Breast Cancer Symposium 2011 is underway in San Francisco this week. Today we'll share the media coverage of some of the presentations.
Medical News Today: "Young Women With Early Breast Cancer Have Similar Survival With Breast Conservation, Mastectomy"
More young women under 40 with breast cancer are choosing mastectomy over breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy), in part because of concerns about recurrence. Two presentations suggest that there is no survival difference between women treated with a mastectomy and those treated with a lumpectomy plus radiation.
US News and World Report wrote about both studies. The first, presented a few days ahead of the Symposium, evaluated medical records of 628 women aged 21 to 40. Local recurrence and survival rates were similar for women treated with mastectomy and women treated with lumpectomy.
According to Medical News Today, the second study reviewed the records of nearly 15,000 women under 40 with breast cancer. Overall survival was similar between women treated with mastectomy and those treated with lumpectomy plus radiation. When women were matched with others with similar cancer characteristics, such as tumor size and lymph node involvement, there was no difference in overall survival.
HemOnc Today: "New tool may help predict breast-cancer-associated lymphedema"
On September 8, HemOnc Today shared a Brazilian study of a model to predict lymphedema before axillary lymph node dissection. The statistical model "demonstrated more than 70% accuracy for predicting the 5-year risk for developing lymphedema after lymph node removal during breast cancer surgery."
Dr. Jose Bevilacqua, a study author, noted that the model used "readily available clinical factors," such as age, BMI and number of chemotherapy cycles, for a "quick and easy estimation of individual risks of developing lymphedema after axillary lymph node surgery in women with breast cancer."
Drugs.com: "Syndax Pharmaceutical's Positive Phase 2 Data Supports Potential for Entinostat in Advanced Breast Cancer"
On September 6, Drugs.com printed a press release from Syndax about a positive phase 2 study of entinostat for advanced breast cancer.
For post-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive metastatic breast cancer, entinostat plus Aromasin (exemestane) improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to placebo plus Aromasin.
A phase 3 trial is planned for early 2012.
US News and World Report: "Annual Breast Exams, Mammograms Still Key to Detecting Breast Cancer"
There's more fuel in the screening mammography debate. On September 6, US News and World Report/HealthDay covered a study from Michigan which reviewed breast cancer detection and treatment records from almost 6,000 women with breast cancer.
Overall, breast cancer detected by palpitation (feel) tended to be later-stage and more likely to be treated with a mastectomy and chemotherapy compared to breast cancer detected by mammography.
For women under 50, 48% of breast cancers were detected by mammography and 46% by palpitation. Dr. Andrew Seidman, an official of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), said, "Undoubtedly, this area will continue to remain an area of controversy for some, but certainly women in this age group would be well-served to know about this data."
Not every study we add to the LATESTBreastCancer.com website and database makes media headlines. Next week, we'll highlight some new research which is under the media radar. Please stay tuned.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Soy Vey! Is Soy Safe for Breast Cancer Survivors or Not?
Is soy safe for breast cancer survivors? Traditionally, caution was advised. Then, a big study in April suggested that survivors needn't worry about soy consumption. Now, a new study raises concerns again. Today we'll share the latest research on soy for breast cancer survivors.
Links to all of the studies, news stories and overviews discussed below may be found on the soy page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website. If the link does not take you directly to the soy page, please click the "Treatments" tab, then search for "soy" in the search box in the top right corner.
A little biology
The issue for breast cancer survivors involves the isoflavones in soy. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, or an estrogen-like compounds found in plants. They act like weak estrogens and are able to bind to estrogen receptors in cells. For women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, there is some concern about the estrogen-like behavior of isoflavones in soy.
April 2011 study: Dietary soy is safe after breast cancer
An April 5 presentation to the American Association for Cancer Research caused quite a media stir, with headlines in the Los Angeles Times ("Soy: Breast cancer survivors can eat soy foods without risk, study finds") and Consumer Reports Health ("No need to avoid soy after breast cancer").
The study analyzed soy consumption data from 18,000 breast cancer survivors in China and America followed for an average of more than 9 years. According to the study conclusion, "Soy food consumption was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors."
On the positive side, this data represented a large number of women over a long period of time. On the other hand, the study has not yet been published in a medical journal or subject to critical peer review. Also, the study conclusions relate to dietary soy not soy supplements.
August 2011 study: Soy supplements may affect aromatase inhibitor activity
An August 10 study from The Netherlands published in Toxicology examined the effects of the soy isoflavone genistein on estrogen dependent breast cancer cells. In the study, genistein induced tumor cell growth and increased aromatase expression and activity. The data suggested that soy-based supplements "might affect the efficacy of breast cancer treatment with aromatase inhibitors." The authors caution,
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) issued a comprehensive report on soy isoflavones for menopausal symptoms (link to full report). It provides a thorough review of the biology of soy and the recent research on hot flashes, breast safety and bone health. With respect to use after a breast cancer diagnosis, the report notes,
NAMS is not alone in recommending caution when using soy after breast cancer. The National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine webpage on soy notes,
Links to all of the studies, news stories and overviews discussed below may be found on the soy page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website. If the link does not take you directly to the soy page, please click the "Treatments" tab, then search for "soy" in the search box in the top right corner.
A little biology
The issue for breast cancer survivors involves the isoflavones in soy. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, or an estrogen-like compounds found in plants. They act like weak estrogens and are able to bind to estrogen receptors in cells. For women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, there is some concern about the estrogen-like behavior of isoflavones in soy.
April 2011 study: Dietary soy is safe after breast cancer
An April 5 presentation to the American Association for Cancer Research caused quite a media stir, with headlines in the Los Angeles Times ("Soy: Breast cancer survivors can eat soy foods without risk, study finds") and Consumer Reports Health ("No need to avoid soy after breast cancer").
The study analyzed soy consumption data from 18,000 breast cancer survivors in China and America followed for an average of more than 9 years. According to the study conclusion, "Soy food consumption was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors."
On the positive side, this data represented a large number of women over a long period of time. On the other hand, the study has not yet been published in a medical journal or subject to critical peer review. Also, the study conclusions relate to dietary soy not soy supplements.
August 2011 study: Soy supplements may affect aromatase inhibitor activity
An August 10 study from The Netherlands published in Toxicology examined the effects of the soy isoflavone genistein on estrogen dependent breast cancer cells. In the study, genistein induced tumor cell growth and increased aromatase expression and activity. The data suggested that soy-based supplements "might affect the efficacy of breast cancer treatment with aromatase inhibitors." The authors caution,
Considering the high number of breast cancer patients using soy supplements to treat menopausal symptoms, the increasing risk for adverse interactions with breast cancer treatment is of major concern and should be considered with care.NAMS 2011 Isoflavones Report: More studies are needed
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) issued a comprehensive report on soy isoflavones for menopausal symptoms (link to full report). It provides a thorough review of the biology of soy and the recent research on hot flashes, breast safety and bone health. With respect to use after a breast cancer diagnosis, the report notes,
Specific recommendations regarding soy or isoflavoneInterestingly, the report discusses human studies from both China and the United States which support the safety of soy after breast cancer. (p. 740) Nevertheless, it does not recommend soy due to safety concerns in cells and animals.
consumption by breast cancer survivors cannot be made at
this time; studies in human subjects indicate a null or
protective effect, whereas cell culture and rodent studies
indicate potential for risk. Further studies are needed. (p. 739)
NAMS is not alone in recommending caution when using soy after breast cancer. The National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine webpage on soy notes,
Soy's possible role in breast cancer risk is uncertain. Until more is known about soy's effect on estrogen levels, women who have or who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions (such as ovarian or uterine cancer) should be particularly careful about using soy and should discuss it with their health care providers.The American Cancer Society publishes a similar warning,
The isoflavones in soy have weak estrogen-like activity, and it is unclear how they might affect the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. Some researchers suggest they may act as anti-estrogens and reduce cancer growth, while others suggest their estrogen-like activity could cause cancer to grow faster. Until this issue is resolved, many oncologists recommend that people taking tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors and people with estrogen-sensitive breast tumors should avoid adding large amounts of soy, including soy supplements or isoflavones, to their diets.At LATESTBreastCancer.com, we'll continue to follow and share the latest research on soy for breast cancer survivors. Any new developments will be added to the LATESTBreastCancer.com website and highlighted here. Please stay tuned.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Breast Cancer News Weekly Wrap-Up (Aug. 28 to Sept. 1)
What's new in breast cancer news? Today we'll share the week's headlines and the studies behind them.
US News and World Report: "Some Older Breast Cancer Patients Can Skip Hormone Therapy: Study"
This headline sounds encouraging. For hormone receptor positive breast cancer, hormonal therapy is typically prescribed for five years and associated with unpleasant side effects. Who wouldn't want to skip it?
However, there is some fine print. (Links to the US News and World Report/HealthDay story, the underlying study and related Memo to the Media may be found on the Arimidex (anastrozole) page of our website.)
The August 31 Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) study evaluated mortality (death) rates for women in Denmark with early-stage, node-negative, hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. Women over 60, with small tumors (up to 10mm), who received no hormonal therapy or chemotherapy were not at an increased risk of death compared with women the same age in the general population.
In an accompanying editorial, the authors noted that even if there is no benefit in terms of mortality, hormonal therapy reduces the risk of recurrence in the same or opposite breast, and many "will continue to take it for that reason." (See the JNCI Memo to the Media under the News tab.)
For women in this subset, this study is another factor to be considered in the decision on whether to take hormonal therapy. According to the Memo to the Media, "patient preferences regarding risks and benefits play a critical role" in the decision. In US News and World Report, Dr. Jennifer Griggs, a study co-author, suggested a three month trial of hormone therapy to gauge side effects before deciding whether to continue.
Reuters: "New breast cancer gene may help predict risk"
The gene at issue, known as CHEK2, is not really new. The CHEK2 genetic test is available, but not generally offered. Instead, BRCA 1/2 genetic tests are typically used to assess hereditary risk. (More on the test and links to the study and story below may be found on the CHEK 2 gene testing page of our website.)
The August 29 Journal of Clinical Oncology study from Poland estimated breast cancer risk in women with CHEK2 mutations and family histories of breast cancer. Baseline lifetime risk was assumed to be 6%. Women with a CHEK2 mutation and no family history had an estimated lifetime risk of 20%. Risk increased with family history. A second-degree relative with breast cancer raised the risk to 28%, one first-degree relative to 34% and both a first- and second-degree relative to 44%.
An August 29 story in Reuters noted that the study may not be "ready for prime time yet." According to Reuters, Dr. James P. Evans, editor-in-chief of Genetics in Medicine, called the study a "nice start," but said it would be "premature" to recommend CHEK2 testing for everyone with a family history now. Dr. Diana Petitti, of Arizona State University in Phoenix, said the study is "an important breakthrough," but more research is needed, noting that "this is a field where replication is critical."
One of the concerns is that the Polish women in the study may be different than Americans. In America, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 12% (1 in 8). According to the study authors, that number is only about 6 percent in Poland.
ScienceDaily.com: "Breast Cancer Risk Drops When Diet Includes Walnuts, Researchers Find"
A recent study in Nutrition and Cancer found that walnut consumption reduced breast cancer risk in mice. Study leader Elaine Hardman, Ph.D was quoted in ScienceDaily.com to say, "The results of this study indicate that increased consumption of walnut could be part of a healthy diet and reduce risk for cancer in future generations." (Link on the the Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts page of our website.)
Animals studies such as this one are often interesting, but the applicability in humans has not yet been proven in human trials.
Toronto Sun: "Smoking after menopause could increase risk for breast cancer: Study"
This week, the Toronto Sun, US News and World Report/HealthDay and WebMD covered an August 10 study in The Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism which found higher androgen and estrogen levels in smokers.
According to the study, because hormone levels dropped with smoking cessation, "hormone related disease risks could potentially be modified by changing smoking habits."
Next week, we'll share the latest research on soy for breast cancer survivors. Until then, all the latest news and research on any breast cancer test or treatment option may be found on the treatment pages of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
US News and World Report: "Some Older Breast Cancer Patients Can Skip Hormone Therapy: Study"
This headline sounds encouraging. For hormone receptor positive breast cancer, hormonal therapy is typically prescribed for five years and associated with unpleasant side effects. Who wouldn't want to skip it?
However, there is some fine print. (Links to the US News and World Report/HealthDay story, the underlying study and related Memo to the Media may be found on the Arimidex (anastrozole) page of our website.)
The August 31 Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) study evaluated mortality (death) rates for women in Denmark with early-stage, node-negative, hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. Women over 60, with small tumors (up to 10mm), who received no hormonal therapy or chemotherapy were not at an increased risk of death compared with women the same age in the general population.
In an accompanying editorial, the authors noted that even if there is no benefit in terms of mortality, hormonal therapy reduces the risk of recurrence in the same or opposite breast, and many "will continue to take it for that reason." (See the JNCI Memo to the Media under the News tab.)
For women in this subset, this study is another factor to be considered in the decision on whether to take hormonal therapy. According to the Memo to the Media, "patient preferences regarding risks and benefits play a critical role" in the decision. In US News and World Report, Dr. Jennifer Griggs, a study co-author, suggested a three month trial of hormone therapy to gauge side effects before deciding whether to continue.
Reuters: "New breast cancer gene may help predict risk"
The gene at issue, known as CHEK2, is not really new. The CHEK2 genetic test is available, but not generally offered. Instead, BRCA 1/2 genetic tests are typically used to assess hereditary risk. (More on the test and links to the study and story below may be found on the CHEK 2 gene testing page of our website.)
The August 29 Journal of Clinical Oncology study from Poland estimated breast cancer risk in women with CHEK2 mutations and family histories of breast cancer. Baseline lifetime risk was assumed to be 6%. Women with a CHEK2 mutation and no family history had an estimated lifetime risk of 20%. Risk increased with family history. A second-degree relative with breast cancer raised the risk to 28%, one first-degree relative to 34% and both a first- and second-degree relative to 44%.
An August 29 story in Reuters noted that the study may not be "ready for prime time yet." According to Reuters, Dr. James P. Evans, editor-in-chief of Genetics in Medicine, called the study a "nice start," but said it would be "premature" to recommend CHEK2 testing for everyone with a family history now. Dr. Diana Petitti, of Arizona State University in Phoenix, said the study is "an important breakthrough," but more research is needed, noting that "this is a field where replication is critical."
One of the concerns is that the Polish women in the study may be different than Americans. In America, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 12% (1 in 8). According to the study authors, that number is only about 6 percent in Poland.
ScienceDaily.com: "Breast Cancer Risk Drops When Diet Includes Walnuts, Researchers Find"
A recent study in Nutrition and Cancer found that walnut consumption reduced breast cancer risk in mice. Study leader Elaine Hardman, Ph.D was quoted in ScienceDaily.com to say, "The results of this study indicate that increased consumption of walnut could be part of a healthy diet and reduce risk for cancer in future generations." (Link on the the Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts page of our website.)
Animals studies such as this one are often interesting, but the applicability in humans has not yet been proven in human trials.
Toronto Sun: "Smoking after menopause could increase risk for breast cancer: Study"
This week, the Toronto Sun, US News and World Report/HealthDay and WebMD covered an August 10 study in The Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism which found higher androgen and estrogen levels in smokers.
According to the study, because hormone levels dropped with smoking cessation, "hormone related disease risks could potentially be modified by changing smoking habits."
Next week, we'll share the latest research on soy for breast cancer survivors. Until then, all the latest news and research on any breast cancer test or treatment option may be found on the treatment pages of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
