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
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
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)
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Relevance: Medium
Research Timeline: Post Approval
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)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
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)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : PARP inhibitor treatment for metastatic prostate cancer shows most benefit in men with inherited BRCA mutations
Most relevant for: People with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer who have an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA2.
This study looked at the benefit of using the PARP inhibitor niraparib to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Participants included those with an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 or an inherited or tumor mutation in another gene that affects DNA repair. Participants with an inherited or tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 had better survival compared to those without a BRCA mutation. Side effects from niraparib were common, and consistent with previous reports for PARP inhibitors. (posted 9/6/2022)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Screening for pancreatic cancer detects early-stage disease and improves survival
Most relevant for: People at increased risk for pancreatic cancer because of family history or an inherited mutation.
A research study has shown that screening for pancreatic cancer in people with an inherited mutation or family history was able to detect early-stage pancreatic cancers and improve survival. These results will likely change pancreatic cancer screening guidelines for high-risk individuals (Posted 8/30/22)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Study : Clinical trial eligibility excludes more Black than white patients
Most relevant for: People with pancreatic cancer who are interested in participating in a clinical trial
Eligibility criteria stating who can and cannot participate in clinical trials are necessary. However, traditional eligibility criteria have led to the exclusion of Black people in pancreatic cancer clinical trials. This exclusion restricts patient access to new drugs and limits the ability to generalize results to the population of patients who will ultimately use the drug. Revising eligibility criteria, especially for patients with pancreatic cancer, may improve clinical trial access among Black people. (Posted 8/23/22)
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Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: High
Article : Rise in endometrial cancer affects Black women more than white women
Most relevant for: People concerned about their risk for endometrial cancer
The New York Times calls attention to the increase in a type of cancer of the uterus called endometrial cancer and how it disproportionately affects Black women. The article provides useful information about endometrial cancer while raising awareness of a significant and growing health disparity. (Posted 8/16/22)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
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)
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Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Article : How your ovarian cancer diagnosis can help your relatives
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with ovarian cancer
This media article provides tips from experts and the CDC for talking to family members after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It highlights which family members may be at risk of developing ovarian cancer or passing on genes that increase risk. The article provides links to resources, talking points, alternative methods of communication and potential reactions. (Posted 7/28/22)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Risk-reducing ovarian cancer surgery and quality of life
Most relevant for: People with an inherited BRCA mutation
People with an inherited BRCA gene mutation are recommended to have surgery to remove their ovaries before the age of natural menopause to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. This surgery can cause short-term and long-term effects. This study assesses the quality of life among people who have their fallopian tubes surgically removed and later have their ovaries removed compared to people who have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time. (Posted 7/26/22)
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