Articles

Updated results from the pivotal phase 3 BOLERO-2 trial uphold, and even add to, the previous benefits reported for the addition of everolimus to exemestane in advanced breast cancer, including a positive effect on bone markers.^1,2

In women with metastatic breast cancer, less frequent dosing of zoledronic acid (ZA) may be as protective as the standard monthly infusion, according to 2 studies presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Adverse events (AEs) related to chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) create a substantial economic burden that is primarily explained by increased inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy costs, said Sara A. Hurvitz, MD, of the University of California Los Angeles, who presented an economic analysis at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

According to an analysis of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trial ECOG-E1199 by Schneider and colleagues, the development of grade 2 to 4 peripheral neuropathy in patients with operable breast cancer who received taxanes does not appear to affect clinical outcome.¹

A preliminary report of a meta-analysis of clinical trials of mo-lecularly targeted therapies shows that they are not benign and can add to the toxicity of standard chemo­therapy. In particular, increased rates of oral mucositis and diarrhea are reported with several US Food and Drug Ad­ministration (FDA)-approved agents. In­creased mucositis seen with bevacizumab and erlotinib does not appear to be clinically significant, but severe diarrhea occurs with a number of targeted agents and has a potential impact on quality of life (QOL) and healthcare resource utilization.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to educate people about early cancer detection, novel breast cancer treatments, and ways to support survivors. Today’s educational efforts will aid generations to come and positively influence the following breast cancer statistics.

Only 4.8% of Web sites describing prostate cancer were written at the National Institutes of Health recommended reading level.

Over one-third of the 12.6 million cancer survivors in the United States face physical or mental issues that put their overall health in danger.

Patients’ happiness is diminished based on the degree to which a disease disrupts daily functioning, according to a new study.

Timing of end of life (EOL) care discussions affects decisions about EOL care.