Ring In The New Year With Research!
I dislike making New Year's Resolutions. I always feel like I've cheated if I break one. So, generally, I avoid this holiday practice. I would rather look to the new year with hope.
Breast cancer research is ongoing worldwide. The bold young scientists are thinking "outside the box". New avenues are opening for diagnostic techniques, surgery, chemotherapy, alternative and complementary approaches, radiation,lymphedema treatment, psychosocial and insurance issues. Here's a brief outline of some of the more promising ideas being generated recently.
WORMWOOD: a Chinese folk remedy, the plant(artemisinin) has shown promise as a chemotherapy agent. The chemical properties of this compound seem to target and kill breast cancer cells. http://www.sciencedaily.com - 11/30/01.
VACUUM BIOPSY: Fibroadenomas under 1.5 cms were successfully removed in toto by ultrasound-guided, vacuum-assisted biopsy. Most fibroadenomas were also removed by this means under 2 cms. Radiological Society of North America, as reported in http://www.doctorsguide.com - 11/30/01.
LASER THERMOGRAPHY: also presented at the Radiological Society meeting, can destroy bone lesions. With the aid of CT (computer tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a laser can be directed at the lesion, temperature monitored, and the lesion is removed. http://ej/rsna.org
DUCTAL LAVAGE: is a new diagnostic tool for women at high risk for breast cancer. A small cannula is inserted into the nipple, a saline wash is begun, and ductal cells are extracted. Abnormal cells, while not necessarily cancerous, can indicate an increased risk. Article in NY Times 11/20/01; info from vendor, http://www.ductallavage.com
LYMPHEDEMA RISK: Support Care in Cancer (journal) reports that although most breast cancer patients are aware of a risk of developing lymphedema, most are inadequately counseled. Report concludes that patient education, lymphedema management protocols and education of medical personnel must be increased. See http://www.lymphnet.org for further information on lymphedema issues.
SENTINEL NODE INJECTION: The Breast Journal, 11/09/01: Technicians continue to try and refine this procedure. While the current "gold standard" is peritumoral injection, this group compared this technique to injection in Sappey's subareolar plexus. Results appear to be consistent with both injection sites. Advantage to subareolar injection is that it eliminates "shine through" and allows easier injection.
LESS CHEMO: Leading breast cancer genetics specialists are working on a test which could decrease the number of patients who undergo adjuvant chemotherapy from roughly 90% in the United States (with tumors greater than half an inch) to approximately 30%. The test should be available in about 5 years, according to the presentation at teh European Federation of Cancer Societies.
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