Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Knickers
Knickers has been an unbelievable companion....though silent, she has incredible sensitivity, empahty and compassion....Just a look into her eyes makes you melt and forget those negative thoughts that try to intrude....
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What is triple negative breast cancer?
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Understanding And Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 07 Jan 2009 - 3:00 PST
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CancerCenter.com
Breast Cancer Hope
Alternative Medicine Testimonials from Survivors
www.tumorx.org
Current Article Ratings:
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Article Opinions: 2 posts
Find other articles on: "triple negative breast cancer"
Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that is clinically negative for expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR) and HER2 protein. It is characterized by its unique molecular profile, aggressive behavior, distinct patterns of metastasis, and lack of targeted therapies.
Although not synonymous, the majority of triple-negative breast cancers carry the "basal-like" molecular profile on gene expression arrays. The majority of BRCA1-associated breast cancers are triple-negative and basal-like; the extent to which the BRCA1 pathway contributes to the behavior of sporadic basal-like breast cancers is an area of active research.
Epidemiologic studies illustrate a high prevalence of triple-negative breast cancers among younger women and those of African descent. Increasing evidence suggests that the risk factor profile differs between this subtype and the more common luminal subtypes.
Although sensitive to chemotherapy, early relapse is common and a predilection for visceral metastasis, including brain metastasis, is seen. Targeted agents, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, are currently in clinical trials and hold promise in the treatment of this aggressive disease.
In 2008, it is estimated that over 1 million women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer, of which 172,695 will be classified as "triple-negative." The triple-negative phenotype encompasses a breast tumor subtype that is clinically negative for expression of the estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) and lacks overexpression of the HER2 protein, with unique prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Over the past decade, our understanding and treatment of breast cancer has undergone a metamorphosis, shifting from a generally homogeneous approach to a more sophisticated view as guided by gene expression analysis.
Multiple studies have reproducibly identified the intrinsic breast cancer subtypes, which include several luminal subtypes characterized by expression of hormone receptor-related genes, and two hormone receptor-negative subtypes - the HER2-positive/ER-negative subtype and the "basal-like" subtype. Contrary to the luminal subtypes, the basal-like subtype is characterized by low expression of ER- and HER2-related genes and clinically is usually, but not always, ER/PR-negative and lack HER2 overexpression, thereby constituting the "triple-negative" phenotype.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that the intrinsic subtypes vary by prognosis, with inferior outcomes illustrated among the two hormone receptor-negative subgroups as compared to the luminal subtypes.[3,4] They may also differ in other important ways. Recent studies suggest that patients with triple-negative breast cancer have a high incidence of visceral metastasis, including brain metastasis. This clinically challenging scenario is an area of fertile research.
Carey Anders, MD, Lisa A. Carey, MD
Video Library
Understanding And Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 07 Jan 2009 - 3:00 PST
email to a friend printer friendly view / write opinions rate article
Ads by Google
Breast Cancer Treatments
Learn about leading-edge treatments for Metastatic Breast Cancer today.
CancerCenter.com
Breast Cancer Hope
Alternative Medicine Testimonials from Survivors
www.tumorx.org
Current Article Ratings:
Patient / Public:
4.39 (18 votes)
Health Professional:
4.75 (4 votes)
Article Opinions: 2 posts
Find other articles on: "triple negative breast cancer"
Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that is clinically negative for expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR) and HER2 protein. It is characterized by its unique molecular profile, aggressive behavior, distinct patterns of metastasis, and lack of targeted therapies.
Although not synonymous, the majority of triple-negative breast cancers carry the "basal-like" molecular profile on gene expression arrays. The majority of BRCA1-associated breast cancers are triple-negative and basal-like; the extent to which the BRCA1 pathway contributes to the behavior of sporadic basal-like breast cancers is an area of active research.
Epidemiologic studies illustrate a high prevalence of triple-negative breast cancers among younger women and those of African descent. Increasing evidence suggests that the risk factor profile differs between this subtype and the more common luminal subtypes.
Although sensitive to chemotherapy, early relapse is common and a predilection for visceral metastasis, including brain metastasis, is seen. Targeted agents, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, are currently in clinical trials and hold promise in the treatment of this aggressive disease.
In 2008, it is estimated that over 1 million women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer, of which 172,695 will be classified as "triple-negative." The triple-negative phenotype encompasses a breast tumor subtype that is clinically negative for expression of the estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) and lacks overexpression of the HER2 protein, with unique prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Over the past decade, our understanding and treatment of breast cancer has undergone a metamorphosis, shifting from a generally homogeneous approach to a more sophisticated view as guided by gene expression analysis.
Multiple studies have reproducibly identified the intrinsic breast cancer subtypes, which include several luminal subtypes characterized by expression of hormone receptor-related genes, and two hormone receptor-negative subtypes - the HER2-positive/ER-negative subtype and the "basal-like" subtype. Contrary to the luminal subtypes, the basal-like subtype is characterized by low expression of ER- and HER2-related genes and clinically is usually, but not always, ER/PR-negative and lack HER2 overexpression, thereby constituting the "triple-negative" phenotype.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that the intrinsic subtypes vary by prognosis, with inferior outcomes illustrated among the two hormone receptor-negative subgroups as compared to the luminal subtypes.[3,4] They may also differ in other important ways. Recent studies suggest that patients with triple-negative breast cancer have a high incidence of visceral metastasis, including brain metastasis. This clinically challenging scenario is an area of fertile research.
Carey Anders, MD, Lisa A. Carey, MD
Definition of Immunocompromised/Swine flu outbreak
Definition of Immunocompromised
Immunocompromised: Having an immune system that has been impaired by disease or treatment.
Immunocompromised: Having an immune system that has been impaired by disease or treatment.
2005 seems like a dream now....
The local CMSA (Case Management Society of America) chapter members were, and still are, a wonderful support system. I was still in chemo here and wearing my (not very real looking) wig. I mean who's hair is THIS SHINY!! Any way it covered the chrome dome and little kids didn't stare when I wore it. This award was in Dec 05 for Case Manager of the Year at ...I think they gave it to me because they couldn't believe I survived dose dense chemo and a stint in the hospital for neutropenic fever (during a hurricane) when we had no electric. Had to choose between electric bed and electric IV pump (chose the IV, and sat up all night).
If you want/need to know how it is to loose your hair I will tell you: ITS VERY LIBERATING!! And it feels great in the summer in Miami. Besides, you don't have to shave your legs....
Please go to www.cmsa.org for further info on the professional organization.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Vaccine trial for trip neg @ Ireland Ca Center Ohio
Contact: Alicia Reale
alicia.reale@UHhospitals.org
216-844-5158
University Hospitals of Cleveland
Ireland Cancer Center researcher finds most triple-negative breast cancers express muc-1 target
Findings presented at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; Vaccine trial to follow
CLEVELAND: Research out of the Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospitals Case Medical Center has found that the vast majority of triple negative breast cancers express the MUC-1 target. This first-of-its-kind finding, presented today at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, has paved the way for an upcoming vaccine trial for patients with early stage triple negative breast cancer that could potentially prevent recurrence of this aggressive type of breast cancer.
Joseph Baar, MD, PhD, Director of Breast Cancer Research at the Ireland Cancer Center, and colleagues analyzed 53 tumors and determined that 92 percent of them expressed MUC-1. These findings support their theory that this MUC-1 protein on breast cancer cells could be a target for a novel vaccine using the patient's immune system to target and kill cancer cells.
Dr. Baar has received a prestigious grant from the National Cancer Institute and the Avon Foundation to begin the vaccine trial in January 2009 for women with early stage triple negative breast cancer to see if this vaccine can raise their immune response against MUC-1. If it does, then a later study would be undertaken to determine whether the generation of such an immune response leads to an increase in patients' relapse-free survival rates, thereby preventing recurrence. The vaccine will be administered following standard therapy of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
"This vaccine trial has the potential to rev up patients' immune response to the MUC-1 protein and shut down the tumor's ability to grow," says Dr. Baar. "Women with this aggressive triple negative breast cancer have an increased risk of recurrence and we are hoping to provide them with protection against the return of this deadly disease. Our findings that have been presented at the San Antonio Breast Symposium provide us a strong basis for this trial."
Triple negative breast cancer is a highly aggressive form which comprises 10-15 percent of newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer. Most triple negative tumors are high grade and have a high incidence of recurrence and metastases (spreading to other organs). Unlike other types of breast cancer, there is no standard follow-up treatment for triple negative breast cancer to prevent recurrence.
"This is an important study because there has traditionally been nothing to offer women with triple negative breast cancer beyond standard therapy," says Stanton Gerson, MD, Director of the Ireland Cancer Center. "This vaccine trial has the potential to lay the groundwork for a new standard of care for women with this aggressive form of breast cancer."
###
About University Hospitals
With 150 locations throughout Northeast Ohio, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of hospitals, outpatient centers and primary care physicians. At the core of our Health System is University Hospitals Case Medical Center. The primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research centers of excellence in the nation and the world, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopedics and spine, radiology and radiation oncology, neurosurgery and neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation and human genetics. Its main campus includes the internationally celebrated Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top hospitals in the nation; MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and Ireland Cancer Center, which holds the nation's highest designation by the National Cancer Institute of Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more information, go to http://www.uhhospitals.org/.
alicia.reale@UHhospitals.org
216-844-5158
University Hospitals of Cleveland
Ireland Cancer Center researcher finds most triple-negative breast cancers express muc-1 target
Findings presented at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; Vaccine trial to follow
CLEVELAND: Research out of the Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospitals Case Medical Center has found that the vast majority of triple negative breast cancers express the MUC-1 target. This first-of-its-kind finding, presented today at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, has paved the way for an upcoming vaccine trial for patients with early stage triple negative breast cancer that could potentially prevent recurrence of this aggressive type of breast cancer.
Joseph Baar, MD, PhD, Director of Breast Cancer Research at the Ireland Cancer Center, and colleagues analyzed 53 tumors and determined that 92 percent of them expressed MUC-1. These findings support their theory that this MUC-1 protein on breast cancer cells could be a target for a novel vaccine using the patient's immune system to target and kill cancer cells.
Dr. Baar has received a prestigious grant from the National Cancer Institute and the Avon Foundation to begin the vaccine trial in January 2009 for women with early stage triple negative breast cancer to see if this vaccine can raise their immune response against MUC-1. If it does, then a later study would be undertaken to determine whether the generation of such an immune response leads to an increase in patients' relapse-free survival rates, thereby preventing recurrence. The vaccine will be administered following standard therapy of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
"This vaccine trial has the potential to rev up patients' immune response to the MUC-1 protein and shut down the tumor's ability to grow," says Dr. Baar. "Women with this aggressive triple negative breast cancer have an increased risk of recurrence and we are hoping to provide them with protection against the return of this deadly disease. Our findings that have been presented at the San Antonio Breast Symposium provide us a strong basis for this trial."
Triple negative breast cancer is a highly aggressive form which comprises 10-15 percent of newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer. Most triple negative tumors are high grade and have a high incidence of recurrence and metastases (spreading to other organs). Unlike other types of breast cancer, there is no standard follow-up treatment for triple negative breast cancer to prevent recurrence.
"This is an important study because there has traditionally been nothing to offer women with triple negative breast cancer beyond standard therapy," says Stanton Gerson, MD, Director of the Ireland Cancer Center. "This vaccine trial has the potential to lay the groundwork for a new standard of care for women with this aggressive form of breast cancer."
###
About University Hospitals
With 150 locations throughout Northeast Ohio, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of hospitals, outpatient centers and primary care physicians. At the core of our Health System is University Hospitals Case Medical Center. The primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research centers of excellence in the nation and the world, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopedics and spine, radiology and radiation oncology, neurosurgery and neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation and human genetics. Its main campus includes the internationally celebrated Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top hospitals in the nation; MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and Ireland Cancer Center, which holds the nation's highest designation by the National Cancer Institute of Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more information, go to http://www.uhhospitals.org/.
what is important in life
I think I have just begun to figure life out at age 62. The things that are really important are not material objects; they are friends, family, pets!!
Our golden retriever Knickers, has not literally left my side since I was diagnosed (dx) in 2005. Goldens in particular, are a very sensitive breed, and are super intuitive. They are also great in the rehabilitation from a serious illness such as breast cancer.
Without the support of friends and family; family it would be very difficult to be on this journey. Besides Knickers I want to thank ALL my colleagues & nurse's, Mike, Kathy, Ron, Mayra, John, Anne, Barbara, Rosemarie, Anita, Karen, LindaBurton, Ana, Sandy, Magda, Brian, Harlan, Bobbie, Peggy, Scott, George, Jane, Gloria, Sam, Farrah, Bonnie, Sharon, Linda Burrowes, Rose, Janet (Bosom Buddie mentors/friends for life) as well as those I have mentored. I have learned so much from you all! I know I have forgotten people but I can blame "chemo brain"plus I don't know how long a time period this blog will give me. It is sometime hard to ask for help; but I did and YOU WERE THERE FOR ME!!
TRIP NEG BR CA FOUNDATION
THIS IS THE PLACE FOR INFO ON TRIP NEG www.tnbcfoundation.org
When you log on I have a short story you can find under "members stories". This wonderful grass roots organization has partnered with Susan Komen for the Cure with significant grant monies. Stay tuned for results!
Cancer is something you we can find a cure by giving money to researchers. Trip neg is very aggressive and we NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Day of Caring
Today was the DOC (Day of Caring) in Miami!
wonderful turnout of over 550 at the hotel intercontinental on the bay!
lots of great classes a fashion show...Monday will post new info on trip neg....(getting tired...fatigue problem continues)
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