Tuesday 7 February 2012

Anxiety after an abnormal screening mammography is a serious problem

Anxiety after an abnormal screening mammography is a serious problem. The Breast, Vol. 21(1), Feb. 2012, p. 83-88.

Keyzer-Dekker, C.M.G., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960977611003213

The aim of this study was to analyze the possible negative psychological consequences of a false positive screening mammogram (FPSM). We compared anxiety evoked by first (FSM) versus repeat screening mammogram (RSM). Questionnaires were completed prior to the diagnosis and during follow up.

The decline in breast cancer mortality in Europe

The decline in breast cancer mortality in Europe: An update to 2009. The Breast, Vol. 21(1), Feb. 2012, p. 77-82.

Bosetti, C., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960977611001688

We updated trends in breast cancer mortality in Europe up to the late 2000’s. In the EU, age-adjusted (world standard population) breast cancer mortality rates declined by 6.9% between 2002 and 2006, from 17.9 to 16.7/100,000. The largest falls were in northern European countries, but more recent declines were also observed in central and eastern Europe.

A pilot study to examine the experiences and attitudes of women with breast cancer towards one versus two-step axillary surgery

A pilot study to examine the experiences and attitudes of women with breast cancer towards one versus two-step axillary surgery. The Breast, Vol 21(1), Feb 2012, p. 72-76.

Jenkins, V., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096097761100292X

Women generally were unaware about their lymph nodes, what their function is and how they are removed. Preference was indicated for intra-operative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) analysis provided clear descriptions were given about the risk of experiencing false negative and false positive results.

Imaging sensitivity of dedicated positron emission mammography in relation to tumour size

Imaging sensitivity of dedicated positron emission mammography in relation to tumour size. The Breast, Vol. 21(1), Feb. 2012, p. 66-71.

Eo, J.S., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096097761100169X

Positron emission mammography (PEM) has been reported to have higher sensitivity than whole-body positron emission tomography (PET)due to higher spatial resolution. However, no direct evidence exists regarding the imaging sensitivity of PEM related to lesion size. In the present study, imaging sensitivity of PEM was investigated in relation to pathologically confirmed tumor size.

Re-evaluating the role of axillary lymph node dissection in screen-detected breast cancer patients

Re-evaluating the role of axillary lymph node dissection in screen-detected breast cancer patients. The Breast, Vol. 21(1), Feb 2012, p. 58-60.

Barry, M. & Kell, M.R.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960977611001640

The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG), Z0011 trial, demonstrated that there was no therapeutic benefit from completion lymphadenectomy in early stage breast cancer patients with positive sentinel node (SLN) biopsy. Patients with asymptomatic screen-detected tumors may represent a subgroup where completion axillary dissection with its attendant morbidities is unacceptable. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ALND in an asymptomatic screen-detected breast cancer cohort.

Relationship between body mass index and preoperative treatment response to aromatase inhibitor exemestane in postmenopausal patients

Relationship between body mass index and preoperative treatment response to aromatase inhibitor exemestane in postmenopausal patients with primary breast cancer. The Breast, Vol. 21(1), Feb. 2012, p. 40-45.

Takada, M., et al.

Some studies have shown that high body mass index (BMI) is associated with inferior outcome after adjuvant therapy with anastrozole in breast cancer patients. We aimed to investigate predictive effect of BMI on clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy with exemestane in postmenopausal patients with primary breast cancer.

Bone health management with patients with breast cancer

Bone health management with patients with breast cancer: Current standards and emerging strategies. The Breast Vol. 21(1), Feb 2012, p. 8-19.

Aapro, M.S. & Coleman, R.E.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960977611003225

In women who develop bone metastases from breast cancer (BC), interactions between tumor cells and osteoclasts within the bone lead to localized bone destruction and increase the risk of skeletal-related events (SREs). Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and have been used extensively for treating post-menopausal osteoporosis and reducing the risk of SREs in patients with bone metastases. A number of clinical trials in women with early stage BC have demonstrated that adding bisphosphonates to adjuvant endocrine therapy can prevent bone loss and may prevent disease recurrence and improve disease-free survival.

Tamoixfen increases the risk of microvascular flap complications in patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction

Tamoixfen increases the risk of microvascular flap complications in patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction. Plastic & reconstructive surgery, Feb 2012, Vol. 129(2), p. 305-314.

Kelley, B.P., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2012/02000/Tamoxifen_Increases_the_Risk_of_Microvascular_Flap.3.aspx

Tamoxifen citrate (tamoxifen) has been associated with increased rates of thromboembolic events, prompting concerns that it may increase the risk of complications after microvascular breast reconstruction. Some centers have implemented protocols to temporarily stop tamoxifen before microvascular breast reconstruction. The authors sought to determine whether this practice is warranted.

Fat grafting and breast reconstruction with implant

Fat grafting and breast reconstruction with implant: Another option for irradiated breast cancer patients. Plastic & reconstructive surgery, Feb. 2012 Vol. 129(2), p.317-329.

Salgarello, M., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2012/02000/Fat_Grafting_and_Breast_Reconstruction_with.5.aspx

In postmastectomy radiated patients, autologous tissue reconstruction is preferred over implant reconstruction, because the latter is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications. Autologous tissue reconstruction, however, is not always feasible and is sometimes refused by the patient.