Breast Cancer

Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, states that all breast cancers should be tested for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors; HER2 testing involves an immunohistochemistry stain to quantify protein levels, with 3+ indicating HER2+ disease, 0 indicating HER2- disease, and 1-2+ levels needing additional FISH testing to clarify HER2 status.

Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, introduces the role of HER2 as a breast cancer cell growth receptor and explains HER2-positive versus HER2-negative.

Where I grew up, cancer was not openly discussed.

Patients who had low levels of vitamin D before starting chemotherapy tended to have higher rates of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, but more research is needed in this field.

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, it stays with you 24/7.

Up to a quarter of patients with breast cancer face financial burden due to the cost of supplements, complimentary therapy and alternative medicines which “may decrease adherence to prescribed medications,” researchers found.

An expert explained the different treatment options for patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has recently been diagnosed or has recurred.

Sometimes after a diagnosis of cancer, plans and attending events can become elusive due to symptoms and treatments.

A cancer community creates support and care throughout a cancer experience.

My world turned upside down in April 2013 on the anniversary of my mother in laws death from metastatic breast cancer.

Stephen Peck created a nonprofit that addressed the unique needs of men caring for someone with cancer.

Choosing to share your cancer story is a very personal choice.

From Suzanne Somers’ death from metastatic breast cancer and Julia Louis-Dreyfus discusses her outlook on life post-diagnosis, here is what’s happening in the oncology space this week.

A first patient received samuraciclib plus Orserdu in a phase 2 trial, a treatment combination for some patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

Sometimes, it is better to keep things to yourself when it comes to cancer.

An expert explained how next-generation sequencing can help patients with metastatic breast cancer understand their disease and available treatment options.

I found comfort and peace on social media from different cancer communities.

Who knew how impactful socks could be!

As Georgetown women’s basketball couch Tasha Butts died from cancer and “The Walking Dead” actor Erik Jensen revealed cancer diagnosis, here is what’s happening in the oncology space this week.

Breast cancer survivors may experience medium to high symptom burden five or more years after receiving a diagnosis, according to a recent study.

Dr. Noor Abuhadra and patient Shay Elkins discuss overcoming barriers to cancer treatment access and reimbursement. Shay shares her relatively smooth experience with insurance coverage, while Dr. Abuhadra emphasizes that healthcare teams will fight for patient coverage, especially when treatments are backed by research and FDA approval. Dr. Abuhadra also mentions having a financial clearance department to handle denials and secure approvals, as well as training staff to fill out prior authorization forms. Shay underlines the importance of self-advocacy and leveraging online communities for both emotional support and practical advice.

After the fear of my cancer diagnosis subsided, I decided to swing at it with all my strength.

Dr. Noor Abuhadra discusses managing adverse events in patients receiving TRODELVY (sacituzumab govitecan), a later-line systemic therapy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Shay Elkins, a patient, shares her experience with significant side effects including diarrhea, low white blood cell counts, and hair loss, while Dr. Abuhadra emphasizes the need for proactive management of these issues to maximize treatment time and maintain quality of life.

Shay Elkins, a patient with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, discussed her experience with second-line treatment. Dr. Noor provided insights into the positive outcomes from the ASCENT study.

In a recent study, obesity was linked to an increased risk of recurrence for patients with HR-positive, early-stage breast cancer.

Patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer tended to experience improved invasive disease and distant relapse-free survival after adding Verzenio to endocrine therapy.

Cancer forced me to face my mortality — and in doing so, I crafted a bucket list and embraced the true meaning of life.

Central nervous system progression-free survival was shown to improve with Enhertu than with alternative treatments for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and brain metastases.

Neoadjuvant Keytruda plus chemotherapy followed by adjuvant Keytruda plus endocrine therapy generated a statistically significant increase in pathologic complete response compared to pre-surgical placebo and chemotherapy followed by adjuvant Keytruda and endocrine therapy for patients with high-risk, early-stage, estrogen receptor–positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.