Study : Trodelvy benefits people with advanced hormone-positive metastatic breast cancer

Most relevant for: People with ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

The study TROPiCS-2 showed that the drug Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) improved progression-free survival when compared to chemotherapy in people with advanced metastatic ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who have few other treatment options. This drug does not yet have FDA approval for use in the hormone-positive setting. (Posted 1/18/23)

Update: On 02/03/2023 the FDA approved approved Trodelvy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic  breast cancer who have received hormonal therapy and at least two other types of treatment in the metastatic setting.

Update : Breast cancer vaccine trial begins enrolling people with BRCA1 and PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: People at risk of TNBC undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy

A new vaccine was first tested on people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The vaccine is now being tested to prevent breast cancer among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or PALB2 who are at high risk and who are planning to have a risk-reducing mastectomy. (Posted 1/9/23)

Study : Male breast cancer: Patient and surgeon experiences

Most relevant for: Men with breast cancer

By surveying male breast cancer patients and the surgeons who treat them, researchers gained insight into the experiences of both groups, shedding light on an important issue for men with breast cancer. (Posted 12/22/22)

Topic : Cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations

Most relevant for: Native Americans and Alaska Natives

The American Cancer Society released a special section in their 2022 Cancer Facts & Figures report that discussed cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations in the United States. This review highlights the special section’s main points, including disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis and survival rates in native communities, as well as factors contributing to those disparities. (Posted 12/20/22)

Guideline : Guidelines on exercise, diet, and weight during cancer treatment

Most relevant for: People currently undergoing treatment for cancer

Most professional guidelines on exercise, diet and weight management have focused on the health of the general population and cancer survivors. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has now published evidence-based recommendations for exercise, diet and weight specifically for people who are in active treatment for cancer. (Posted 11/29/22)

Study : Teens and young adults respond well to learning about familial cancer risk

Most relevant for: Mothers who have had genetic testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 whether or not they have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer

Little is known about how awareness of hereditary cancer in a high-risk family affects the quality of life of teens and young adults. This study looked at the lifestyle choices, cancer awareness and quality of life of adolescents and young adults whose mothers had undergone testing for a BRCA mutation. (Posted 10/11/2022)

Study : Acupuncture may ease breast cancer treatment side effects

Most relevant for: People considering acupuncture for managing breast cancer treatment symptoms.

Acupuncture can ease some symptoms of breast cancer treatment. Multiple studies found that acupuncture is a safe and effective strategy to manage certain symptoms but also called for more rigorous research on the topic. (Posted 9/28/22) Este artículo está disponible en español.

Update : FDA reports on new cancers linked to breast implants

Most relevant for: People with breast implants

New cancers have been found in women with both textured and smooth implants that are filled with either saline or silicone. These cancers are extremely rare. The FDA has reported cases of a type of skin cancer and blood cancers in the scar tissue that forms around breast implants. The newly reported lymphomas are different from the previously reported breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). (Posted 9/27/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Expanding Medicaid reduced racial disparities among people with metastatic breast cancer

Most relevant for: People diagnosed with de novo stage 4 breast cancer and people who live in states that have not expanded Medicaid.

The Affordable Care Act allowed more people to access insurance through Medicaid. This study found the expansion of care improved survival and decreased mortality among people of color with de novo stage 4 (stage 4 at the time of initial diagnosis) breast cancer.  (Posted 9/13/2022). Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Physical activity may decrease fatigue associated with cancer treatment

Most relevant for: Cancer patients who are experiencing fatigue related to cancer or its treatment.

Many cancer survivors experience fatigue during and after they complete treatment. This study looked at the effect of home-based physical activity on fatigue in cancer survivors. It also looked at whether frequent counseling encouraged people to start and continue their exercise routines.  (Posted 8/1/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.