Patterns of metastatic spread in early breast cancer

Patterns of metastatic spread in early breast cancer. The breast, August 2013, Vol. 22(4), p.449-54.

Klevesath, M.B., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960977613000982

The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate metastatic pathways of spread to lymph node versus bone marrow and identify biological characteristics that determine these patterns in early invasive breast cancer.

A prognostic tool to predict fatigue in women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy

A prognostic tool to predict fatigue in women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. The breast, August 2013, Vol. 22(4), p.504-09.

Courtier, N., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960977612002032

Fatigue during and after radiotherapy impacts negatively on normal functioning and quality of life. A pre-treatment estimate of the risk of fatigue would facilitate the targeting of timely interventions to limit consequential behavioural symptoms arising. We have developed a prognostic tool to predict the risk of fatigue in women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

Should all postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receive initial therapy with aromatase inhibitors?

Should all postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receive initial therapy with aromatase inhibitors?  The breast, August 2013, Vol. 22(4), p.488-94.

Aapro, M., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096097761300009X

In the past few years aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have shown superior efficacy to the previous standard adjuvant endocrine therapy, tamoxifen, and are now recommended as part of current adjuvant endocrine therapy. A range of treatment strategies have been explored.

Perceived risk and adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines among women with a familial history of breast cancer

Perceived risk and adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines among women with a familial history of breast cancer: A review of the literature. The breast, August 2013, Vol. 22(4), p.395-404.

Walker, M.J., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960977612002494

A small positive association has been consistently demonstrated between perceived breast cancer risk and mammography use. Evidence specific to women with familial breast cancer risk has not been previously reviewed.

The effect of mammography pain on repeat participation in breast cancer screening

The effect of mammography pain on repeat participation in breast cancer screening: A systematic review. The breast, August 2013, Vol. 22(4), p.389-94.

Whelehan, P., et al.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096097761300057X

Uptake is crucial to reducing breast cancer mortality through screening. This review synthesised all available evidence on mammography pain as a deterrent to subsequent breast screening. Ten databases were searched. Studies containing empirical data relating mammography pain to breast screening re-attendance were included (n = 20). In the most robust studies asking women why they had not re-attended, 25%–46% cited pain, equivalent to approximately 47,000–87,000 women per year in England. The most robust evidence for an association between pain experienced at a previous mammogram and subsequent rates of re-attendance suggests that women who previously experienced pain are more likely than those who did not to fail to re-attend: RR 1.34 (95% CI: 0.94–1.91). The complexity of the pain phenomenon and of screening behaviours must be recognised. However, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that painful mammography contributes to non-re-attendance. Given the importance of cumulative participation, effective pain-reducing interventions in mammography are needed.

Sorting through the arguments on breast screening

Sorting through the arguments on breast screening.  JAMA, 2013, 309(24), p.2553-4.

Marmot, M.G.

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1691913

Views on the benefits and harms of breast cancer screening are sharply polarized and increasingly vocal. Allegations of harming women are flung in both directions. The antiscreeners claim that benefit is minimal and overdiagnosis is so frequent that women are being subject to unnecessary interventions and treatment. The proscreeners claim that if the critics win the day, women will be deprived of the benefits that screening brings of early diagnosis and reductions in mortality from breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK podcast: June 2013 (Angelina Jolie)

Cancer Research UK podcast: June 2013.

Angelina Jolie’s decision to go public about her genetic risk of breast cancer and double mastectomy. Plus, we take a look at the importance of clinical trials for improving survival for cancer patients. And we’ve got this month’s heroes and zeros. Read a full trasncript here: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/news/podcast/transcripts/june-2013-podcast-transcript

[podcast]:
Original audio source (94345351-cancerresearchuk-073-cancer-research-uk-podcast.mp3)

Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy in patients with breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy in patients with breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A prospective, multicentre cohort study. The lancet oncology, June 2013, Vol. 14(7), p.609-18

Kuehn, T., et al.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70166-9/abstract?rss=yes

The optimum timing of sentinel-lymph-node biopsy for breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy is uncertain. The SENTINA (SENTinel NeoAdjuvant) study was designed to evaluate a specific algorithm for timing of a standardised sentinel-lymph-node biopsy procedure in patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastoplexy

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy: How safe is it? Plastic and reconstructive surgery, May 2013, Vol. 131(5), p.962-97

Alperovich, M., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2013/05000/Nipple_Sparing_Mastectomy_in_Patients_with_a.9.aspx

Nipple-sparing mastectomy has gained popularity, but the question remains of whether it can be offered safely to women with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy. The authors present their experience with nipple-sparing mastectomy in this patient population.

The role of nipple-sparing mastectomy in breast cancer

The role of nipple-sparing mastectomy in breast cancer: A comprehensive review of the literature. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, May 2013, Vol. 131(5), p.969-984

Mallon, P., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2013/05000/The_Role_of_Nipple_Sparing_Mastectomy_in_Breast.11.aspx

The role of nipple-sparing mastectomy for breast cancer is controversial, as there is concern regarding its oncologic safety and complication rate. The authors reviewed the literature to quantify the incidence of occult nipple malignancy in breast cancer, identify the factors influencing occult nipple malignancy, quantify loco-regional recurrence rates, and quantify nipple-sparing mastectomy complication rates.

Screening has not reduced deaths from breast cancer

Screening has not reduced deaths from breast cancer. BMJ 2013; 346: f3780

Wise, J.

http://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f3780.full?rss=1&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+bmj%252Frecent+%2528Latest+from+BMJ%2529

Mammographic screening has not had any effect, so far, on breast cancer mortality at the population level in England, a new analysis concludes.

Arm lymphoedema after breast cancer

Arm lymphoedema after breast cancer. The lancet oncology, May 2013, Vol. 14(6), p.442-43

Mortimer, P.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(13)70097-4/fulltext?_eventId=login&rss=yes

[Register to download full text article - free of charge]

Breast-cancer-related lymphoedema is a substantial problem in women after they have undergone breast cancer treatment. Despite the introduction of breast-conserving surgery and minimal lymphatic intervention (eg, sentinel-lymph-node biopsy [SLNB]), incidence rates remain disappointingly high. In The Lancet Oncology, Tracey DiSipio and colleagues report the findings of their systematic review and meta-analysis in which they shown that roughly one in five women with breast cancer will develop arm lymphoedema. The incidence was four times higher in women undergoing axillary lymph-node dissection compared with those who received sentinel-lymph-node biopsy.

Predictors of axillary lymph node metastases in early breast cancer

Predictors of axillary lymph node metastases in early breast cancer and their applicability in clinical practice. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.357-61.

Yoshihara, E., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001890/abstract?rss=yes

Lymph node involvement is the most important prognostic factor in breast cancer. It is a multifactorial event determined by patient and tumour characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine clinical and pathological factors predictive for axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in patients with early breast cancer and to build a model to portend lymph node involvement.

Detection of local recurrence following breast-conserving treatment in young women with early breast cancer

Detection of local recurrence following breast-conserving treatment in young women with early breast cancer: Optimization of long-term follow-up strategies. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.351-56

van der Sangen, M.J.C., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001865/abstract?rss=yes

The detection of a local recurrence (LR) in young women with breast cancer after breast-conserving treatment (BCT) was investigated to compare the impact of different long-term follow-up strategies.

Association between common risk factors and molecular subtypes in breast cancer patients

Association between common risk factors and molecular subtypes in breast cancer patients. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.344-50.

Turkoz, F.P., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001737/abstract?rss=yes

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and characterized its by molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Gene expression profiling studies have classified breast cancers into five subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER-2 overexpressing, basal-like, and normal breast-like. Although clinical differences between subtypes have been well described in the literature, etiologic heterogeneity have not been fully studied. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between several hormonal and nonhormonal risk factors and molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

Acupuncture relieves menopausal discomfort in breast cancer patients

Acupuncture relieves menopausal discomfort in breast cancer patients: A prospective, double blinded, randomized study. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.320-23

Bokmand, S. and Flyger, H.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS096097761200166X/abstract?rss=yes

his study evaluates the effect of acupuncture on hot flashes and disturbed night sleep in patients treated for breast cancer. The effect of acupuncture was tested against a sham-acupuncture group and a no-treatment control group. Plasma estradiol was measured to rule out this as cause of effect. Side effects of the treatment were registered.

Pathological response and survival after neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer

Pathological response and survival after neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer: A 30-year study. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.301-08

Guiu, S., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001634/abstract?rss=yes

HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) still have a poor prognosis. Pathological complete response (pCR) is usually considered a surrogate marker for outcome. The aim of this study was to reconsider these parameters on a large population after a long follow-up. 

Factors influencing postoperative length of hospital stay after breast cancer surgery

Factors influencing postoperative length of hospital stay after breast cancer surgery. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.289-294

Marla, S., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001609/abstract?rss=yes

As part of a feasibility study to restructure the breast cancer services in Glasgow, factors influencing ‘postoperative length of stay’ and bed utilisation in patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer were examined.

Differences in sleep disturbance, fatigue and energy levels between women with and without breast pain prior to breast cancer surgery

Differences in sleep disturbance, fatigue and energy levels between women with and without breast pain prior to breast cancer surgery. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.273-76

Van Onselen, C., et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/PIIS0960977612001531/abstract?rss=yes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate for differences in occurrence and severity ratings of sleep disturbance, fatigue, and decreased energy in women who reported breast pain prior to surgery for breast cancer. Of the 390 women who completed self-report measures for each symptom, 28.2% reported pain in their breast prior to surgery. 

International guidelines for management of metastatic breast cancer

International guidelines for management of metastatic breast cancer from the European School of Oncology - MBC Task Force: Surveillance, staging and evaluation of patients with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. The breast, June 2013, Vol. 22(3), p.203-10

Lin, N.U, et al.

http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/S0960-9776(13)00062-3/abstract

In clinical practice, the surveillance and follow-up of patients with breast cancer (BC) is quite variable. At the 7th European Breast Cancer Conference, the ESO-MBC Task Force convened a series of lectures, followed by open debate, on the use of physical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests in patients with early-stage BC, and for restaging evaluations and follow-up among patients with MBC.