Breast Cancer

Results of a large study showed that postmenopausal women who lost 5% or more of their body weight were 12% less likely to develop breast cancer than those whose weight remained stable; those who lost 15% or more reduced their risk by 37%.

Based on results from the phase III OlympiAD trial, the FDA approved olaparib (Lynparza), a PARP inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with germline BRCA-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who have previously received chemotherapy. HR-positive patients must also have had prior endocrine therapy.

Though women presenting with breast pain are often sent by their clinicians for different types of breast cancer testing — typically undergoing mammography, an ultrasound, and a physical exam — a new study reveals that breast pain is not necessarily an indicator of cancer.

Some younger women with breast cancer may soon have a new first-line treatment option. Ribociclib (Kisqali), has been granted a breakthrough therapy designation by the FDA for use in combination with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor (AI) as frontline treatment for pre- or perimenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

A new study shows that using the targeted agents lapatinib (Tykerb) and trastuzumab (Herceptin) together, combined with an aromatase inhibitor (AI), significantly reduced the risk of death or progression in women with HER2-positive/HR-positive metastatic breast cancer compared with each single targeted agent in combination with an AI.

The combination of olaparib (Lynparza) and durvalumab (Imfinzi) for pretreated patients with germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer shows great promise for future treatment.

The FDA has approved a novel breast-specific stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) device known as GammaPod as a treatment for patients with early breast cancer, based on findings from a 17-patient study.

Mothaffar Fahed Rimawi, MD, explains the importance of targeting treatments for patients with low levels of HER2 protein based on their genetic mutations, and the possible use of immunotherapy for these patients.

The FDA has approved the combination of pertuzumab (Perjeta), trastuzumab (Herceptin) and chemotherapy as an adjuvant treatment for patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer at high risk for recurrence.

Results of a new study show that adding ribociclib (Kisqali) to standard endocrine therapy with temporary ovarian suppression significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) when used as a first-line treatment for

This PARP inhibitor therapy is more effective than chemotherapy in extending progression-free survival and reducing risk of death from BRCA-positive breast cancer.

Shortening the intervals between chemotherapy cycles or administering the drugs sequentially compared to current techniques reduces early-stage breast cancer recurrence and mortality, study shows.

Trastuzumab (Herceptin) biosimilar MYL-1401O (Ogivri; trastuzumab-dkst), which is co-developed by Mylan and Biocon, has just been approved by the FDA for HER2-positive patients with breast cancer or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, the same indications as trastuzumab.

Although much success has been seen, 15% of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer will recur. Outcomes for those patients need to be improved, said Sara M. Tolaney, MD.

Three CDK 4/6 inhibitors—palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), and abemaciclib (Verzenio)— are game-changers in the field of breast cancer, explained Richard S. Finn, MD.

The FDA has approved fulvestrant (Faslodex) for use in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib (Verzenio) to treat patients with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have progressed after endocrine therapy.

Breast cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, is the second leading cause of cancer death among women after lung cancer. To track trends in disease incidence, mortality, and survival the American Cancer Society (ACS) analyzes data every 2 years.

Cyclin D–dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have proven to be effective treatment in patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. But, much like many cancer therapies, there are challenges when it comes to toxicity.

What can be done to improve quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), which tends to lag in comparison to the experience of those with earlier-stage disease?

Laura J. van’t Veer, PhD, discussed determining more accurate methods of treatment for patients with early- and late-state breast cancer based on advances in genetic testing, specifically the 70-gene prognostic signature.

Genes and gender may play a role in who is more likely to experience chemotherapy-related fatigue, according to a recent study.

The FDA granted Olaparib (Lynparza) a priority review for the treatment of certain patients with breast cancer.

Improved treatment and early detection mean fewer women in the United States are dying from breast cancer, according to a study released by the American Cancer Society (ACS) that examined trends in the disease.

The FDA approved abemaciclib (Verzenio) for use in combination with fulvestrant in women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy. The CDK4/6 inhibitor has also been approved as a monotherapy for patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer with metastatic disease who have previously received endocrine therapy and chemotherapy.

Can a class of drugs commonly prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels protect against breast cancer? A study recently presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Barcelona, Spain, offers interesting results.

Fertility preservation might be a bit more difficult for women with breast cancer who test positive for the BRCA gene mutation.

The authors noted that although some studies have shown improvement in breast cancer outcomes from extending treatment with AIs beyond the initial 5 years after diagnosis, there is not much research on the toxicity profile of extended use.

Francisco J. Esteva, M.D., Ph.D. discussed genomic testing at the 16th Annual International Congress on the Future of Breast Cancer® (East).

The FDA has approved fulvestrant (Faslodex) for use in hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative locally-advanced or metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women not previously treated with endocrine therapy.

Dawn Frambes, PhD, RN, discusses the importance of involving the caregivers (and other friends and family) in the delivery of treatments for symptom management.