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Angela, an early-stage breast cancer patient, used the test to inform her treatment.
While no two breast cancer patients — or their tumors — are alike, there is only one predictive genomic test to help doctors prescribe individualized treatment with definitive information about the benefit of chemotherapy. The test, which is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance providers, can help patients with early-stage breast cancer determine if they are among the approximately 70,000 women each year who can avoid chemotherapy and its unnecessary side effects while still receiving effective treatment.
(BPT) - New results from the largest ever clinical study of early-stage breast cancer patients are changing the game when it comes to who should receive chemotherapy treatment.
The study, called TAILORx (Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (Rx)), used the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® genomic test to determine exactly who will benefit from treatment with chemotherapy. Approximately 260,000 women are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer each year in the U.S., and each of them must decide if chemotherapy is necessary to treat their disease or if they can be effectively treated with hormone therapy alone. Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the groundbreaking study clearly identified that 70 percent of women with early-stage breast cancer receive no benefit from chemotherapy and the minority of women for whom chemotherapy can be life-saving. Dr. Ray Lin, co-director of the Breast Cancer Program at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center in San Diego and one of the principal investigators of the study, has been using the test to inform personalized treatment recommendations for breast cancer patients at his medical practice for several years. “The recent results, which studied more than 10,000 women, are changing the way that doctors around the world treat the disease by making regular use of the Oncotype DX test in breast cancer diagnosis and individualized treatment,” said Lin. With this new information, doctors can now provide patients with a clear yes or no recommendation about undergoing chemotherapy based on their genomic test score. Used for early-stage breast cancer patients, the test assesses the level of activity of 21 cancer-related genes generating a Recurrence Score result — a number between 0 and 100. A Recurrence Score result in the range of 0-25 means that cancer is less likely to come back if treated with hormonal therapy alone and that chemotherapy will not change the clinical outcomes in most patients over hormonal treatment. A Recurrence Score result in the range 26-100 suggests a greater risk that cancer will come back, and that chemotherapy is very likely to provide substantial benefit in reducing this risk in addition to hormone therapy. At age 42, Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer after her annual mammogram. Following a mastectomy, her doctor recommended hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. She was hesitant to pursue chemotherapy after learning about its immediate side effects and potential long-term effects. As a mother of four, she was worried that chemo would inhibit her ability to care for her family and her parents, who relied on her. Then, her friend suggested she ask her doctor about the test to help her make a more informed decision about whether or not to undergo chemotherapy. “My Oncotype DX score was a 22 and provided me with information I could count on to create an optimal treatment plan for my cancer, giving me increased confidence to forgo chemotherapy,” said Angela. She recommends checking out www.mybreastcancertreatment.org to learn more about her story and for patient-friendly resources on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. While no two breast cancer patients — or their tumors — are alike, there is only one predictive genomic test to help doctors prescribe individualized treatment with definitive information about the benefit of chemotherapy. The test, which is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance providers, can help patients with early-stage breast cancer determine if they are among the approximately 70,000 women each year who can avoid chemotherapy and its unnecessary side effects while still receiving effective treatment. Patients and caregivers can visit http://www.mybreastcancertreatment.org/ to determine if they are eligible for the test and for resources to help explain treatment options and prepare for appointments. KEYWORDS
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There is little information available about epithelioid sarcoma. Patients, advocates, doctors and researchers across the United States are aiming to educate people about this ultra-rare cancer and the unmet need for an effective, tumor-specific treatment. Consider these facts about ES.The Rarest of the Rare
What to know about a cancer you may not have heard of(Family Features) A woman celebrating her 40th birthday, a young boy starting second grade or a college grad about to begin his career. All three could develop a rare form of cancer known as epithelioid sarcoma (ES), a form of soft-tissue sarcoma. What are Soft-Tissue Sarcomas and What is Epithelioid Sarcoma? How Rare is Rare? According to the American Cancer Society, a rare cancer is defined as fewer than six new diagnoses per 100,000 people per year. ES is an ultra-rare cancer. According to available epidemiology and case reports, it is estimated about 600 people are properly diagnosed in the U.S. and Europe each year. What are the Most Common Types of ES and How Do They Impact Diagnosis?
Dealing with a Diagnosis? For people faced with a sarcoma diagnosis, it’s important to get a second opinion from a sarcoma specialist. These specialists have extensive knowledge of STS and can determine what form of sarcoma one may have, what stage it is and the best course of treatment. The specialist may confirm the diagnosis with a physical examination, a scan or a tissue sample (biopsy) of the area. It’s common to feel a range of emotions after a diagnosis of ES, according to Clear View Health Partners, including:
What Treatment Options are Available? For patients with early stage ES, many elect to have surgery to remove the tumor, which may precede or be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatment, according to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. If the cancer returns or spreads, a patient may undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy. New treatment options are being studied through clinical research, which is why seeking a specialist in the field is important if one is faced with a diagnosis. As with many cancers, early detection is important and can increase survival or successful treatment. Typically, the distal form of ES is associated with more favorable survival rates than the proximal form. 4 Things to Do to Address ES Today 1. Don’t ignore your bumps and lumps, see a doctor as soon as possible. 2. Learn more about epithelioid sarcoma and its symptoms. 3. Seek a second opinion. 4. Find support if you’re faced with a diagnosis. 
An ES Diagnosis JourneyIn the spring of 2008, Maria Voermans’ 4-year-old daughter requested an “airplane ride,” and as Voermans lifted the young girl up with her legs, she had to make an “emergency landing” because of some sudden and significant pain in her upper right thigh. After a few months, the pain persisted. Voermans continued to jog and play sand volleyball, thinking nothing of it. At the recommendation of her primary care physician, she took some anti-inflammatories and tried to rest, which wasn’t easy to do as a single mother of two young children. Two more months went by and her leg caused increasing problems. She could feel something in her leg, but never considered it a “lump” because it was not visible on the outside. Voermans took matters into her own hands and visited a sports medicine orthopedic specialist for further testing. An MRI found a mass in her right leg and she was referred to one of the few musculoskeletal oncologists in Wisconsin, her home state. He ordered a biopsy, which on Voermans’ youngest daughter’s third birthday confirmed her worst fear: it was a rare form of cancer called proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma, and it was stage three. Her biggest concern was not living to experience future holidays, birthdays, graduations and other life milestones with her daughters. Voermans underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy and had surgery to remove the tumor. As of July 2018, Voermans reports the cancer has not returned. Today, she’s a wellness coordinator supporting other people diagnosed with cancer who are undergoing treatment or post-treatment. She’s able to use her own cancer journey to provide empathy to others, and it’s brought satisfaction to the whole experience. Content courtesy of Epizyme, Inc. Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Doctor talking to man) SOURCE:Epizyme, Inc. KEYWORDS
There is No One-Size-Fits-All Breast Cancer
Breast cancer. It is a simple phrase representing a complex journey thousands of women travel each year. Even during October, when Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to the disease, many people don’t realize breast cancer is not just one disease; it’s extremely complex and classified into different types. To change the perception that breast cancer is just one disease, consider these tips.There is No One-Size-Fits-All Breast Cancer
(Family Features) Breast cancer. It is a simple phrase representing a complex journey thousands of women travel each year. Even during October, when Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to the disease, many people don’t realize breast cancer is not just one disease; it’s extremely complex and classified into different types. Understanding the many types of breast cancer is important – not just for the 1-in-8 women who will be diagnosed in their lifetime, – but for those who love them, too.¹ Laura Ross knows first-hand. She was diagnosed with triple-negative, stage I breast cancer when she was 41 years old. 
“No one in my family had breast cancer and I had no information,” Ross said. “I had not even heard breast cancer had different types until the results came back from my biopsy.” Unprepared and in shock, she relied heavily on her support circle, which in addition to her doctor and healthcare team, helped her learn more about her diagnosis. Empowered by this information, Ross had the confidence to make informed treatment decisions with her doctor. You or someone you love may be affected by breast cancer in your lifetime and have to help make a treatment decision. To change the perception that breast cancer is just one disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Genentech and ThirdLove created the “Not One Type” campaign, which offers these tips:
During October – and year-round – arm yourself with knowledge about the different types of the disease and use that information to be a more empowered patient or caregiver. Visit NotOneType.org to learn more. Photo courtesy of Getty Images ¹ American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2018. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2018. ² Kohler BA, et al. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975–2011, Featuring Incidence of Breast Cancer Subtypes by Race/Ethnicity, Poverty, and State. J Natl Cancer Inst 2015;107(6):djv048. SOURCE:Genentech KEYWORDS
 Don't let the summer sun blind you to this lesser-known skin cancer Melanoma is a skin cancer many of us are familiar with. But have you heard of a skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)? If not, you might be surprised to learn that CSCC is actually one of the most common skin cancers in the world – even more common than melanoma with an estimated 700,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. annually. CSCC can also be a deadly skin cancer. Every year, an estimated 7,000 people in the U.S. die of CSCC.(BPT) - Most of us look forward to the balmy breezes and cheerful sunshine brought about by spring and summer, especially those of us living in climates where winter is long, gloomy and bitterly cold. Yet as we get our shorts, polo shirts and swimsuits out of storage, it’s important to remind ourselves to stay sun smart and vigilant against skin cancer. Melanoma is a skin cancer many of us are familiar with. But have you heard of a skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)? If not, you might be surprised to learn that CSCC is actually one of the most common skin cancers in the world – even more common than melanoma with an estimated 700,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. annually. CSCC can also be a deadly skin cancer. Every year, an estimated 7,000 people in the U.S. die of CSCC. And in the southern part of the U.S., the number of deaths from CSCC may actually be higher than deaths from melanoma. “The good news is that CSCC is usually highly treatable when detected early,” notes Dr. Sunandana Chandra, a medical oncologist at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Northwestern University. “That’s why it is important to know about CSCC, so you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, know how to identify early signs of the cancer, and to understand your treatment options if it progresses. Being vigilant about your skin and reaching out to your doctor early with any concerns will allow you to consider more treatment options and possibly have better outcomes.” So what do you need to know about CSCC? Here are three important tips:
If you think you or someone you know may have CSCC, contact a doctor and visit SkinCancer.org. KEYWORDS
 (BPT) - Each year, more people die of lung cancer than any other form of cancer — more than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. The American Cancer Society estimates of the 224,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year, 155,000 will succumb to the disease. Many have heard the statistics about lung cancer, but for those who have lived through it, or who have a friend or loved one battling the disease, these numbers are even more personal and frightening. The low five-year survival rate (five to 14 percent) for late-stage lung cancer patients makes the search for a way to treat this deadly disease all the more urgent. Genetic breakthroughs To beat cancer, early detection is critical. Scientific research over the past several decades has revealed that cancer is a disease primarily caused by changes — or mutations — in the genes. This discovery has led to a major shift in how early cancer can be detected and treated. Now, researchers are able to identify mutations in the genetic code that are most likely to cause potentially deadly cancers. This has led to the development of new testing technology and drugs that target those specific mutations. This approach is in stark contrast to traditional detection methods that are limited in their ability to test for a small number of specific mutations linked to only one possible treatment. This painstakingly long process can take several weeks to identify an effective treatment. In a matter of days, modern techniques using next-generation sequencing technology can save valuable time by avoiding the need to run multiple tests by simultaneously screening tumor samples for multiple mutations and multiple potential therapies. The new technology also reduces the likelihood of subjecting patients to unnecessary and invasive secondary biopsy procedures. New advancements in early detection and treatment The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the Oncomine(TM) Dx Target Test, a first-of-its-kind genetic screening solution that can detect multiple gene mutations associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from a single tissue sample. The test has also been approved to aid in selecting which specific FDA-approved NSCLC treatment the patient may be eligible for. Take action and talk to your doctor A recent survey by the Journal of Precision Medicine showed that only about a third of patients and caregivers had a good understanding of genomic tools for cancer detection. That’s why talking to a doctor, loved ones and others about new techniques like sequencing-based tests to help inform more effective treatment options is important. Doctors and healthcare networks have a responsibility to their patients to provide the most effective innovations so patients receive the best care possible. KEYWORDS:
 (BPT) - “You have melanoma.” For many people who hear these words, a deeply personal health journey follows. But one of the most important facts patients and caregivers may learn is that melanoma is not a single disease. It can vary from person to person, often due to genetic changes that are unique to each patient. Doctors use this information to select an appropriate treatment.
If detected early, melanoma is almost always treatable. But if left untreated, it can spread from its original location to other parts of the body, leading to a condition known as metastatic melanoma. At this advanced stage, it is the most serious and life-threatening form of skin cancer. However, recent research has given hope to people living with metastatic melanoma. Certain patients have responded well to personalized therapies, which are treatments tailored to the characteristics of a person’s disease. One of the most common causes of melanoma is damage that occurs to the DNA in skin cells, often due to exposure to ultraviolet light. This damage to the DNA (also called a gene mutation) can cause cancerous tumors to form in the skin. It’s important to know that since no two melanoma tumors are the same, selecting a treatment based on specific disease traits can be crucial. A doctor can perform certain tests to determine the specific type of melanoma that a person has. Research has shown that a gene inside cells known as BRAF (pronounced “B-RAF”) plays a significant role in the growth of many melanoma tumors. In about half of all metastatic melanoma cases, the BRAF gene is changed (or mutated) and causes cancer cells to quickly grow and multiply. This type of melanoma is called “BRAF positive.” Using a small piece of the melanoma tumor, a gene test can identify whether BRAF mutations are present, providing doctors more information about the cancer. This information can help doctors determine an appropriate treatment. In recent years, medicines that target BRAF mutations have become available to treat patients living with BRAF-positive metastatic melanoma. To learn more about treatment options for metastatic melanoma, talk to your doctor and visit www.novartisoncology.com. Melanoma by the Numbers * More than 200,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with melanoma in 2012. * Melanoma will cause about 10,000 deaths in the US this year. * 62 years is the average age of a person newly diagnosed with melanoma. * About 50 percent of all patients with metastatic melanoma have changes in the BRAF gene and may be candidates for targeted therapies. * One treatment may not be appropriate for all types of melanoma. |
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