Author | Adam M. Brufsky, MD, PhD

July 15, 2015

For breast cancer specialists, much of the excitement at ASCO revolved around the emerging field of checkpoint inhibition in breast cancer and other tumors; however, there were four non-checkpoint presentations in breast cancer that also proved provocative.

March 12, 2012

The etiology and risk factors of breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL) are multifactorial and not fully understood.

May 15, 2010

Bone health is a critical issue in the management of women with breast cancer. Many women who develop breast cancer are postmenopausal, which already predisposes them to osteoporosis. Systemic treatments for breast cancer, including chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, decrease circulating levels of estrogen in both pre- and postmenopausal women, further accelerating the natural process of bone loss. The primary concern in breast cancer patients is that this accelerated bone loss, known as cancer treatment–induced bone loss (CTIBL), will lead to an increase in fractures, chronic pain, and loss of mobility. Bisphosphonates are highly effective at slowing the rate of bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and at preventing skeletal-related events in women with metastatic breast cancer. Many studies are now focusing on the role of bisphosphonates in preventing CTIBL in the adjuvant setting. Both oral and intravenous bisphosphonates have shown promising activity in preventing CTIBL in patients receiving chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. In addition, emerging data indicate that the use of bisphosphonates in the adjuvant setting may prevent disease recurrence and prolong survival. Data from a number of ongoing trials will further elucidate the role of bisphosphonates in the adjuvant setting over the next few years.

April 09, 2009

Based on preclinical data, antiangiogeneic therapy for cancer is both logical and rational. Tumors secrete proangiogenic factors, and the design of agents that target these factors has great potential to add to and in some cases replace cytotoxic chemotherapy.