Recent studies suggest a worse prognosis for breast cancer patients with low blood levels of vitamin D. Do vitamin D supplements improve prognosis? A recent review asked that very question. Today, we'll also share the latest research on how CYP2D6 variations and exercise affect survival. As always, links to the studies below may be found on the treatment pages of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Vitamin D supplementation for cancer patients
Should breast cancer patients take vitamin D supplements to improve prognosis? An August 11 review in The Oncologist evaluated 25 studies involving several cancers. For breast cancer, the two studies reviewed reached opposite conclusions about the prognostic importance of vitamin D. Three prostate cancer trials showed no survival benefit of vitamin D supplementation. The authors concluded that even though low vitamin D was associated with worse prognosis in some cancers, the "currently available evidence is insufficient to recommend vitD supplementation in cancer patients in clinical practice."
Does this mean that breast cancer patients should not take vitamin D? Not necessarily.
First, The Oncologist study reviewed only two breast cancer studies. Recent studies suggest that low serum vitamin D at diagnosis may be associated with a worse prognosis. An April 29 University of Rochester Medical Center study (under the News tab) linked low vitamin D with more aggressive tumors and a worse prognosis. A July 27 Breast Cancer Research study found that low serum vitamin D "may be associated with poorer overall survival and distant disease-free survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients." These recent studies were likely not considered in The Oncologist review. (The Breast Cancer Research study also noted that the only two previous studies were inconclusive.)
Also, even though vitamin D supplementation is not yet proven to improve prognosis, recent studies suggest it may be beneficial for breast cancer patients to preserve bone mineral density (Annals of Oncology, April 2 and Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, March 8) and to reduce bone and joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitors (Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, June 21).
The bottom line is that breast cancer patients with low serum vitamin D should discuss vitamin D supplementation with their doctors.
CYP2D6 variations do not affect risk of recurrence
Variations in CYP2D6 genes affect how tamoxifen is metabolized. Some women metabolize tamoxifen well. Some do not. Do variations in CYP2D6 affect the risk of recurrence? According to a August 5 study in Cancer, no. Researchers from MD Anderson found that variations in CYP2D6 genes "had no significant effect" on the risk of recurrence in women with early breast cancer treated with adjuvant tamoxifen.
Exercise after breast cancer diagnosis may improve survival
Studies have associated exercise with improved quality of life, but can exercise affect breast cancer survival? An August 12 study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment revealed that exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis may affect the regulation of tumor suppressor genes, which have "favorable impacts on survival outcomes of breast cancer patients."
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer research news from LATESTBreastCancer.com.
Showing posts with label vitamin D. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vitamin D. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Breast Cancer News (8/5): Risk studies from the Era of Hope
This week, the Era of Hope conference in Orlando, Florida is highlighting research funded by the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. Yesterday, Scott Cole shared his interview with one of the researchers working on new drug delivery methods. Today, we'll review the Era of Hope presentations on breast cancer risk. For more details, please see the press release page of the Era of Hope website.
Young adult daughters of BRCA mutation carriers have "little knowledge" and "intense anxiety" about their own risk
A study from the Dana-Farber Cancer institute questioned women, ages 18 to 24, whose mothers were BRCA gene mutation carriers, about their own breast cancer risk. The young women "exhibited a limited understanding" of screening and risk reduction options. Worry about hereditary cancer was high. Dr. Andrea Farkas Patenaude noted the need for "targeted educational materials to reduce that anxiety and ultimately improve participation in effective screening and risk-reducing interventions that can improve survival and quality of life for these young women."
Vitamin D and risk for women of European and African descent
A study from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo evaluated the association between vitamin D levels and breast cancer risk for women of European and African descent. In the study, all women with breast cancer had lower levels of vitamin D than those without. Women with premenopausal triple-negative breast cancer had the lowest levels of vitamin D. Severe vitamin D deficiency "was almost six times higher in African American women than . . . in European American women (34.3 percent vs 5.9 percent)." The researchers also identified two genetic variants (SNPs) which may partly explain the higher risk of estrogen-receptor negative cancer in African American women. The authors concluded that low vitamin D levels are inversely associated with breast cancer risk, particluarly triple-negative cancer, which is more common in African Americans. Future studies to investigate if maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D can mitigate risk for African Americans are warranted.
Progress in understanding genetic risk for African Americans
Genetic studies of breast cancer risk have been conducted "almost exclusively" in in women of European descent. Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) initiated a genetic study of breast cancer risk in women of African descent. To date, genetic mapping has identified markers which will "allow for an improved ability to predict the risk of breast cancer development for African Americans over previously-reported markers." Future research is planned.
Two animal studies on pregnancy diet and future breast cancer risk for daughters
Two early animal studies examined the affect of diet during pregnancy on future breast cancer risk for offspring. Although animal studies are not yet applicable to humans, it's interesting to peek at the future of research on breast cancer risk and prevention.
A study from Marshall University found a "reduced incidence" of mammary gland cancer in offspring whose mothers consumed canola oil, rich in omega 3, compared to offspring of mothers who consumed corn oil, rich in omega 6.
Similarly, a study from North Dakota State University found a decrease in tumor incidence and growth in offspring whose mothers consumed a diet supplemented with methyl nutrients (methionine, choline, folate and vitamin B12) compared to offspring of mothers in the control group.d
Please check back Monday for highlights of the weekend's breast cancer news. Until then, all news and research on breast cancer test and treatment options may be found on the treatment pages of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Young adult daughters of BRCA mutation carriers have "little knowledge" and "intense anxiety" about their own risk
A study from the Dana-Farber Cancer institute questioned women, ages 18 to 24, whose mothers were BRCA gene mutation carriers, about their own breast cancer risk. The young women "exhibited a limited understanding" of screening and risk reduction options. Worry about hereditary cancer was high. Dr. Andrea Farkas Patenaude noted the need for "targeted educational materials to reduce that anxiety and ultimately improve participation in effective screening and risk-reducing interventions that can improve survival and quality of life for these young women."
Vitamin D and risk for women of European and African descent
A study from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo evaluated the association between vitamin D levels and breast cancer risk for women of European and African descent. In the study, all women with breast cancer had lower levels of vitamin D than those without. Women with premenopausal triple-negative breast cancer had the lowest levels of vitamin D. Severe vitamin D deficiency "was almost six times higher in African American women than . . . in European American women (34.3 percent vs 5.9 percent)." The researchers also identified two genetic variants (SNPs) which may partly explain the higher risk of estrogen-receptor negative cancer in African American women. The authors concluded that low vitamin D levels are inversely associated with breast cancer risk, particluarly triple-negative cancer, which is more common in African Americans. Future studies to investigate if maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D can mitigate risk for African Americans are warranted.
Progress in understanding genetic risk for African Americans
Genetic studies of breast cancer risk have been conducted "almost exclusively" in in women of European descent. Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) initiated a genetic study of breast cancer risk in women of African descent. To date, genetic mapping has identified markers which will "allow for an improved ability to predict the risk of breast cancer development for African Americans over previously-reported markers." Future research is planned.
Two animal studies on pregnancy diet and future breast cancer risk for daughters
Two early animal studies examined the affect of diet during pregnancy on future breast cancer risk for offspring. Although animal studies are not yet applicable to humans, it's interesting to peek at the future of research on breast cancer risk and prevention.
A study from Marshall University found a "reduced incidence" of mammary gland cancer in offspring whose mothers consumed canola oil, rich in omega 3, compared to offspring of mothers who consumed corn oil, rich in omega 6.
Similarly, a study from North Dakota State University found a decrease in tumor incidence and growth in offspring whose mothers consumed a diet supplemented with methyl nutrients (methionine, choline, folate and vitamin B12) compared to offspring of mothers in the control group.d
Please check back Monday for highlights of the weekend's breast cancer news. Until then, all news and research on breast cancer test and treatment options may be found on the treatment pages of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Breast Cancer News (8/2): Vitamin D and Exercise
There's more to breast cancer care than surgery, radiation and drugs. Complementary therapies and lifestyle choices can affect risk, recovery and quality of life. It's an aspect of prevention and care that women can control. Today we'll look at the latest breast cancer research on vitamin D and exercise.
Vitamin D for breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis
The vitamin D page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website is full of links to news and research on breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis. Today, we'll discuss the most recent studies.
Vitamin D for aromatase inhibitor muscle and joint pain
A June 21 study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that high doses of vitamin D reduced the muscle and joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy. On July 26, Washington University in St. Louis released a detailed written news story and video about the study.
Does exposure to solar vitamin D decrease breast cancer risk?
Recent studies on vitamin D from sun exposure and breast cancer risk are contradictory. On one hand, a June 6 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology determined that exposure to solar vitamin D during adolescence resulted in a lower risk of breast cancer. A June 28 article on the UK National Health Service Choices website provides a detailed analysis of the study.
On the other end of the spectrum, (no pun intended), the findings of a July 23 study in the European Journal of Cancer "contradict that vitamin D production through extensive sun exposure has any protective effect on internal cancer but emphasise the increased risk for skin cancer." In that study, the risk of breast and other internal cancers was calculated for Swedish women with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is typically associated with extensive sun exposure. The authors found that women with BCC had an increased risk of other forms of cancer, including breast cancer, prior to the BCC diagnosis.
Why are study results inconsistent? The answer may be that people are genetically different. Much as tamoxifen only treats hormone receptor positive breast cancer, vitamin D may only reduce risk in those with specific genetic characteristics. A June 21 study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention evaluated whether genetic variations might explain why vitamin D is associated with breast cancer risk reduction in some but not others. The study concluded, "Variation in vitamin D-related genotypes may help to explain inconsistent results from previous epidemiologic studies and may lead to targeted prevention strategies."
Serum vitamin D levels and breast cancer prognosis
Recent studies suggest that low serum (blood) levels of vitamin D at diagnosis may be associated with a worse prognosis.
A July 26 Breast Cancer Research study found that low concentrations of serum vitamin D before the start of chemotherapy "may be associated with poorer overall survival and distant disease-free survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients." In the study, 1,295 German postmenopausal breast cancer patients were followed a median of 5.8 years after diagnosis.
Back on April 29, US News and World Report covered a similar study which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. In that study, "[r]esearchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between low vitamin D levels (less than 32 milligrams per milliliter of blood) and poor scores on every major biological marker used to predict a breast cancer patient's outcome."
Exercise and breast cancer side effects and survival
Exercise to reduce side effects
Most of the links on the exercise page of our website associate exercise with the reduction of breast cancer treatment side effects for survivors.
A recent Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine study found that core stability exercise and massage reduced "fatigue, tension and depression and improved vigor and muscle strength" for breast cancer survivors.
A July 11 study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise concluded that resistance training alone improved physical self esteem, which is based on conditioning, attractiveness and strength. Aerobic exercise improved physical conditioning. However, a combination aerobic and resistance program did not improve physical self esteem any greater than single modality programs.
Additional studies on exercise and breast cancer side effects were discussed in the July 7 issue of our blog.
Exercise to improve survival
We know there is evidence that exercise can improve quality of life for survivors, but does exercise after diagnosis affect breast cancer survival? The findings of a July 27 study in Cancer Prevention Research "suggest that exercise after breast cancer diagnosis may improve overall and disease-free survival." This is an exciting area of research that we will be sure to follow.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer research news highlights. Until then, please check our website for the latest news and research on other breast cancer complementary therapies and lifestyle options.
Vitamin D for breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis
The vitamin D page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website is full of links to news and research on breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis. Today, we'll discuss the most recent studies.
Vitamin D for aromatase inhibitor muscle and joint pain
A June 21 study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that high doses of vitamin D reduced the muscle and joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy. On July 26, Washington University in St. Louis released a detailed written news story and video about the study.
Does exposure to solar vitamin D decrease breast cancer risk?
Recent studies on vitamin D from sun exposure and breast cancer risk are contradictory. On one hand, a June 6 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology determined that exposure to solar vitamin D during adolescence resulted in a lower risk of breast cancer. A June 28 article on the UK National Health Service Choices website provides a detailed analysis of the study.
On the other end of the spectrum, (no pun intended), the findings of a July 23 study in the European Journal of Cancer "contradict that vitamin D production through extensive sun exposure has any protective effect on internal cancer but emphasise the increased risk for skin cancer." In that study, the risk of breast and other internal cancers was calculated for Swedish women with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is typically associated with extensive sun exposure. The authors found that women with BCC had an increased risk of other forms of cancer, including breast cancer, prior to the BCC diagnosis.
Why are study results inconsistent? The answer may be that people are genetically different. Much as tamoxifen only treats hormone receptor positive breast cancer, vitamin D may only reduce risk in those with specific genetic characteristics. A June 21 study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention evaluated whether genetic variations might explain why vitamin D is associated with breast cancer risk reduction in some but not others. The study concluded, "Variation in vitamin D-related genotypes may help to explain inconsistent results from previous epidemiologic studies and may lead to targeted prevention strategies."
Serum vitamin D levels and breast cancer prognosis
Recent studies suggest that low serum (blood) levels of vitamin D at diagnosis may be associated with a worse prognosis.
A July 26 Breast Cancer Research study found that low concentrations of serum vitamin D before the start of chemotherapy "may be associated with poorer overall survival and distant disease-free survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients." In the study, 1,295 German postmenopausal breast cancer patients were followed a median of 5.8 years after diagnosis.
Back on April 29, US News and World Report covered a similar study which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. In that study, "[r]esearchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between low vitamin D levels (less than 32 milligrams per milliliter of blood) and poor scores on every major biological marker used to predict a breast cancer patient's outcome."
Exercise and breast cancer side effects and survival
Exercise to reduce side effects
Most of the links on the exercise page of our website associate exercise with the reduction of breast cancer treatment side effects for survivors.
A recent Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine study found that core stability exercise and massage reduced "fatigue, tension and depression and improved vigor and muscle strength" for breast cancer survivors.
A July 11 study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise concluded that resistance training alone improved physical self esteem, which is based on conditioning, attractiveness and strength. Aerobic exercise improved physical conditioning. However, a combination aerobic and resistance program did not improve physical self esteem any greater than single modality programs.
Additional studies on exercise and breast cancer side effects were discussed in the July 7 issue of our blog.
Exercise to improve survival
We know there is evidence that exercise can improve quality of life for survivors, but does exercise after diagnosis affect breast cancer survival? The findings of a July 27 study in Cancer Prevention Research "suggest that exercise after breast cancer diagnosis may improve overall and disease-free survival." This is an exciting area of research that we will be sure to follow.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer research news highlights. Until then, please check our website for the latest news and research on other breast cancer complementary therapies and lifestyle options.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Breast Cancer News Update: July 6
Today in breast cancer news, we'll look at a successful study of Afinitor (everolimus) for advanced cancer. We'll also look at recent developments in breast cancer complementary therapies, including vitamin D, acupuncture and tumeric (curcumin).
Positive phase III study results for Afinitor (everolimus)
In a phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study known as BOLERO-2, Afinitor (everolimus) plus Aromasin (exemestane) significantly extended progression-free survival for post-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer when compared to placebo plus Aromasin. The study was halted when its goals were reached ahead of schedule. According to a statement from Novartis published in Reuters, the results suggest that the Afinitor/Aromasin combination "has the potential to extend the time until chemotherapy is needed for these patients." The results will be presented at a future medical conference. Regulatory submissions are planned by the end of 2011. Marketing approval is possible in early 2012. For more details, please see the link to the RTT News story on the Afinitor page of our site.
Vitamin D for aromatase inhibitor induced bone loss
Looking at the vitamin D page of our website, most studies this year involve breast cancer risk or prognosis. The June 21 Breast Cancer Research and Treatment study is different. As explained in a July 5 Internal Medicine News story, which can be found under the vitamin D page News tab, aromatase inhibitor induced bone loss was "significantly slowed with increasing supplements of vitamin D." "The magnitude of bone-loss prevention correlated with incremental increases" in serum vitamin D concentrations. According to the Internal Medicine News story,
Acupuncture for breast cancer fatigue
Looking at the acupuncture page of our website, acupuncture has been studied for breast cancer related joint pain, hot flashes and lymphedema. According to the latest study, published on June 25 in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture may also be useful to treat breast cancer fatigue. Although it was a small study due to recruitment problems, education on exercise and nutrition plus acupuncture seemed to reduce fatigue. Researchers concluded that the "very promising effect" warrants larger studies to confirm the findings.
Another tumeric (curcumin) study on cancer cells
Breast cancer patients are often interested in tumeric (curcumin) as a complementary therapy. Unfortunately, as our curcumin page shows, there haven't been any significant studies in humans. (There was one promising phase I French study in January 2010.) However, several studies on breast cancer cells have demonstrated anti-cancer activity. Curcumin has been tested as a chemosensitiser or radiotherapy sensitiser to make chemotherapy and radition more effective. The latest study from Germany, dated June 26, demonstrated curcumin's effect on cell growth and survival factors. We'll continue to follow developments in curcumin research and hope to see advanced trials in humans someday soon.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer news and research updates. Until then, all breast cancer news and research for any test or treatment option, including complementary therapies, may be found on our LATESTBreastCancer.com website anytime. We update content daily.
Positive phase III study results for Afinitor (everolimus)
In a phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study known as BOLERO-2, Afinitor (everolimus) plus Aromasin (exemestane) significantly extended progression-free survival for post-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer when compared to placebo plus Aromasin. The study was halted when its goals were reached ahead of schedule. According to a statement from Novartis published in Reuters, the results suggest that the Afinitor/Aromasin combination "has the potential to extend the time until chemotherapy is needed for these patients." The results will be presented at a future medical conference. Regulatory submissions are planned by the end of 2011. Marketing approval is possible in early 2012. For more details, please see the link to the RTT News story on the Afinitor page of our site.
Vitamin D for aromatase inhibitor induced bone loss
Looking at the vitamin D page of our website, most studies this year involve breast cancer risk or prognosis. The June 21 Breast Cancer Research and Treatment study is different. As explained in a July 5 Internal Medicine News story, which can be found under the vitamin D page News tab, aromatase inhibitor induced bone loss was "significantly slowed with increasing supplements of vitamin D." "The magnitude of bone-loss prevention correlated with incremental increases" in serum vitamin D concentrations. According to the Internal Medicine News story,
The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation at doses higher than standard of 400 to 800 IU/day might be useful to minimize bone loss in women starting out on aromatase inhibitors and who are not eligible for bisphosphonate therapy according to current guidelines.
Acupuncture for breast cancer fatigue
Looking at the acupuncture page of our website, acupuncture has been studied for breast cancer related joint pain, hot flashes and lymphedema. According to the latest study, published on June 25 in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture may also be useful to treat breast cancer fatigue. Although it was a small study due to recruitment problems, education on exercise and nutrition plus acupuncture seemed to reduce fatigue. Researchers concluded that the "very promising effect" warrants larger studies to confirm the findings.
Another tumeric (curcumin) study on cancer cells
Breast cancer patients are often interested in tumeric (curcumin) as a complementary therapy. Unfortunately, as our curcumin page shows, there haven't been any significant studies in humans. (There was one promising phase I French study in January 2010.) However, several studies on breast cancer cells have demonstrated anti-cancer activity. Curcumin has been tested as a chemosensitiser or radiotherapy sensitiser to make chemotherapy and radition more effective. The latest study from Germany, dated June 26, demonstrated curcumin's effect on cell growth and survival factors. We'll continue to follow developments in curcumin research and hope to see advanced trials in humans someday soon.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer news and research updates. Until then, all breast cancer news and research for any test or treatment option, including complementary therapies, may be found on our LATESTBreastCancer.com website anytime. We update content daily.
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