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Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) on aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy often experience musculoskeletal symptoms (joint pain and stiffness, bone and muscle pain, and muscle weakness), and these musculoskeletal symptoms may be related to low serum levels of vitamin D. The primary purpose of this pilot exploratory study was to determine whether serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration were below normal (<30 ng/mL) in 29 BCSs on AI therapy and if musculoskeletal symptoms were related to these low vitamin D levels. The mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D level was 25.62 (4.93) ng/mL; 86% (n = 25) had levels below 30 ng/mL. Patients reported muscle pain in the neck and back, and there was a significant inverse correlation between pain intensity and serum 25(OH)D levels (r = -0.422; P < .05 [2 tailed]). This sample of BCSs taking AIs had below normal levels of serum 25(OH)D despite vitamin D supplements.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of cancer may lead to psychological distress with anxiety and depression as the most prevalent symptoms. Several investigators have found a correlation between psychosocial factors and tumor levels of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors (PRs) while others have not. The aim of this study was to investigate demographic characteristics and severity of depression and anxiety as expressed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale of patients with high or low PR expression in breast cancers.

METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-eight patients with primary breast cancer were divided into two subgroups according to PRs expressed in breast cancers.

 BACKGROUND: To identify the candidates for prophylactic cranial radiotherapy (PCI) among the patients with early and advanced-stage breast cancer.

 

METHODS: The demographic, pathologic and clinical features and survival results of 182 brain metastatic breast cancer patients treated with cranial radiotherapy were examined.

 

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in reproductive aged women. Adjuvant systemic therapy is recommended in most women and has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of recurrence and increase survival. However, there may be a negative impact of adjuvant systemic therapy on fertility as well as on subsequent quality of life. There are a number of fertility preservation options currently available and relevant information regarding these options should be provided prior to commencing adjuvant treatment. The aim of the review is to identify the fertility-related needs, concerns and preferences of young women with early breast cancer. The databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1988 onwards using keywords, and examining reference lists. Of the 499 articles identified, 20 met eligibility criteria and were reviewed.

The purpose of this study was to examine impact of treatment and personality characteristics, and support need for femininity and body image on sexual desire and sexual satisfaction of women with breast cancer. The sample consisted of 123 married women who previously underwent mastectomy and applied to medical oncology clinics of a university hospital. Sexual desire of the women in this study was low, and they were slightly satisfied with sexual life. Consequently, the women required supporting needs of femininity and body image. The result of this study could be utilized to determine sexual desire and satisfaction related to sexual life of women with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is generally managed surgically with adjuvant agents which include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and bisphosphonate therapy. However, some of these adjuvant therapies may cause adverse events, including wound infection, neutropenia, bone marrow suppression and fever. The simultaneous presentation of osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis has not previously been described in patients with breast cancer undergoing hormone therapy and chemotherapy. We report a patient with breast cancer who developed bone infarcts in both legs as well as osteomyelitis in the right distal tibia after treatment which included a modified radical mastectomy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Simultaneous osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis should be considered in patients with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy and hormone therapy who present with severe bone pain, especially if there have been infective episodes during treatment.

 BACKGROUND: Although religions is important to many people with cancer, few studies have explored the relationship between religious coping and well-being in a prospective manner, using validated measures, while controlling for important covariates.

 

METHODS: One hundred ninety-eight women with stage I or II and 86 women with stage IV stage breast cancer were recruited. Standardized assessment instruments and structured questions were used to collect data at study entry and 8 to 12 months later. Religious coping was measured with validated measures of positive and negative religious coping. Linear regression models were used to explore the relationships between positive and negative religious coping and overall physical and mental well-being, depression, and life satisfaction.

 

CONTEXT: Estrogen deprivation therapy with aromatase inhibitors has been hypothesized to paradoxically sensitize hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer tumor cells to low-dose estradiol therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 6 mg of estradiol (daily) is a viable therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced aromatase inhibitor-resistant hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Premature menopause is a major concern of younger women undergoing adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in women with a history of breast cancer. Non-hormonal medications show a range of bothersome side-effects. There is growing evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical exercise can have a positive impact on symptoms in naturally occurring menopause. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of these interventions among women with breast cancer experiencing treatment-induced menopause.

 

 BACKGROUND: Many women with breast cancer need psychological help to cope more effectively after treatment. Cognitive and behavioural techniques are not yet well established in France. A multi-site randomized study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a psycho-educational group intervention in this population.

 

METHODS: Two hundred and three patients, recruited after primary treatment, were randomly assigned either to a treatment group (psycho-educational intervention) or to a waiting-list control group. The 8-week programme of 2 h sessions comprised of thematic discussions, information and training in stress management techniques. Evaluation at baseline, after 8 sessions, and 1 month after programme completion, included evaluations using the STAI, POMS, MAC, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 breast module scales.