Breast Cancer News (8/9): Platinol, anemia drugs and the risk of thromboembolic events

A thromboembolic event (TEE) is an event (blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or stoke (blood clot in brain)) related to a blood clot loose in the blood stream. According to a recent Anticancer Research study, for patients with advanced breast cancer a TEE is associated with a worse prognosis, although a causal relationship is not yet clear. Today we'll look at recent studies which have linked breast cancer drugs (Platinol chemotherapy and Procrit, Epogen, Aranesp for anemia) to thromboembolic events.

"Unacceptable" rate of thromboembolic events in patients treated with Platinol

An August study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found an "unacceptable incidence" of thromboembolic events in patients treated with Platinol (cisplatin) based chemotherapy. According to the story and video on TheDoctorsChannel.com, "nearly 1 in 5" (18.1%) have a TEE during treatment or within a month of ending it. Age, patient performance status and presence of a central venous catheter were associated with a higher risk of TEE. Until a "more applicable predictive model is available," the authors suggest that all patients on Platinol-based chemotherapy be considered for "thrombophrophylaxis, unless there is a contraindication." Both the study and news story may be found on the Platinol page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.

Drugs to treat anemeia associated with thromboembolic events

Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) treat anemia by stimulating bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Back in February, a study in Cancer evaluated the risk of thromboembolic events in patients older than 65 with metastatic breast cancer treated with chemotherapy and ESAs, such as Epogen (epoetin alfa), Procrit (epoetin alfa) and Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa). In this group, TEEs were found to be a "common event" and caution was recommended.

Interestingly, an August 1 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found "widespread variablity" in the prescription of ESAs for patients older than 65 on chemotherapy. Some doctors under use and some overuse ESAs. The use and duration of ESA prescriptions varied with doctor experience, specialty and gender. The authors concluded, "Policies to discourage inappropriate use of cancer therapies are needed."

At LATESTBreastCancer.com, we'll continue to highlight studies on breast cancer drug side effects, including thromboembolic events. Please stay tuned.

The Breast Cancer News Update: June 15

Today's breast cancer news involves vitamin D, Epogen and a new HER2 test.

Exposure to solar vitamin D reduces breast cancer risk

A new study in the American Journal of Epidemiology examined the association between sunlight exposure, vitamin D production factors and breast cancer risk. A "solar vitamin D score" was "significantly associated with reduced breast cancer risk." According to a FoodConsumer.org article on the study,

Compared with women who had 6 hours per week spent outdoors, those who spent 21 hours or more per week during adolescence were 29 percent less likely to develop breast cancer. The risk reduction was 26 percent, 39 percent and 50 percent when the time was counted in the 20s to 30s, in the 40s to 50s, and in the 60s to 74 years, respectively.

Both the study abstract and the FoodConsumer.org story may be found on the Vitamin D page of our website.

Complications associated with Epogen for older metastatic breast cancer patients

Epogen, an erythropoietin-stimulating agent, is used to treat cancer-induced anemia. A new study in Cancer examined the complications associated with erythropoietin-stimulating agent use in metastatic breast cancer patients older than 65. Thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis, blood clots and stroke were "common" among this group of patients. "Therefore, caution is recommended when using these agents."

New HER2 test, the Inform Dual ISH, receives FDA approval

This week, the FDA granted approval to a new HER2 test, the Inform Dual ISH test. The test is similar to the fluorescense in situ hybrid (FISH) test, but the slides can be read using a standard light microscope. Both the FDA news release and a US News and World Report story can be found on the Inform Dual ISH page of our website.

For more on HER2 testing, please check-out Scott Cole's blogs - How Doctors Determine if You're HER2 Positive and The HERMark Test.

Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer news updates from LATESTBreastCancer.com. In the meantime, please consult our website for all the news and research on every breast cancer test, treatment option and complementary therapy.