FORCE's eXamining the Relevance of Articles for You (XRAY) program looks behind the headlines of cancer news to help you understand what the research means for you.
XRAY is a reliable source of hereditary cancer research-related news and information.
Learn more about the XRAY program
Breast Cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Quality of life for people with early-stage breast cancer who participated in the OlympiA clinical trial
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 who have been diagnosed with early-stage, HER2-negative breast cancer.
The OlympiA study showed that the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) is effective when used as maintenance therapy for people with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have early-stage breast cancer. Patient-reported outcomes from OlympiA suggest that olaparib was well tolerated and did not reduce quality of life or delay recovery from chemotherapy. (posted 2/22/22) Update: Based on OlympiA results, the FDA approved olaparib as adjuvant treatment for people with an inherited BRCA mutation who were diagnosed with early-stage HER2-negative breast cancer at high risk for recurrence. (03/11/2022).
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Article : Chris Evert's ovarian cancer diagnosis highlights the importance of genetic counseling and testing
Relevance: High
Quality of Writing: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with genetic test result called a VUS
Tennis star Chris Evert shared her story about a change in her sister's genetic test results that led Ms. Evert to have genetic testing and her decision to have her ovaries removed to lower her cancer risk. Ovarian cancer was found at the time of Ms. Evert’s surgery, but fortunately, it was caught early. Her story highlights the importance of genetic counseling, testing and post-testing follow-up with experts. (Posted 2/8/22). Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Cannabis use among breast cancer patients
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People interested in using cannabis to relieve treatment side effects.
This study looked at patterns of cannabis use among breast cancer patients who are members of online health communities. Almost half of the study participants reported using cannabis to help manage treatment symptoms and side effects. The study also looked at reasons why patients used cannabis, where they obtained it and whether they perceived cannabis to be safe. While this study only looked at cannabis use among breast cancer patients it is likely results would be similar among patients diagnosed with other types of cancers. (posted 1/25/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Physical activity may prevent chemotherapy-related cognitive decline in women with breast cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People concerned about the impact of chemotherapy
Many people experience chemo brain or chemo fog (cognitive effects) during and after chemotherapy. Researchers looked at the impact of physical activity on chemotherapy-related decline in memory, attention and information processing in women with breast cancer. This study shows that more physical activity before and during chemotherapy is linked to better information processing after chemotherapy. (Posted 1/6/22)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Update : Stronger guidance about breast implant safety
Most relevant for: People with or considering breast implants
The FDA issued new guidance for breast implants so that all people with breast implants have the appropriate information to understand and make decisions about their healthcare. Required features include box warning, patient decision checklist, guidelines for screening for implant ruptures and patient device cards. (posted 12/14/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Multiple sclerosis may affect breast and colorectal cancer survival
Relevance: Medium
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with multiple sclerosis who are diagnosed with cancer
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have lower overall survival after a breast or colorectal cancer diagnosis compared to people diagnosed with these cancers who do not have multiple sclerosis. Survival differed by cancer type. (posted 12/10/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Genetic testing for inherited mutations may be helpful for all people with advanced or metastatic cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: people with metastatic or recurrent cancer
In a study of nearly 12,000 cancer patients with a variety of cancers, eight percent of participants with metastatic cancer had an inherited mutation in a cancer gene that qualified them for a targeted treatment approved by the FDA or for participation in a clinical trial. The majority of people with metastatic cancer were unaware that they had an inherited mutation, and had not receive gene-directed treatment to which their tumor may have responded. The study authors suggest that genetic testing for inherited mutations may be warranted for all patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. (posted 9/30/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Update : Blood tests called liquid biopsies for cancer screening, monitoring and treatment
Most relevant for: People considering a liquid biopsy to screen for cancer
Could a simple blood test change cancer detection, treatment and monitoring? Several companies are offering a type of blood test known as a liquid biopsy to detect multiple cancers at their earliest stages, monitor response to treatment and help choose the best treatment. Although progress has been made using liquid biopsies to treat cancer, these tests have not yet been shown to detect cancer early enough to save lives. (posted 9/29/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Article : Transgender peoples' perspectives of being diagnosed with gender-associated cancer
Most relevant for: transgender people
An ABC News article provides viewpoints and data that conveys the added stress experienced by transgender and gender-nonconforming people when they are diagnosed with gender-associated cancer (e.g., ovarian or prostate cancer) that does not match their gender identity. (posted 9/13/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Update : Pembrolizumab receives FDA approval for people with early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer who have a high risk for recurrence
The FDA approved the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the treatment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer that has a high risk for recurrence. This marks the first approval for this type of drug, known as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. (posted 9/2/21)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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