Breast Cancer

Study: Cancer patients with certain inherited mutations have cancer outcomes similar to those without inherited mutations

People with an inherited mutation in certain genes, including ATM, CHEK2, PALB2, BRCA or Lynch syndrome genes, have an increased risk of cancer. In this study, researchers wanted to know whether cancer patients with inherited mutations had a different chance of survival than patients without an inherited mutation in these genes. These results showed that, although the risk of cancer is increased, there is no difference in survival after a diagnosis of breast, pancreatic or colorectal cancer with or without these genetic changes. (posted 11/20/25)

Study: Breast cancer treatment combination and dose improves survival in people with inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

Treatment before surgery with a combination of targeted therapy and chemotherapy resulted in longer survival for people with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have early-stage breast cancer. The study evaluated a new dosing strategy that made it possible to safely combine Lynparza (olaparib) and chemotherapy (carboplatin). (Posted 8/31/25)

Update: FDA in the News: FDA approvals and health information on breast cancer

This XRAY review reports new treatments approved by the FDA for early and metastatic breast cancer and educational resources about women's health. (Posted 8/4/25)

Study: Possible link between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and rare breast implant-associated lymphoma

The causes of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer that develops near implants, are unknown. Results from this study suggest that people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may be at increased risk for BIA-ALCL. However, because very few cases of BIA-ALCL occurred among participants, more research is needed to confirm or refute this finding. (Posted 7/14/2025)

Study: New FDA approval of Itovebi, a drug that may improve treatment for certain advanced or metastatic breast cancers

About one-third of hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancers have a PIK3CA tumor mutation that can increase cancer growth and lead to treatment resistance. A new targeted therapy, Itovebi (inavolisib), improved patient outcomes when combined with standard treatment. This led to the recent FDA approval of the drug. (Posted 7/3/25)

Study: Enhertu shows promising results for HER2-low and HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer

Recent study results show that a new targeted treatment works better than standard chemotherapy for people with metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancers with low or ultralow HER2 status. (Posted 5/15/25)

Update: Ovarian suppression may reduce breast cancer recurrence

Ovarian suppression—blocking estrogen production in the ovaries—can improve breast cancer outcomes in premenopausal women. This review provides information about ovarian suppression and describes who might benefit. (Posted 3/6/25)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Topic: Addressing the needs of young adults with breast cancer

This update addresses common concerns faced by young adults with breast cancer, particularly fertility and childbearing, psychosocial health and treatment-related side effects. (Posted 2/28/25)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study: Impact on sexual well-being among people with an inherited BRCA mutation

This study looked at sexual well-being in those with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Knowledge about having an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA1 mutation did not influence sexual health. However, menopause and cancer diagnosis was had a significant impact on sexual health and sexual function. (Posted 2/13/25)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Guideline: Hereditary cancer gene guidelines expand

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network regularly updates guidelines for several types of hereditary cancer. These recommendations often change when new research is published. Recently, the NCCN expanded its guidelines to include information on hereditary prostate and gastric cancers. (Posted 1/6/25)

Este artículo está disponible en español.