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.
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All XRAYs
Update : New FDA approval of PARP inhibitor for maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer
Most relevant for: People with advanced ovarian cancer who have had a complete or partial response to chemotherapy
The FDA has approved the use of niraparib (Zejula) as a maintenance therapy for women with advanced ovarian cancer who have had a complete or partial response to chemotherapy. (5/7/20)
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Update : FDA approves tucatinib (Tukysa) for metastatic Her2-positive breast cancer
Most relevant for: Patients with Her2-positive metastatic breast cancer
The FDA has approved the use of tucatinib (Tukysa) in combination with chemotherapy as a treatment for people with metastatic Her2-positive breast cancer. This approval includes treatment of people whose breast cancer has spread to the brain. (4/29/20)
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Update : FDA approves new treatment for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Most relevant for: People with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have received at least two prior lines of treatment
The FDA approved the use of sacituzumab govitecan-hizy (Trodelvy), a treatment drug for people with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have received at least two prior therapies for metastatic disease. (4/27/20)
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Personal Story : Improving the quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
A Washington Post article described the cancer experience of a young woman living with metastatic breast cancer. It also highlights how integrative medicine and palliative care, including acupuncture, massage, yoga, pain management, mental health therapy and nutrition can improve quality of life for people with metastatic cancer. (3/10/20)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Study : Can taking dietary supplements during chemotherapy do more harm than good?
Most relevant for: People undergoing breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy
It's common for people to take dietary supplements after being diagnosed with cancer; however, they may reduce how well chemotherapy works. A new study suggests that some dietary supplements may cause more harm than benefit for breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. (3/4/20)
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Study : Racial and ethnic differences in genetic testing among young breast cancer survivors
Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger
Genetic testing is recommended for most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger. In this study of young women with breast cancer, while the rates of genetic testing did not differ, the rates of women testing positive for an inherited mutation associated with breast cancer did vary between racial and ethnic groups. (2/27/20)
Este artículo está disponible en español.
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Study : Cancer risk associated with inherited mutations in Lynch syndrome genes
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
Research Timeline: Human Research
Most relevant for: People with Lynch syndrome mutations
Lynch syndrome is the most common inherited cause of cancer affecting about 1 in 300 people. People with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of colorectal endometrial and other cancers. A large study followed people with mutations in the Lynch syndrome genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 to determine the risk of other types of cancer. (2/21/20)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-Low
Study : Do hair dyes or straighteners increase breast cancer risk?
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-Low
Most relevant for: Young women who use hair dye or straighteners
Many women use products to color or straighten their hair. A large U.S. study linked the use of permanent hair dye and straighteners to increased breast cancer risk, particularly among black women. This XRAY reviews the limitations of this study and highlights the need for additional research before accepting these conclusions. (1/29/20)
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Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Study : Second surgery may not benefit women with recurrent ovarian cancer
Relevance: High
Strength of Science: High
Research Timeline: Post Approval
Most relevant for: Women with recurrent ovarian cancer
Many women who have recurrent ovarian cancer have a second surgery. A new study suggests that women with platinum sensitive cancers who get chemotherapy alone may do as well as or better than women who have surgery followed by chemotherapy. (1/21/20)
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Study : How does a breast cancer diagnosis affect employment of young women?
Most relevant for: Young women with breast cancer
Most young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer remain employed one year after their diagnosis. Among breast cancer patients who were unemployed a year later, half reported that their unemployment was due to health issues. The issues that were most associated with unemployment were stage of cancer and financial stress prior to diagnosis. (1/10/20)
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