High-dose chemotherapy plus autologous bone marrow transplantation for metastatic breast cancer
Article Abstract:
It may be time to abandon the use of high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants for women with metastatic breast cancer. A study published in 2000 confirmed several other studies when it found no significant survival advantage in women who received this treatment. The only study that claimed to find a survival benefit has been disqualified because the principal researcher has admitted falsifying the data. Although the treatment may have other benefits, it clearly has no effect on survival.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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Breast cancer
Article Abstract:
The TNM staging system is used internationally to plan the treatment of breast cancer patients. Patients are classified as having different stages of cancer based on the extent of the cancer, lymph node involvement and whether the cancer has spread. Cancer cells are present in the duct and lobules of the breast in individuals with in situ carcinoma of the breast, but are not present in the surrounding breast tissue. Patients with ductal or lobular carcinoma in situ should be monitored closely for the development of invasive breast cancer. Some women may choose to undergo a preventative mastectomy. Women with invasive breast cancer have a form of cancer that can spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. These women usually undergo a combination of breast conserving surgery and radiation therapy or a mastectomy. Some patients may undergo preoperative chemotherapy.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Breast cancer
Article Abstract:
Treatment of women with breast cancer is continuing to change with new research advancements. Some women with breast cancer that has not spread undergo adjuvant therapy, or treatment with drugs in addition to localized treatment. Women who receive adjuvant therapy may have an increased chance of survival compared to those who do not. Women who are in a high-risk group for breast cancer may benefit from treatment with drugs to prevent breast cancer. The drug tamoxifen and the retinoids are the two groups of drugs being studied for this type of treatment, which is still considered experimental. Some women with a very high risk of breast cancer may a consider a preventative mastectomy of both breasts, but this type of surgery is very controversial. Increased understanding of the biology of breast cancer may enable the use of anti-cancer substances produced by the body to treat breast cancer.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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