Today I want to take some time and touch on a topic that is up for some debate. The use of IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) in the use of breast cancer. First off, it is probably important to explain exactly what IMRT is and what it does. IMRT is like painting with radiation. As you can see in this picture of Einstein, which was made by a linear accelerator, using IMRT to do so....
With the month of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we tend to see lots of specials on TV, on the news, radio, or even at local events talking about the importance of awareness. We hear statistics and figures on women, the likelihood for developing Breast Cancer, the prognosis, even new research and rugs that have been recently approved for use in the medical field. We learn about the importance of early screening and...
As I promised the other day, I wanted to take a moment and to talk about a study that was conducted by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) in support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This trial is the first of its type to ever compare the effectiveness of two seperate drugs. The drug more commonly known as Tamoxifen (Novaldex) is already known and proven to reduce the risk of breast...
As I am sure most of you that are familiar or have done any reading on breast cancer have heard the term ER+ (positive), or Estrogen positive. But what exactly does being ER (estrogen) positive really mean, what are the implications and significance to breast cancer patients of being tested for Estrogen positive or negative? What role does estrogen play in breast cancer? Today I would like to take the time and explain what Estrogen+...
I am sure that most people that are curious about cancer, or know of a loved one that has gone through the entire cancer ordeal, and more specifically Breast Cancer, have heard of the term HER2neu or if their breast cancer was referred to as HER2 + (positive) or - (negative). In cancer care, there happens to be a lot of acronyms and terms thrown out there, or perhaps your physician uses them often, so...
I apologize due to the late postings. I have been in San Francisco this week for a breast cancer symposium and am writing these in the late hours of the night. I know there are a few emails I need to return to patients, but will reply tomorrow when I return home. I will have more time to ensure that I properly email all the information that you need. My sincere apologies. Today I would like...
I have been working in the cancer field for almost ten years now. I have heard a lot of myths or rumors, and this is yet another one. There is nothing scientifically shown nor is there any data driven studies done that have proved aluminum or anything in deodorants to cause cancer, let alone breast cancer. We all have to remember that in order for a product to be placed on the market, it must first...
As I mentioned in yesterday's blog on Mammosite, today I was going to talk a little more in depth about the phase III randomized trial that is underway. This NSABP-RTOG Phase III trial is entitled: Conventional Whole Breast Irradiation versus Partial Breast Irradiation for Women with Stage 0, 1, or 2 Breast Cancer. The protocol number respectively are: NSABP-B39 and RTOG-0413. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the difference, if any, between women that...
Since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month I think it would be a great time to discuss some of the new research and technological advnaces that have been in made in the treatment options for women with early stage Breast Cancer. No longer are the only choices for women with early stage Breast Cancer confined to mastectomy (loss of all breast tissue) or Whole Breast Irradiation (Radiation Therapy). Some of these new advances include Lumpectomy...
Another large topic specific to Breast Cancer is the use of digital mammography and its benefits versus the use of traditional film based mammography. There was a trial that was created in 2003 by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) called the Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial, or better known or referred to as the DMIST Trial. This trial reached its enrollment target goal of 49,500 women in the U.S. and Canada. The trial is officially...