CHRISTUS St. Vincent’s Post

Development of new treatment options for osteosarcoma (OS) patients has gained more support thanks to a $4.49 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), announced this week. Richard Gorlick, M.D., division head of Pediatrics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, serves as the Principal Investigator of the grant, titled “Novel Therapies in Osteosarcoma.” The multi-investigator research award (MIRA) seeks to find protein targets for osteosarcoma and exploit them with immune- and cytotoxic-based approaches. Other study investigators include Shulin Li, PhD, Elizabeth Shpall, M.D., Tim Heffernan, Ph.D., Bissan Al-Lazikani, Ph.D., Jing Wang, Ph.D., Yisheng Li,Ph.D., and Samir Hanash, M.D., Ph.D.   Proud to be part of this team as therapies for pediatric, teen and young adult osteosarcoma patients have not changed in decades.   The grant also supports researchers in further developing minimally invasive tests that may determine which patients will or will not respond to therapy; developing new therapies which overcome drug resistance; and developing blood tests which can provide information that will define our next generation of treatments. Since its inception, CPRIT has awarded nearly $3.6 billion in grants for cancer research. Learn more about this osteosarcoma grant and CPRIT: https://bit.ly/4fU0G5a #CancerResearch #EndCancer #pediatricsarcoma #osteosarcoma #sarcomaresearch #OneMDAnderson #CureSarcoma #pediatriccancer #pediatriconcology #CPRIT

📃Scientific paper: Conservative interventions and clinical outcome measures used in the perioperative rehabilitation of breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy;Conservative interventions and clinical outcome measures used in the perioperative rehabilitation of breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy: a scoping review Abstract: Background: Mastectomy is the first-line treatment approach for more than 90% of breast cancer patients. The numerous physical impairments associated with this surgical procedure negatively impact the patient's quality of life. To date, rehabilitation resources available for breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy within the institutions affiliated to the Centre intégré universitaire de soins de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centredu-Québec (CIUSSS-MCQ) are lacking and do not always seem to reflect the particularities of breast cancer care pathways. The purpose of this review was to identify and describe the conservative interventions and the clinical outcome measures used in the perioperative physical rehabilitation of women with breast cancer who are awaiting or have undergone mastectomy. We also aimed to report on the barriers and facilitators to study participation and completion. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 2021, and we updated the search on July 11, 2022. We included peer-reviewed English and French literature with quantitative designs, describing conservative interventions and clinical outcome measures used within rehabilitation programs designed for women who were awaiting or had undergone mastectomy. Paired reviewers independently reviewed all citations and articles using a two-phase screening process and independently extracted the data. Results: Of the 6080 articles id... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/18sfj ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.

September 10th, a new federal law requiring standardized language for dense breast reporting within mammogram reports, goes into effect. That means in about three weeks, all 40% of women who have dense breast tissue on their mammograms will receive this message: "Breast tissue can be either dense or not dense. Dense tissue makes it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer. Your breast tissue is dense. In some people with dense tissue, other imaging tests in addition to a mammogram may help find cancers. Talk to your healthcare provider about breast density, risks for breast cancer, and your individual situation.” So what to do? 1. If you have dense breast tissue, review the American Cancer Society page and talk with your clinician about how to follow up (e.g., surveillance, repeat imaging in 6 months, f/u ultrasound or MRI) 2. If you're a clinician, review the best practice guidance your practice uses to make decisions, and expect that call/inquiry volume may increase after September 10th Remember, dense breast tissue is common (40% of women), is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (1.5x), and does not go down with age. An important public health and cancer screening issue that we should all be aware of. https://lnkd.in/efyMzaRQ

Excellent information on changes to how mammogram results will report on breast density:

A recent study has revealed a concerning trend in the rise of endometrial cancer among Black women, with a significant racial disparity in mortality rates. According to Dr. Kemi Doll, a gynecologic oncologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the current screening methods, including transvaginal ultrasounds, are failing to accurately detect EC in Black women. The study, which analyzed the medical records of 1400 Black individuals, found that 9.6% of those with endometrial cancer had endometrial thickness measurements below the 4mm threshold, which is supposed to determine who is at risk of EC and needs a biopsy to make the diagnosis. This means that many Black women with endometrial cancer may not be diagnosed until it's too late. The symptoms of EC can be difficult to identify, and postmenopausal bleeding is often the first sign. However, Dr. Doll emphasizes that a tissue biopsy is a much better tool for detection than a transvaginal ultrasound. The study also found that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed in later stages of the disease, which significantly reduces their chances of survival. This is due to a combination of factors, including delays in diagnosis, dismissal in healthcare settings, more aggressive types of EC, and social and environmental factors that delay care generally. As a community, it is crucial to be informed about the signs of EC and the required testing to rule it out. Dr. Doll stresses that Black women are not more at risk for EC compared to other ethnicities but are more likely to die from EC due to late diagnosis, more aggressive EC types, and the host of other downstream effects of being a marginalized and oppressed population in U.S. society. What are your thoughts on this? How can we improve early detection and access to high-quality treatment for endometrial cancer?

My breast cancer story is one of dense breasts and possibly a tumour developing in my late 40s. Up until May 19, 2023, I was considered not to have an increased risk for breast cancer, according to the Canadian Task Force guidelines; no family history, no genetic mutations, and no previous chest radiation and was treated accordingly by healthcare providers and me. I knew I had lumpy breasts but was not concerned about finding breast cancer. My focus was melanoma due to a family history. Surprise! My most recent mammogram, in March 2023, and probably the one before it, in September 2020, did not pick up a malignant tumour or the DCIS noted in my surgical pathology report. On April 24, 2023, I found the lump by self-checking one month after I received a letter from the screening program saying my results were “normal.” A very long fifteen days unfolded. Ultrasound, doctor’s call to confirm the diagnosis, a breast surgeon visit, and pre-op tasks filled my schedule. After my initial visit to a breast surgeon and a surgical date set for June 13, I felt relief with the information and results explained to me. Then, because the lump was malignant and not detected on the mammogram, I had a breast MRI. So, the relief was short-lived because another mass was revealed – also not picked up on the mammogram(s). This delayed surgery by another three weeks as I sorted out what to do. In a very short time frame, less than 24 hours before the initially -scheduled surgery, I had to decide if I wanted a mastectomy the next day or delay surgery and get another biopsy. With much trepidation, I chose the biopsy and so began another long wait for results. Every second that ticked, I second-guessed my decision. Luckily, the second mass was identified as a non-cancerous fibroadenoma, and during the biopsy, the radiologist inserted a metal marker to locate the pesky lump in the future. Fortunately, they were able to send the results in six days. A second lumpectomy date was scheduled and performed on July 6. I tolerated the surgery well and recovered without any challenges. Thus began a very long waiting period (for me, anyway!) to hear the surgical pathology results (Early Stage, T2N0sn) and be accepted into and contacted by the provincial cancer program. Finally in mid-September, once appointments were attended and further testing was completed, it was determined that I would not benefit from chemotherapy. My treatment plan includes taking a daily Aromatase Inhibitor, eight quarterly Zoledronic Acid Infusions, and 20 already-completed radiation sessions. Please read the rest of Jenny's story here: https://lnkd.in/gtUUnByP DBC Note: Jenny, thank you so much for sharing your story. It makes a difference.

SBI would like to wish its members, partners and other industry professionals a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. As we reflect on 2023, here’s a look back at the most-read articles from the year: 10. American College of Radiology releases new breast cancer screening guidelines From May 11: The American College of Radiology released new breast cancer screening guidelines, calling for increased vigilance among certain patient populations. https://bit.ly/3S0BIHl 9. Actually, Alcohol Use Might Not Increase Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk From Sep. 7: Although alcohol use increases the risk of developing breast cancer, a new Kaiser Permanente study found that, in general, consuming alcohol within six months of a breast cancer diagnosis was not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence or death from the disease. https://bit.ly/3PbszZX 8. Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk Varies by Molecular Subtype From Jun. 29: Different molecular subtypes of breast cancer had varying rates and patterns of recurrence following surgery for early-stage disease, a large retrospective cohort study showed. https://bit.ly/3S0kUQO 7. Lobular Breast Carcinoma Mimicking a Primary Gastric Malignancy From Jun. 15: Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common subclass of breast cancer and adds to the breast malignancy burden in women. Studies focused on metastatic patterns of ILC have reported bone, gynecologic organs, the peritoneum, and the gastrointestinal tract as potential sites of metastasis. https://bit.ly/3H2robE 6. Implementing the National Dense Breast Reporting Standard, Expanding Supplemental Screening Using Current Guidelines, and the Proposed Find It Early Act From May 4: With a new national standard for density notification, breast imaging radiologists and centers should be preparing. Development of a protocol for evaluating the need for, and recommendation of, supplemental screening, and ways to facilitate orders from their referring physician community are opportunities. https://bit.ly/41DGNIY

Is CyberKnife Right for You? Here Is the Ideal CyberKnife Patient: One of the first questions patients ask is whether CyberKnife is right for them. The simple answer:  We don't know until we see you and your scans. Much depends on the stage of your cancer, location, and overall health. Let us start with the CyberKnife basics: The CyberKnife System, CyberKnife treats cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where patients may need radiation. It can be used throughout the body specifically for the brain, lungs, prostate, spine, head and neck, liver, kidney, and pancreas. It can also be used as an alternative to surgery for patients who may not be surgical candidates or who may have complex tumors that cannot be surgically removed. In other words, CyberKnife can be used for many different cancers and conditions. It has been researched and in use for more than two decades, and it has helped thousands of cancer patients. The reason: CyberKnife uses advanced technology with an image-guided linear accelerator to deliver precision stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using a robotic arm. “CyberKnife accuracy is sub-millimetric, which can help significantly reduce the risk of the side effects that too often disrupt the lives of patients during and after treatment,” Accuracy states on its website. CyberKnife “Ideal” Patients No two patients are the same. No two cancers are the same, and no two cases are the same. So ideal CyberKnife candidates fall into different, yet wide ranges. • Brain cancer: CyberKnife can minimize potential long-term side effects risks because of its pinpoint accuracy. And patients who have been treated with whole-brain radiotherapy can be treated again with CyberKnife. • Lung Cancer: Patients benefit because the CyberKnife system moves with them, keeping the radiation targeted on the tumor while they breathe normally. “The system provides a proven, non-surgical option for treating early-stage, inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, tumors in challenging anatomical locations such as central lung tumors surrounded by sensitive structures and lung tumors near the chest wall, and inoperable peripheral lung tumors,” Accuray says. • Liver Cancer: CyberKnife may benefit patients whose tumors cannot be completely removed with surgery or those who cannot undergo surgery. Plus, it can be used as patients wait for a transplant. • Pancreatic Cancer: CyberKnife is a good option for patients with locally advanced cancer or those who may be inoperable. It can also be used in tandem with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. • Prostate Cancer: CyberKnife offers a 98% success rate for prostate cancer with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. • Spinal Cancer: CyberKnife’s precision matters when it comes to treating tumors of the spine. For more information call the CyberKnife Center of Miami "The Beam of Life" at 305-279-2900. #cancertreatmentmiamifl https://lnkd.in/dNUbFRcB

Is CyberKnife Right for You? Here Is the Ideal CyberKnife Patient: One of the first questions patients ask is whether CyberKnife is right for them. The simple answer:  We don't know until we see you and your scans. Much depends on the stage of your cancer, location, and overall health. Let us start with the CyberKnife basics: The CyberKnife System, CyberKnife treats cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where patients may need radiation. It can be used throughout the body specifically for the brain, lungs, prostate, spine, head and neck, liver, kidney, and pancreas. It can also be used as an alternative to surgery for patients who may not be surgical candidates or who may have complex tumors that cannot be surgically removed. In other words, CyberKnife can be used for many different cancers and conditions. It has been researched and in use for more than two decades, and it has helped thousands of cancer patients. The reason: CyberKnife uses advanced technology with an image-guided linear accelerator to deliver precision stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using a robotic arm. “CyberKnife accuracy is sub-millimetric, which can help significantly reduce the risk of the side effects that too often disrupt the lives of patients during and after treatment,” Accuracy states on its website. CyberKnife “Ideal” Patients No two patients are the same. No two cancers are the same, and no two cases are the same. So ideal CyberKnife candidates fall into different, yet wide ranges. • Brain cancer: CyberKnife can minimize potential long-term side effects risks because of its pinpoint accuracy. And patients who have been treated with whole-brain radiotherapy can be treated again with CyberKnife. • Lung Cancer: Patients benefit because the CyberKnife system moves with them, keeping the radiation targeted on the tumor while they breathe normally. “The system provides a proven, non-surgical option for treating early-stage, inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, tumors in challenging anatomical locations such as central lung tumors surrounded by sensitive structures and lung tumors near the chest wall, and inoperable peripheral lung tumors,” Accuray says. • Liver Cancer: CyberKnife may benefit patients whose tumors cannot be completely removed with surgery or those who cannot undergo surgery. Plus, it can be used as patients wait for a transplant. • Pancreatic Cancer: CyberKnife is a good option for patients with locally advanced cancer or those who may be inoperable. It can also be used in tandem with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. • Prostate Cancer: CyberKnife offers a 98% success rate for prostate cancer with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. • Spinal Cancer: CyberKnife’s precision matters when it comes to treating tumors of the spine. For more information call the CyberKnife Center of Miami "The Beam of Life" at 305-279-2900. #cancertreatmentmiamifl https://lnkd.in/deEuKaSM