnancyStages of Breast CancerInflammatory Breast CancerRecurrent Breast CancerTreatment Option OverviewTreatment Options by StageEarly Stage Breast Cancer (Stage I and Stage II)Late Stage Breast Cancer (Stage III and Stage IV)Other Considerations for Pregnancy and Breast CancerTo
NCI/PDQ^® Patients: Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information About Breast CancerStages of Breast CancerInflammatory Breast CancerRecurrent Breast CancerTreatment Option OverviewTreatment Options by StageDuctal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)Stage I, Stage II, Stage IIIA, and Operable Stage IIIC Breast CancerStage IIIB, Inoperable Stage IIIC,
Preparing for Surgery: Breast Biopsy About Breast Biopsy This "Helpful Facts" sheet is designed to give you basic information on breast biopsy. More detailed information can be provided by your doctor or nurse. If you have other questions or would like additional information, please talk to your doctor or nurse. What is a breast biopsy? A biopsy is a surgical procedure that
Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment Authors: Kenneth D. Miller, MD, editor ISBN: 9780801886850 Information: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008 \| $18.95 US paperback OncoLink Rating: Call me “Coach.” Breast Cancer Coach, to be exact. It’s a volunteer role I play on a regular basis. The phone might ring on a quiet Sunday
A Significant Journey: Breast Cancer Survivors and the Men Who Love Them Author: The American Cancer Society Format: VHS Color Time: 20 minutes This is an excellent short videotape that deals with the relationships between couples after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The participants range in age from 24-72 and come from all walks of life. Each couple is interviewed together. The video emphasizes
Survivors' Guide to Breast Cancer: A Couple's Story of Faith, Hope and Love Authors: Robert C. Fore, Ed.D. and Rorie E. Fore, RN Publisher: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc. Price: $17.00 (USA) ISBN: 1-57312-170-3 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure Survivors' Guide to Breast Cancer is an inspirational story about one couple's experience through the diagnosis and treatment of breast
UPLIFT: Secrets From The Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors Author: Barbara Delinsky Publisher: Pocket Books, 2001 ISBN: B00006B6B4 OncoLink Rating: Barbara Delinsky, known for her best selling fictional work, shares her personal battle, as well as that of many other men and women, through UPLIFT. Barbara's experience with breast cancer began when she was just 6 years old, with her
Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment (3rd & 4th Editions) Author: Vladimir Lange, MD Publisher: Lange Productions, 2005 (3rd ed) & 2007 (4th ed) Information: ISBN 0-9663610-0-6-3 \| $24.95 US, 180 pages OncoLink Rating: Dr. Vladamir Lange (the author) and his wife, Mandy, are both physicians, yet when they first learned that Mandy
Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (DVD/Video) Author: National Cancer Institute Publisher: NCI, 2005
OncoLink Patient Guide: Breast Cancer Authors: James Metz MD, Editor-in-Chief, OncoLink, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Maggie Hampshire RN, Managing Editor, OncoLink, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Publisher: Saunders, Published November 23, 2006 Information: ISBN
The Victoria's Secret Catalogue Never Stops Coming - and Other Lessons I Learned From Breast Cancer Author: Jennie Nash Publisher: Plume Price: $11.00 (USA) ISBN: 0452283663 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure As an oncology nurse, I hesitated to read another breast cancer survivor's story. These stories are often filled with emotion, reminding me of the many life stories I have played a part in as a nurse and friend
Advanced Breast Cancer: A Guide for Living with Metastatic Disease Author: Musa Mayer Publisher: O'Reilly Price: $19.95 USA, $29.95 CAN ISBN: 1-56592-522-x OncoLink Rating: According to Musa Mayer, there are two groups of breast cancer patients: those with primary cancer of the breast, hoping for a cure, and those with metastatic disease, defined as the spread of cancer
The Breast Cancer Survivor's Club Author: Lillie Shockney, RN, MAS Publisher: Windsorhouse Publishing Group ISBN: 1-8816-3622-4 Note:Title change from "Joining the Club" with second edition This is a true story of a woman named Lillie Shockney, who has had "the unique opportunity to experience breast cancer from three different perspectives: as a
Coping with Breast Cancer Author: Dr. Eadie Heyderman Publisher: Price: £ 6.99 UK ISBN: 0-85969-729-0 If you are looking for basic facts and medical information on breast cancer written in a clear and precise way, this book is for you. Written by a doctor who had breast cancer herself, it guides the reader through the diagnosis of
Examining Myself : One Woman's Story of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery Author:Musa Mayer Publisher: ISBN: OncoLink Rating: "Examining Myself: One Woman's Story of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery" by Musa Mayer (Faber & Faber, 1994 Paper $10.95 ISBN 0-571-19845-7) Reviews: "The very best book anybody has ever written about what it is like to have breast cancer." -- Linda
Helping Your Mate Face Breast Cancer: Tips For Becoming An Effective Support Partner Author: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN, Breast Health Specialist Publisher: Educare Publishing ISBN: 188665-11-7 OncoLink Rating: This book was written based on the experiences of the author working with women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. There is a general discussion of the growth of cancer cells in
Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment Author: Vladimir Lange, MD Publisher: Lange Productions, 1998 Price: $24.95 US ISBN: 0-9663610-0-8 OncoLink Rating: The author of this book, Dr. Vladimir Lange and his wife, also a physician, were overwhelmed at the discovery that she had breast cancer. Doctors bombarded them with information, and many
The Breast Cancer Handbook Author: Joan Swirsky and Barbara Balaban Publisher: Power Publications ISBN: 1-888315-05-9 OncoLink Rating: Joan Swirsky is a health and science writer for the New York Times. She has written over 200 articles on breast cancer, in addition to eight other issues related to the consumer and health. She is a
The Breast Cancer Companion Author: Kathy LaTourPublisher: William Marrow & Co, Inc.Price: $22.00, $17 PaperbackISBN: 0380719967 Copyright © 1994, Meniscus Health Care CommunicationsReprinted with permission of the publisher This 506-page book combines the dynamic personal account of a woman who survived breast cancer with the voices of more than 75
Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook Author: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN, Breast Cancer Specialist Publisher: Educare Publishing ISBN: 1-88665-10-9 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure The author is a certified oncology nurse with a specialty in breast cancer. She is the author of several books including Helping Your Mate Face Breast Cancer, A lump In Your
Breast Cancer Journey Produced by: Barbara Jabaily & Cathlin Donnell Executive Producer: Lyda Hersloff, Journey Productions 1998 To order: 1-800-876-7676 Running Time: 90 minutes OncoLink Rating: The path to knowledge can be a winding one. In the case of breast cancer patients, the trail to enlightenment has many obstacles for those
Living Beyond Breast Cancer: A Survivor's Guide for When Treatment Ends and the Rest of Your Life Begins Authors: Marisa C. Weiss, MD, and Ellen Weiss Publisher: Times Books, Random House Price: $16.95 US ISBN: 0-8129-2689-7 OncoLink Rating: Marisa Weiss, MD is a founder of the nonprofit organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer. This organization offers support to breast cancer survivors to help them cope with
Bosom Buddies: Lessons and Laughter on Breast Health and Cancer Authors: Rosie O'Donnell and Deborah Axelrod, MD, FACS, with Tracy Chutorian Semler Publisher: Warner Books, Inc., New York, 1999 ISBN: 0-446-67620-9 OncoLink Rating: Rosie O'Donnell's mother died of breast cancer when she was just 10 years old, and many of her close friends have experienced it as well. These
Assess Your True Risk of Breast Cancer Author: Patricia T. Kelly, PhD Publisher: Owl Books ISBN: 0805064680 OncoLink Rating: In the United States, a woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 10% by the age of 70 years. More than 180,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year, and more than 43,000 women die from this
Diseases of the Breast - Second Edition Authors: Jay R. Harris, Marc E. Lippman, Monica Morrow, C. Kent Osborne Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000 ISBN: 0-7817-1839-2 Format: Hardcover, 1152 pages OncoLink Rating: Breast diseases, both benign and malignant, comprise a significant problem in recent times. Benign entities in the breast
Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide Authors: Yashar Hirshaut, MD, FACP and Peter I. Pressman, MD FACS Publisher: Bantam Books Price: $14.95 (US) $19.95 (CAN) ISBN: 0-553-37203-3 OncoLink Rating: Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide is an excellent reference for any patient diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Hirshaut, a medical oncologist, and Dr.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer Authors: Sharon Sorenson, Suzanne Metzger, Jody Brennan Publisher: Alpha Books ISBN: 0028639383 OncoLink Rating: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer is written by two breast cancer survivors. Sharon Sorenson is an author and editor who resides in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and is a six-month survivor
Long-Term Results of a Randomized Trial Comparing Breast-Conserving Therapy With Mastectomy: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 10801 Trial Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92(14):1143-1150, (July) 2000Précis: Survival is similar after mastectomy, breast-conserving therapy for stage II tumorsIntroductionIt has been well established that either radical mastectomy or breast-conserving therapy results in the same long-term survival
Randomized Trial of High-dose Chemotherapy and Blood Cell Autografts for High-Risk Primary Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92, No.3 (February):225-233, 2000BackgroundIn patients with high-risk breast carcinoma some studies have suggested that high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell support (AHSCS) improved tumor response rates compared with conventional-dose
Menopausal Estrogen and Estrogen-Progestin Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: JAMA, volume 283, No. 4: 485-491, (January) 2000IntroductionPostmenopausal estrogen therapy has been used widely to reduce menopausal symptoms, risk of osteoporotic fractures, and probably coronary heart disease. Side effects include venous thrombosis and cancers of breast and uterus. Combination therapy of estrogen
Occupational and Residential Magnetic Field Exposure and Breast Cancer in Females Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Epidemiology, Volume 11:24-29, (January) 2000Précis: Exposure to magnetic fields was not associated with increased risk of breast cancer in womenIntroductionAnalyses of exposure to magnetic fields and female breast cancer have yielded conflicting results. In both human and laboratory experiments, exposure to
Outcomes Among African-Americans and Caucasians in Colon Cancer Adjuvant therapy Trials: Findings From the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 91(22): 1933-1940, November 1999IntroductionSome retrospective studies have reported poorer outcomes from colon cancer among African-Americans compared to Caucasian Americans. The cause of this disparity may be multifactorial, including diagnosis at later disease stage,
Risk of Menopause During the First Year After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999; Volume 17: pages 2365 - 2370BackgroundBreast cancer is being "caught" earlier and earlier due to better screening practices. Premenopausal women comprise 1/4th of the breast cancer population. In a recent large meta-analysis, the benefit of chemotherapy (ChT) was found
Life Expectancy Gains from Cancer Prevention Strategies for Women with Breast Cancer and BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: JAMA, volume 283, No. 5: 617-624, (February) 2000.Précis: Theoretical benefit of various cancer prevention strategies for breast cancer patients with BRCA mutationsIntroductionWomen who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have a greatly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers when compared with the general
Combined Modality Treatment of Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma in Elderly Patients or Patients with Severe Comorbid Conditions Using Tamoxifen as the Primary Therapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer Volume 88, 2054-2060 (May) 2000IntroductionLocally advanced breast cancers (LABC) are defined as tumors that measure more than 5 cm, tumors that extend to the chest wall or skin, and tumors with fixed ipsilateral axillary nodes or ipsilateral internal mammary nodes. A multimodality approach has been the
Dietary Fat, Fat Subtypes, and Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women: a Prospective Cohort Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, volume 92, 833-839 (May) 2000IntroductionHigh intake of total dietary fat has been postulated to increase breast cancer risk on the basis of animal studies, international comparisons, and some other case-control studies. However, some prospective cohort studies have shown
Age-Related Variation in the Treatment and Outcomes of patients with Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:369-374, (January) 2000Précis: Breast cancer diagnosed between ages 60 and 69 appeared to have more favorable outcomeIntroductionThe relationship between young age at diagnosis and the prognosis of early-stage breast cancer remains unresolved. Some investigators have reported young age to be
Increased Risk of Acute Leukemia After Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18:2836-2842, (August) 2000Précis: Adjuvant treatment for breast cancer increased leukemia riskIntroductionSince the mid-1970s, adjuvant chemotherapy has been widely used to treat breast cancer with regional lymph-node involvement. More recently, systemic drug therapy has
Racial Differences in Breast Carcinoma Survival Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:114-123, (January) 2000Précis: African-American women were at increased risk of death from breast cancerIntroductionPrevious studies have documented a worse prognosis from breast cancer for black women compared with white women. There is also significant interaction between race and stage;
Morbidity following Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy versus Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Patients with Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:608-614, (February) 2000Précis: Sentinel lymph nodes biopsy is associated with negligible morbidityIntroductionThe histologic status of axillary lymph nodes, one of the most important prognostic indicators in patients with breast cancer, directly affects clinical management. However, over
Accuracy of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients with Large Primary Breast Tumors Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:2540-2545, (June) 2000Précis: Sentinel lymph nodes biopsy in patients with 2-5 cm. breast cancers appears accurateIntroductionThe sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first lymph node to drain the primary tumor. In theory, if the SLN does not contain metastatic cancer, the remainder of the nodal
Second Malignancies after Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy Versus Mastectomy Reviewers: Li Liu, M.D Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18 (12), 2406-2412 (June) 2000Précis: Radiation for breast cancer is not associated with greater risk of second malignancy.IntroductionAlmost all types of cancer can be caused by exposure to ionizing radiation with exception of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Recent studies
Prognostic Value of p53 for Local Failure in Mastectomy-Treated Breast Cancer Patients Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 18, No 9, 1906-1913, (May) 2000IntroductionRandomized clinical trials have established that radiation therapy improves the local regional control and survival in selected breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy. However, only about 50% of patients will benefit from
Dual Effects of Weight and Weight Gain on Breast Cancer Risk Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association Nov 5, 1997; Volume 278 (Number 17): pp 1407 - 11.BackgroundIn most previous reports of the association of breast cancer and weight, an inverse proportionality has been found in premenopausal women. Premenopausal breast cancer risk is
Twenty-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Trial Comparing Total Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, and Lumpectomy Plus Irradiation for the Treatment of Invasive Breast Cancer Authors: Bernard Fisher, M.D., Stewart Anderson, Ph.D., John Bryant, Ph.D., et al. Source: N Engl J Med 2002, 347:1233-1241 Background The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) protocol B-04 showed that over 25 years of follow-up there was no significant difference in survival between women treated with a radical
The Influence of Margin Width on Local Control of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine 1999; Volume 340: pages 1455 - 1461BackgroundNoninvasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) has been increasing in prevalence over the past couple decades. This can be attributed to better mammogram screening practices throughout the nation since most (over
Estrogen Replacement Therapy After Localized Breast Cancer: Clinical Outcome Of 319 Women Followed Prospectively Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 17, Issue 5 (May), 1999: 1482IntroductionWith breast cancer screening programs detecting more young women with early stage breast cancer, the number of breast cancer survivors is increasing every year. When these survivors reach menopause they are faced with a difficult
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy with Metastasis: Can Axillary Dissection Be Avoided in Some Patients with Breast Cancer? Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology; 1999, Volume 17: Pages 1720 26Background/Discussion/CritiqueThe sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the "first lymph node in a nodal basin to drain the primary tumor." In theory, a malignancy spreads to axillary lymph nodes (ALN's) and progresses in an orderly fashion
Analysis of Interfraction and Intrafraction Variation During Tangential Breast Irradiation with an Electronic Portal Imaging Device Source: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2005 Jun 1;62(2):373-8. Authors: Smith RP, Bloch P, Harris EE, McDonough J, Sarkar A, Kassaee A, Avery S, Solin LJ. Background During radiotherapy, a major goal is to deliver radiation to the target tissue while minimizing exposure to normal tissues. In tangential breast radiotherapy, the breast is the
Tamoxifen Therapy for Breast Cancer and Endometrial Cancer Risk Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 91, No 19:1654-1662, October 1999.BackgroundTamoxifen is now widely used among women of all ages for the treatment of all stages of breast cancer. Tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrences and mortality as well as subsequent contralateral breast cancer.
Occult Metastases in the Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Patients with Early Stage Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86:990-996, October 1999.BackgroundThe presence of nodal metastases and the number of lymph nodes with metastases are among the most important predictors of the outcome for patients with breast cancer. Approximately 20% to 40% of patients with breast cancer and clinically undetectable lymph nodes have
Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus in Invasive Breast Cancers Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 91, No 16 (August):1376-1381, 1999BackgroundThe Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been known to play a role in the development of human malignancies, especially tumors of lymphoid or epithelial origin. The latest addition to the list is breast cancer. This French study
Dietary Factors and the Survival of Women with Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86(5): 826-835, September 1999BackgroundStage for stage, Japanese women with breast cancer have a better survival compared with Western women. Diet has been thought to be one of the contributing factors. This report comes from a study of whether diet before as well as after a diagnosis of breast carcinoma was
Canadian National Breast Screening Study-2: 13-Year Results of a Randomized Trial in Women Aged 50-59 Years Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92:1490-1499, (September) 2000Précis: Mammography may not offer survival advantage over annual breast examinationIntroductionThere is universal agreement that women 50 to 69 years of age should undergo screening mammography because randomized, controlled trials
Patterns of Breast Carcinoma Treatment in Older Women Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 89:561-573, (August) 2000Précis: Very elderly women in US were often not offered full range of breast cancer treatments.IntroductionThe choices of treatment for breast cancer are influenced by many factors, some of which have a sound scientific basis, others of which are based on highly
Preoperative Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology Jul 1997; Volume 15: pages 2483 - 93This article details the preliminary data from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial B-18. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant or (preoperative) chemotherapy in affording breast cancer
The Sentinel Node in Breast Cancer -- A Multicenter Validation Study Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine -- October 1, 1998 -- Volume 339, Number 14BackgroundThe treatment of invasive breast cancer always includes dissection of the axilla (the area of tissue under the armpit) to determine if lymph nodes in this area have been invaded by cancer. An
Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Pre-Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Ken Blank, MD Source: N Engl J Med. 1997 Oct 2;337(14):956-62.Possibly more than any other cancer, the treatment of breast cancer has evolved over the past twenty years. Surgery to remove the entire breast (simple, modified and radical mastectomy) has been largely replaced by breast conserving surgery
Prevention Of Breast Cancer With Tamoxifen: Preliminary Findings From The Italian Randomised Trial Among Hysterectomised Women Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Lancet 1998; volume 352: pages 93 - 97IntroductionIt is projected that 178,700 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. For noninvasive and early stage invasive disease, the cure rate is very high with thenumerous advances in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Hormonal therapy with
Efficacy of Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, January 14, 1999, Volume 340, Number 2BackgroundThe treatment of breast cancer has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Advances have included the recognition that breast conserving surgery when combined with radiotherapy offers similar survival compared to
Plasma Organochlorine Levels and the Risk of Breast Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Ken Blank, MD Source: TheNew England Journal of Medicine -- October 30, 1997 -- Volume337, Number 18Several correlative pieces of data indicate that environment playsan important role in the etiology ofbreastcancer. Included in this data is the fact that daughters of womenwho emigrate assume the breast
Prediction of Axillary Lymph Node Involvement of Women with Invasive Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Cancer 1998; Volume 83 (Number 5): pages 948 - 955BackgroundAxillary lymph nodes (ALN) are the most commonly involved siteof disease in breast cancer that has spread outside the primary lesion. Clinical examination is a relatively poor predictor of ALN status inbreast cancer. Because the prognostic
Reduction in New Metastases in Breast Cancer with Adjuvant Clodronate Treatment Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 339 (6):357IntroductionBisphosphonates are a class of drugs that are increasingly being used totreat osteoporosis. These medications inhibit the function of the cellthat functions normally to destroy bone- the osteoclast. In 1996 a studypublished in
Outcome after Invasive Local Recurrence in Patients with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ of the Breast Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 16 (Number 4): pages 1367-1373. The Van Nuys Breast Center, CaliforniaBackgroundDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive cancer of the breast. It is a highly curable disease with mastectomy or lumpectomy (localized excision) with or
A High Number of Tumor Free Axillary Lymph Nodes from Patients with Lymph Node Negative Breast Carcinoma is Associated with Poor Outcome Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:108-113, (January) 2000Précis: Total number of lymph nodes predicts outcome of node-negative breast cancerIntroductionThe histologic status of axillary lymph nodes is one of the most important prognostic indicators in patients with breast cancer. However, for patients with negative axillary
Physical Activity and the Risk of Breast Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, M.D. and John Chang, M.D. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine -- May 1, 1997 -- Volume 336, Number 18Strong evidence exists tying estrogen exposure to breast cancer. For example, women who have early menopause, late menarche and low parity are at increased risk for breast cancer. In fact, some researches believe
Prospective Randomized Trial of Docetaxel Versus Mitomycin Plus Vinblastine in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Progressing Despite Previous Anthracycline-Containing Chemotherapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 17, Issue 5 (May), 1999: 1413-1424IntroductionIt is clear that chemotherapy provides clinical benefit to many women with metastatic breast cancer (J Clin Oncol. 1996 Aug;14(8):2197-205). However, metastatic breast cancer remains essentially incurable and almost all women with such
Prospective Randomized Trial of Docetaxel Versus Doxorubicin in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 17, Issue 8 (August), 1999: 2341-2354IntroductionDocetaxel is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for advanced breast cancer, with significant activity as both first-line therapy (J Clin Oncol. 1996 Feb;14(2):422-8) and as second-line therapy in patients previously treated with
Alcohol and Breast Cancer in Women Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; 279: 535 - 540BackgroundMany studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer with alcohol consumption. The mechanism is not completely understood, but some studies have shown an increased estrogen level in women who have a
Effect of Nancy Reagan's Mastectomy on Choice of Surgery for Breast Cancer by US Women Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; Volume 279: pages 762 - 766.BackgroundCancer treatment can take on various forms. It can include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Recommendations on what is required to treat the certain cancer is influenced by extent of
Impact of a Clinical Guidelines Program for Breast and Colon Cancer in a French Cancer Center Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The Journal of the American Medical Association 1997; Volume 278: pages 1591 - 95BackgroundIn most European countries, medical (especially cancer) care isusually centralized in a few large hospitals. But as with mostmedical centers around the world, physicians who staff these
Soy & Antioxidants After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was told not to take antioxidant vitamins C and E while I was taking chemotherapy for breast cancer. Supposedly, they are taken up by the cancer and used for growth. Should I take them now that I am no longer on chemo and Herceptin? I take Arimidex daily. Also, soy products, are they out also?Katrina Claghorn, MS,
Flaxseed During Breast Cancer Treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been treated for the last 8 months for an invasive breast cancer (mastectomy and chemo). I am now on Tamoxifen and have been having quite the time with hot flashes. I have been reading about using flaxseed in your diet to help combat the hot flashes. I have found articles that are both pro and con on using
Hyperthermia Treatments for Liver Metastasis from Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am trying to find information for a friend with breast cancer, which has spread to her liver. She had a bone marrow transplant that kept the disease at bay for six months. She now has a 3cm tumor in her liver. I saw that somewhere they are doing a new procedure which uses direct heat to the affected
Breast Feeding During Radiation Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it safe to breastfeed your child if you are receiving radiation for 6 weeks for a brain tumor? Neha Vapiwala , MD, Senior Editor of OncoLink and Chief Resident in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:Yes, it is fine for a woman to breastfeed while
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am in search of information concerning Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast, and for some type of protocol. My friend has this cancer. I am wondering if the anti-angiogenesis drugs, that are newly approved, would be beneficial for treatment of this rare breast cancer? Thank you, S.S.
Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I had genetic testing performed and they found a change called N6OS in BRCA2. This was the first time this change had been detected. Although they said it occurred in the area of the gene thought to be functionally significant, since it was a substitution rather than a truncation, it was
Obesity and Breast Cancer I learned from your site and others that there are many risk factors for breast cancer. My question is whether larger waist size is a risk factor for breast cancer. Thanks! Li Liu, MD, OncoLink editorial assistant, responds: Dear D: Thank you for your interest and question. Obesity (large waist
Laterality of Breast Cancer Incidence Dear OncoLink, I know that it is much more common for breast cancer to begin, or only take place, in the left breast. My question for you is do we know why this is and if not, are any studies being done to show us why this seems to be the case. If I recall, the percentages are up around 85 or 90% for occurring in the left breast as
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Please send information on squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. Anything you could tell us would help. BC John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD, Editorial Assistants for Oncolink, respond: Dear BC, Thank you for your interest and question. Not much is published
Tamoxifen Therapy for Estrogen Receptor Negative Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am a medical student with a parent who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I understand that tamoxifen is used for breast cancers and is highly effective in preventing recurrence. However, what is the situation when a breast cancer is weakly estrogen receptor positive? What is the action
Ductal Carcinoma In-situ of the Breast Dear OncoLink, My mother has a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in-situ and has been given an option for a mastectomy or lumpectomy followed by XRT. She is leaning towards mastectomy, but is still unsure. Can you help us weigh the options? Thanks, DT John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD, OncoLink
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the Breast I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer - labeled DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ). I understand this means that the cancer is still in the milk ducts and hasn't spread to other parts of my body. I have no family history of breast cancer, but now I am anxious that I am more likely to develop cancer in other parts of my body especially
Breast Cancer Detection after Silicone Implants Dear OncoLink, Are mammograms safe to perform on silicon implanted breasts? Is it possible that silicone blocks visibility of tumors? Are there other methods in detecting cancer in such situations? Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator responds: Although silicone implants have not been approved for use
Breast Needle Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My mother underwent a needle biopsy on her breast today. Her doctor told her last week when he scheduled the biopsy that he was sure it was cancerous and started planning her surgery. Today he did the biopsy, told her it would be 3 or 4 days before results are in but he has scheduled her for a mastectomy
Paget's Disease of the Breast I have been having itching, burning, and redness on my left breast. The pain wakes my up at night. I did not feel any lumps in either breast. I was reading a magazine about breast cancer, and came across Paget's disease. I just had a mammogram, but I don't know the result yet. Would mammogram be able to detect Paget's disease? What is Paget's
Paget's Disease of the Breast and Bone Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Is there such a disease as Paget's Disease of the nipple? I?m asking only because there is a strange e-mail being circulated about it and I?ve never heard of it, though our family has a history of Paget's. I always thought it was a bone deformation disease that had nothing to do with cancer, though I
Phantom Breast Syndrome I had a mastectomy 6 months ago. For some reason, I continue to feel pins and needles as if the breast had never been removed. Is this normal? What can I do with it? Thank you. Li Liu, MD, OncoLink editorial assistant, responds: Thank you for your interest and question. What you have described is
Pleural Effusion after Diagnosis of Breast Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei My wife has a history of breast cancer with left mastectomy in 1996 and diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei in 1997. She now has right pleural effusion. Have you ever heard of the pseudomyxoma peritonei becoming more aggressive and growing outside of the peritoneum? Thanks, F. Li Liu, MD, OncoLink Editorial
Previous Breast Cancer and Secondhand Smoke I am a breast cancer survivor. I never smoked. But my husband smokes and often does it at home. Being a second hand smoker, am I at higher risk of dying from this? Thanks! Li Liu, MD, OncoLink editorial assistant, responds: Dear M: Thank you for your interest and question. Women who already have had
Family History of Breast Cancer I have a strong family history of breast cancer in my family. My maternal grandmother had it, as did all three of her daughters, one of which is my mother. One of her daughters died from it, the other two, including my mother are still living. My grandmother is also still living. I am the only daughter out of the three daughters that have
Lobular Carcinoma in situ of the Breast Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have been diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). I can find no information on this and I am very confused. Can you give me any information? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds: Lobular carcinoma in situ
Timing of Radiation and Chemotherapy with Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," In patients with node negative breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy after lumpectomy, what is the best timing for radiation therapy with respect to chemotherapy (such as eight 3 week cycles of CMF)? The optimal timing of radiation therapy and chemotherapy under such circumstances
Efficacy of Tamoxifen for Metastatic Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," How can you tell if the anti-cancer drug you are taking is working? For, example, I am taking Tamoxifen for metastatic breast cancer. How will I know if it is effective? Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator responds: In the case of most anti-cancer medications, the best way
Frequency of Mammograms After Breast Cancer Hi, I am 39 and had breast cancer two years ago. Cancer is high on both sides of my family. I found a lump in my other breast nine months ago. Mammogram was done at that time and showed no cancer. How often do I need to have a mammogram? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of
Fibrocystic Condition of the Breast I am a 20 year old female who has had bilateral breast "cysts" since I was 11 years old. I went to the doctor for this condition 2-3 years ago and again this past August. My doctor claimed I had some type of fibrocystic disease. They have definitely gotten bigger over the years ... almost like it's a big clump of cysts. Lately (over the
Genetic Nature of Anaplastic Breast Cancer What is the correlation between the type of breast cancer the mother had and the type of cancer the daughter will get? In other words, am I at risk for the same exact type of cancer my mother had? Jill E. Stopfer, MS Certified Genetic Counselor for the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Risk Evaluation Programs, responds:
Breast reconstruction after lumpectomy and radiation treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," It has been a year since I received 25 radiation treatments for Stage II Breast Cancer. Though I had a lumpectomy, I would like to reconstruct the breast to make it look more symmetrical. The plastic surgeon feels that a standard breast lift should fix the problem, but I would like to use a submuscular
Fibrocystic Breast Disease and Mammogram My doctor last week diagnosed me with fibrocystic breast disease and ordered a mammogram. My mother also has this condition, and our family has no history of breast cancer. I am only 30 and do not think a mammogram necessary. What would be the benefit of the mammogram? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of Radiation
Tamoxifen and Radiation Therapy for Early Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a lumpectomy for a Grade 1 breast cancer of 12mm with lymph node clearance. I am now taking Tamoxifen and my surgeon and radiation oncologist are advising follow up radiotherapy, due to start within the next few weeks. My reading indicates this is probably beneficial. I would appreciate your
Breast feeding while receiving radiation to the pelvis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am getting ready to take external radiation therapy to my pelvic region. Can I still breast feed my 5 month old? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds: If the radiation is
Estrogen receptor negative breast cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does breast cancer run along some continuum from estrogen-receptor positive to estrogen-receptor negative tumors? Are ER+ tumors a different disease than ER- tumors? I have been diagnosed with an ER- breast cancer and I am confused as to whether I am at increased risk of recurrence and general guidelines for
Chemotherapy Before Surgery for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother has been diagnosed with stage 3-breast cancer. They are telling her that they want her to do chemotherapy before the surgery to remove her breast. Can you please explain to me why they would be doing this? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of
Breast Biopsy Options Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are the different ways to get a sample of my breast lump? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds:When an abnormality is found on screening mammography, the next step is to determine whether or not the abnormality is malignant (cancer).
Is Massage Safe for Breast Cancer Patients? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have breast cancer and I would like to know if I could have reflexology and or massages done. I have been told not to do massages and I was wondering if that is true? Can you please tell me if this is true? Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer Therapy Services for the Hospital of the University of
Breast reconstruction after lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a bi-lateral mastectomy July 2002, the left side was cancerous, right side done for prophylactic reasons. Lymph nodes were removed on the left side only. I recently developed lymphedema. I see a therapist 3 times a week for exercise and massage. I exercise and massage at home and have bandages, and will
Tamoxifen for weakly positive Estrogen and Progesterone breast cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 31-year old ER negative and "weakly" PR positive breast cancer patient. I have had a mastectomy with no lymph node involvement and chemotherapy and now deciding whether to go on Tamoxifen. Does your practice recommend Tamoxifen for "weakly" PR positive patients?Julia Draznin Maltzman, MD,
Timing of Breast Reconstruction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it advisable for someone who had stage III lobular breast cancer to seek reconstruction immediately or wait for a certain length of time?Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:
Breast reconstruction after radiation therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy for my advanced breast cancer. I completed radiation 3 months ago and have healed fine. I would like to have reconstruction. My oncologist recommended waiting for 6 months total after radiation but did say that it's probably OK to go ahead now. I'd
Recurrent Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am looking for treatment options for women who have had breast cancer, had a mastectomy, radiation, and chemo, only to find two years later that a cancerous tumor has appeared in the other breast. My aunt is the patient, and I know she tested negative for carrying the cancer gene. Her mother died at a similar age
Saline Implants and Breast Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had silicone implants for 33 years. I was told that there is a lump that will have to be removed. Are there risks of my implants being punctured during this procedure?Don LaRossa, MD, Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, responds:These are very old implants, and you might
E-String Use After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a lumpectomy on Sept 7th and have ended 16 radiation treatments. Prior to my diagnosis, I had been taking Premarin 0.3 mg for approx 18 years. I stopped cold turkey when diagnosed. I have been having problems with vaginal dryness and would like to know what your opinion is of the E-string? Nancy Zieber, RN,
Breast Implants and cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had breast implants for 15 years. Can breast implants cause cancer? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:The Institute of Medicine conducted a thorough report on the safety of silicone breast implants. The report states that breast cancer is no more common in women with breast
Chemo for Breast Cancer: Every 2 weeks or 3? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 49-yr old woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Going for the whole wash, cut, and blow dry. My question is - reading about chemo, every two weeks works better than every three. One article says great, the other says the results were disappointing. What is the scoop? Kevin R. Fox, MD,
Breast Cancer Recurrence in the Skin Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had breast cancer 12 years ago, treated with a lumpectomy and Adriamycin-based chemo plus radiation. The breast cancer has recurred as skin cancer with little lumps all over my body. It has been determined that it is treatable with hormone therapy. Are there resources for information on this recurrence? Suzanne M.
Screening for Metastases in Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Having presented with back, shoulder and ear pain, together with loss of balance, I was referred for x-rays and scans, and metastases from the same "non-aggressive" breast cancer I suffered ten years earlier were found in the bones. A prognosis of two months plus was given. I have survived three years!
Nottingham Score for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I do not understand my Nottingham score of 9, or the histologic grade of III/III. Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:The Nottingham histologic score is simply a scoring system
Itching a Sign of Breast Cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have read that itching of the breast may be a symptom of breast cancer. Is this a myth or is it true? Angela DeMichele, M.D., MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania and Senior Scholar in the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, responds:Itching can
Oophorectomy to Lower Breast Cancer Risk Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am at high risk for developing breast cancer and am contemplating having my ovaries removed. How much would I be decreasing my risk if having this procedure done? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of
Tamoxifen for Male Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Having had a mastectomy in July 2005, I was prescribed Tamoxifen. I am having difficulty in finding any information on the side effects in men. I appreciate that we are a small number , but information for breast cancer in men is limited. Can you please advise on any side effects of Tamoxifen in men? Carolyn
Breast Tenderness Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am having pain in my breasts (both of them, but more on the left side) at the base - towards the ribcage side. Should I be concerned? The pain is not regular, but is uncomfortable when it does come and has occurred off and on for over a year. Can a blood test show if I have cancer, or do you have to have a
Partial Breast Irradiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you please tell explain Partial Breast Irradiation? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds: For patients with early stage breast carcinoma undergoing breast conservation treatment, the standard method of delivering radiation is to treat the
HRT for Breast Cancer Survivors Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the current information regarding estrogen replacement therapy for former breast cancer patients? I am now in menopause and am affected both physically and emotionally. I was treated 12 years ago with radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer with borderline estrogen receptor-positivity. Kevin R. Fox,
Pregnancy & High Risk for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother died of breast cancer and secondary bone cancer in 1971, approximately a year after giving birth to my brother. She was 42. Her cancer was diagnosed 3 months after his birth. I am 40 and have 8-year-old twin girls. I have just discovered that I am pregnant, and am concerned about my increased risk of
Breast Irradiation and Respiratory Infections Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there a connection between radiation (Right breast, ductal carcinoma in situ) and later increase of upper respiratory infections (URI)? Neha Vapiwala , MD, Senior Editor of OncoLink and Chief Resident in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:There is no
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are the current guidelines for breast cancer screening?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) have both developed breast cancer screening guidelines which are quite similar. These recommendations
Tumor Marker for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," The Ca 27-29 blood test has a “normal” level below 30. Is it possible for the level to reach zero in a person who had invasive cancer with no lymph node involvement? Suzanne M. McGettigan, MSN, CRNP, AOCN, Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Oncology Advanced Practice Nurse,
Partial Breast Irradiation in Second Cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A friend has recently been diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, HER-2/neu positive, ER/PR positive. She had invasive ductal cancer 10 years ago with a full course of radiation. She is considering lumpectomy + Mammosite OR mastectomy. Is there data on success rates for each choice for a person in her
Smoking After Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you please provide more information on the subject of smoking while receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment for breast cancer? What is the effect of continued smoking while receiving treatment, due to cigarette smoke containing over 4000 chemical compounds, hundreds of which are either poisonous or
Exercise After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Although my wife and I have been told that squash and tennis (which my wife played before her mastectomy) is not recommended, I am curious to know why? Whereas weight training seems to be getting a cautious 'green light', are there specific reasons why racket sports and the type of arm movement involved would
Risk of Heart & Lung Damage with Breast Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the risk of damage to your heart or lung from radiation treatment for left breast DCIS? Terry Styles, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds: After many years of radiotherapy and many types of cancer treated, it became obvious that radiation to the chest
Breast Cancer Recurrences Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My oncologist once mentioned that roughly 75% of breast cancer recurrences are metastatic. If this is true, most patients who recur would eventually die after a recurrence. I can't find any substantiation for his remark. Can you tell me whether he is right or not? I am trying to decide whether or not to continue an
Breast Papilloma Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have a family history of breast cancer and am 38 years old. I had a workup for an abnormality found on mammogram and was seen by a surgeon. They have concluded that the area is a papilloma and recommend removal. Is this a precursor to cancer, and is it necessary to have it removed? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant
Metastatic Breast Cancer to the Liver Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to her liver last year. Her oncologist tracks her alkaline phosphatase level monthly, recently the numbers are climbing up, but her AST/ALT are stable. What could this mean? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of
Swimming and Exercise While on Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am about to start radiation therapy for breast cancer. Can I swim during this time? I have heard conflicting reports about exercise during therapy. Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds:Your doctors, including the surgeon, medical oncologist,
Hospitalization Period After Breast Reconstruction Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Tell me about the hospitalization period after breast reconstruction surgery.Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:After surgery, you will be admitted to an intermediate care floor (level of care between a regular bed and
Surgical Drains After Breast Reconstructive Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Tell me about the surgical drains after breast reconstructive surgery. Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:Jackson Pratt (JP) drains are placed under the skin during surgery to remove a collection of blood and other
Activity Limitations After Breast Reconstructive Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What activity limitations do I have after breast reconstructive surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:While the drains are in you cannot take a bath or submerge yourself in water. Showering with the drains in is
Breast and Cervical cancer screening for teens Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there a certain age that you should be worrying about breast cancer and cervical cancer or should I be worrying about it as a teenager too? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds:While teenagers are at low
Radiation Therapy for Hodgkin's Disease and Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Your article on the long-term effects of radiation failed to mention the connection between radiation therapy and breast cancer. There have been many articles including the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Journal of the American Medical Association, New England Journal of Medicine and the
Link between Melanoma & Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on my left wrist in June of 2005. Monday I had an OB-GYN appointment and a "lump" was found in my left breast. There is no history of breast cancer or melanoma in my family; however, there are numerous other types of cancer: colon, prostate and lung. Could the melanoma have
Considerations for Choosing Partial Breast Irradiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What factors need to be considered when choosing partial breast irradiation (type of tumor, size, and stage)? My doctor told me my age (44yo) was also a factor. Terry Styles, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds:Partial breast irradiation is just one of many new
PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) for Breast Cancer of the Chest Wall Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can PDT be used to treat recurrence of breast cancer on the chest wall (the site of the mastectomy)? Do you know of any clinical trials for this use? Robert Lustig MD FACR, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, responds:PDT has been used to treat the chest wall
Dietary Soy After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had an ER+ breast cancer that was treated 2 years ago. Is there any danger to eating soy products or other plant estrogens, like flax?Karen Wagner MS, RD, LDN, Clinical dietitian specialist for the Abramson Cancer Center, responds:The issue of soy and ER+ breast cancer is certainly confusing and we don't have all
Weight Gain After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been gaining weight on tamoxifen, though my doctor says it is not related, I am sure it is. Do you have any tips for managing my weight for the next 5 years that I am on this drug?Karen Wagner MS, RD, LDN, Clinical dietitian specialist for the Abramson Cancer Center, responds:We are seeing more and more
Breast Self Exam Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Why do the guidelines now say don’t do breast self-exam? My sister had breast cancer and found it by doing self-exam and best of all it doesn’t cost a thing! Self exams can save women’s lives- right? "Stress" is a reason not to? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator,
Lifting Weight After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," There was a recent news story that it is ok for women to exercise and lift weights after breast cancer (which I had been told not to just 2 years ago). What guidelines can we follow? Andrea Richtel-Baranas, MSE, MPT, Lead Therapist at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:
Diet and Preventing Recurrence of Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I take a great deal of interest in my diet and want to do what I can to prevent relapse of my breast cancer. I was treated 6 years ago. I see that you speak about weight loss, changes in bone density and info on changes that may affect weight. I am interested in understanding these dynamics, so I can make the right
Soy Products After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do you reccomend that women with active breast cancer stay away from soy products (not whole soy foods)?Karen Wagner MS, RD, LDN, Clinical dietitian specialist for the Abramson Cancer Center, responds:The issue of soy during treatment for breast cancer is certainly confusing and we don't have all the information
Insulin Resistance and Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there any evidence that breast cancer is linked to higher insulin levels or insulin resistance? Should survivors of breast cancer eat like diabetics? Karen Wagner MS, RD, LDN, Clinical dietitian specialist for the Abramson Cancer Center, responds:These are great question. There is limited evidence that breast
Pregnant with Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I'm not sure whether I have breast cancer or not, and I also just found out I'm pregnant. Is this going to affect my baby in any way if it happens that I have breast cancer? Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink Nurse Educator, responds: Unfortunately, breast cancer is found in about 1 in every 3000
Soy and Wine After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am so confused when reading about soy and if this should be avoided when being treated for breast cancer. Also- is an occasional glass of wine ok? So many conflicting points of view in my reading! Karen Wagner, MS, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania,
Breast Cancer Pathology Question I hear all these terms so often in regards to breast cancer: HR-positive/negative, HER-2/neu receptor, triple negative breast cancer. What do they mean and what is a "good" one to have? Answer Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink Nurse Educator, responds: These are all terms used to describe the activity of the cells and how they
Optimal Timing of Breast Cancer Surgery Within Menstrual Cycle Mark Norman Levine, M.D., Ontario Cancer Foundation, Hamilton University and professor of medicine, McMaster University, National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (Kingston, Ontario, Canada), presented a study which examined the relationship between the timing of breast cancer surgery during the menstrual cycle and the risk of
Randomized Trial Of 2 Vs. 5 Years Of Adjuvant Tamoxifen In Postmenopausal Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Lars E. Rutqvist, M.D., Ph.D., director, Oncology Center, Karolinska Hospital (Stockholm, Sweden), presented the results of a study which aimed to determine the optimal duration of tamoxifen treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients. Adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen in some patients with early-stage breast cancer has conclusively been
Reduction of Skeletal Morbidity and Prevention of Bone Metastases with Oral Clodronate in Women with Recurrent Breast Cancer in the Absence of Skeletal Metastases A.H.G. Paterson, MD, head, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary (Alberta, Canada), presented the results of a study which examined the effect of clodronate on the incidence of skeletal metastases and skeletal morbidity in women with recurrent breast cancer. Bone is a frequent site for recurrent breast
Monoclonal Antibody that Binds to Breast Cancer Cells Helps Stop Cancer Spread and Shrink Tumors This study analyzed Herceptin, a monoclonal antibody directed against the "HER2/Neu" surface protein on breast cancer cells and interfere with the cells' biological processes, which eventually causes cell death. The researchers recently completed a multinational, controlled, randomized phase III trial involoving 469 patients. The trial tested
Raloxifene Reduces Incidence of Breast Cancer by 58-66% and May Reduce Risk of Endometrial Cancer in Postmenopausal Women Raloxifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator that has estrogenic effects on bone and lipids, but estrogen antagonist effects on the breast and uterus. A new study indicates that Raloxifene, widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis, can substantially reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at normal
Higher Doses of Paclitaxel Fail to Improve Survival Rates in Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Each year approximately 45,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. New research demonstrates that higher doses of Paclitaxel (Taxol) are not necessarily more effective in patients with advanced breast cancers, and that patients can be spared the increased toxicities associated with high doses. This study of 475
Taxol Use Results in Significant Survival Benefit When used in Adjuvant Setting for Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients For the first time, researchers have found that Paclitaxel (Taxol), the widely-used chemotherapy agent originally developed from compounds found in the bark of the yew tree, increases a woman's chance of survival when used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs after surgery. Previously, no randomized trial had found an adjuvant
Poor Understanding of Guidelines Results in Low National Use of Breast-Conserving Therapy According to a report of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Radiology, thousands of women every year could be spared mastectomies if national guidelines developed six years ago were properly followed. According to these guidelines, developed by the National Cancer Institute, approximately 75% of women diagnosed with
CAF Slightly Improves Survival for High-Risk Localized Breast Cancer Patients Adjuvant chemotherapy — chemotherapy administered to prevent the recurrence of cancer after surgery — has been an important contributor to improved survival rates for many breast cancer patients. This study compared the newer chemotherapy regimen CAF (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and 5-fluorouracil) to the standard CMF
Tamoxifen Reduces Breast Cancer Incidence by 45% in Women at High Risk of Developing the Disease Tamoxifen has been used for the past twenty years to treat breast cancer and prevent its recurrence. Knowledge of its benefit in preventing breast cancer remained unknown, however. Today researchers from the National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) presented the results of a trial examining the breast cancer prevention benefits of
Standard Chemotherapy Shows Increased Toxicity for Elderly with Node-Positive Breast Cancer While another study presented yesterday demonstrates that older breast cancer patients with early stage breast cancer can tolerate standard adjuvant chemotherapy, this study finds that elderly patients whose breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes do not appear to be able to tolerate standard chemotherapy as well as younger patients when
Older Breast Cancer Patients can Tolerate Adjuvant Therapy with Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide Traditionally, older women with breast cancer are given less aggressive chemotherapy than younger women, primarily because of concern about increased toxicity. This study demonstrates that older women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy do not experience clinically significant increases in toxicity. In this study, 44 women aged 35 to 79 with
Primary Breast Cancers are Reduced by Raloxifene In a second analysis of the study presented yesterday, researchers found that the risk of developing breast cancer was reduced by 58% in women taking Raloxifene, compared to women receiving a placebo. This dramatic reduction was observed in postmenopausal women being treated for osteoporosis who had no history of breast cancer. The researchers
Internal Mammary Node Irradiation Does Not Decrease Distant Metastases or Improve Survival in Stages I and II Breast Cancer Presenter: Barbara Fowble, MD Affiliation: Fox Chase Cancer Center Background:Internal mammary node (IMN) irradiation has remained a controversial subject. Though historical data demonstrate that high-risk patients (axillary lymph node positive) have a significant rate of pathological IMN involvement, it continues to be debatable whether
Extracapsular Axillary Nodal Extension (ECE) in Breast Cancer: Patterns of Recurrence, Arm Edema, and Survival after Mastectomy with and Without Irradiation Presenter: Robert Kuske, MD Affiliation: Ochsner Clinic/Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA Background:The prognostic implications of extracapsular extension (ECE) in breast cancer with axillary lymph node (ALN) disease is debatable. It has not been conclusively demonstrated that having ECE in positive ALNs is an indication
Preliminary Analysis of Radiotherapy Data from CALGB 9082: Variability of Treatment Fields for Local/Regional Breast Cancer and the Impact of High Dose Chemotherapy on the Ability to Deliver Radiation Therapy Presenter: Lawrence B. Marks, M.D. Affiliation: Duke University/CALGB/SWOG Summary:Positive contributions of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy in patients with high-risk breast cancer are well documented, but the sequencing of these modalities and dosage of chemotherapy in such patients remains controversial. This offering examines the effect
Timescale of Evolution of Late Radiation Injury after Postoperative Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer Patients Presenter: Silvia Johansson Affiliation: Umea University Hospital, Sweden Summary:Most of the modern randomized trials in breast cancer document toxicity associated with treatment, but none document these toxicities over the scale of decades. These data are important because many women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a relatively young age,
Second Malignancies after Treatment of Early Stage Breast Cancer with Lumpectomy and Radiation or Mastectomy without Radiation Presenter: E. Obedian Affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine Summary:Multiple studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of breast conserving therapy (BCT) for early stage breast cancer. Despite decades of experience, however, there are limited data regarding the safety of this treatment, specificially the risk of second
Local-Regional Control in in Breast Cancer Patients with a Presumed Genetic Predisposition Presenter: LM Freedman Affiliation: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Summary:Breast cancers associated with a genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA-1 & BRCA-2 mutations) may behave more aggressively than sporadically occurring tumors. In particular, they tend to present at higher grades, lack hormone receptors, and have mutations
Complications and Patient Satisfaction Following Breast Implant Reconstruction with and without Radiotherapy Presenter: Edith Krueger Affiliation: University of Michigan and William Beaumont Hospital Background:Women undergoing breast implant reconstruction after mastectomy may also require radiation therapy, but data regarding complications and patient satisfaction are limited. The Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study (MBROS) was designed to
Small French Study Shows Longer Time to Relapse for High-Dose Chemotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Begun in 1992, this study of 61 women with metastatic breast cancer responsive to chemotherapy, who were randomized to receive either high-dose chemotherapy supported by stem cell transplant, or standard doses of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen used in the high-dose arm was cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone and Melphalan (CMA), while
Margin Width the Key to Control of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast Atlanta, May 15, 1999 -- Patients with one of the most common and curable forms of breast cancer may be undergoing radiation therapy unnecessarily, according to study findings revealed at the 1999 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting by Melvin J. Silverstein, MD, medical directory of the Harold E. and Henrietta C. Lee Breast
Study of High-Dose Chemotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Finds No Survival Benefit Analysis of data as of March 31, 1999, from the largest randomized trial of high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant in the treatment of responding metastatic breast cancer has shown no significant difference in overall survival or lethal toxicity when compared to conventional dose maintenance chemotherapy. The study was led by Edward
Preliminary Results of High-Dose Chemotherapy in Primary Breast Cancer Show Equivalency to Intermediate-Dose Treatment; 3 Years of Additional Follow-up Required 783 women with primary breast cancer that has spread to 10 or more lymph nodes under the arm were randomized to receive either high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, cisplatin and BCNU) with bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell support, or intermediate-dose chemotherapy using the same drugs at doses that could be safely administered
Scandinavian Study Finds No Overall Survival Benefit to High-Dose Chemotherapy in Primary Breast Cancer A randomized Scandinavian study of 525 women with high-risk breast cancer, conducted over a four year period betwen 1994-1998 at a constant inclusion rate, indicates that there is no overall benefit to high-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow stem cell support versus those who received "tailored" chemotherapy doses tailored according to blood
South African Study Finds Survival Benefit to High-Dose Chemotherapy in Primary Breast Cancer UPDATE: The data from this study have since been called into question. For more information concerning this, please consult: OncoLink NCI/PDQ: Misconduct Suspected in South African Breast Cancer Study. A South African study of 154 women with high-risk breast cancer involving 10 or more lymph nodes shows increased survival rates and lower
Soy Remedy Not Effective for Hot Flashes with Breast Cancer Researchers have found that a soy phytoestrogen preparation was ineffective for diminishing hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. This is despite soy phytoestrogen being touted by some to be helpful for diminishing hot flashes. Charles Loprinzi, MD, and colleagues developed a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which breast
First Independent Assessment of Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Drugs Supports a Role for Tamoxifen Therapy Atlanta, GA -- The first independent assessment of tamoxifen and raloxifene, conducted by a special American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Working Group, confirms that, based on an examination of all available literature since 1990, tamoxifen may be offered to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer for some women, but that it is
Tamoxifen Also Effective in Stopping Abnormal Breast Cells from Becoming Cancerous Last year a major study of 13,000 women demonstrated that tamoxifen can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in some women. In October 1998, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for use in women at increase risk of developing the disease. Now, after further analysis of the data, researchers have
The Role of Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphy in Identifying Patterns of Internal Mammary Node Drainage in Breast Cancer Presenter: M. C. Smitt Affiliation: Stanford University, Stanford, CA Background: Postmastectomy radiation therapy has recently been shown in randomized studies to improve overall survival for patients with node-positive breast cancer. It remains controversial whether or not to treat internal mammary node (IMN). Both Danish and
Is Breast Cancer in the Elderly An Indolent Disease? Presenter: R. Singh Affiliation: The University of Chicago Hospital, Chicago, IL Background: Among elderly women with early-stage breast cancer, age has a strong influence on treatment patterns, and many elderly women are not offered the full range of options. This is partly due to a long-held perception that breast cancer in elderly women
Fatigue During Radiation Therapy of Patients with Breast Cancer Presenter: H. Geinitz Affiliation: Technical University Munich, Muenchen, Germany Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the course and the possible causes of fatigue during postoperative radiation therapy (RT) of patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: 41 patients with postoperative RT after breast
The Role of Radiotherpay and Tamoxifen in the Management of Node Negative Invasive Breast Cancer </= 1.0 cm Treated with Lumpectomy: Preliminary Results of NSABP Protocol B-21 Presenter: N. Wolmark Affiliation: NSABP Background: Although definitive radiation therapy after lumpectomy has been standard of care for breast conservation for breast cancer, there has been some debate if radiation therapy is needed for small tumors (< 1.0cm) when the patient is treated with Tamoxifen. This study was performed to
A single Dose of Pegylated Filgrastim (SD/01) is as effective as Daily Filgrastim for Hematologic Support of Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: Results of a Randomized,k Double-Blind, Phase 3 Trial Presenter: F.A. Holmes Affiliation: US Oncology, Houston, TX Background: Neutropenia is a frequent result of cytotoxic chemotherapy and increases patient risk for serious infection and treatment failure due to dose-reduction or delay. Pegylated Filgrastim (long acting, once per cycle) single dose SD/01 has been shown previously to
A Randomized, Double-blind, Phase III Study Evaluating Fixed Dose, Once-Per-Cycle Pegylated Filgrastim (SD/01) vs Daily Filgrastim to Support Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Presenter: M. Green Affiliation: Multicenter Trial Background: It has been shown prolonged neutropenia associated with chemotherapy administration can be significantly decreased by daily Filgrastim. Pegylated Filgrastim is a sustained duration form administered once per chemotherapy cycle. This study was performed to compare the
Providing Audiotapes of Primary Adjuvant Treatment Consultations to Women with Breast Cancer: a Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial Presenter: T. Hack Affiliation: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver; BC, Canada; Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada; Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada Background: Patient education is an important part of a patient therapeutic plan. Empirical evidence supports the use of
Non-Adherence with Adjuvant Tamoxifen Therapy in Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer Presenter: A. H. Partridge, P. S. Wang, E. P. Winer, J. L. Avorn Affiliation: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA Background: Tamoxifen has been shown to help prevent breast cancer recurrence and death in women with early breast cancer. Yet, non-compliance for a number of reasons appears to be an
The Quality of Non-Cancer Care Delivered to Elderly Breast Cancer Survivors Presenter: C.C. Earle, H. f Burstein, F. P. Winer, J. C. Weeks Affiliation: Dana-Farber Cancer institute, Boston, MA Background: There are currently more than 2 million breast cancer survivors in the US; as screening and treatment improve we expect that this number will increase. Elderly survivors of breast cancer, like their non-breast cancer
International Symposium Takes a Global Look at Treatment for Advanced Breast Cancer What's the single biggest risk factor for dying of breast cancer, both in the U.S. and worldwide? Poverty, according to a series of presentations given by international researchers at ASCO this morning. Oncologists from the United States, Brazil, India, Australia, South Africa, and Germany came together to take their audience on a
Clinical Significance Of Axillary Micrometastases In Breast Cancer: How Small Is Too Small? Presenter: Nora M Hansen Affiliation: John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA Background: Lymph node metastases are the most significant prognostic indicator for patients with breast cancer. a. 15-20% LN ? pts die within 5 yrs b. 20-30% LN ? pts recurs > 10 yrs Historically hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
Preliminary Results Of A Randomized Study Of Tamoxifen +/- Breast Radiation In T1/2 N0 Disease In Women Over 50 Years Of Age Presenter: Anthony Fyles Affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada Background: Breast radiation (RT) shows definitive reduction in local relapses, however, with moderal toxicity and without a survival benefit. In Tamoxifen (TAM) treated pts, majority have no relpase without RT. With RT, TAM further decreased rate of
Comparison Of Lumpectomy Plus Tamoxifen With And Without Radiotherapy (RT) In Women 70 Years Of Age Or Older Who Have Clinical Stage I, Estrogen Receptor Positive (ER+) Breast Carcinoma Presenter: Kevin S. Hughes Affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital Background: No survival impact of RT from previous studies. Tumor in this group of pts grow slowly, therefore, less time at risk. This study is designed to assess, in this population, whether RT, when added to tamoxifen: 1) decreases locoregional recurrence, 2)
Overall Survival After Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, 5-FU, And Tamoxifen (CAFT) Is Superior To T Alone In Postmenopausal, Receptor (+), Node (+) Breast Cancer: New Findings From Phase III Southwest Oncology Group Intergroup Trial S8814 (INT-0100) Presenter: Kathy Albain Affiliation: Loyola Univ. Med. Center, Maywood, IL Background: The treatment of older women with breast cancer presents many unique treatment issues. One such issue is the use of anthracyclines to treat older patients who are receptor positive and node positive. The objectives of INT-0100 were to determine 1) if
Effect Of Raloxifene After Tamoxifen On Breast And Endometrial Cancer Growth Presenter: Ruth M. O'Regan Affiliation: Northwestern University, Chicago, IL Background: After the completion of 5 years of tamoxifen therapy, breast cancer patients are still at risk for osteoporosis and breast cancer recurrence. Raloxifene (RAL) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, approved for the prevention of osteoporosis in
Incidence And Prognostic Impact Of Amenorrhea During Adjuvant Therapy In High Risk Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients: Analysis Of A National Cancer Institute Of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) Phase III Study Presenter: W. Parulekar Affiliation: Kingston, ON, Canada Background: One of the consequences of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer is drug-induced amenorrhea. The incidence and prognostic impact of drug induced amenorrhea (DIA) during adjuvant therapy with anthracycline containing regimens compared to standard CMF chemotherapy is poorly
Preventing Chemotherapy-associated Amenorrhea (CRA) With Leuprolide In Young Women With Early-stage Breast Cancer Presenter: Kevin R. Fox Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA Background: Premature amenorrhea is often associated with adjuvant chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. The rate of amenorrhea varies to 10 to 100% in studies depending on the age of patients and the type of chemotherapy used. Whether or
Perspectives in Breast Cancer Date: November 10, 2001 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Symposium Web Page: www.lindacreed.org, www.joanborysenko.comand www.drsavard.com Sponsors: Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation and the Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Objectives: To discover and integrate alternative
24th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Date: December 10-13, 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA Symposium Web Page: www.sabcs.org Sponsors: Cancer Therapy & Research Center, and UTHSCSA Who Should Attend: Academic and private physicians and researchers involved in breast cancer in medical, surgical, gynecologic, and radiation oncology, as well as other
Focus on Breast Cancer Date: February 9, 2002 Location: The Wellness Community fo Philadelphia, Ridgeland mansion, Chamounix drive, West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Symposium Web Page: www.twcp.org Sponsors: The Wellness Community of Philadelphia Who Should Attend: Women with breast cancer and their support people Objective:
Third Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons Date: April 24 -28, 2002 Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA Symposium Web Page: www.breastsurgeons.org Sponsors: The American Society of Breast Surgeons
World Conference on Breast Cancer Date: June 4-8, 2002 Location: Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada Sponsors: WCBC Web Site: www.brcancerconf.kos.net Who Should Attend: Survivors, health care professionals, scientists, physicians, advocates, environmental professionals, educators, journalists, government representatives Objectives: Educate
3rd International BCIRG Conference Breast Cancer: Current Evidence and Translational Research Opportunities for Improving Patient Outcomes Date: January 18-20, 2002 Location: Anaheim, California, USA Symposium Web Page: www.larad.org/meetings/index.htm Sponsors: Southern California Radiation Oncology Society Who should attend: Radiation Oncologists, Physicists, Radiation Therapists, Oncology Specialists, and Physicians with an interest in cancer treatment
The Era of Hope Meeting for the Department of Defense (DOD) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Date: September 25-28, 2002 Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA Symposium Web Page: http://cdmrp.army.mil/bcrp/ Sponsors: US Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program Objectives: To gain greater insight into breast cancer through the scientific exchange between
Changing Concepts in Breast Cancer 2002 Conference Dates: Friday, September 13, 2002 Conference Location: The Rittenhouse Hotel , 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center Conference Brochure: View the full conference brochure as a PDF. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free online. Topics
Beyond Tomorrow: New Horizons in Targeted Breast Cancer Therapies Town Meeting Conference Dates: September 19, 2002 Conference Location: People can attend in Houston in person, over the phone or on the Internet Sponsoring Group: This program is produced by the HealthTalk? Breast Cancer Education Network in partnership with The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in association with the University of
8th Annual Perspectives in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: October 17 - 18, 2002 Conference Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Sponsoring Group: Imedex, Inc. Conference Web Page URL: www.imedex.com/announcements/breast02.html Topics Covered: Breast Cancer Biology, Screening and Diagnosis, DCIS and Early Breast Cancer, DCIS and Early Breast Cancer, Systemic Therapies, New
Eleventh Annual Life After Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: October 21, 2002 Conference Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Topics Covered: Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Mammography: What's All the Fuss? The Use of Ductal Lavage for Detection and Risk Assessment Understanding Your
6th Annual Changing Concepts in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: September 11-12, 2003 Conference Location: Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: The University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center and The School of Medicine Conference Brochure: View the full conference brochure as a PDF. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free online. Topics Covered: This
9th Annual Conference: Perspectives in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: November 13-14, 2003 Conference Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco Sponsoring Group: Imedex, Inc. Conference Web Page URL: www.imedex.com/calendars/oncology.htm Who Should Attend: oncologists, radiation oncologists Registration Information: www.imedex.com, tel: 770-751-7332, fax:770-751-7334, h.drew@imedex.com
3rd European Conference: Perspectives in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: November 7-8, 2003 Conference Location: Nice, France Sponsoring Group: Imedex, Inc. Conference Web Page URL: www.imedex.com/calendars/oncology.htm Registration Information: www.imedex.com, tel: 770-751-7332, fax: 770-751-7334, h.drew@imedex.com Continuing Education: No
Sequencing of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Patients with Early Stage Breast Cancer: Updated Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial Presenter: Bellon, JR Presenter's Affiliation: Harvard Medical School Type of Session: Plenary Background This study was designed to evaluate the optimal sequencing of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in early stage breast cancer patients treated initially with lumpectomy The initial report with 5 yrs of follow-up showed for patients at
Preliminary Results of a Randomized Study of Tamoxifen Alone or Tamoxifen and Breast Radiation in Women over 50 Years of Age with T1/2 N0 Disease Presenter: A. Fyles Presenter's Affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital Type of Session: Scientific Background The standard of care for women with invasive breast cancer who were treated with lumpectomy is adjuvant radiation therapy and tamoxifen in patients with ER (+) tumors with no contraindications. This is a study investigating the
Results of Whole Brain Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases Presenter: A.S. Mahmoud-ahmed Presenter's Affiliation: Radiation Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH Type of Session: Scientific Background Brain metastasis is the most common neurologic complication experienced breast cancer patients. Whole brain irradiation is a known methods of palliation for these lesions. Some previous
Lymphatic Mapping And Sentinel Lymph Node Sampling In Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis Presenter: T. KimPresenter's Affiliation: Albany Medical CenterType of Session: ScientificBackground Sentinel lymph node sampling (SLNS) in breast cancer has become a common practice There is a lack of randomized clinical trials comparing SLNS to standard axillary lymph node dissection in the staging of breast cancer. This trial was designed to
Efficacy and Tolerability of Two Dosing Regimens of R115777 (Zarnestra), a Farnesyl Protein Transferase Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer Presenter: Stephen R. JohnstonPresenter's Affiliation: Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UKType of Session: ScientificBackground Farnesylation is a process that activates proteins involved in growth factor dependent signal transduction pathways. Farnesyl transferase inhibitors are a novel class of agents that specifically block this process.
The American Society of Breast Surgeons 5th Annual Meeting Conference Dates: March 31-April 4, 2004 Conference Location: The Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV Sponsoring Group: Conference Web Page URL: www.breastsurgeons.org Topics Covered: State-of-the-art treatment and diagnosis of breast diseases. Who Should Attend: surgeons with a special interest in breast disease Registration Information:
Path to Wellness: Coping with Nutrition, Weight and Fitness Issues Related to Breast and Gynecoloical Cancers Conference Dates: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 Conference Location: PENN Medicine at Radnor, 250 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center Topics Covered: Women who have had treatment for breast and gynecologic cancers often find themselves coping with health issues such as weight gain and changes in strength
Breast Cancer Genetics: What You and Your Family Need to Know Conference Dates: April 24, 2004, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Conference Location: Philadelphia Marriott West, West Conshohocken, PA Sponsoring Group: Living Beyond Breast Cancer Conference Web Page URL: www.lbbc.org Topics Covered: Two cancer genetics experts from the University of Pennsylvania will address questions and concerns about breast
The 4th European Conference: Perspectives in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: September 23-25, 2004 Conference Location: Madrid, Spain Sponsoring Group: Imedex, Inc. Conference Web Page URL: www.imedex.com/calendars/oncology.htm Registration Information: Online at www.imedex.com; Tel: +1 770 751 7332; Fax: +1 770 751 7334; Email: meetings@imedex.com Continuing Education: Yes
Life After Breast Cancer Conference Date: September 11, 2004 Location: Adam's Mark Hotel, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center Who Should Attend: Breast cancer survivors and their loved ones Conference Objectives: Patient Education Conference Fees: $20 Continuing Education: No Required Name: Street
The 10th Annual Perspectives in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: October 15-16, 2004 Conference Location: Boston, MA Sponsoring Group: Imedex, Inc. Conference Web Page URL: www.imedex.com/calendars/oncology.htm Registration Information: Online at www.imedex.com; Tel: +1 770 751 7332; Fax: +1 770 751 7334; Email: meetings@imedex.com Continuing Education: Yes
Keystone Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: October 6, 2004 Conference Location: Harrisburg Hilton Sponsoring Group: PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference Web Page URL: http://www.pabreastcancer.org/kbcc.html Topics Covered: "Grand Rounds for Medical Professionals: Breast Conservation Treatment for Early Stage Breast Cancer and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)" "The
Axillary Lymph Node Dose With Modern Tangential Breast Radiation Presenter: Daniel ReedPresenter's Affiliation: Dept of Radiation Oncology, Univ of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WAType of Session: ScientificBackground The computerized tomography (CT) scan has become a valuable tool in defining the location of internal mammary nodes, in the development of dose?volume histograms relating to the radiation
Randomized Study Comparing Adjuvant Radiotherapy (RT) with Concomitant Chemotherapy (CT) Versus Sequential Treatment After Conservative Surgery for Patients with Stages I and II Breast Carcinoma Presenter: Gilles. CalaisPresenter's Affiliation: Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, CHU, Tours, FranceType of Session: ScientificBackground Both whole breast irradiation and chemotherapy are often indicated after conservative surgery for early stage breast cancer. However, the sequencing of CT and RT after conservative surgery in this group is
The Value of Adding Radiation to Tamoxifen in Post-Menopausal Women with Stage I Breast Cancer: A Decision Analysis Presenter: R.S. PungliaPresenter's Affiliation: Joint Center for RadiationTherapyType of Session: ScientificBackground Large randomized trials have proven that radiation therapy (RT) decreases local recurrence in post-lumpectomy patients with breast cancer. However, the effect on the development of distant metastases and overall survival is less
Patterns of Recurrence by Sequence of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Early Stage Breast Cancer Presenter: Lori Pierce, M.D.Presenter's Affiliation: University of MichiganType of Session: ScientificBackground The impact of sequencing of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) for breast conservation therapy (BCT) is unclear. A previous large randomized trial of the sequencing of chemotherapy and RT following surgery showed no difference in
Targeted Therapies for the Treatment of Breast Cancer Conference Dates: July 6-9, 2005 Conference Location: Dana Point, California Sponsoring Group: The CBCE (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) Conference Web Page URL: www.thecbce.com/currentactivities.asp Topics Covered: Statement of Need: Rationally designed target-based therapies beyond those targeting the estrogen
5th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer Conference Dates: February 19-20, 2005 Conference Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia Sponsoring Group: Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the Young Survival Coalition Conference Web Page URL: www.youngsurvivorsconference.org Topics Covered: This program is the only international educational conference focused on the critical
The American Society of Breast Surgeons Sixth Annual Meeting Conference Dates: March 16-20, 2005 Conference Location: The Westin Century Plaza & Spa in Los Angeles, CA Sponsoring Group: The American Society of Breast Surgeons Conference Web Page URL: www.breastsurgeons.org Topics Covered: Clinical trials, mammographic skills, basic and advanced breast ultrasound, oncoplastic surgery, new
Breast Cancer: When Taking Care Means Taking Charge Conference Dates: March 5, 2005 Conference Location: San Francisco Sponsoring Group: Northern California Cancer Center Conference Web Page URL: www.nccc.org Topics Covered: treatment, research, side effect management, disability and insurance benefits, pain management, reconstructive surgery, intimacy and sexuality, quality of life
Fifth Annual New Strategies in Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: April 8-10, 2005 Conference Location: Philadelphia, PASponsoring Group: The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education)Conference Web Page URL: www.thecbce.com/futureprograms.aspTopics Covered: Optimizing Imaging Techniques in High-Risk Patients; Targeted Adjuvant Therapy: Where Do We Go From Here?; Genetic Susceptibility and
7th Annual Changing Concepts in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: Friday, April 8, 2005 Conference Location: The Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Office of CME Conference Brochure: Changing Concepts in Breast Cancer Topics
4th World Conference on Breast Cancer Conference Dates: June 8-12, 2005 Conference Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Sponsoring Group: The World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation Conference Web Page URL: www.wbco.ca Who Should Attend: Survivors, family members, research scientists, clinicians Conference Agenda: Each day of the conference will expand on three key themes
Fourteenth Annual Life After Breast Cancer Patient Conference Conference Dates: September 16, 2005 Conference Location: Hilton, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Conference Objectives: Patient Education Who Should Attend: Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Loved Ones Conference Brochure: Life After Breast Cancer PDF Conference
Adding Carboplatin to Trastuzumab/Paclitaxel in Her2+ Breast Cancer: An Update Presenter: Nicholas Robert, MD Affiliation: US Oncology Research Network The HER family of oncogenes are prevalent in breast cancers. This has allowed for the development of trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody against the HER2 oncoprotein. Alone or with other agents, trastuzumab has improved survival of many patients with breast cancer that
Cox-2 Hormonal Approaches for the Treatment and Prevention of Breast Cancer Faculty Disclosure: Paul E. Goss, MD, PhD In this presentation by Dr. Goss there is discussion of celecoxib for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer which is not approved by the FDA. Presenter: Paul E. Goss, MD, PhD Affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital The advent of hormonal and chemotherapeutic agents has been a significant
Vaccines for Breast Cancer: Real Challenge or Reality? Faculty Disclosure: Nuhad K. Ibrahim, MD This presentation by Dr. Ibrahim discusses the use of the STn vaccine for the treatment of breast cancer which has not been approved by the FDA. Presenter: Nuhad K. Ibrahim, MD Affiliation: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Vaccine mediated cancer therapies are theoretically attractive for many reasons:
Clinical Updates and New Approaches: Ovarian Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, and Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer Program Description and Objectives As our understanding of the underlying molecular abnormalities and pathogenesis of various cancers continues to grow, while simultaneously new chemotherapeutic agents and new biological "targeted agents" continue to proliferate, the ability of the clinical oncologist (i.e., those not focused on research) to
Breast Cancer Patients Attitudes Towards Clinical Trials in the Radiation Oncology Clinic Versus Those Searching for Trial Information on the Internet Breast Cancer Patients Attitudes Towards Clinical Trials in the Radiation Oncology Clinic Versus Those Searching for Trial Information on the Internet Presenter: Christopher Dolinsky, MD
Prognostic Significance of Reexcision on Local Recurrence for Mammographically-Detected Ductal Carcinoma in situ Managed with Breast Conservation Treatment Prognostic Significance of Reexcision on Local Recurrence for Mammographically-Detected Ductal Carcinoma in situ Managed with Breast Conservation Treatment Presenter: Neha Vapiwala, MD
The American Society of Breast Surgeons 7th Annual Meeting Conference Dates: April 5-9, 2006 Conference Location: Baltimore, Maryland Sponsoring Group: The American Society of Breast Surgeons Conference Web Page URL: www.breastsurgeons.org Topics Covered: Pre–Meeting Courses: Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Advanced Technology in Image-guided Diagnosis and Treatment of the Breast for
Sixth Annual New Strategies in Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: April 28-29, 2006 Conference Location: Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: The CBCE Conference Web Page URL: www.thecbce.com Topics Covered: After attending this activity, participants should be able to: Evaluate the results of recent studies on molecular profiling of breast cancer, and consider how the use of such
15th Annual Life After Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: Friday, September 15, 2006, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Conference Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Topics Covered: This day-long conference is an opportunity for women with breast cancer and their loved ones to come together to obtain
Yoga Unites for Living Beyond Breast Cancer Conference Dates: Sunday, May 21, 2006, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Conference Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art, East Entrance Steps Sponsoring Group: Living Beyond Breast Cancer Conference Web Page URL: www.lbbc.org Conference Objectives: An outdoor yoga class and Healthy Living Expo to benefit women affected by breast cancer Who Should Attend:
Post-ASCO Update on Breast Cancer Conference Dates: Thursday, June 15, 2006 Conference Location: Independence Visitor's Center, 6th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Who Should Attend: Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, hematology/oncology fellows, oncology nurses, and other
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI): An Analysis of Variables Associated with Late Toxicity after HDR Interstitial Brachytherapy Presenter: S. KaufmanPresenter's Affiliation: Radiation Oncology, Tufts/ Brown Universities, Boston, MA, Radiation Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VAType of Session: ScientificBackground There is currently limited data regarding late tissue toxicity and long-term cosmetic results with APBI. This study offers a
Radiation is an Important Component of Therapy for Patients with Stage III Breast Cancer Who Achieve a Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Presenter: SE McGuirePresenter's Affiliation: Radiation Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXType of Session: ScientificBackground Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard for locally advanced breast cancer and for large operable breast cancer. A pathological complete response rate of 15-20% after neoadjuvant
Concurrent Trastuzumab and Radiation Therapy (RT) in the Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer Presenter: J. R. BellonPresenter's Affiliation: Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteType of Session: ScientificBackground Her-2-Neu is overexpressed in approximately 25% of breast cancer patients and confers a worse prognosis. Adjuvant trastuzumab improves outcome in node-positive breast cancer patients with Her-2-Neu positivity and high risk node-negative
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS) in Association with Invasive Breast Cancer: Does LCIS Predict for Local Recurrence? Presenter: S. JollyPresenter's Affiliation: Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, Pathology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MIType of Session: ScientificBackground More than 5% of malignant breast cancers have a component of LCIS. The association of LCIS with invasive breast cancer for patients
ASTRO Patient Summary: Radiation is an Important Component of Therapy for Patients with Stage III Breast Cancer Who Achieve a Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Radiation is an Important Component of Therapy for Patients with Stage III Breast Cancer Who Achieve a Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Patients who present with locally advanced breast cancer (spread to local lymph nodes or local tissue) or large operable tumors are usually treated with chemotherapy prior to surgical
ASTRO Patient Summary: Concurrent Trastuzumab and Radiation Therapy (RT) in the Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer Concurrent Trastuzumab and Radiation Therapy (RT) in the Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients with Her2/neu positive breast cancer are considered to have higher risk disease, but have an additional therapy option in trastuzumab (Herceptin). Doctors would like to administer trastuzumab during the same time period as the radiation therapy,
ASTRO 2005 Breast Cancer Highlights OncoLink selected breast cancer topics from the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology And Oncology October 16-20, 2005, held in Denver, Colorado. Lumpectomy Plus Tamoxifen or Arimidex With or Without Whole Breast Irradiation in Women with Favorable Early Breast Cancer Location and Control of Local Disease Predict
Ixabepilone in Breast Cancer Presenter: Sandra M. Swain, MDPresenter's Affiliation: National Cancer InstituteType of Session: ScientificBackground Microtubules are formed from a protein called tubulin. Microtubules form the skeleton of cells, and have to be broken down for a cell to divide. Certain chemotherapy drugs are actually microtubule-stabilizing
Role of Ras Inhibitors in the Management of Breast Cancer Presenter: Joseph A. Sparano, MDPresenter's Affiliation: Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, New YorkType of Session: ScientificBackground G proteins are a superfamily of >100 proteins which are widely distributed in mammalian cells. They regulate a variety of cellular functions, and are classified into 5 families. The names
Trastuzumab Adjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer: Bringing the Promise of Clinical Results to Patients Presented by: Tamsin Mulrooney, PhD(c), MS, ARNP, OCN, Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Tammy presented the data, recently discussed at ASCO 2005 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, that many clinicians called stunning and predicted will transform the way many women with breast cancer are
Hormonal Therapies in Breast Cancer Maureen Major , MS , RN from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center started the morning by updating the group on the latest studies in hormonal therapies for the treatment of early stage breast cancer. There are approximately 215,900 cases of breast cancer annually, with 40,110 deaths. Although lung cancer now accounts for more deaths in women,
1st International Betty Ford Breast Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Symposium Conference Dates: April 05, 2007 - April 07, 2007 Conference Location: Vail, Colorado Sponsoring Group: Postgraduate Institute for Medicine, Medical Education Strategies & Communications, Shaw Regional Cancer Center Conference Web Page URL: www.mesc-edu.com/BreastCancer Topics Covered: Some topics include information on drug treatment
Seventh Annual New Strategies in Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: April 13-14, 2007 Conference Location: The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education Conference Web Page URL: www.thecbce.com Conference Objectives: Please see website for further details Who Should Attend: This activity is intended for medical oncologists,
2007 Update on Breast Cancer: Presented by the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania: Coverage of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting Conference Dates: Thursday, June 21, 2007 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Conference Location: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Lower Egyptian Gallery) Sponsoring Group: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Conference Brochure: View the conference brochure Conference Objectives: Identify chemotherapy
Second Annual Biological Basis of Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: June 30 - July 1, 2007 Conference Location: The Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Santa Monica, CA Sponsoring Group: The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education (CBCE) Conference Web Page URL: www.thecbce.com Who Should Attend: This activity is intended for medical oncologists, advanced practitioners, pharmacists, physician
16th Annual Life After Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: Friday, October 12, 2007 Conference Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Line Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Conference Website: 16th Annual Life After Breast Cancer Conference Topics Covered: Save the Date flier Who Should Attend: The Sixteenth
Great Debates in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: October 26-27 Conference Location: New York, New York USA Sponsoring Group: Imedex Conference Web Page URL: www.imedex.com Who Should Attend: oncologists, other physicians, physicians-in-training, and healthcare professionals (nurses and pharmacists) Registration Information: Please register at www.imedex.com or call
Current Role of Hormonal Therapies for Breast Cancer Conference Dates: Wed. October 17, 2007, 7-8pm(CT) Conference Location: Teleconference Sponsoring Group: Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization Conference Web Page URL: www.y-me.org/sharering Conference Objectives: Discuss role of hormonal therapies, risks and benefits, and new developments Who Should Attend: People wth breast cancer
Conference for Women Living With Advanced Breast Cancer: Enhancing Your Health and Quality of Life Conference Dates: Saturday, July 14, 2007 Conference Location: Philadelphia Marriott West, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania Sponsoring Group: Living Beyond Breast Cancer Conference Web Page URL: www.lbbc.org/news-detail.asp?news_id=1387 Topics Covered: Medical Treatments and Research Developments; Understanding Symptom and Side-Effect
Phase III Randomized Study of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy vs. Standard Wedging Adjuvant Breast Radiotherapy Presenter: Jean-Philippe Pignol, M.D.Presenter's Affiliation: Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto , Ontario , CanadaType of Session: PlenaryBackground The current standard adjuvant treatment of localized breast cancer is whole breast radiotherapy Prior to using modern 3-D planning techniques, opposed tangent
The 2006 Worldwide Overview of the Effects of Local Treatments for Early Breast Cancer On Long-term Outcome? "Meta-analysis of the Randomized Trials of Radiotherapy After Mastectomy With Axillary Clearance" Presenter: Paul McGale, PhDPresenter's Affiliation: Clinical Trial Service Unit, United KingdomType of Session: PlenaryBackground Randomized trials have shown that post-mastectomy radiation therapy ( PMRT ) confers both a local control and survival benefit in certain patient populations. It is generally accepted that patients with 4 or
Long-Term Results of a Randomized Trial of Tamoxifen With or Without Radiation in Women Over 50 Years of Age With T1/2 N0 Breast Cancer Presenter: A. FylesPresenter's Affiliation: Princess Margaret HospitalType of Session: ScientificBackground Multiple studies have attempted to define a population of women with early stage breast cancer in whom the inclusion of radiation as a part of breast conservation treatment is not necessary This report represents long-term results
The 2006 Worldwide Overview of the Effects of Local Treatments for Early Breast Cancer On Long-term Outcome? "Meta-analysis of the Randomized Trials of Radiotherapy After Mastectomy With Axillary Clearance" The 2006 Worldwide Overview of the Effects of Local Treatments for Early Breast Cancer On Long-term Outcome? "Meta-analysis of the Randomized Trials of Radiotherapy After Mastectomy With Axillary Clearance" It is well understood that radiation therapy after mastectomy ( PMRT ) improves survival and decreases recurrence rates in women
The Breast Cancer Epigenome Presenter: M. Esteller Affiliation: Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain Background Epigenetics is the study of information related to DNA that does not depend on the DNA sequence itself. Examples include methylation of DNA itself, modification of histones, and micro-RNA expression. In general, the progression of normal
Combined Clinical Trial Results Of A HER2/Neu (E75) Vaccine For Prevention Of Recurrence In High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients Presenter: G. E. Peoples Affiliation: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC Background Immunotherapy to treat cancer has been a popular idea for decades. Interferon therapy is FDA-approved and has been used in a variety of settings, such as in renal cell cancer. Cancer vaccines can potentially harness specific immune responses,
A Sharp Decrease In Breast Cancer Incidence In The United States In 2003 Presenter: P. M. Ravdin Affiliation: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX Background The incidence of breast cancer over time may reflect a differences in etiologic factors and screening practices. For example, after the wide-spread institution of mammography, there was bump in the incidence of breast cancer The incidence of
Lumpectomy plus tamoxifen with or without irradiation in women 70 years of age or older with early breast cancer: a report of further follow-up Presenter: K.S. Hughes Affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA Background After lumpectomy for early breast cancer, adjuvant breast irradiation reduces local recurrence by about two-thirds. The EBCTCG overview has shown a survival benefit from adjuvant radiation, noting that for every 4 local recurrences that are
OncoLink Professor On-Call: Lawrence Solin, MD provides exclusive expert review and insights from the recent San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposia for OncoLink The 29th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium was held from Thursday, December 14 through Sunday, December 17, 2006. A wide range of topics was discussed. This symposium is widely considered to be one of the major breast cancer conferences in the world. As such, much of the scientific information presented at this symposium is quickly
Phase III Trial of Ixabepilone plus Capecitabine Compared to Capecitabine Alone in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Previously Treated or Resistant to an Anthracycline and Resistant to Taxanes. Presenter: L.T. VahdatPresenter's Affiliation: Weill Cornell Medical CollegeType of Session: ScientificBackground Currently, the standard of care for the systemic treatment of breast cancer involves treatment with anthracyclines and taxanes. The use of the anthracyclines and taxanes is increasing and more patients are developing resistance to
School of Breast Oncology (SOBO) Conference Dates: November 6-9 2008 Conference Location: Atlanta, GA Sponsoring Group: Physicians' Education Resource Conference Web Page URL: http://www.cancerconferences.com/sobo/live_meeting/index.php Topics Covered: Over the past decade, an increasing number of oncologists have concentrated their practices on breast cancer, a trend that
The American Society of Breast Surgeons 9th Annual Meeting Conference Dates: April 30 - May 4, 2008 Conference Location: New York Marriott Marquis Sponsoring Group: The American Society of Breast Surgeons Conference Web Page URL: www.breastsurgeons.org Topics Covered: Radiotherapy Systemic Therapy SLN Biopsy Image Guided Breast Procedures Breast Pathology Who Should
Eighth Annual New Strategies in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: April 4-5, 2008 Conference Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sponsoring Group: CBCE™ (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) Conference Web Page URL: www.thecbce.com Topics Covered: Please visit www.thecbce.com for the topics covered during this program, or send an e-mail to info@theCBCE.com. Conference
Highlights: Highlights from the 30th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Conference Dates: January 19, 2008 Conference Location: New York, New York Conference Dates: January 26, 2008 Conference Location: Santa Monica Sponsoring Group: The American School of Oncology Conference Web Page URL: http://www.asoncology.com/Appweb/AsOncologyRegistration/frmPmMeetingWebList.asp Topics Covered: Breast Highlights:
14th Annual Perspectives in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: September 26-27, 2008 Conference Location: New York, New York Sponsoring Group: Imedex Conference Web Page URL: http://www.imedex.com/appweb/announcements/a042-01.asp Topics Covered: Surgery/Radiotherapy, Translational Research, Early and locally advanced disease, Advanced/metastatic disease, Adjuvant therapy Conference
Controversies in Breast Cancer: Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy 2008 Conference Dates: October 3-5, 2008 Conference Location: New York, NY Sponsoring Group: Physicians' Education Resource Conference Web Page URL: http://www.cancerconferences.com/breast_cancer/adjuvant_1008_1102027/index.php Topics Covered: The Controversies in Breast Cancer: Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy 2008 3-day congress is dedicated to
Seventh International Congress on the Future of Breast Cancer Conference Dates: July 23-26, 2008 Conference Location: Koloa, HI Sponsoring Group: Physicians' Education Resource Conference Web Page URL: http://www.cancerconferences.com/breast_cancer/7th_bcc/index.php Topics Covered: The Seventh International Congress on the Future of Breast Cancer is an international educational and scientific meeting
The Impact of Boost Dose and Margins on the Local Recurrence Rate in Breast Conserving Therapy: Results From the EORTC Boost-No Boost Trial Presenter: H. JonesPresenter's Affiliation: Holzer Cancer Center for Cancer Care, Gallipolis, OHType of Session: PlenaryBackground Breast conserving therapy (BCT), which consists of lumpectomy followed by adjuvant radiation treatment (RT), is currently a standard option for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Although
Image Guidance for External Beam Partial Breast Irradiation Presenter: S.H. Wahab, MDPresenter's Affiliation: Washington UniversityType of Session: ScientificBackground Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) is currently being investigated in several studies, and at present, the ideal system to use for proper setup is still not established. PBI is more susceptible to random setup errors compared with
Breast Cancer After Supradiaphragmatic Irradiation for Hodgkin's Disease; Risk Analysis and Possible Surveillance Strategies Presenter: M. A. Alm El-Dina, MDPresenter's Affiliation: Massachusetts General HospitalType of Session: ScientificBackground Radiation therapy imparts an antitumor effect through the formation of free radiations. Radiation can also have effects on normal tissues. It can also induce cancer in long-term cancer survivors,
Chest Wall Radiation Alone for Breast Cancer Patients With 1-3 Positive Lymph Nodes Treated by Mastectomy Presenter: Shannon M. MacDonald, MDPresenter's Affiliation: Massachusetts General HospitalType of Session: ScientificBackground Numerous studies have demonstrated that the administration of adjuvant comprehensive postmastectomy radiation, which includes radiation to the chest wall and supraclavicular region, reduces locoregional recurrences
Prospective Trial of Individual Optimal Positioning (Prone Versus Supine) for Whole Breast Radiotherapy: Results of the First 168 Patients Presenter: Silvia C. Formenti, MDPresenter's Affiliation: New York University Medical CenterType of Session: ScientificBackground External beam radiation therapy as part of breast conservation therapy for early stage breast cancer has traditionally used tangential fields to treat the whole breast of patients in the supine position. Newer
Impact of Postoperative Radiation Therapy on Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Presenter: L.C. KeilerPresenter's Affiliation: University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, OHType of Session: ScientificBackground Despite improvements in early-detection of breast cancer, many patients still present with disease requiring surgical intervention with mastectomy. Post-mastectomy radiation treatment (PMRT) is recommended
Recurrence and Survival in the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) MammoSite RTS Registry Trial Presenter: P.D. BeitschPresenter's Affiliation: American Society of Breast Surgeons, Dallas, TXType of Session: ScientificBackground Large trials examining outcomes for early-stage breast cancer patients have demonstrated that lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy is equivalent to mastectomy. Local recurrence rates remain higher
Initial Efficacy Results of RTOG 0319: Three Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) Confined to the Region of the Lumpectomy Cavity for Stage I/II Breast Carcinoma Presenter: F.A. ViciniPresenter's Affiliation: William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MIType of Session: ScientificBackground Breast conservation treatment, consisting of lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy, has been demonstrated in large trials to be equivalent to mastectomy for treatment of early-stage breast cancer (Fisher B, NEJM, 2002).
Results of the Phase III ENRICH (RT-016) Study of Efaproxiral Administered Concurrently with Whole Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT) in Women with Brain Metastases from Breast Cancer Presenter: J. H. SuhPresenter's Affiliation: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OHType of Session: ScientificBackground Brain metastasis is a common and deadly complication of many cancers, including lung, breast, renal cell, melanoma, and others. 170,000 individuals are diagnosed with new brain metastases annually in the United States.
Acupuncture for the Treatment of Vasomotor Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Hormone Suppression Treatment Presenter: E. M. Walker, MDPresenter's Affiliation: Henry Ford Health System Department of Radiation Oncology, Detroit, MIType of Session: ScientificBackground Anti-estrogen hormonal therapy given as treatment for breast cancer can induce early menopause, and often causes patients to experience debilitating vasomotor symptoms, mainly hot
9th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer Conference Dates: February 27-March 1, 2009 Conference Location: Hilton Anatole, Dallas, TX Sponsoring Group: Living Beyond Breast Cancer & Young Survival Coalition Conference Web Page URL: www.youngsurvivorsconference.org Topics Covered: Understand how various treatments can impact fertility — and what options can help you maintain
Ninth Annual New Strategies in Breast Cancer Conference Conference Dates: April 3-4, 2009 Conference Location: Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: The CBCE (The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education) Conference Web Page URL: http://www.thecbce.com/nsbc2009 Topics Covered: In this 2-day intensive review, clinical experts will discuss recent progress in the detection, prevention, diagnosis,
Great Debates and Updates in Breast Cancer Conference Dates: June 19-20, 2009 Conference Location: San Francisco, CA Sponsoring Group: Imedex, LLC Conference Web Page URL: www.imedex.com/appweb/announcements/A048-01.asp Topics Covered: Chemoprevention of breast cancer Selecting techniques for breast cancer surgery Confusion and controversies in radiation therapy
2009 Update on Breast Cancer: Coverage of the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Annual Meeting Conference Dates: Thursday, June 11, 2009 Conference Location: The Hub Cira Center, 2929 Arch Street, Mezzanine Level, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine/ CME Conference Web Page URL: www.oncolink.org/conference/asco Topics Covered: Adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant hormonal therapy, surgery,
Breast Cancer Support for Lesbians and Bisexual Women and their Families Conference Dates: November 1, 2009 (8am-5:30pm) Conference Location: Gilda's Club, Warminster, PA Sponsoring Group: Gilda's Club Delaware Valley Conference Web Page URL: http://www.gildasclubdelval.org/events.htm Topics Covered: Breast cancer support networking Self-Advocacy Nutrition Survivorship Issues Intimacy and cancer and much more!
2010 School of Breast Oncology Conference Dates: 11/11/2010 - 11/14/2010 Conference Location: Emory University Conference Center Conference Web Page URL: http://www.cancerlearning.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/conference.showOverview/id/5/conference_id/558 Conference Objectives: This curriculum-based program focuses exclusively on breast cancer clinical management. The intensive
The Role of Multi-gene Predictors in Early Breast Cancer Conference Dates: May 1, 2010 Conference Location: WTTW-CH 11 Studios, Chicago, IL Sponsoring Group: ONECONSORTIUM Oncology Education Conference Web Page URL: http://www.oneconsortium.org/registration Conference Objectives: Evaluate the results of recent studies on molecular profiling of breast cancer and apply the knowledge
Ninth International Congress on the Future of Breast Cancer Conference Dates: July 22-25, 2010 Conference Location: United States Sponsoring Group: Physicians’ Education Resource Conference Web Page URL: http://www.cancerlearning.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/conference.showOverview/id/5/conference_id/520 Conference Objectives: An international educational and scientific meeting that focuses on the
Ninth Annual Controversies in Breast Cancer: Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy Conference Dates: October 8-10, 2010 Conference Location: Sheraton New York Hotel Towers Conference Web Page URL: www.cancerlearning.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/conference.showOverview/id/5/conference_id/530 Topics Covered: The Ninth Annual Controversies in Breast Cancer: Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy congress will address emerging data that
Expert Perspectives: Integrating New Data Into Best Practices for Breast Cancer Conference Dates: October 1, 2010 - October 1, 2010 Conference Location: 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745 Sponsoring Group: Physicians' Education Resource Conference Web Page URL: www.cancerlearning.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/conference.showOverview/id/5/conference_id/590 Topics Covered: Evaluate the utility of gene profiling
Outcomes following Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation in Patients with ASTRO Consensus Statement Cautionary Features Presenter: D.R. McHaffiePresenter's Affiliation: Presenter's Affiliation: Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WIType of Session: ScientificBackground Over the past several years, patients are increasingly being offered accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) as
Lumpectomy plus tamoxifen with or without irradiation in women age 70 or older with early breast cancer Presenter: K. S. Hughes, CALBG, ECOG, RTOG, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA Background The Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group Overview (Lancet, 2005), showed that radiation therapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) produced significant absolute improvements in 5-year LR (17-19% benefit) and 15-year breast
Breast Cancer Coordinated Care - BC3 Dates: July 19-21, 2012 Location: JW Marriott Washington, DC Sponsoring Group: Georgetown University Hospital Web Page URL: www.bc3conference.com Topics Covered: Breast Conservation Therapy Oncoplastic Surgery Surgical Challenges in the Management of Breast Cancer Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy Coordinating Reconstruction with Post-Mastectomy
Brain Metastases from Breast Cancer: Recursive Partitioning Analysis of Prognostic Factors Including Molecular Subtypes and Treatment Authors: R. Le Scodan, C. Massard, L. Jouanneau, F. Coussy, M. Gutierrez, Y. Kirova, A. Labib, E. Mouret-Fourme Institution: Institut Curie, Hopital Rene Huguenin, Saint Cloud, France; Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Institut Curie, Site Ulm, Paris, France Background Approximately 20-40% of all cancer patients will develop
Initial Report of UCCRC 3443: A Prospective Study on the Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Determining Candidacy for Partial Breast Irradiation (PBI) Authors: P.L. Dorn, H. Al-Hallaq, M. Goldberg, Y. Hassan, N. Jaskowiak, G. Newstead, S.J. Chmura. Background For several decades, whole breast irradiation (WBI) has been used after breast conserving surgery as a means of reducing risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence. The efficacy of whole breast irradiation has been demonstrated in
QRRO 2007 Practice Survey Documents Dramatic Technical Changes in How Radiotherapy for Operable Breast Cancer is Delivered Authors: J.R. White1, N. Khalid2, M.L. Tao3, L.J. Pierce4, A. DeRobertis5, C. Crozier2, J.B. Owen2 and J.F. Wilson1 Institution: 1Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 2American College of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA 3Epic Care, Orinda, CA 4University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 5Massachusetts General
Patient Reported Cosmetic Outcomes and Complications after Breast Conserving Treatment Authors: C. E. Hill-Kayser, C. Vachani, M. K. Hampshire, G. A. Di Lullo, J. M. Metz Institution: University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA Background Over the past 30 years, much work in treatment of breast cancer has contributed to improvement of cosmetic and functional outcomes. Over 50% of women with breast cancer
The Effect of Radiotherapy on Local Regional Recurrence among Patients with Pathologic Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Authors: C. E. Fasola, K. D. Godette, M. W. McDonald, R. M. O'Regan, A. B. Zelnak, J. C. Landry, M. A. Torres. Affiliations: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine,
2011 Update in Breast Cancer: Coverage of the ASCO Annual Meeting Dates: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 Location: The Hub Cira Center, 2929 Arch Street, Mezzanine Level, Philadelphia, PA Sponsoring Group: Abramson Cancer Center Web Page URL: www.penncancer.org/eventdetail.cfm?id=310 Topics Covered: This symposium is designed to present cutting-edge data from the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual
Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in BRCA1 (B1)- and BRCA2 (B2)-mutation carriers associated with an increased risk of breast cancer? Presenter: S. Domchek Presenter’s Institution: U. of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Background Research has shown that women who carry the BRCA mutations benefit from risk-reduction procedures to reduce their risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. The best risk-reduction strategy appears to be surgical removal of the
Estrogen plus progestin (E+P) and breast cancer incidence and mortality Presenter: Rowan T. Chlebowski Presenter's Affiliation: Women's Health Initiative, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA Background The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was a major research program launched in 1991 to address the most common causes of death, disability and poor quality of
Low-risk Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Results From the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9804 Phase 3 Trial Abstract # 11 Presenter: Beryl McCormick Affiliation: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Background Several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy on local control for women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast following lumpectomy with breast conversation
Interim Toxicity Results from RAPID: A Randomized Trial of Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) Using 3D Conformal External Beam Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) Abstract number: Plenary # 5 Presenter: Timothy J Whelan Affiliation: Ontario Clinical Oncology Group Background Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is defined as the delivery of large dose per fraction to the surgical cavity as part of a breast conservation approach (lumpectomy followed by radiation) The smaller treatment
The Breast Portrait Project - Clarity Haynes Clarity Haynes, senior art student at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, has used her talents to help women in a unique way, through The Breast Portrait Project. It all started in 1998, when Clarity created a self-portrait of her torso to overcome her own uncertainty. The experience unveiled a sense of self confidence and helped her see a
Breast Cancer Support Meeting Tonight & Refreshments Will Be Served The drug rep pulls goodies from a large shopping bag. Struggles with a dull knife. Cuts lengths of string wrapped around two white bakery boxes. With a flourish, he lifts the lids, opens twin treasure chests of sweets. Reveals a fruit covered torte draped in pineapple circles, blood red strawberries and
Breast Cancer: My Story I was forty in September of 1997. When my husband Steve found a lump. And let me tell you, it wasn't a little bump! I went to the breast surgeon looking and feeling my best I told the surgeon: "I'm not sick, I feel fine. Just let me roller blade, play with my kids. I'm telling you: this 'lump' is just a cyst." "Lets do a mammogram
This Breast Surgeon For E.J.M. They look at the films together. Oh, I don't like this. I don't like this one bit, he says. This breast surgeon points to her x-ray Traces lazy circles with his fingertips Reaches for a small white writing pad (The name of a pharmaceutical company Printed across the top) Starts drawing breasts. He quickly creates a
A Breast Cancer Patient's Account of Living with Cancer Copyright © 1999, Patricia Yuhas Barner My journey began with my annual mammogram on July 14, 1998. The results were conveyed to my surgeon and physician within a week, and I met with my surgeon on July 21, 1998 to discuss the masses present in both my left and right breasts. An ultrasound test was performed during this visit, and showed my
From a Beginning Breast Cancer Survivor IntroductionThe BiopsyDecisions and DoctorsSurgeryRecoveryThe HairWhat's NextCoping I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 1997, just ten days before my husband and I were scheduled to leave for a two-week vacation in France. The month before, I had gone for my annual mammogram and was called back the next day for more detailed pictures
NCI/PDQ^® Health professionals: Genetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer (PDQ®) TABLE OF CONTENTS IntroductionGeneral InformationFamily History as a Risk Factor for Breast CancerFamily History as a Risk Factor for Ovarian CancerAutosomal Dominant Inheritance of Breast/Ovarian Cancer PredispositionDifficulties in Identifying a Family History of Breast and Ovarian Cancer RiskOther Risk Factors for Breast CancerAgeReproductive
MD2B - Breast Cancer Introduction Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for 32% of newly diagnosed cases. It is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women in industrialized countries. In fact, the lifetime risk of breast cancer in US women is currently estimated to be as high as 1 in 8, calculated up to an age of 85 years. The
The Effect of Breast Cancer Treatments on Sexuality In Premenopausal Female Cancer Survivors Introduction Sexuality is a complex process coordinated by the body through its vascular, endocrine and neurologic systems. It also incorporates a wide spectrum of external factors, such as familial, societal and religious beliefs, health status and aging. In addition, each partner brings to the relationship a unique set of attitudes, needs and
Ixabepilone: an Epothilone for the treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer Introduction Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States. It was estimated that 178,480 women would be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 with approximately 2,030 cases diagnosed in men. Breast cancer ranks second, behind lung cancer, for cancer mortality in the United States. Despite advances in early
Non-Estrogen Options for Vaginal Dryness Question I am interested in something other than low dose estrogen to help with vaginal dryness and spotting. Is there something 'natural' - no estrogen, no phytoestrogen, no xenoestsrogen for ER 100% positive patients? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: There does not appear to be an immediate need for vaginal
Tamoxifen & Radiation at The Same Time? Question I will be getting radiation and also tamoxifen treatment following a lumpectomy T2N0. Is there a downside to concurrent treatment? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: There have been several studies that have looked at concurrent versus sequential radiation and tamoxifen in early stage breast cancer. There
Follow Up After Bilateral Mastectomy Question What is the current advice on post bilateral mastectomy follow up, short term and long term (mammograms, manual palpation, mri's etc.? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: After a woman has undergone a bilateral mastectomy, the usual follow up is an examination by a heath professional twice a year and
Lumpectomy Versus Mastectomy Question I have been given the choice of lumpectomy and radiation vs. Mastectomy. Can you please give some advice to help me make my decision? Is one treatment better than the other? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: Lumpectomy and radiation have been proven in large, well done clinical trials to result in equal
Why I Chose Breast Oncology Carla Fisher, MD Like many others, my path into the field of oncology was not a direct one. After making the decision to enter medical school, I chose to pursue a career in surgery followed by a specialization in breast oncology. As I look back, each choice was made for different reasons at different times and ultimately I am so happy with the
Understanding Breast Cancer Supportive Care Issues - Brown Bag Chat Join us for a lunch time LIVE Web Chat with OncoLink's Breast Cancer Supportive Care Experts on October 22, 2009 at 12:30-1:30pm EST. You can submit questions during the chat or ahead of time. A transcript of the chat will be available after the event. Submit a Question Now! Understanding Breast Cancer Supportive Care Issues Have questions
Breast Cancer: Myths & Facts Myth: I have pain in my breast, so I must have breast cancer. Fact: Pain in the breast is common and can be caused by several things, but it is not usually associated with breast cancer. You should make notes about when the pain occurs in relation to the menstrual cycle, how long does it last and if there is anything that seems to trigger the pain