Breast Cancer

Source: au.rd.yahoo.com --- 9 minutes ago
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New research suggests that just because a woman has family members with Breast Cancer, it does not mean that she should undergo early screening for the Cancer. ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 12 hours ago
Related Articles Metastatic Breast Cancer: the treatment challenge. Clin Breast Cancer. 2008 Jun;8(3):224-33 Authors: Jones SE As therapeutic options have multiplied, chemotherapy for metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) has become increasingly complex. Furthermore, advances in the treatment of early-stage Breast Cancer, in particular the development of taxane-based regimens, have led to increased use of adjuvant chemotherapy. As a result, the decisions regarding the treatment of patients presenting with MBC have become more difficult, because many patients are likely to have received a variety of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens. The primary goal of treatment for MBC is palliation of disease--usually with prolongation of survival--with minimal toxicity. However, there is currently no "gold standard" in this setting, and the literature supports many choices for first- and second-line treatment. Other issues as yet unsettled in these patients are (1) whether to combine >or= 2 drugs or to use each drug alone until disease progression; (2) how to use novel targeted biologic agents; and (3) how to treat patients with HER2-overexpressing tumors after adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab. The role of taxanes, antimetabolites, and targeted agents in patients with MBC will be discussed in this review, particularly in the context of previous adjuvant therapy. The controversy surrounding the use of doublet or sequential therapy will also be discussed. Alt ...

Source: www.reuters.com --- 3 hours ago
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Following surgery for Breast Cancer, many women will experience arm swelling - a bothersome condition doctors refer to as lymphedema. ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 7 hours ago
[Expression of a novel metastasis-inducing protein human anterior gradient-2 (AGR2) in Breast Cancer and its clinical and prognostic significance] Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi. 2008 Feb;37(2):109-13 Authors: Wu ZS, Wu Q, Ding XD, Wang HQ, Shen YX, Fang SY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of a novel metastasis-inducing protein human anterior gradient-2 (AGR2) in Breast Cancer and its clinical and prognostic significance. METHODS: AGR2 expression was assessed in 160 cases of Breast Cancer and 20 cases of benign Breast diseases by immunohistochemistry using tissue chip technology. In addition the expression of ERa, PR and c-erbB-2 in Breast Cancer was also evaluated. Follow-up information of 5-year duration was available in 127 patients with Breast Cancer. Kaplan-Meier analysis and COX regression model were used to analyze the correlation between AGR2 expression and the follow-up clinical data. RESULTS: The expression of AGR2 was significantly higher in Breast cancers than that in benign diseases (68.3% vs. 25.0% , P < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between AGR2 expression and the histological grade of Breast Cancer (P <0.05) , whereas positive correlations was found between the expression of AGR2 and ERalpha (P <0.05), and between the expression of AGR2 and PR (P <0.01). In the subgroup of ERalpha-positive Breast Cancer, Logistic regression model demonstrated AGR2 and TNM stage were important factors affecting lymph node m ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 7 hours ago
Comparison of molecular phenotypes of ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2008 Aug 5;10(4):R67 Authors: Tamimi RM, Baer HJ, Marotti J, Galan M, Galaburda L, Fu Y, Deitz AC, Connolly JL, Schnitt SJ, Colditz GA, Collins LC ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: At least four major categories of invasive Breast Cancer that are associated with different clinical outcomes have been identified by gene expression profiling: luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and basal-like. However, the prevalence of these phenotypes among cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has not been previously evaluated in detail. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of these distinct molecular subtypes among cases of DCIS and invasive Breast Cancer. METHODS: We constructed tissue microarrays (TMAs) from Breast cancers that developed in 2,897 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study (1976-1996). TMA slides were immunostained for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Using these immunostain results, cases were grouped into molecularly defined subtypes. RESULTS: The prevalence of the distinct molecular phenotypes differed significantly between DCIS (n=272) and invasive Breast cancers (n=2,249). The luminal A phenotype was significantly more frequent among invasive cancers (73.4%) than among DCIS lesions ( ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 9 hours ago
Related Articles Depression, quality of life and Breast Cancer: a review of the literature. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008 Jul;110(1):9-17 Authors: Reich M, Lesur A, Perdrizet-Chevallier C Depression is misdiagnosed and undertreated among Breast Cancer population. Risk factors for depression in the 5 years after diagnosis are related more to the patient rather than to the disease or its treatment. The Breast Cancer stage (early and advanced) is not statistically significant in terms of rates of psychosocial distress except for recurrence. Risk factors of depression might impair quality of life such as fatigue, past history or recent episode of depression after the onset of Cancer, cognitive attitudes of helplessness/hopelessness, resignation. Body image impairment from mastectomy and sexuality aftermath generates higher rates of mood disorders. The link between increased risk of Breast Cancer and depression is controversial among the literature. Some studies suggest a protective factor, others find a relation between stress, immunity and Cancer occurrence or even mortality. Breast Cancer survivors report a higher prevalence of mild to moderate depression with a lower quality of life in all areas except for family functioning. Treatment of depression in Breast Cancer women improves their quality of life and may increase longevity. Antidepressant medications remain the cornerstone of depression treatment. The hypothetical link between thei ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 12 hours ago
Related Articles Beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of HER2-negative, hormone-insensitive metastatic Breast Cancer: current status and future opportunities. Clin Breast Cancer. 2008 Jun;8(3):215-23 Authors: Conlin AK, Seidman AD As reflected in its varied clinical behavior, appearances under the light microscope, and differential patterns of gene expression, metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) is a heterogeneous disease. Systemic treatment decisions are guided by specific tumor characteristics and individual patient factors. For patients with hormone receptor (HR)-negative MBC and for those whose HR-positive disease has become refractory to hormonal therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapy has been the mainstay of systemic treatment. For hormone-insensitive, HER2-positive MBCs, the addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy has resulted in improved outcomes. Hormone-insensitive MBC lacking HER2 overexpression includes the subset of patients with estrogen receptor/ progesterone receptor/HER2-negative (so-called triple-negative) disease, which represents a significant minority of all Breast cancers. Therapeutic options for such patients are limited by the lack of specific targeted approaches, and this heterogeneous group will be considered collectively as well as separately in this overview of existing and emerging treatment strategies. Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, alone or in combination, has been the standard first-line ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 12 hours ago
Related Articles The level of insulin growth factor-1 receptor expression is directly correlated with the tumor uptake of (111)In-IGF-1(E3R) in vivo and the clonogenic survival of Breast Cancer cells exposed in vitro to trastuzumab (Herceptin). Nucl Med Biol. 2008 Aug;35(6):645-53 Authors: Cornelissen B, McLarty K, Kersemans V, Reilly RM INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to define the relationships between tumor uptake of [(111)In]-IGF-1 and [(111)In]-IGF-1(E3R), an analogue which does not bind insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) binding proteins (i.e., IGFBP-3), and the level of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression on human Breast Cancer (BC) xenografts in athymic mice, as well as the feasibility for tumor imaging. A second objective was to correlate IGF-1R (and HER2 density) with the cytotoxicity of trastuzumab in the absence/presence of IGFBP-3 or the IGF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG1024. METHODS: The tumor and normal tissue uptake of [(111)In]-IGF-1 and [(111)In]-IGF-1(E3R) were determined at 4 h postinjection in mice implanted subcutaneously with MDA-MB-231, H2N, HR2 or MCF-7/HER2-18 human BC xenografts (8.5x10(4), 1.4x10(4), 4.0x10(4) and 1.0x10(5) IGF-1R/cell, respectively). The effect of co-injection of IGF-1 (50 mug) or IGFBP-3 (2 or 25 mug) was studied. The relationship between tumor uptake of [(111)In]-IGF-1(E3R) and IGF-1R density was examined. MicroSPECT/CT imaging was performed on mice with MCF-7/HER2-18 tumors injected with [ ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 12 hours ago
Related Articles A phase II study of weekly vinorelbine and trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive metastatic Breast Cancer. Clin Breast Cancer. 2008 Jun;8(3):264-8 Authors: Bayo-Calero JL, Mayordomo JI, Sánchez-Rovira P, Pérez-Carrión R, Illaramendi JJ, García-Bueno JM, González-Flores E, Crespo C, Ramos-Vázquez M, García-Palomo A, Ruiz-Borrego M, de la Haba J, Gómez-Bernal A, Yubero-Esteban A BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab combined with cytotoxic agents presents encouraging results in metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), but cardiac toxicity limits some combinations. The synergism shown with trastuzumab and the favorable tolerability profile of vinorelbine provided the rationale for investigating this combination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with HER2-positive MBC who had received <2 lines of chemotherapy for metastatic disease were included. Vinorelbine (25 mg/m2 on day 2, then weekly on day 1) and trastuzumab (4 mg/kg on day 1, then 2 mg/kg weekly) were administered for a maximum of 6 cycles (1 cycle=3 weeks). RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were enrolled. The median age was 50 years (range, 26-79 years). Ninety percent of the patients had received adjuvant chemotherapy, 42% received a first line of chemotherapy for MBC, and 69% had disease at visceral sites. The overall response rate was 58% (95% CI, 43%-71%). The median time to progression and overall survival were 7 months (95% CI, 5-9 months) and 26 months (95% CI, 20-32 months), res ...

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov --- 12 hours ago
Related Articles A randomized clinical trial of adjuvant chemotherapy for radically resected locoregional relapse of Breast Cancer: IBCSG 27-02, BIG 1-02, and NSABP B-37. Clin Breast Cancer. 2008 Jun;8(3):287-92 Authors: Wapnir IL, Aebi S, Geyer CE, Zahrieh D, Gelber RD, Anderson SJ, Robidoux A, Bernhard J, Maibach R, Castiglione-Gertsch M, Coates AS, Piccart MJ, Clemons MJ, Costantino JP, Wolmark N, , , In this phase III, multinational, randomized trial, the International Breast Cancer Study Group, Breast International Group, and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project will attempt to define the effectiveness of cytotoxic therapy for patients with locoregional recurrence of Breast Cancer. We will evaluate whether chemotherapy prolongs disease-free survival and, secondarily, whether its use improves overall survival and systemic disease-free survival. Quality of life measurements will be monitored during the first 12 months of the study. Women who have had a previous diagnosis of invasive Breast Cancer treated by mastectomy or Breast-conserving surgery and who have undergone complete surgical excision of all macroscopic disease but who subsequently develop isolated local and/or regional ipsilateral invasive recurrence are eligible. Patients are randomized to observation/no adjuvant chemotherapy or to adjuvant chemotherapy; all suitable patients receive radiation, hormonal, and trastuzumab therapy. Radiation therapy is re ...

Source: www.prweb.com --- 12 hours ago
Pink Ribbon Petito USB Drives Awarded as Part of Their Recognition Program (PRWeb Aug 7, 2008) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/08/prweb1183594.htm ...

Source: www.medicinenet.com --- 10 hours ago
Title: Christina Applegate's Breast Cancer: FAQ Category: Health News Created: 8/5/2008 Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2008 ...

Source: www.moreover.com --- 4 hours ago
Street Insider Aug 7 2008 1:35PM GMT ...

Source: upcoming.yahoo.com --- 9 hours ago
Help raise awareness for Breast Cancer by showing your support for Dragons Abreast with a night of cocktails and couture! This year marks the 6th Annual Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show, which benefits Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation. On Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Erin Davis will return as the Master of Ceremonies for the reception and fashion show at the Arcadian Court in The Bay, Queen Street. To get the party started, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served at 6:00pm followed by a fashion show featuring the courageous Breast Cancer survivors from Dragons Abreast modelling fashions from Jones New York at 7:15pm. Tickets are $60 each (after September 1st tickets are $75 each) and can be purchased through Wellspring by calling 416-961-1928. “This fabulous show of support from Jones New York and Dragons Abreast will help Wellspring assist thousands of families coping with the diagnosis, treatment and effects of Breast Cancer,” states Lynda Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Wellspring. “We encourage women from across the GTA to help us do even more by joining us on September 17th for this fun and spirited event.” The Annual Jones New York and Dragons Abreast Fashion Show raises awareness of Breast Cancer and Wellspring. All proceeds go to Wellspring’s Cancer support programs and services. EIGHTEEN MODELS FROM DRAGONS ABREAST FEATURED IN THE FASHION SHOW Leslieville-Riverdale resident Dianne Mowat is one of the ...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com --- 9 hours ago
Women diagnosed with Breast Cancer shoulder the emotional burden of disclosing their diagnosis to loved ones, managing the feelings of others at precisely the time when they need support themselves, according to research to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association (ASA). ...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com --- 9 hours ago
While the incidence of Breast Cancer in young women in the U.S. is relatively rare, there are more than 250,000 women under the age of forty that are living with the disease and 11,000 will be diagnosed in the next year. Television-star Christina Applegate's tumor was detected through magnetic resonance imaging, which was ordered by her doctor, according to her publicist. ...

Source: tvnz.co.nz --- 4 hours ago
Breast Cancer patients are outraged over Pharmac's latest refusal to fund a year long course of the drug Herceptin ...

Source: tvnz.co.nz --- 10 hours ago
Breast Cancer sufferer Nic Russell puts her survival down to Herceptin. Russell still has the all-clear after two follow up checks but her need for the drug came when she could least afford it - having just lost her three year-old daughter Mackenzie to spinal Cancer ...

Source: www.healthcentral.com --- 3 hours ago
Women worry about reactions during a time that's already difficult, study finds. ...

Source: pokedandprodded.health.com --- 5 hours ago
My fellow blogger Sean Kelley recently wrote about how fat his home state is. (He lives in Alabama, second fattest state in the nation, according to stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) One of Sean’s points was that it’s no surprise that fat Alabama also has a high incidence of diabetes. There [...] ...