Treatment For Most Women Research Articles

Proceedings of the consensus conference on breast conservation, April 28 to May 1, 2005, Milan, Italy

In a single generation the treatment of most women with early‐stage breast cancer has changed dramatically. Clinical trials with more than 20 years of follow‐up have documented that for appropriately selected patients breast conserving surgery, followed by whole breast irradiation, has an outcome equivalent to mastectomy. The appropriate selection of patients remains controversial. Questions remain regarding the role of new diagnostic imaging modalities, radiation therapy techniques, achieving optimal cosmesis, the choice and the timing of adjuvant chemotherapy, etc. To address these issues, the fifth international consensus conference of the Breast Health Institute, cosponsored by the European Institute of Oncology, was convened in Milan, April 29 through May 1, 2005. This article is a summary of the proceedings.

Current Status of Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy in Clinical Practice

Approximately 20 million women worldwide use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Formerly, it was thought to confer beneficial cardiac protection and reduce osteoporosis in addition to relieving the symptoms of menopause. However, many recent trials have contradicted these beliefs. The risk of breast cancer associated with HRT use has been well documented but underestimated. Many recent trials have reported higher than expected breast cancer incidence rates, particularly associated with combined HRT. Although it was believed estrogen conferred cardiac protection and reduced the incidence of myocardial ischemic events and cerebrovascular accidents, the more recent literature indicates that this is not true and that HRT users have a higher risk of cardiac and cerebral events. The role of HRT in clinical practice has been redefined. It is no longer an acceptable form of treatment for most women. The evidence indicates that the use of long-term HRT is no longer clinically justifiable.

Aromatase Inhibitor Agents in Breast Cancer: Evolving Practices in Hormonal Therapy Treatment

To review the role of aromatase inhibitor agents with regard to current treatment strategies with hormonal therapy for women with breast cancer. Published articles and books. Hormonal therapy is an essential component of the treatment of most women with breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitor agents are becoming an integral part of treatment for women with metastatic breast cancer and recently have become much more prominent in the treatment of women with early-stage breast cancer. The exact role of these agents in adjuvant therapy of breast cancer, either sequentially with the "gold standard" tamoxifen or for the duration of therapy, has yet to be determined. Recent studies with aromatase inhibitor agents are intriguing and suggest an improved side-effect profile and efficacy. The approval of these agents for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer has led to a significant change in practice. Breast cancer is an extremely common cancer in women, and oncology nurses take care of large numbers of patients with this disease. Oncology nurses need the most recent information so they can discuss aromatase inhibitor agents and therapy with their patients.

Is mastectomy overused? A call for an expanded research agenda.

Is mastectomy overused? A call for an expanded research agenda.