In case you missed information from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, here it is for your convenience. This organization is the heart and soul of our breast cancer fight for a cure.
About Breast CancerBreast canceris a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. Breast cancer knows no boundaries - be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location. But there is hope. Thanks to heightened awareness, early detection, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services, people have a greater chance of survival than ever before.Making sense of the ever-changing world of breast cancer can be very overwhelming though. The Understanding Breast Cancer section of komen.org is your one-stop resource for the latest information on breast cancer risk factors, early detection and screening, diagnosis, treatment and support. You can also find information on integrative and complementary therapies, life after treatment, quality of care and much more.The Understanding Breast Cancer section was co-developed with Harvard Medical School faculty and Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center staff.
Early Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Research Funding Leads to New Diagnostic Tool for Cancer's SpreadKomen Funded Early Trials of Lymphoseek® Approved TodayDALLAS – March 13, 2013 – Leaders of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer research organization, applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval today of a new diagnostic tool, called Lymphoseek®, that can more accurately determine whether breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes, helping to avoid overtreatment of women and men with the disease.
“The ability to more accurately track cancer’s spread will help doctors treat breast cancer more effectively, without the likelihood of removing unaffected lymph nodes,” said Chandini Portteus, vice president of Research, Evaluation and Scientific Programs for Komen. “This will help to ensure that women and men with breast cancer are getting the right treatment for their disease, as early as possible. We are very pleased to have played an early role in the development of this tool.”
Komen funded a 1999, $231,000 grant to Dr. Anne Wallace of the University of California, San Diego, for a Phase I clinical trial that tested the safety of Lymphoseek®. The FDA’s approval of Lymphoseek means that this new diagnostic tool can replace the standard blue dye used today, which can miss up to 25 percent of cancer cell-containing lymph nodes.
Lymphoseek contains a radioactive molecule that is targeted specifically to lymph nodes. When injected, it allows doctors to visualize and identify the lymph nodes that have the highest probability of harboring cancer. The procedure is used to determine if cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor and aids in the staging process. Accurate staging of cancer is critical, as it guides therapy decisions and determines patient prognosis and risk of recurrence.
More information on the science behind Lymphoseek® can be found here.
Komen currently is funding more than $300 million in research grants worldwide, and is the largest non-profit funder of breast cancer research outside of the Federal government, with more than $750 million invested in breast cancer research since Komen’s founding in 1982.
Support for YouBreast cancer can be scary and confusing, both for those diagnosed and for their friends and family. It’s important to have a strong support network to help with the physical and emotional demands of the disease. Remember, you are not alone. There are many support services available to assist you on this journey, including:
- 1-877 GO KOMEN, a free breast care helpline offering professional support services to anyone with breast health and breast cancer concerns, including breast cancer patients and their families.
- The Co-Survivor section of Komen’s national website, where friends and family members can share tips and advice, and read personal stories from others who have been in similar situations.
- BreastCancerTrials.org was developed specifically for women and men interested in breast cancer trials and is a non-profit service that is dedicated to providing accurate information about breast cancer clinical trials.
- Did you know that there are many financial resources that can help people living with breast cancer? Find out more.
What can I expect? Late effects of breast cancer treatment
With continuing advances in treatment, an increasing number of people diagnosed with breast cancer will live for many years. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. As survivors live longer, we are learning more about the late effects of breast cancer treatment. Treatment saves lives, but some treatments may lead to health concerns in the future. And while some late effects of breast cancer treatments are known, many are not well understood. Managing (and when possible, preventing) these late effects of treatment is an important part of follow-up care. Here, we discuss some of the late effects from chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. Being aware of potential health effects may help you discuss your follow-up care with your health care provider. Survivors also may have long-term health effects from surgery and radiation treatment for breast cancer (
learn more). Late health effects of chemotherapy Most common side effects of chemotherapy (such as nausea and hair loss) start during treatment and go away shortly after treatment ends. However, some side effects can last for months or even years and occasionally, can be permanent. The possible health effects differ with the type of chemotherapy. Early menopause and menopausal symptoms Some chemotherapy drugs can stop regular menstrual periods. Although periods may start again, for women over 40, periods often do not return and menopause begins earlier than expected. Menopause can bring on symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness (
learn more about these symptoms and ways to manage them). Menopause can also result in a loss of bone density which can lead to in the future. Ways to reduce this risk are discussed below. Early menopause and fertilityEarly menopause also means an early loss of fertility. There are procedures, however, that can preserve fertility (
learn more). If you wish to have a child after treatment, talk to your health care provider (and if possible, a fertility specialist) before making treatment decisions and discuss your options. Weight gainWeight gain (usually about five to ten pounds) is a common side effect of chemotherapy, especially in women who go into early menopause. The more weight a woman gains, the harder it is to lose. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for all breast cancer survivors. Heavier breast cancer survivors tend to have lower compared to leaner survivors. Making healthy food choices and getting regular exercise can help prevent weight gain. Learn more about a
healthy diet and exercise. FatigueAlthough often a short-term side effect of chemotherapy, fatigue can affect some people for a long time after treatment ends. Regular exercise (even just a daily walk) can help reduce fatigue. Getting a good night’s sleep is also important. Although studies of ways to ease fatigue are limited, these tips may help:
- Switch up tasks that take more energy with those that take less energy.
- Plan daily activities. Develop a routine that prevents you from doing too much in one day.
- Delegate as much as possible (let others prepare meals and help with chores).
- Take breaks, even when you are having a good day.
- When possible, sit down to do daily activities.
Talk to your health care provider if you feel overly tired or are having problems sleeping. Heart problems and leukemia Heart problems and leukemia are severe but rare side effects of certain types of chemotherapy. These risks are related to the dose and type of chemotherapy drug, but with the doses given today, the risk of having either heart problems or leukemia is very low (about one percent). And, some heart problems, like cardiomyopathy (enlarged, weakened heart) and congestive heart failure can sometimes be reversed if the drugs are stopped at the first sign of heart damage. For some chemotherapy drugs, extra care is taken. For example, before chemotherapy with the drug doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is given, your heart is checked to make sure there are no pre-existing heart problems. Chemo-brain Some people have memory problems, mental “fogginess” or trouble with concentration and multi-tasking after chemotherapy. This condition is often called “chemo-brain”. Most people have mild symptoms, though some have more troubling problems that impact daily life. Chemo-brain may last for one to two years after treatment or even longer. Most people report the symptoms go away over time. The link between chemo-brain and breast cancer diagnosis and treatment remains unclear. Medications used to treat some side effects of chemotherapy (such as sleeping aids and anti-nausea medications), stress, anxiety and depression can also cause these symptoms. At this time, the true extent of chemo-brain is not well understood. The mechanisms in the body involved and who is most at risk are unclear. However, providers and researchers recognize the importance of chemo-brain as a side effect of breast cancer treatment. This is an active area of study. Late health effects of trastuzumab The targeted therapy drug trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used to treat HER2/neu-positive breast cancers. Trastuzumab is given for one year. Trastuzumab is linked to congestive heart failure, a serious heart condition. In clinical trials, about two to three percent of those treated with chemotherapy plus trastuzumab had heart failure, compared to fewer than one percent of those treated with chemotherapy alone. For most people who are affected, the heart condition improves after stopping trastuzumab, but there is a small group of people who develop a permanent condition. Before and during treatment with trastuzumab, your heart will be checked to help ensure there are no problems. To protect the heart during treatment, it may be helpful to adopt a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and for those who smoke, quitting smoking. Late effects of hormone therapyHormone therapy with tamoxifen and/or aromatase inhibitors (including anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole) is a vital part of treatment for breast cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which is only given for weeks or months, hormone therapy is taken for a total of five years. Depending on your situation, you may take tamoxifen alone, tamoxifen followed by an aromatase inhibitor or an aromatase inhibitor alone. Even though most side effects from hormone therapy tend to go away once treatment ends, they can be difficult to tolerate for such a long time. Some of the most common side effects of hormone therapies, like hot flashes, may become less frequent and less intense over time. Other side effects, however, may occur later and have a more lasting impact on health. Although rare, there are some serious health risks with hormone therapy (listed in the table below). Health Risks of Hormone Therapies Tamoxifen Aromatase inhibitors
- Uterine cancer (cancer of the uterus)
- Endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus)
- Deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in the large veins)
- Pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs)
- Stroke
- Cataracts
- Joint and muscle pain
- Loss of bone density (may lead to osteoporosis or bone fractures)
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased cholesterol
Aromatase inhibitors have fewer serious health risks than tamoxifen. However, aromatase inhibitors can cause joint and muscle pain and affect bone health (see below). The length of treatment with aromatase inhibitors coupled with these side effects can make completing therapy difficult and can lead some women to stop treatment. This is very concerning because completing the full course of hormone therapy is important to get the most survival benefit. Hormone therapy lowers the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death. Aromatase inhibitors and joint and muscle painJoint pain (also called arthralgia) and muscle pain (also called myalgia) are common side effects of aromatase inhibitors. The pain may be in the hands and wrists, feet and ankles, knees, back or other parts of the body. Up to 36 percent of women in clinical trials have reported joint pain and up to 15 percent have reported muscle pain (other studies have reported higher rates of these effects). If you have joint or muscle pain while taking an aromatase inhibitor, talk to your health care provider. Although there is ongoing research studying the best ways to treat joint and muscle pain, your provider may be able to treat these symptoms. He/she may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin or ibupropin), special exercises or acupuncture to ease the pain. Your provider may also switch you to another aromatase inhibitor (you may have less pain with a different drug). Although aromatase inhibitors can cause joint and muscle pain, they do not cause permanent joint or muscle damage. Aromatase inhibitors and loss of bone density Aromatase inhibitors can cause a loss of bone density, which leads to higher rates of and bone fractures compared to tamoxifen
. Ways to manage bone density lossThere are many ways women who lose bone density (due to aromatase inhibitor use or due to menopause) can improve their bone health. Regular exercise can help strengthen and protect bones. For example, weight-bearing exercise (exercise that involves standing rather than sitting) can lower the risk of hip fractures and protect bone density. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D and for those who smoke, quitting smoking are other ways to strengthen bones.Some medications may also help prevent osteoporosis. SummaryBreast cancer survivors may face long-term side effects from treatment. Late effects differ from treatment to treatment and from person to person. Although some of these health conditions are serious, many can be managed. Talk to your health care provider about the possible late effects you may have after treatment ends and ways you can manage (or prevent) them. According to Patricia A. Ganz, M.D., Professor at the UCLA Schools of Medicine & Public Health, “Chemotherapy and other targeted therapies play an essential role in improving the survival outcomes for women with breast cancer, but they are not without some personal costs. Most women get through treatments with very few lingering side effects, but about 25 percent of women may have persistent side effects from chemotherapy (e.g., fatigue, cognitive complaints) and many more may experience menopause-related symptoms either from the chemotherapy or long-term hormone therapies. Many of these symptoms can be managed successfully if you talk to your treatment team about them. It is particularly important that you take your hormone therapy as prescribed. Don’t just quit, talk to your team to get them to address your symptoms or switch to an alternate treatment.” References
- Siegel R, Desantis C, Virgo K, et al. Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2012. CA Cancer J Clin. 2012 Jun 14. [Epub ahead of print].
- Partridge AH, Winer EP. Long-term complications of adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer. Breast Dis. 21:55-64, 2004.
- Saquib N, Flatt SW, Natarajan L, et al. Weight gain and recovery of pre-cancer weight after breast cancer treatments: evidence from the women's healthy eating and living (WHEL) study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 105(2):177-86, 2007.
- Majed B, Moreau T, Senouci K, Salmon RJ, Fourquet A, Asselain B. Is obesity an independent prognosis factor in woman breast cancer? Breast Cancer Res Treat. 111(2):329-42, 2008.
- Chen X, Lu W, Zheng W, et al. Obesity and weight change in relation to breast cancer survival. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 122(3):823-33, 2010.
- Protani M, Coory M, Martin JH. Effect of obesity on survival of women with breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 123(3):627-35, 2010.
- Ewertz M, Jensen MB, Gunnarsdóttir KA, et al. Effect of obesity on prognosis after early-stage breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 29(1):25-31, 2011.
- Imkampe AK, Bates T. Impact of a raised body mass index on breast cancer survival in relation to age and disease extent at diagnosis. Breast J. 16(2):156-61, 2010.
- Demark-Wahnefried W, Case LD, et al. Results of a diet/exercise feasibility trial to prevent adverse body composition change in breast cancer patients on adjuvant chemotherapy. Clin Breast Cancer. 8(1):70-9, 2008.
- Harris SR, Schmitz KH, Campbell KL, McNeely ML. Clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer rehabilitation: syntheses of guideline recommendations and qualitative appraisals. Cancer. 118(8 Suppl):2312-24, 2012.
- Rock CL, Doyle C, Demark-Wahnefried W, et al. Nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors. CA Cancer J Clin. 2012 Apr 26. [Epub ahead of print].
- Goedendorp MM, Andrykowski MA, Donovan KA, et al. Prolonged impact of chemotherapy on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: A longitudinal comparison with radiotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors and noncancer controls. Cancer. 2011 Nov 15. [Epub ahead of print].
- Fong DY, Ho JW, Hui BP, et al. Physical activity for cancer survivors: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 344:e70, 2012.
- Shapiro CL. Side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer, in Up-to-Date (Hayes DF, Dizon DS, eds.). Up-to-Date, 2012.
- Azim HA Jr, de Azambuja E, Colozza M, Bines J, Piccart MJ. Long-term toxic effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Ann Oncol. 22(9):1939-47, 2011.
- Gianni L, Dafni U, Gelber RD, et al. for the Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) Trial Study Team. Treatment with trastuzumab for 1 year after adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer: a 4-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 12(3):236-244, 2011.
- Perez EA, Romond EH, Suman VJ, et al. Four-year follow-up of trastuzumab plus adjuvant chemotherapy for operable human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer: joint analysis of data from NCCTG N9831 and NSABP B-31. J Clin Oncol. 29(25):3366-73, 2011.
- Slamon D, Eiermann W, Robert N, et al. for the Breast Cancer International Research Group. Adjuvant trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 365(14):1273-83, 2011.
- Coombes RC, Kilburn LS, Snowdon CF, et al. for the Intergroup Exemestane Study (IES). Survival and safety of exemestane versus tamoxifen after 2-3 years' tamoxifen treatment (Intergroup Exemestane Study): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 369(9561):559-70, 2007.
- National Cancer Institute. Tamoxifen. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/tamoxifen, 2008.
- Goss PE, Ingle JN, Pater JL, et al. Late extended adjuvant treatment with letrozole improves outcome in women with early-stage breast cancer who complete 5 years of tamoxifen. J Clin Oncol. 26(12):1948-55, 2008.
- Mouridsen H, Giobbie-Hurder A, Goldhirsch A, et al. for the BIG 1-98 Collaborative Group. Letrozole therapy alone or in sequence with tamoxifen in women with breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 361(8):766-76, 2009.
- Cuzick J, Sestak I, Baum M, et al. for the ATAC/LATTE investigators. Effect of anastrozole and tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer: 10-year analysis of the ATAC trial. Lancet Oncol. 11(12):1135-41, 2010.
- Goss PE, Ingle JN, Alés-Martínez JE, et al. for the NCIC CTG MAP.3 Study Investigators. Exemestane for breast-cancer prevention in postmenopausal women. N Engl J Med. 364(25):2381-91, 2011.
- Amir E, Seruga B, Niraula S, Carlsson L, Ocaña A. Toxicity of adjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst. 103(17):1299-309, 2011.
- Dent SF, Gaspo R, Kissner M, Pritchard KI. Aromatase inhibitor therapy: toxicities and management strategies in the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 126(2):295-310, 2011.
- Briot K, Tubiana-Hulin M, Bastit L, Kloos I, Roux C. Effect of a switch of aromatase inhibitors on musculoskeletal symptoms in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer: the ATOLL (articular tolerance of letrozole) study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 120(1):127-34, 2010.
- Murphy CC, Bartholomew LK, Carpentier MY, Bluethmann SM, Vernon SW. Adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy among breast cancer survivors in clinical practice: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2012 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print].
- Dowsett M, Cuzick J, Ingle J, et al. Meta-analysis of breast cancer outcomes in adjuvant trials of aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen. J Clin Oncol. 28(3):509-18, 2010.
- Davies C, Godwin J, Gray R, et al. for the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG). Relevance of breast cancer hormone receptors and other factors to the efficacy of adjuvant tamoxifen: patient-level meta-analysis of randomised trials. Lancet. 378(9793):771-84, 2011.
- Crew KD, Greenlee H, Capodice J, et al. Prevalence of joint symptoms in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors for early-stage breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 25(25):3877-83, 2007.
- Brennan ME, Houssami N. Overview of long term care of breast cancer survivors. Maturitas. 69(2):106-12, 2011.
- Hadji P, Body JJ, Aapro MS, et al. Practical guidance for the management of aromatase inhibitor-associated bone loss. Ann Oncol. 19(8):1407-16, 2008.
- Ahles TA, Saykin AJ. Candidate mechanisms for chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes. Nat Rev Cancer. 7(3):192-201, 2007.
- Bower JE, Ganz PA, Desmond KA, et al. Fatigue in long-term breast carcinoma survivors: a longitudinal investigation. Cancer. 106(4):751-8, 2006.
Posted August 21, 2012
ASCO Update: 2012, FROM jUNE 27, 2012
For breast cancer clinicians and clinical researchers, the two major meetings each year are the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). ASCO takes place in Chicago, generally in early June. As you might imagine, SABCS is always in San Antonio, and is typically in early to mid December. In recent years, there have been a number of advances that have been presented at these meetings, and we have come to expect at least one or two major findings at each.
Progress for HER2+ breast cancers
Without question, the biggest news from ASCO this year was related to T-DM1, the newest of the drugs for HER2+ breast cancer. T-DM1 is big news because it is a very effective new agent, and because it represents a promising new class of drugs called antibody drug conjugates. T-DM1 is essentially two drugs in one. Trastuzumab (Herceptin, an antibody that targets HER2+ cancer cells) is attached to DM1, a very potent chemotherapy. When given alone, DM1 has severe side effects. However, when DM1 is combined with trastuzumab, the trastuzumab delivers the chemotherapy directly to the HER2+ cancer cells. Trastuzumab does double duty. It plays the same role it always plays when given with chemotherapy (adding to the chemotherapy’s ability to kill cancer cells). At the same time, it allows the DM1 chemotherapy to target only the HER2+ cancer cells. This spares the normal cells. As a result, T-DM1 is not only highly effective, but is also associated with few side effects.
In the EMILIA study, T-DM1 was compared to capecitabine and lapatinib in persons with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer whose cancers progressed (worsened) on a trastuzumab-containing regimen. T-DM1 increased the time to progression (until the cancer worsened) compared to capecitabine and lapatinib. And, early findings suggest it may also improve survival. Perhaps what is most impressive is that T-DM1 is so well tolerated. There is no hair loss, no nausea, no diarrhea and no risk of infection. There can be a brief fall in the platelet count with T-DM1, but this is almost always asymptomatic (without symptoms). Other side effects are rare.
Based on the EMILIA results, it is likely T-DM1 will be approved by the FDA in the months ahead, and most of us expect it will be commercially available in early 2013. At first, it will be used in patients who have previously received trastuzumab. More studies are underway however, and it may have a role in persons with newly diagnosed HER2+ breast cancer. In the meantime, discussions and plans are underway to study T-DM1 in the adjuvant and preoperative settings. I believe T-DM1 may truly change the way we care for many patients with HER2+ breast cancer, and that ultimately it will be used quite broadly. The hope, of course, is that T-DM1 will give rise to many new drug antibody conjugates. Whether they are as effective as T-DM1 remains to be seen, but there is great interest in this novel approach to cancer therapy.
Advances in chemotherapy for HER2- breast cancer
The other two studies from ASCO focused on chemotherapy approaches for women with HER2- breast cancer. The first trial, NSABP B-38, compared the ability of three different chemotherapy regimens to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. The study found two common chemotherapy regimens, TAC (docetaxel, Adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide) and dose dense AC-T (Adriamycin, cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel) were equally effective in preventing recurrence. Moreover, the NSABP found that adding the drug gemcitabine to the combination added toxicity, but did not reduce recurrence rates. Based on this trial, we can conclude that either AC-T given in a dose dense (every two weeks) manner or TAC can be used interchangeably in clinical practice. Decisions about which regimen to use should be based on side effects and the oncologist’s comfort and experience with a particular regimen.
The second trial was CALGB 40503, a clinical study that compared paclitaxel to either nab-paclitaxel or ixabepilone in the treatment of women with metastatic breast cancer who had not received prior chemotherapy for their metastatic disease. All of the treatments were given with bevacizumab (Avastin). The study showed nab-paclitaxel was no better than paclitaxel, and ixabepilone was inferior to paclitaxel. In both cases, the therapy under study was more toxic than the standard treatment (paclitaxel). While the CALGB researchers and their colleagues had hoped that one of the new treatment regimens would be better than paclitaxel, the study nevertheless provides important information. It clearly shows a commonly-used drug (paclitaxel) is less toxic (and far less expensive) than these newer drugs and should remain the standard. The study was conducted through cooperative group research and funded by the National Cancer Institute. It underscores the importance of cooperative group research in identifying standard clinical approaches.
Final thoughts
Of course, there were many other findings at ASCO, but I have tried to hit the highlights. Progress has not been as rapid as we would like, but each year we are seeing significant advances. To speed up progress, we need strong collaborations between researchers and clinicians, and we need to ensure there is adequate funding for clinical trials. Collaborations have been blossoming in recent years and if we can solve our challenges related to funding, there is every reason to be hopeful as we move forward.
Posted June 27, 2012
June, 2012
Texas Researchers Studying Breast Cancer Prevention, Minorities, and More Effective Treatments with $8.4 Million from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Komen Research Investment in Texas Now Tops $85 Million
DALLAS – May 23, 2012 – Texas breast cancer researchers will share $8.4 million in new research dollars to develop breakthrough drugs for common breast cancers, more effectively treat advanced forms of the disease, and improve breast cancer outcomes for Latinas, with 2012 research funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
Komen’s $58 million in new global research grants for the year augment the $685 million that the organization has invested in research since its founding in Dallas in 1982, making it the largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research outside of the U.S. Government.
With this year’s grants slate, Komen’s research investment in Texas now totals $85 million since 1982.
A complete list and description of Komen’s 2012 grants, including the new peer-reviewed Texas grants, is available here.* The Texas grants include:
• A $4 million Komen Promise Grant that may lead to the first new drugs in years to treat the most common form of breast cancer – estrogen-driven ER-positive disease diagnosed in about 70 percent of breast cancer cases. Drs. Bert O’Malley and Kent Osborne of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston will work along two tracks: first, to identify women who won’t benefit from the most commonly used therapies today – tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors – and second, to develop new treatments that will work. Komen President Elizabeth Thompson called the development of personalized treatments, from the outset of a breast cancer diagnoses, a “critical issue in breast cancer today.”
o Baylor College of Medicine is receiving an additional $1.83 million in Komen funding for studies ranging from prevention strategies to clinical trials providing gene testing for medically under-served women.
• Houston’s UT MD Anderson Cancer Center is receiving another $1.89 million, including $480,000 in new grants aimed studies focusing on metastatic disease, and the Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston was awarded $180,000 for studies into using nanotechnology to develop more effective therapies.
• In San Antonio, Dr. Amelie Ramirez of the UT Health Sciences Center is receiving a $250,000 Komen scholar grant to understand why breast cancer outcomes are often worse in Hispanic women and Latinas. Ramirez will examine cultural and economic issues that may be barriers to care for women in the fastest-growing group of women nationwide.
• And in Dallas, Shrikanth Gadad, Ph.D., and mentor, W. Lee Kraus of UT Southwestern Medical School received a $180,000 grant to study the role of a protein in the development and progression of breast cancer that is normally involved in DNA repair.
The research grants augment more than $10 million in 2012 community health grants provided by Komen Affiliates in Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Waco, Plano, Tyler, Wichita Falls, Texarkana, El Paso, Amarillo and Lubbock.
The community programs served hundreds of thousands of women, providing screenings, education, treatment assistance and financial and social support to Texans facing breast cancer. Seventy-five percent of funds raised by Komen Affiliates remain in their communities to support local breast cancer education, treatment and support programs. The remaining 25 percent funds global research.
“None of this research or progress of the past 30 years would be possible without the generosity of our partners and donors in communities, and we are so grateful for those who understand and support this vital work for all people facing breast cancer,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Komen for the Cure.
All grants and awards are contingent upon receipt of a fully executed agreement.
*Web table only includes Komen peer-reviewed grants.
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Triple Negative Breast Cancer – what do we know and where are we headed?
Although breast cancer is often referred to as one disease, there are actually many different types of breast cancer. The differences can help guide treatment and provide information on prognosis. Certain characteristics make some breast cancers more aggressive than others, leading to a poorer prognosis. One such breast cancer is triple negative breast cancer. Although we understand some aspects of these breast cancers, we still have much to learn.
What is triple negative breast cancer?
All breast cancers are tested for hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptors and HER2/neu receptors. If the test is “positive”, the cancer cells have many receptors. If the test is “negative”, the cancer cells have few or no receptors. The status of these receptors helps guide treatment. Triple negative breast cancers are:
•Estrogen receptor-negative (ER-)
•Progesterone receptor-negative (PR-)
•HER2/neu-negative (HER2-)
About 14 to 20 percent of all breast cancers are triple negative.1-7
Who gets triple negative breast cancer?
Triple negative breast cancers tend to occur more often in:1,4-6,8-11
•Younger women
•African American women
•BRCA1 gene mutation carriers
Race/ethnicity and triple negative breast cancer
Triple negative breast cancers appear to be more common among African American women (especially those who are premenopausal) compared to white women.1,5,10,12-16 Although the reasons for this are not clear, some studies suggest lifestyle factors might play a role. Some findings show African American women tend to have lower rates of breastfeeding, to give birth to more children and to carry excess weight in the abdomen area compared to other women, all of which may increase the chances of having triple negative breast cancer.7,17-20
BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations and triple negative breast cancer
Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2) are linked to breast cancer risk. People who carry these mutations have an increased risk of breast cancer (learn more).21
Most BRCA1-related breast cancers and some BRCA2-related breast cancers are triple negative.8-9 The relationship between triple negative cancers and BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations is under study and may help identify new treatments.
Risk factors for triple negative breast cancer
Most risk factors affect the risk of triple negative breast cancer in the same way they affect the risk of other breast cancers. For example, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer, including the risk of triple negative breast cancer.16,22-23
Some factors, however, appear to impact the risk of triple negative breast cancers differently than they impact the risk of other breast cancers.
Childbearing
In general, women who have given birth to more than one child have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who have never given birth. However, women may not get this protective benefit of childbearing for triple negative breast cancers.7,16,19 On the other hand, although having a child a later age tends to increase the risk of breast cancer, it does not appear to increase the risk of triple negative cancers.7 These topics are under active study.
Body weight
Being overweight tends to lower the risk of breast cancer before menopause and increase the risk of breast cancer after menopause.24-26 However, being overweight may increase the risk of both premenopausal and postmenopausal triple negative breast cancer.7
Treatment
Triple negative breast cancers are treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Because triple negative breast cancers are ER-, PR- and HER2-, they cannot be treated with hormone therapy (only used to treat estrogen receptor-positive and progesterone receptor-positive cancers) or trastuzumab (Herceptin) (only used to treat HER2/neu-positive cancers). Fortunately, chemotherapy can be effective in treating these breast cancers.
Sometimes chemotherapy is given before surgery (called neoadjuvant chemotherapy), rather than after surgery. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can increase a woman’s breast surgery options. It can shrink a tumor enough that a lumpectomy becomes an option to a mastectomy. The response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy may also give information on prognosis. If a triple negative tumor responds well to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the chances of survival are higher than when there is a poor response to this early treatment.27-28
Breast cancer recurrence and survival
Triple negative breast cancers appear more likely to recur than other breast cancers.29 Recurrence for these cancers often involves metastasis (when cancer spreads to other organs), especially to the brain or lungs. Triple negative breast cancers tend to recur within a few years and when they recur, prognosis is usually poor.29-30
However, because triple negative breast cancers tend to recur early, if a woman survives five years without a recurrence, her chances of survival are high.29 This is good news for five-year survivors and makes this milestone especially important for women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
Prognosis
Although many triple negative breast cancers can be successfully treated, overall they have a poorer prognosis than other breast cancers. The main reason for this is the lack of a targeted treatment. However, new treatments are under study.
Emerging areas in treating triple negative breast cancer
Clinical trials of treatments for triple negative breast cancer are underway. Promising new treatments (in combination with chemotherapy) include PARP inhibitors, bevacizumab and other targeted therapies.
PARP inhibitors
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair. Some chemotherapy drugs damage DNA. Adding a PARP inhibitor may lower the chances the cancer cells become resistant to the chemotherapy. When cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy, the chemotherapy is no longer able to fight the cancer cells. So, by lowering the chances of resistance, the PARP inhibitor may increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
The PARP inhibitor olaparib may benefit women with triple negative breast cancers who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.31 In one early study, iniparib (not a pure PARP inhibitor) seemed to benefit triple negative breast cancers, but this has not been confirmed in larger studies.32
Although these findings show promise for PARP inhibitors in the treatment of triple negative breast cancers, the studies included only a small number of women followed over a short time. And, studies suggest the potential benefit of PARP inhibitors may be limited to BRCA1- and BRCA2-related breast cancers. Larger, longer-term studies are underway to confirm these findings.
Targeted therapies
The genes linked to triple negative breast cancer are not well understood at this time. Thus, targeted therapies do not yet exist to treat these cancers. Potential targets for future therapies include the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), aB-crystallin and cyclin E.33
Although the drug bevacizumab (Avastin) is no longer FDA-approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, it is still under active study for the treatment of triple negative breast cancers.
Learn about Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s® work with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (TNBC) and research we are funding to study triple negative breast cancer.
Joining a clinical trial
If you are newly diagnosed with breast cancer (triple negative or other type), we encourage you to consider joining a clinical trial. Talk to your health care provider or visit our clinical trial section for more information.
In collaboration with BreastCancerTrials.org we offer a custom matching service to help you find a clinical trial that fits your health needs. Learn more about this program.
Summary
According to Dr. Eric Winer, our chief scientific advisor, and director of the Breast Oncology Center and the Thompson Senior Investigator in Breast Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, “At this time, triple negative breast cancer remains one of the most challenging subtypes of breast cancer. Treatment options are more limited than for other women with breast cancer, but triple negative disease is an area of very active research. Importantly, many women do well with our standard therapies and we anticipate great progress over the next decade.”
Learn more about:
•breast cancer surgery
•radiation therapy
•chemotherapy
•clinical trials
•molecular subtypes of breast cancer
References
1.Carey LA, Perou CM, Livasy CA, et al. Race, breast cancer subtypes, and survival in the Carolina Breast cancer Study. JAMA. 295(21):2492-2502, 2006.
2.Fan C, Oh DS, Wessels L, et al. Concordance among gen-expression-based predictors for breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 355(6):560-9, 2006.
3.Hannemann J, Kristel P, van Tinteren H, et al. Molecular subtypes of breast cancer and amplification of topoisomerase II alpha: predictive role in dose intensive adjuvant chemotherapy. Br J Cancer. 95(10):1334-41, 2006.
4.Yang XR, Sherman ME, Rimm DL, et al. Differences in risk factors for breast cancer molecular subtypes in a population-based study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 16(3):439-43, 2007.
5.Stead LA, Lash TL, Sobieraj JE, et al. Triple-negative breast cancers are increased in black women regardless of age or body mass index. Breast Cancer Res. 11(2):R18, 2009.
6.Lund MJ, Butler EN, Hair BY, et al. Age/race differences in HER2 testing and in incidence rates for breast cancer triple subtypes: a population-based study and first report. Cancer. 116(11):2549-59, 2010.
7.Yang XR, Chang-Claude J, Goode EL, et al. Associations of breast cancer risk factors with tumor subtypes: a pooled analysis from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium studies. J Natl Cancer Inst. 103(3):250-63, 2011.
8.Turner NC, Reis-Filho JS. Basal-like breast cancer and the BRCA1 phenotype. Oncogene. 25(43):5846-53, 2006.
9.Atchley DP, Albarracin CT, Lopez A, et al. Clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients with BRCA-positive and BRCA-negative breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 26(26):4282-8, 2008.
10.Amirikia KC, Mills P, Bush J, Newman LA. Higher population-based incidence rates of triple-negative breast cancer among young African-American women: Implications for breast cancer screening recommendations. Cancer. 117(12):2747-53, 2011.
11.Dawood S, Hu R, Homes MD, et al. Defining breast cancer prognosis based on molecular phenotypes: results from a large cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 126(1):185-92, 2011.
12.Ihemelandu CU, Leffall LD Jr, Dewitty RL, et al. Molecular breast cancer subtypes in premenopausal African-American women, tumor biologic factors and clinical outcome. Ann Surg Oncol. 14(10):2994-3003, 2007.
13.Bowen RL, Duffy SW, Ryan DA, Hart IR, Jones JL. Early onset of breast cancer in a group of British black women. Br J Cancer. 98(2):277-81, 2008.
14.Lund MJ, Trivers KF, Porter PL, et al. Race and triple negative threats to breast cancer survival: a population-based study in Atlanta, GA. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 113(2):357-70, 2009.
15.Shinde SS, Forman MR, Kuerer HM, et al. Higher parity and shorter breastfeeding duration: association with triple-negative phenotype of breast cancer. Cancer. 116(21):4933-43, 2010.
16.Stark A, Kleer CG, Martin I, et al. African ancestry and higher prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer: findings from an international study. Cancer. 116(21):4926-32, 2010.
17.Gaudet MM, Press MF, Haile RW, et al. Risk factors by molecular subtypes of breast cancer across a population-based study of women 56 years or younger. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 130(2):587-97, 2011.
18.Palmer JR, Boggs DA, Wise LA, Ambrosone CB, Adams-Campbell LL, Rosenberg L. Parity and lactation in relation to estrogen receptor negative breast cancer in African American women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 20(9):1883-91, 2011.
19.Phipps AI, Chlebowski RT, Prentice R, et al. Reproductive history and oral contraceptive use in relation to risk of triple-negative breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 103(6):470-7, 2011.
20.Tamimi RM, Colditz GA, Hazra A, et al. Traditional breast cancer risk factors in relation to molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 131(1):159-67, 2012.
21.National Cancer Institute. Genetics of breast and ovarian cancer (PDQ).
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/genetics/breast-and-ovarian/HealthProfessional/page2, 2011.
22.Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer. Breast cancer and breast feeding: collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 47 epidemiological studies in 30 countries, including 50,302 women with breast cancer and 96,973 women without the disease. Lancet 20:187-95, 2002.
23.Phipps AI, Malone KE, Porter PL, Daling JR, Li CI. Reproductive and hormonal risk factors for postmenopausal luminal, HER-2-overexpressing, and triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer. 113(7):1521-6, 2008.
24.Huang Z, Hankinson SE, Colditz GA, et al. Dual effects of weight and weight gain on breast cancer risk. JAMA. 278: 1407-11, 1997.
25.van den Brandt PA, Spiegelman D, Yaun SS, et al. Pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies on height, weight, and breast cancer risk. Am J Epidemiol. 152:514-27, 2000.
26.Reeves GK, Pirie K, Beral V, Green J, Spencer E, Bull D. Cancer incidence and mortality in relation to body mass index in the Million Women Study: cohort study. BMJ. 335(7630):1134, 2007.
27.Carey LA, Dees EC, Sawyer L, et al. The triple negative paradox: primary tumor chemosensitivity of breast cancer subtypes. Clin Cancer Res. 13(8):2329-34, 2007.
28.Liedtke C, Mazouni C, Hess KR, et al. Response to neoadjuvant therapy and long-term survival in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 26(8):1275-81, 2008.
29.Dent R, Hanna WM, Trudeau M, Rawlinson E, Sun P, Narod SA. Pattern of metastatic spread in triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 115(2):423-8, 2009.
30.Foulkes WD, Smith IE, Reis-Filho JS. Triple-negative breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 363(20):1938-48, 2010.
31.Fong PC, Boss DS, Yap TA, et al. Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in tumors from BRCA mutation carriers. N Engl J Med. 361(2):123-34, 2009.
32.O'Shaughnessy J, Osborne C, Pippen JE, et al. Iniparib plus chemotherapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 364(3):205-14, 2011.
33.Yehiely F, Moyano JV, Evans JR, Nielsen TO, Cryns VL. Deconstructing the molecular portrait of basal-like breast cancer. Trends Mol Med. 12(11):537-44, 2006.
Posted February 14, 2012
Komen News Archive
Komen News RSS
2012
5/23/2012
Texas Researchers Studying Breast Cancer Prevention, Minorities, and More Effective Treatments with $8.4 Million from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
5/23/2012
Pinnacle Announces Going the Distance Awards Honorees Who are Making a Difference in the Fight against Breast Cancer
5/17/2012
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Targeting Full Spectrum of Cancer Treatment with $58 Million in 2012 Research Grants
5/16/2012
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Invests more than $11 Million to Fight Breast Cancer in the Washington, D.C. Area
5/10/2012
2012 Honorary Bat Girl Contest Winners Announced and Will be Recognized in MLB Ballparks for “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer”
4/27/2012
Program for Medically Underserved Women in Akron Launches with KeyBank Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
4/5/2012
KeyBank Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Introducing Community Volunteer Program for Medically Underserved Women
3/6/2012
Pinnacle Seeks Inspiring Golfers Who Make a Difference in the Fight against Breast Cancer
2/7/2012
Statement from Susan G. Komen Founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker
2/3/2012
Statement from Susan G. Komen Board of Directors and Founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker
2/1/2012
Statement from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
1/27/2012
New Breast Cancer Screening Numbers for Minorities Encouraging, But More Work Needed to Reduce Disparities Says Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
1/18/2012
Organizers Anticipate More Participants for Second Susan G. Komen Israel Race for the Cure®
1/17/2012
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® “Perfect Pink Party“ Raises Over $1 Million To Support Breast Cancer Programs
1/13/2012
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Lights Palm Beach's Royal Park Bridge Pink to Kick Off Weekend Events for Local and Global Breast Cancer Programs
1/13/2012
Zumba Fitness Instructors Raise More Than $1 Million to Support Breast Cancer Research through Global 'Party in Pink'™ Initiative
Breast Cancer News Archive
Komen News RSS
2012
5/24/2012
Physical Activity Linked to Reduced Mortality in Breast and Colon Cancer
5/14/2012
FDA Approves New Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implant
5/3/2012
Higher Risk Women Benefit from Earlier Breast Screening
5/3/2012
Fatigue After Breast Cancer Treatment May Fade Over Time
4/13/2012
Breast Cancer Risk after False-Positive Screening Results
3/30/2012
Pregnancy After Breast Cancer Appears to Be Safe
3/29/2012
Study Explores Non-Drug Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
3/12/2012
Estrogen Alone May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
3/12/2012
Tamoxifen Benefits Subset of Women with DCIS
3/1/2012
Older Chemotherapy Regimen for Breast Cancer Linked with Persistent “Chemo Brain”
2/20/2012
Lynch Syndrome Also Linked with Breast and Pancreatic Cancer
2/10/2012
Outcomes in Older Women with Breast Cancer
2/8/2012
Aromasin Provides Breast Benefit But Takes a Toll on Bone
2/5/2012
Rates of Repeat Breast Cancer Surgery Vary Widely
1/30/2012
Avastin May Improve Breast Cancer Response Rates
1/13/2012
Ovarian Suppression During Chemotherapy Fails to Improve Post-Treatment Menstrual Function
2011
DECEMBER 2011 IN THE NEWS:
December 2011
Happy Holidays!
In the News
Breast cancer: Are you at risk?
Do family history, being overweight or not having children increase your risk for breast cancer? Does breast feeding decrease your risk?
Learn more
Raising awareness in China
We are collaborating with Goldman Sachs and the All-China Women's Federation to promote breast cancer awareness, education and training throughout China.
Learn moreWhat's Up
Get your 2012 Komen calendar
This calendar illustrates some of the great work made possible through your generous support. Help us reach our goal to end breast cancer forever.
Get yours today Passionately Pink holidays!
Wouldn't it be nice to add a little pink to your winter and turn your upcoming holiday parties Passionately Pink?
Register todayMs.Tina Lewis
Help make a difference in the Bahamasby
joining my fundraising efforts and participating in the
Bahamas Race for the Cure® on January 14, 2012!
3-Day for the Cure® 2011
Thank you for an amazing 2011 season! Because of your efforts, we raised over $80 million dollars this year. We hope you'll join us again in 2012!
Register todayStories of Inspiration
Jessica Rutledge
"A nurse called and said, 'We have you scheduled for a mammogram, and it is paid for.' When I asked how, she told me it was through a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. That mammogram saved my life."
Read Jessica's story
Read more stories of inspiration.
In the News
Understanding cancer clusters
Did you know to be defined as a cluster, all the cancer cases in the area must be the same type of cancer, a rare type of cancer or a cancer not usually seen in certain groups of people?
Learn more Lazos que PerduranIn the US, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Latinas. Our new Lazos que Perduran educational program motivates Latinas to take action against it.
Learn more
Honoring the Promise
On October 28, we gathered at The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. to honor the real life heroes in the fight to end breast cancer.
Read moreThe cancer survivor registry
Partially funded by a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Cancer Support Community’s Index reflects the need for survivorship care plans.
Read moreWhat's UpRace for the Cure in paradiseSee how you can be part of the 2nd AnnualBahamas Race for the Cure by registering to attend in person, or as a Virtual International Participant.
Learn more
What would you have missed?You can help motivate others to take action and get screened! Take a moment to record a story, upload your favorite photos or submit video from an unforgettable event.
Share now
Passionately Pink for NovemberThis month is all about being thankful for friends and family! Turn your Thanksgiving Passionately Pink this November.
Register nowEvery 74 seconds...Somewhere in the world, someone dies from breast cancer. You can help change that!
Give a gift to save lives today.
Ford Warriors in PinkThanks to Ford for supporting our mission. The Warriors in Pink initiative showcases the spirit of those who fight breast cancer courageously!
Find out more
Stories of Inspiration
T-DM1 Produces Promising Results Against Advanced HER2-Positive Breast CancerAmong women with metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer, trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1)—an investigational drug that combines Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and a chemotherapy drug—resulted in better progression-free survival than standard chemotherapy and Herceptin. The results of this Phase II clinical trial were presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress. Approximately 20-25% of breast cancers overexpress (make too much of) the HER2 protein. HER2-targeted therapies such as Herceptin have dramatically improved outcomes for women with HER2-positive breast cancer, but researchers continue to explore new approaches to treatment. T-DM1 links Herceptin with a chemotherapy drug (DM1). T-DM1 delivers Herceptin and DM1 directly to HER2-positive cells, and limits exposure of the rest of the body to the chemotherapy. To evaluate T-DM1 for the initial treatment of metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer, researchers conducted a Phase II clinical trial among 137 women. Study participants were treated with either T-DM1 or Herceptin plus Taxotere® (docetaxel).
- Survival without cancer progression was 14.2 months among women in the T-DM1 group and 9.2 months among women in the Herceptin plus Taxotere group.
- In addition to delaying cancer progression, T-DM1 was also better tolerated by patients. Discontinuation of treatment due to side effects occurred in 7.2% of women in the T-DM1 group and 28.8% of women in the Herceptin plus Taxotere group.
These results suggest that T-DM1 may be safe and effective for the treatment of advanced, HER2-positive breast cancer. Results from ongoing Phase III trials will provide additional information about this drug. Reference: Hurvitz S, Dirix L, Kocsis J et al. Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) vs trastuzumab plus docetaxel (H+T) in previously untreated HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC): primary results of a randomized, multicenter, open-label phase II study (TDM4450g/BO21976). Presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference. Stockholm, Sweden. September 23-27, 2011. Abstract 5001.
Posted October 5, 2011 September, 2011
Afinitor Delays Progression of Advanced Breast CancerAmong postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that had become resistant to hormonal therapy, the combination of Afinitor® (everolimus) and Aromasin® (exemestane) delayed cancer progression to a greater extent than Aromasin alone. The results of this Phase III clinical trial were presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress. Each year roughly 200,000 U.S. women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of these breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning that exposure to estrogen and/or progesterone can cause them to grow. Treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer often includes hormonal therapies such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. Tamoxifen acts by blocking estrogen receptors, and aromatase inhibitors suppress the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors include Femara® (letrozole), Arimidex® (anastrozole), and Aromasin® (exemestane). Many women with advanced breast cancer become resistant to hormonal therapy, and treatment options for these women remain limited. Afinitor is an oral medication that works by inhibiting a protein known as mTOR. The mTOR protein plays an important role in regulating cancer cell division and blood vessel growth. Currently, Afinitor is used for the treatment of selected patients with kidney cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA). To explore the use of Afinitor among women with advanced, estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, researchers conducted a Phase III clinical trial (BOLERO-2) among 724 women. All of the women had experienced cancer recurrence or progression in spite of treatment with Femara or Arimidex. Study participants were treated with Aromasin alone or in combination with Afinitor.
- Survival without cancer progression was 6.9 months among women treated with both Afinitor and Aromasin, compared with 2.8 months among women treated with Aromasin alone.
- The most common serious side effects in the Afinitor group were stomatitis (inflammation of the lining of the mouth; 7.7%), anemia (5.8%), shortness of breath (3.9%), hyperglycemia (4.3%), fatigue (3.7%) and pneumonitis (lung inflammation; 3.1%), and elevated liver enzymes (3.1%).
These results suggest that the addition of Afinitor to Aromasin improved outcomes among women with advanced breast cancer that had previously been treated with hormonal therapy. Afinitor has not yet been approved for use in breast cancer. Reference: Baselga J, Campone M, Sahmoud T et al. Everolimus in combination with exemestane for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer who are refractory to letrozole or anastrozole: results of the BOLERO-2 phase III trial. Presented at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference. Stockholm, Sweden. September 23-27, 2011. Abstract LBA9. Posted September 30, 2011
Less talk. More action.™
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to take action when it comes to your breast health. Take a moment to see the various ways you can take action today.Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon™
We recently announced the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon partnership, which adds breast and cervical screening and treatment to existing programs in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Read more.
Body weight and breast cancer
Being overweight is linked to many types of cancer, including postmenopausal breast cancer. Knowing how your weight can affect your risk may be a good first step in making healthy lifestyle choices.
Find out more.
Know your breast cancer stats
Breast cancer is in the spotlight this month and you may be hearing many breast cancer statistics. Understanding some of the most common stats may help make the numbers more meaningful.
Learn more.
What's Up
What would you have missed?From magic moments to touching stories of dear friends and family we miss, your moments count. Record and upload your personal story by telling us What You Would Have Missed.
Start sharing.
Get your own Pink RibbonSince October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, show everyone you want to stop breast cancer. Get your Pink Ribbon today and wear it all month long.
Donate now.
Thanks to Bank of America
Bank of America® supports our promise in local communities not only through their Pink Ribbon Banking but also by sponsoring the Komen 3-Day for the Cure® and the Komen Race for the Cure® series.
Ellen DeGeneres takes action!We’d like to thank the Ellen DeGeneres Show for taking action by gathering donations to help find a cure during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Help Ellen take action and
make an impact today.
Applications being acceptedWe will be accepting applications for the 2012 Susan G. Komen for the Cure® College Scholarship Program from September 15, 2011 through November 15, 2011.
Apply today.
Show your passion in OctoberWhether you're at school, home, or work - you can make an impact! This October, plan to take action and
register for Passionately Pink today!
Stories of InspirationMelissa Girard"Breast cancer runs in my family. My father's mother had it when she was my age, but no one ever really talked about it. My breast surgeon took one look at the report and sent me to another radiologist. I felt frantic/numb."
Read Melissa's story Read more stories of inspirationSusan G. Komen Race for the Cure®
10/9 – Albuquerque, NM
10/15 – Daniel Island, SC
10/23 – Eugene, OR
10/30 – Boston, MA
Find a Race near youFind your local Affiliate31 Days of Pink Action
DG 300 Miles of Courage
10/14 - Charlotte, NC
The Education of Dee Dee Ricks10/27
Our partners and sponsors are passionate about their involvement in our mission. Take a look at how some of them are helping end breast cancer forever:
...that we have a meaningful and fun
schedule of activities to take part in throughout the month of October?
...that
among U.S. women, there will be about 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 39,520 breast cancer deaths this year?
...that we have a new interactive treatment
navigation tool for newly diagnosed patients?
...that you can now see pictures of the
breast changes you should report to your doctor?
...that we list options to find
low-cost or free mammograms?
...that we have many
breast self-awareness cards in different languages?
______________________________________________________________________________________________Everyone:October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But with one woman in the U.S. dying from breast cancer every 13 minutes, we need more than awareness.It's time for less talk and MORE ACTION.That's why I'm asking you to take action in two key ways:
First, give a gift to Susan G. Komen for the Cure today and get your own Komen Pink Ribbon. Second, wear your Pink Ribbon throughout October — and beyond!When you do, you will be taking a stand in the battle against breast cancer. You will be saying with us, "It's time for less talk and more action!"
There's one more step you can take — ask others to join you in defeating breast cancer. Forward this email. Recruit others. Together, we can reach our goal of saving lives and ending breast cancer forever!
Don't wait, give your gift and get your Pink Ribbon today.Thank you,
LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., M.D.
Chairperson, Komen Board of Directors
More information available at:
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