FORCE's eXamining the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
XRAY is a reliable source of hereditary cancer research-related news and information.
Learn more about the XRAY program
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Study : Among women with breast cancer, who should have genetic testing for an inherited mutation?
Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with breast cancer who do not know if they have an inherited mutation in a gene linked to breast cancer
Which breast cancer patients should consider genetic testing? Knowing whether you have an inherited mutation may inform the decisions you and your healthcare provider make about treatment. But it can also increase stress and anxiety. This XRAY reviews a study of how different guidelines affect genetic testing recommendations for people with breast cancer. (8/27/20)
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Promising research using a PARP inhibitor to treat metastatic breast cancer in people with an inherited PALB2 mutation or a tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with metastatic breast cancer with an inherited mutation in PALB2 or tumor with a BRCA mutation
Early results of a small study showed that women with metastatic breast cancer and an inherited mutation in PALB2 or an acquired tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 benefitted from the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza). (6/18/20)
Read More
Update : FDA approves tucatinib (Tukysa) for metastatic Her2-positive breast cancer
Most relevant for: Patients with Her2-positive metastatic breast cancer
The FDA has approved the use of tucatinib (Tukysa) in combination with chemotherapy as a treatment for people with metastatic Her2-positive breast cancer. This approval includes treatment of people whose breast cancer has spread to the brain. (4/29/20)
Read More
Update : FDA approves new treatment for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Most relevant for: People with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have received at least two prior lines of treatment
The FDA approved the use of sacituzumab govitecan-hizy (Trodelvy), a treatment drug for people with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have received at least two prior therapies for metastatic disease. (4/27/20)
Read More
Personal Story : Improving the quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
A Washington Post article described the cancer experience of a young woman living with metastatic breast cancer. It also highlights how integrative medicine and palliative care, including acupuncture, massage, yoga, pain management, mental health therapy and nutrition can improve quality of life for people with metastatic cancer. (3/10/20)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : A new breast cancer drug improves overall survival among people with brain and other metastases
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with metastatic breast cancer
A promising new drug called tucatinib combined with standard therapy shows benefit for women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Women who took tucatinib experienced longer progression-free survival (time before their cancer worsened), longer overall survival time and response of cancer (shrinking or disappearing). Strikingly, better outcomes were also seen for women with brain metastases, which is often difficult to treat. (12/20/19)
THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED on 04/17/20: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Tukysa (tucatinib) for use in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin) and capecitabine for patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, including patients with brain metastases (disease that has spread to the brain). Patients who have received one or more treatments targeting Her2 in the metastic setting are eligible to receive Tukysa. Tukysa is an oral (tablet) tyrosine kinase inhibitor which is taken twice daily.
Read More
Personal Story : Running marathons with metastatic breast cancer? Yes!
Most relevant for: Women with metastatic breast cancer
Runner’s World Magazine featured Sarah Smith, a metastatic breast cancer patient who runs marathons and ultra-marathons. By telling her story, Sarah wants to encourage people to stay active, despite the challenges that life may bring. (10/13/19)
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Inherited mutations in metastatic breast cancer patients
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with metastatic breast cancer
Recent research shows that a significant portion of patients with metastatic breast cancer have harmful mutations in a gene associated with hereditary breast cancer and increased breast cancer risk. (9/26/19)
Read More
Guideline : FDA issues warning on CDK inhibitors
Most relevant for: People currently taking a CDK inhibitor
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert for CDK inhibitors, including Ibrance (palbociclib), Kisqali (ribociclib), and Verzenio (abemaciclib). (9/24/19)
Read More
Study : Supportive care can improve quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic breast cancer patients have unique needs for treatment and care. Connecting patients to appropriate support services and palliative care is an area of need in health care. A recent study reported improvement in metastatic breast cancer patient quality of life and wellness with an intervention program called the Supportive, Education and Advocacy (MBC-SEA) program. (8/21/19)
Read More
Search XRAY studies and Articles
This Portal Sponsored By:
