Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Breast Cancer: AI Predicts Metastasis From Recurrence
In 2022, 2.3 million women were living with breast cancer, and 670,000 died from the disease worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although in developed countries survival rates for breast cancer patients have significantly improved in the last decades, the tumour can return in 5–20% of cases even after successful initial treatment, the researchers warn. "These local recurrences vary significantly – some are more aggressive than others – so they may require different treatment approaches. However, current guidelines recommend mostly similar treatment for all of them. Tailoring treatment based on risk factors could improve survival outcomes, which is why understanding the prognosis of different recurrence types is crucial", adds Dr Kovács.
The researchers emphasise that further studies involving larger patient populations and genetic tumour analysis could refine prediction models. Combining machine learning with traditional diagnostic methods could help identify high-risk patients and guide targeted treatment strategies at the right time – an approach that could significantly improve treatment effectiveness and survival outcomes.
Among the 154 patients analysed, 33 experienced recurrence after 10 years, and one patient's breast cancer returned after 23 years. Many patients stop attending follow-up appointments after being declared cancer-free. Yet, regular check-ups remain lifesaving, even decades after treatment.
Source: Semmelweis University; text: Angelika Erdélyi
Cryoablation: A Treatment Option For Low-risk Early-stage Breast Cancer
ProSense Cryoablation System
Photo courtesy of IceCure
Mild-to-moderate adverse effects for patients having the procedure include bruising, localised edema, freeze-related skin burns, rash, bleeding from needle insertion, local hematoma, tenderness, pruritis and rash. They resolve rapidly without complications or long-term residual effects.
'Cryoablation is most effective when treating small lesions without extensive intraductal component,' say Lauren M. Kopicky, MD, a breast surgeon at Cleveland Clinic and Debra A. Pratt, MD, Medical Director of breast services of the Moll Cancer Center of Fairview Hospital in Ohio.1 They caution that breast cryoablation is appropriate only for select patients, and is currently authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only in clinical trials. According to cryoablation technology developer IceCure Medical, the technique is approved for use in Europe for breast cancer and fibroadenomas (benign breast tumours) for over two decades and is considered a well-tolerated outpatient procedure.
Breast Cancer Treatment May Lead To Long-term Breast Shrinkage, Study Finds
A new study has found that breast-conserving therapy (BCT)—a common treatment for early-stage breast cancer—can lead to significant breast shrinkage over time, especially when combined with radiation therapy (RT).
The study, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, shows that women may lose up to 20% of breast volume within the first year, with the shrinkage continuing for up to five years.
"Knowing these changes can happen is important," says Dr. Chris Reid from the University of California San Diego, who led the study.
"It helps doctors and patients plan for what to expect after treatment, including any needed reconstruction."
What is breast-conserving therapy?
Breast-conserving therapy is often the preferred treatment for early-stage breast cancer. It usually involves removing the tumor through a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy.
This approach offers similar survival rates to a full mastectomy, with the added benefit of keeping most of the breast and generally better emotional and physical recovery.
However, radiation can cause changes to the breast tissue over time, such as shrinkage and hardening. These effects are due to tissue damage and scarring caused by radiation.
Dr. Reid and his team studied 113 women who received BCT and RT between 2005 and 2023. Using mammograms, they measured breast volume before treatment, shortly after surgery, and up to five years later.
Right after surgery, breast size dropped by an average of 9.2%, which is expected due to the removal of the tumor. However, the study found that breast shrinkage continued long after surgery, mostly due to radiation.
After one year, breast volume had decreased by an average of 19.3%. By five years, the average total shrinkage reached 26.6%. The shrinkage happened gradually each year and affected all patients in the study.
Factors that increase shrinkage
Women with larger breasts and smaller tumors experienced more shrinkage—about 29.5%, compared to 21.7% in others. Other risk factors included:
Breast shrinkage can lead to asymmetry, where the treated breast is noticeably smaller than the other. This can impact a woman's self-image and quality of life. That's why it's important for doctors to talk to patients about this possibility before treatment.
"Understanding these changes can help surgeons plan better reconstruction or cosmetic procedures to restore balance," Dr. Reid explains.
The researchers hope this study will lead to better ways to measure and manage breast volume changes in the future, helping women feel more informed and supported throughout their treatment journey.
If you care about breast cancer, please read studies about how eating patterns help ward off breast cancer, and soy and plant compounds may prevent breast cancer recurrence.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how your grocery list can help guard against caner, and a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
Comments
Post a Comment