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
All XRAYs
Topic : Progress in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Most relevant for: People with triple-negative breast cancer
During the December 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dr. Melinda Telli presented a summary of research that has led to better treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). These treatments now include drugs called targeted therapies and immunotherapies for both early and late stages of TNBC. (Posted 3/19/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Genetic testing among people with cancer can find mutations that may affect treatment and prevention
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with cancer who have not yet had genetic testing
Despite national guidelines recommending genetic testing, less than 10 percent of eligible patients had genetic testing within two years after their cancer diagnosis. Among those who had testing, 10-30 percent had an inherited mutation that could affect their medical care. (Posted 3/15/2024)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: Medium
Update : News from the FDA– new breast cancer treatment, thermography warning and implant screening updates
Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People with HR-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. People with silicone breast implants. People considering thermography screening
This XRAY review is a summary of FDA breast cancer updates from July to December 2023. This includes a new drug approval and two consumer updates. (Posted 2/21/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Estrogen without progesterone for hormone replacement may lower breast cancer risk
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Postmenopausal people on hormone replacement therapy
Women with average breast cancer risk who took estrogen without progesterone after menopause had lower rates of breast cancer than those who did not take any hormone replacement. This finding comes from studies looking at the safety of the use of estrogen alone as hormone replacement therapy. (Posted 2/13/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Update : New drug combination for the second treatment of some HR-positive advanced breast cancers
Most relevant for: People with hormone receptor (HR)-positive or HER2-negative breast cancer that has spread outside the breast tissue.
The FDA approved Truqap plus Faslodex for the treatment of metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), HER2-negative breast cancer that returned or worsened after treatment with hormone therapy. The approval is for treating cancers in people whose tumors had a mutation in one of three genes. For people with one of these mutations, Truqap improved the time until their cancer came back or got worse. (Posted 2/9/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Genes linked to aggressive prostate cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer
Previous research has linked some inherited mutations to prostate cancer risk. This study found a link to additional genes that should be added to prostate cancer gene panel tests. The study also looked at which genes were most closely linked to aggressive prostate cancer that is more likely to spread. (Posted 2/1/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Update : A breast cancer vaccine for people with an inherited BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 mutation
Most relevant for: People at increased risk for breast cancer undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy due to an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2. People with TNBC who still have breast cancer after chemotherapy.
A breast cancer vaccine is showing promise in early clinical trials. Initially, the vaccine was tested in people with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who were at high risk for recurrence. Now the vaccine is being tested to lower breast cancer risk among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2. It is also being tested in people with triple-negative breast cancer who are at high risk for recurrence and are taking the immunotherapy drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) after completing chemotherapy. (Posted 1/31/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : H. pylori bacteria infection and risk of stomach cancer in mutation carriers
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People who are at increased risk for stomach cancer due to an inherited mutation.
The results of a study in Japan show that people with a bacterial infection called H. pylori and an inherited mutation in an ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 gene have a high risk of stomach cancer. (Posted 1/19/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Benefit of pancreatic cancer screening
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Among people with an inherited mutation in a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, screening for pancreatic cancer found most cancers at an earlier stage when they could be treated by surgery. Posted 1/17/24)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Genes, genetic counseling and disparities in endometrial cancer
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer is on the rise, and it can run in families. Genetic counseling has benefits for people with cancer and their family members. However, Black women with endometrial cancer more often have worse outcomes than white women. Black women with endometrial cancer who test positive for an inherited mutation are less likely to see a genetic counselor. Given these disparities, Black women would benefit from better access to and referrals for genetic counseling. (Posted 12/14/23)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
Read More