All XRAYs

Study : Healthy romantic relationships may decrease stress and inflammation for breast cancer survivors

Most relevant for: Women with breast cancer who have romantic partners

Satisfying romantic relationships may improve outcomes for women with breast cancer. In a new study, women who were more satisfied with their romantic relationships experienced less stress and lower inflammation. This study suggests that decreasing stress may be beneficial for breast cancer survivors. (7/25/20)

Update : FDA approves the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) as maintenance therapy for some women with advanced ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: Women with advanced ovarian cancer whose tumor has a BRCA mutation or a type of tumor marker called homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)

The FDA has approved the first drug combination to be used as a first-line maintenance therapy for some women with advanced ovarian cancer. (7/7/2020)

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

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)

Study : What is the risk for a new breast cancer diagnosis in the other breast for women with a BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 mutation?

Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with breast cancer who have a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53

For women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, knowing their risk of breast cancer in the other (contralateral) breast can help them make decisions about surgery and screening. This study shows that women with an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 have an increased risk for contralateral breast cancer. This risk is highest in women with a TP53 mutation. (6/6/20)

Update : PARP inhibitors, rucaparib (Rubraca) and olaparib (Lynparza) receive FDA approval for metastatic prostate cancer

Most relevant for: Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have certain inherited or tumor mutations in DNA repair genes

The FDA approved two PARP inhibitors, rucaparib (Rubraca) and olaparib (Lynparza) for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in men who have certain inherited mutations or tumor mutations. (6/1/20)

Update : New FDA approval of PARP inhibitor for maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: People with advanced ovarian cancer who have had a complete or partial response to chemotherapy

The FDA has approved the use of niraparib (Zejula) as a maintenance therapy for women with advanced ovarian cancer who have had a complete or partial response to chemotherapy. (5/7/20)

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)

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)

Topic : COVID-19 and cancer

Most relevant for: People in treatment for cancer, or people scheduled for surgery

The current COVID-19 pandemic has led to many changes in our communities. In this XRAY review we focus on the intersection between COVID-19 and cancer: who may be immunosuppressed, coping with changes in surveillance or treatment, and evaluating and dealing with media. (4/13/20)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

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.