Breastcancer.org Podcasts: Experts discuss research & issues
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Research Highlights From the 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 14, 2015
In this Breastcancer.org Podcast, Brian Wojciechowski, M.D., Breastcancer.org's medical adviser talks about four studies that were presented at the 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 8-12, including studies that offer encouraging news about treatment for women diagnosed with triple-negative disease and metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Wojciechowski explain:
- What luminal A breast cancer is and why women diagnosed with this subtype didn't seem to benefit from chemotherapy after surgery
- Why adding carboplatin to a standard chemotherapy before surgery for triple-negative breast cancer improved pathologic complete response rates and what this means for women with triple-negative disease
- Why postmenopausal women diagnosed with early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer who are taking an aromatase inhibitor and have experienced bone loss might want to consider taking the targeted therapy denosumab
- Results showing that Kadcyla improves overall survival in women diagnosed with metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer that has stopped responding to Herceptin and Tykerb
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2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: Lumpectomy Plus Radiation vs. Mastectomy for Early-Stage Disease, December 15, 2015
In this Breastcancer.org podcast, Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org's chief medical officer, discusses a study examining survival rates after lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer. The study was presented at the 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Dec. 8-12. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Weiss explain:
- why lumpectomy plus radiation and mastectomy are both good choices for early-stage breast cancer surgery
- why one type of surgery might be recommended over the other
- why the researchers think there might have been a difference in survival rates
Running time: 11:27
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2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: Arimidex, Tamoxifen, and Recurrence Risk After DCIS, December 15, 2015
In this podcast, Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org's chief medical officer, explains a study that looked at the effectiveness of Arimidex and tamoxifen for reducing risk after DCIS surgery and radiation, as well as the side effects of each medicine. The study was presented at the 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 8-12. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Weiss explain:
- what DCIS is
- why postmenopausal women should be reassured no matter which of these medicines they're taking
- the side effects of each medicine
Running time: 11:26
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Precision Medicine and the "Moonshot" Program, January 21, 2016
Nancy Davidson, M.D., is director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, where she also is a distinguished professor of medicine and associate vice chancellor for cancer research. She also serves as president-elect of the American Association for Cancer Research, the first and largest cancer research organization in the world. Dr. Davidson is a world-renowned breast cancer researcher who has played a key role in discovering how hormones, particularly estrogen, affect cell growth in breast cancer. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Davidson explain:
- what the American Association for Cancer Research is and what its goals are
- what precision medicine is
- what she thinks the moonshot program to conquer cancer will do
- what new treatments she sees coming in the near future
Running time: 11:25
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All About Cold Caps, January 25, 2016
Hope Rugo, M.D. is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer research and treatment. A professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Rugo is the director of the Breast Oncology Clinical Trials Program and is the lead researcher on a number of studies investigating new treatments for both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Rugo is a member of the Breastcancer.org Professional Advisory Board. She also was the lead researcher on the study that led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the DigniCap, a cold cap that may help some women keep some or quite a bit of hair during chemotherapy. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Rugo explain:
- how she became interested in studying cold caps
- how cold caps work
- her research on the DigniCap
- how much cold caps might cost and whether insurance is covering it yet
Running time: 20:32
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Diet, Obesity, and Breast Cancer, February 4, 2016
Tracy Crane is a registered dietitian and senior research specialist at the University of Arizona Zuckerman College of Public Health. Her research focuses on diet, specifically studying diet quality and cancer risk. Tracy also has more than 15 years' experience developing nutrition plans for cancer survivors, many of them breast cancer survivors.
Listen to the podcast to hear Tracy discuss:
- why obesity is linked to higher breast cancer risk
- the new U.S. Department of Agriculture 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and what they mean for women who've been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as women who want to keep their risk of the disease as low as it can be
- how to make lasting changes to your diet
- styles of eating that can keep your risk of breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence as low as it can be
Running time: 21:25
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Supporting a Partner With Breast Cancer, February 9, 2016
Courtney Bitz is a licensed clinical social worker who heads the Couples Coping
with Cancer Together program for City of Hope, a comprehensive cancer
center in Duarte, Calif. When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer,
research has shown that having a supportive partner is one of the most
important factors in helping her cope. But partners may struggle with
knowing what to say or how best to support a loved one. The only program
of its kind, Couples Coping with Cancer Together helps women and their
partners identify problems that are most important to them as part of
their overall medical care.
Listen to the podcast to hear Courtney discuss:- how the Couples Coping with Cancer Together program works
- specific examples of how a woman can ask for and get the support she needs
- the different ways women and men cope with stress and how each can understand the other better
- common requests that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer ask of their partners
Running time: 27:25
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Does Chemotherapy Increase the Risk of Common Infections?, February 10, 2016
In this Breastcancer.org podcast, Brian Wojciechowski, M.D., Breastcancer.org's medical adviser, explains a study published in January 2016 suggesting that chemotherapy for breast cancer may increase the risk of common infections.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Wojciechowski talk about:
- how the immune system works
- how chemotherapy affects the immune system
- when women who will be undergoing chemotherapy should get vaccines
- steps you can take to support your immune system
Running time: 11:03
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Genetics, Genetic Testing, and Breast Cancer: Part 1, February 18, 2016
Cristina Nixon is a licensed certified genetic counselor with the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program at Main Line Health in Pennsylvania. In addition to counseling patients, she also assists with research, including, most recently, a study looking at multi-gene panels in BRCA1/BRCA2 positive families. Cristina also has completed the City of Hope's intensive course in cancer risk assessment.
This is part one of three-part podcast on genetics and breast cancer with Cristina. Listen to this podcast to hear her explain:
- the difference between a genetic abnormality and a genetic mutation
- what the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes do in the body and why having a mutation in one of them increases the risk of breast cancer
- other genes besides the BRCA genes that are linked to a higher risk of breast cancer
- other types of cancer that are linked to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Running time: 20:55
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Genetics, Genetic Testing, and Breast Cancer: Part 2, March 3, 2016
Cristina Nixon is a licensed certified genetic counselor with the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program at Main Line Health in Pennsylvania. In addition to counseling patients, she also assists with research, including most recently a study looking at multi-gene panels in BRCA1/BRCA2-positive families. Cristina also has completed the City of Hope's intensive course in cancer risk assessment.
This is part two of three-part podcast on genetics and breast cancer with Cristina. Listen to this podcast to hear her explain:
- the factors that would recommend genetic testing for a particular woman
- whether DCIS is consider differently than invasive cancer when recommending genetic testing
- the process of genetic testing
- when genetic testing wouldn't be recommended for a woman diagnosed with breast cancer
Running time: 23:44
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Genetics, Genetic Testing and Breast Cancer: Part 3, March 3, 2016
Cristina Nixon is a licensed certified genetic counselor with the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program at Main Line Health in Pennsylvania. In addition to counseling patients, she also assists with research, including most recently a study looking at multi-gene panels in BRCA1/BRCA2-positive families. Cristina also has completed the City of Hope's intensive course in cancer risk assessment.
This is part three of three-part podcast on genetics and breast cancer with Cristina. Listen to this podcast to hear her explain:
- how a woman could use an online risk assessment tool
- the factors the different tools consider
- why it's important that a woman use a risk assessment tool with her doctor or a licensed genetic counselor
- what the results from direct-to-consumer testing companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry.com contain
Running time: 11:37
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Prophylactic Surgery for Women at High Risk: Part 1, May 11, 2016
Dr. Alan Stolier is a surgeon at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans. He has more than 35 years of experience in surgical oncology. He specializes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer and is a pioneer in the development of nipple-sparing mastectomy. Dr. Stolier also focuses on breast cancer genetics and the associated care of women who have a BRCA gene mutation.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Stolier talk about:
- how much each type of prophylactic surgery (breast, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus) can reduce risk
- who is most likely to benefit from prophylactic surgery
- women who shouldn't consider prophylactic surgery
- whether there is an optimal age for prophylactic surgery
Running time: 27:01
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Prophylactic Surgery for Women at High Risk: Part 2, May 18, 2016
Dr. Alan Stolier is a surgeon at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans. He has more than 35 years of experience in surgical oncology. He specializes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer and is a pioneer in the development of nipple-sparing mastectomy. Dr. Stolier also focuses on breast cancer genetics and the associated care of women who have a BRCA gene mutation.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Stolier talk about:
- the timing of prophylactic surgery
- other genetic mutations besides BRCA1 or BRCA2 that might make a woman consider prophylactic surgery
- the type of screening program recommended for a woman who's had prophylactic surgery
- how often cancer is found during prophylactic surgery
Running time: 24:13
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Stories of Genetic Testing, Prophylactic Surgery, and Reconstruction: Lorell, September 6, 2016
Lorell Hornbrook has a strong family history of breast cancer: Both her older sister and her father were diagnosed with breast cancer. Her father died at age 75 from treatment complications, a year after he was diagnosed. In 2014, at age 48, Lorell decided to have genetic testing to see if she had a gene mutation that dramatically increased her risk for breast cancer. When her test results came back positive for a BRCA2 mutation, Lorell had already decided what she would do: a double prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction using tissue from her tummy area. Lorell is one of three women whose stories are featured in the Breastcancer.org video series on genetic testing, prophylactic surgery, and reconstruction.
Listen to the podcast to hear Lorell talk about:
- why she never hesitated about participating in the videos
- the type of research she did after she got her genetic test results
- how she prepared herself for surgery
- the advice she would give to women in a similar situation
Running time: 11:04
These podcasts, along with all the other vital content and community support at Breastcancer.org, only exist because of the generous donations of listeners like you. Please visit Breastcancer.org/support to learn how you can help keep our services free for you and the millions of women who depend on us.
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Stories of Genetic Testing, Prophylactic Surgery, and Reconstruction: Kerry, September 8, 2016
Kerry Osmond was 10 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990. When it became available, genetic testing for a mutation that raises the risk of breast cancer was strongly recommended for Kerry's mom -- in 2010 her mother tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation. Kerry knew that meant she had a 50-50 chance of having the same mutation. In 2012, she decided to have genetic testing and learned that she, too, had a BRCA2 mutation. She decided to have a double prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction using tissue from her hip area. Kerry is one of three women whose stories are featured in the Breastcancer.org video series on genetic testing, prophylactic surgery, and reconstruction. Kerry's younger sister, Mandi, also tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation and is also in the video series.
Listen to the podcast to hear Kerry talk about:
- how her family uses their experience to help others
- how she connected with women who had similar surgeries on the Breastcancer.org discussion boards
- how sharing her story in the video was healing in a way
- why talking to other women who had already had prophylactic surgery was encouraging
Running time: 13:56
These podcasts, along with all the other vital content and community support at Breastcancer.org, only exist because of the generous donations of listeners like you. Please visit Breastcancer.org/support to learn how you can help keep our services free for you and the millions of women who depend on us.
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Stories of Genetic Testing, Prophylactic Surgery, and Reconstruction: Mandi, September 9, 2016
Mandi Seifert was 3 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990. When it became available, genetic testing for a mutation that raises the risk of breast cancer was strongly recommended for Mandi's mom -- in 2010 her mother tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation. Mandi knew that meant she had a 50-50 chance of having the same mutation. In 2013, she decided to have genetic testing and learned that she, too, had a BRCA2 mutation. She decided to have a double prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction using tissue from her tummy area. Mandi is one of three women whose stories are featured in the Breastcancer.org video series on genetic testing, prophylactic surgery, and reconstruction. Mandi's older sister, Kerry, also tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation and is also in the video series.
Listen to the podcast to hear Mandi discuss:
- how talking about her surgery with her sister was both emotional and freeing
- how it felt to see her reconstructive surgeon again after she was completely healed
- how her sister's experience helped guide her
- why family support is so important
Running time: 9:02
These podcasts, along with all the other vital content and community support at Breastcancer.org, only exist because of the generous donations of listeners like you. Please visit Breastcancer.org/support to learn how you can help keep our services free for you and the millions of women who depend on us.
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Men Have Breasts, Too: Diagnosed With Male Breast Cancer, November 2, 2016
In August 2016, Stephen Sala found a small lump on the right side of his chest. His doctor thought it was a cyst, but scheduled an ultrasound to be sure. His ultrasound results were concerning, so he had a mammogram the same day, followed a needle biopsy about a week later. The results showed breast cancer. He was 41. He decided to have a bilateral mastectomy to reduce his risk of contralateral disease; pathology results showed that he had cancer in his left chest as well. As he went through diagnosis and treatment, Steve experienced a number of awkward situations. Almost all mammography offices are in women's health care centers, with no consideration for men. Forms asked when he had his last period, how many children he had given birth to, and if he was in menopause.
Listen to the podcast to hear Stephen talk about:
- how he came to terms with a breast cancer diagnosis
- his ideas on how the process can be made less clumsy for men
- how he talked to his children about his diagnosis
- how he found support
- advice he would offer other men
Running time: 19:13
These podcasts, along with all the other vital content and community support at Breastcancer.org, only exist because of the generous donations from listeners like you. Please visit Breastcancer.org/support to learn how you can help keep our services free for you and the millions of people who depend on us.
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Does 2.5 to 5 More Years of an Aromatase Inhibitor Offer Benefits? Maybe, For Some Women: 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 7, 2016
In 2012, research results showed that taking the hormonal therapy tamoxifen for 10 years instead of 5 offered more benefits for women diagnosed with early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, including less recurrence and better overall survival. Since that time, researchers have wondered if extending the time a woman with early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive disease took an aromatase inhibitor would offer similar benefits.
In this podcast from the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Terry Mamounas, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of the University of Florida Health Cancer Center, discusses the results of his and other studies looking at whether 2.5 to 5 additional years of Femara (chemical name: letrozole) after 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor offered better survival or lowered the number of recurrences.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Mamounas talk about:
- the very specific group of women that may benefit from an additional 2.5 to 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor
- which woman should not take an additional 2.5 to 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor
- how women and their doctors can weigh the benefits and potential risks of extended aromatase inhibitor treatment
- how he plans to talk to his patients about this issue
Running time: 9:09
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New Scalp Cooling System Can Reduce Hair Loss From Chemotherapy: 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 8, 2016
Several studies have shown that cooling the scalp to a very low temperature can help reduce hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. In this podcast, Julie Nangia, M.D., assistant professor of medicine, Baylor College of Medicine talks about the study results she presented at the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium on the Orbis Paxman Hair Loss Prevention System. The study was the first prospective, randomized trial on a scalp cooling system and found that about 50% of the women who used the cooling system kept most of their hair.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Nangia explain:
- how the Orbis Paxman Hair Loss Preservation System works
- how the type of chemotherapy regimen the women were on affected the results
- why doing a prospective, randomized trial was important
Running time: 9:54
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Liquid Tumor Biopsies -- Heard in the Halls: Voices From the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 8, 2016
"An exciting but early time."
Oncologist Philomena McAndrew talks about the exciting, but still early research on what's called by a variety of names: liquid tumor biopsies, circulating tumor cells, and cell free DNA and what the development of these tests might mean for patients in the future.
Running time: 1:59
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Scalp Cooling -- Heard in the Halls: Voices From the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 9, 2016
Breastcancer.org Chief Medical Officer and Founder Marisa Weiss, M.D. offers her take on a new device that may help women keep quite a bit of their hair during chemotherapy.
Running time: 2:11
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Experimental Buparlisib Offers Benefits, But Side Effects Too Toxic: 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 9, 2016
The experimental medicine buparlisib helps treat metastatic hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has been treated with an aromatase inhibitor, but grew after being treated with Afinitor (chemical name: everolimus) and Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane). In this podcast from the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Ruth O'Regan, M.D., professor of hematology and oncology at the University of Wisconsin and one of the researchers who did the phase III BELLE-3 trial, discusses the results of the study and explains why the mechanics of how buparlisib work are promising, even if buparlisib probably isn't the right medicine to treat breast cancer.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. O'Regan talk about:
- how buparlisib works
- why inhibiting the PI3 kinase pathway may help treat metastatic, hormone-receptor-positive disease that has stopped responding to hormonal therapy
- buparlisib's unacceptable side effects
- how she plans to talk to her patients about buparlisib
Running time: 5:04
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Male Breast Cancer Advocacy -- Heard in the Halls: Voices From the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 9, 2016
"I've been on a roll of male breast cancer advocacy."
Breast cancer survivor Michael Singer was staffing the Male Breast Cancer Coalition booth at the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. In this mini podcast, he talks about his diagnosis and how he works to raise awareness that men can be breast cancer patients, too.
Running time: 3:27
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Overcoming Hormonal Therapy Side Effects -- Heard in the Halls: Voices From the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 10, 2016
Breastcancer.org Chief Medical Officer and Founder Marisa Weiss, M.D. talks about the importance of sticking with a hormonal therapy treatment plan and ways to deal with any side effects.
Running time: 1:50
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Radiation Effects on Reconstruction -- Heard in the Halls: Voices From the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 10, 2016
Breastcancer.org Chief Medical Officer and Founder Marisa Weiss, M.D. talks how radiation therapy can affect different types of breast reconstruction.
Running time: 4:28
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Quality of Life With Metastatic Disease -- Heard in the Halls: Voices From the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 10, 2016
Leah Eshraghi, director of clinical research at the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, discusses the poster she presented on quality of life and disease collateral damage in women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
Running time: 3:05
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Overcoming Hormonal Therapy Side Effects -- Heard in the Halls: Voices From the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 10, 2017
Breastcancer.org Chief Medical Officer and Founder Marisa Weiss, M.D. talks about the importance of sticking with a hormonal therapy treatment plan and ways to deal with any side effects.
Running time: 1:50
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Sexual Health, Intimacy, and Metastatic Disease: Reclaiming Your Sexual Self, February 10, 2017
Sage Bolte is executive director of Life With Cancer and also serves as associate director of psychosocial program for the Inova Health System. She is an internationally recognized educator and speaker on sexual health, intimacy, and relationships among people diagnosed with cancer and other chronic diseases. She conducts lectures, workshops, and training to both patient and healthcare professional groups on the topic of the sexual self and cancer survivorship. Her goal is to help empower patients to reclaim their sexual selves in spite of the many physical and emotional changes they may experience from their cancer diagnosis and to help healthcare professionals feel more comfortable and knowledgeable to assess and address the sexual health needs of their patients.
Listen to the podcast to hear Sage talk about:
- how women diagnosed with metastatic disease can redefine sexual health so they're fulfilled and satisfied
- tips for women who are having vaginal pain/dryness, including stretching and strengthening exercises
- why it's important to remember libido starts in the brain, not necessarily the body
- how to start a conversation with a partner about what is pleasurable right now and how what's desired may change
Running time: 26:33
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Biosimilars: What Are They and What Are Their Advantages?, March 8, 2017
Dr. Philip Lammers, a medical oncologist, is the chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Meharry Medical College and adjunct assistant professor of internal medicine at Vanderbilt University. He has several active research projects on ways to increase minority and underserved population representation in clinical trials. He also studies state-of-the art cancer treatments, including biosimilars.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Lammers explain:
- what a biosimilar drug is, as well as the approval process for biosimilars
- how we can be sure that biosimilars are as safe as the reference products
- the advantages and disadvantages of biosimilars
- when we might see biosimilars on the market to treat breast cancer
Running time: 15:10
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Pausing Hormonal Therapy Treatment to Have a Child: The POSITIVE Trial, March 24, 2017
Ann Partridge, M.D., MPH., is founder and director of the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer and the Adult Survivorship Program, as well as senior physician at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is a medical oncologist focusing on the care of women with breast cancer and has a particular interest in the psychosocial, behavioral and communication issues in breast cancer care and treatment.
Dr. Partridge is also the lead investigator of the U.S. arm of the POSITIVE trial. This study is looking at whether premenopausal women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive disease who stop taking hormonal therapy after about 1.5 to 2.5 years of treatment to get pregnant have a higher risk of the breast cancer coming back, which doctors call recurrence. Most women diagnosed with hormone receptor positive disease take hormonal therapy for 5 to 10 years after surgery. In the POSITIVE trial, the women who want to get pregnant are stopping hormonal therapy for up to 2 years to become pregnant, deliver the baby and breastfeed. The women then start hormonal therapy again.
Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Partridge talk about:
- why the researchers decided to do this study
- the safeguards the study has in place so a developing baby won't be harmed by the hormonal therapy medicine
- other safety concerns associated with stopping hormonal therapy to get pregnant besides recurrence risk
The POSITIVE trial is currently recruiting participants. If you are a premenopausal woman who has been diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer and have been taking hormonal therapy medicine for fewer than 2 years and are interested in participating in the study, visit the ClinicalTrials.gov page for complete details. You also can call Dr. Partridge's office at the Dana-Farber Cancer Center at 617-632-3800 to discuss participating in the study.
Running time: 27:09
Visit the Fertility and Pregnancy Issues During and After Breast Cancer section for more information on pregnancy after treatment.
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