More Updates in the area of Breast Cancer Research

It boggles the mind to think of all the researchers out there, searching not only desperately for a cure but for the answer to the question "What causes breast cancer?". In addition to these two main goals, the scientists are forever refining their studies, procedures and treatment modalities. Here is a sampling of some of the more promising studies. It's good to know that they are concerned about those who currently have the disease, those who have metastatic disease and the psycho-social implications of breast cancer for all of us.

Tamoxifen Might Help Fertility According to Doctor's Guide, a group from Weill Medical College of Cornell University have found that by stimulating the ovaries with a brief treatment of tamoxifen may help retrieve mature, usable eggs. If you are of child-bearing age and undergoing breast cancer treatment, you might want to check out this study. http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf...

MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) Still Gets Results for Lymphedema As my faithful readers know, lymphedema education and research is my second passion, right behind breast cancer issues. This randomized controlled crossover study was published in the European Journal of Cancer Care. The study supports the fact that MLD significantly reduces limb volume and skin thickness. Quality of life also improves, based on better sleep patterns, stronger emotional function and less annoying sensations, such as pain or limb heaviness. If you have or suspect lymphedema, or have had or have breast cancer, familiarize yourself with my articles/links on lymphedema. Unfortunately, the journal cited is only available online by subscription. I have posted the link, but please be aware there is a fee for article(s) andor subscriptions. http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journ...

Then check out http://www.lymphnet.org - the National Lymphedema Network, which is to lymphedema what Susan Love is to breast cancer. (Author's personal opinion)

Chemotherapy Still Benefits Breast Cancer Chemotherapy in an adjuvant setting has undergone many changes in the pat 40 years. Single drugs for breast cancer were introduced in the 1960s. The 1970s saw the combination of drugs, such as CMF (cytoxan, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil). In the '80s, they added the anthracyclines to the arsensal of breast cancer drugs. The 1990s incorporated the taxanes. This publication in the International Journal of Clinical Oncology states that there is absolute improvement in 10% overall surival rates. The statistics for metastatic disease have not been as good. However, with the addition of transtuzumab, which is an antibody that works against the HER2 receptor protein, progress has been made. The world of oncology and chemotherapy is always changing. Try to keep abreast of the latest innovations. The future appears bright with the onset of research for more accurate predictive factors and individual treatment, based on tumor biology.

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