JUDY C. BOUGHEY, MD

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This study examined the occurrence of hidden cancers in patients who had a preventative mastectomy on the opposite breast. Out of nearly 5,730 patients, only 1.55% were found to have these hidden cancers, and among those with detailed testing, only 20% had cancer spread to the sentinel lymph nodes. This finding is important because it supports current guidelines suggesting that routine surgery to check lymph nodes isn't necessary for most patients undergoing this kind of mastectomy. Who this helps: Patients considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.

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This study looked at how quickly breast cancer patients in the U.S. received treatment that follows established guidelines, focusing on the influence of socioeconomic factors like race and insurance status. It found that Black patients, those without insurance, and those with lower education levels were less likely to receive timely care across surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. For example, patients at lower socioeconomic facilities were more likely to get timely surgery but less likely to receive timely chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with the odds of receiving chemotherapy dropping by 15%. Who this helps: This research benefits breast cancer patients, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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This study examined the outcomes of breast cancer patients with small residual cancer cells in their sentinel lymph nodes after receiving chemotherapy, focusing on whether they needed a surgical procedure called axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Out of 1,585 women studied, only 2% experienced any recurrence of cancer in their axilla, with a significant increase to 8.7% for those with triple-negative breast cancer who did not have ALND. These findings suggest that not all patients with minimal residual disease require ALND, but those with triple-negative breast cancer may need closer monitoring if ALND is omitted. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients, especially those with triple-negative status, and their doctors make informed decisions about treatment options.

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This study looked at how breast cancer care differs for women living in rural areas who either stay at their local hospitals for treatment or are referred to specialized centers. Among nearly 184,000 rural women with breast cancer, 11% were referred to specialty centers, and this referral rate increased from 7% in 2010 to 14% in 2021. The findings revealed that referred women were less likely to receive certain treatments, like breast-conserving surgery (52% vs 60%), but were more likely to undergo reconstructive surgery (41% vs 32%). Understanding these differences is crucial because it can help improve access to better treatment options for rural women. Who this helps: This helps rural women with breast cancer.

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This study looked at how the number of axillary lymph node dissections (ALND) performed by surgeons in training has changed over the years. Researchers analyzed data from 645 fellows across 63 programs from 2016 to 2024 and found that the average number of ALNDs decreased from about 23 in 2016 to 19 in 2024. This matters because it highlights a shift in training practices, ensuring that future surgeons are still getting enough experience as surgical approaches evolve. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring that surgeons are well-trained in current surgical techniques.

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This research looked at how breast cancer treatment has changed between 2010 and 2023. They found that fewer patients are getting major surgeries like mastectomies, with rates dropping from 42.3% to 33.3%. At the same time, more patients are receiving treatments like chemotherapy before surgery, especially those with specific cancer types, such as ER-/HER2+, where usage jumped from 30.4% to 70.2%. Who this helps: This benefits breast cancer patients by providing them with less invasive treatment options and better outcomes.

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This study looked at different ways to manage lymph nodes in women who have their healthy breast removed to reduce the risk of cancer, especially when there's no cancer found. Researchers found that using routine sentinel lymph node (SLN) surgery led to a high cost of over $12,000 and caused many unnecessary surgeries (985 unnecessary SLN surgeries per 1,000 patients), while other methods like preoperative MRI had lower costs and avoided unnecessary procedures. This is important because it shows that focusing on reducing unnecessary surgeries can be better than purely looking at costs. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing preventive breast surgery.

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This report highlights cancer statistics for 2022 from a large database, focusing on three types of cancer: esophageal, melanoma, and prostate. It found that nearly half of esophageal cancer patients were diagnosed at a late Stage IV, with only about 30% receiving surgery; for melanoma, most cases were early-stage, and the most common type was superficial spreading melanoma; and for prostate cancer, most men were diagnosed at Stage II, with the majority not undergoing surgery. Understanding these trends helps improve treatment approaches and increase awareness about when patients should seek care. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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This study reviewed the National Cancer Database (NCDB), which tracks 73.7% of new cancer cases in the U.S., and examined updates made over the past decade to improve its usefulness for cancer research. Key changes include faster access to survival data, new data on COVID-19's impact (noting a 12.4% drop in cancer cases in 2020), and more detailed information on various cancer characteristics. These updates help researchers analyze cancer trends and outcomes more effectively, ensuring they have the latest and most relevant information. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals working to improve cancer treatment and outcomes.

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This study looked at how hospitals accredited by the Commission on Cancer are screening for social factors that can affect cancer treatment, known as social determinants of health (SDOH). Out of 435 hospitals surveyed, only about 38% regularly screen for these factors, but those that do tend to treat a higher percentage of patients with Medicaid or no insurance and provide quicker treatment for certain cancers. Specifically, hospitals that had been screening for more than three years were better at getting colon cancer patients their chemotherapy on time. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients, especially those with low income or insurance challenges.

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The Commission on Cancer created six new rules to make cancer surgery more consistent and standardized across hospitals. Inspectors who visit these hospitals to check compliance found that the rules are working well, but success depends on whether hospital leaders support them, departments communicate effectively, and there are enough staff and resources—and whether surgeons are willing to follow them. To make these standards actually stick, hospitals need strong leadership backing them up and need to get surgeons on board, while inspectors should officially take on a mentoring role to help hospitals improve rather than just checking boxes.

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Researchers created a new tool called the "Biliary Tract Cancer Survival Calculator" to predict how long patients with certain types of bile duct and gallbladder cancers may live. By analyzing data from over 62,000 patients, they found that factors like metastatic disease, age at diagnosis, and whether or not patients received surgery had a significant impact on survival outcomes. This new calculator is more precise than older methods, with a performance improvement shown by a c-index of 0.74 compared to 0.64 for stage-based models, meaning it can provide better, personalized survival estimates for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with biliary tract cancers and their doctors by providing individualized survival predictions.

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This report looks at cancer data from 2021, covering over 1.3 million newly diagnosed cases across nearly 1,300 hospitals in the U.S. It found that one in five of these cancers were female breast cancers, while pancreatic cancer typically presented in advanced stage IV in almost half of cases, leading to low survival rates. The findings highlight trends in the use of therapies for different cancers and show that early detection and treatment options can greatly affect patient outcomes, especially for breast and colon cancers. Who this helps: Patients, doctors, and healthcare planners.

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This study looked at the drug pexidartinib, which targets a specific protein, in patients with stage II/III breast cancer receiving standard treatment. The research included 9 participants, but it was stopped early because one patient developed a serious liver problem, preventing any from completing the treatment. These findings indicate that while targeting this protein might be promising, using pexidartinib for early breast cancer poses significant risks. Who this helps: This information is crucial for doctors and patients considering treatment options for early breast cancer.

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This study looked at how breast cancer treatment affects musicians, specifically whether they experience unique challenges while playing music after treatment. Out of nearly 1,900 survey participants, 29% were musicians, and 27% of those musicians reported difficulties with their music skills due to treatment, especially chemotherapy, which impacted 71% of them. Most notably, 64% reported having less endurance in playing or singing. Understanding these effects is important because it helps doctors support musician patients better by addressing their specific concerns about returning to music. Who this helps: This helps musicians who are breast cancer survivors.

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This study looked at how different types of axillary (armpit) surgery after chemotherapy affect outcomes for breast cancer patients. Researchers found that for patients without cancer in the lymph nodes (ypN0), only 2% experienced cancer return in the armpit area, while for those with cancer in the lymph nodes (ypN+), the rates were 5.2% for those having the simpler procedure. The findings indicate that some patients can safely skip more extensive surgery without increasing their risk of cancer returning, which can help reduce treatment-related side effects. Who this helps: Patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

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This study looked at how the amount of remaining cancer after chemotherapy (called Residual Cancer Burden or RCB) affects survival in patients with invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC). Researchers analyzed data from over 5,100 patients and found that a higher RCB index indicated a worse chance of surviving without cancer returning, with significant findings for both ILC and other breast cancer types. Specifically, they noted that the RCB index for ILC was linked to lower event-free survival rates, showing that assessing RCB can better inform treatment effectiveness for this type of cancer. Who this helps: This research helps patients with invasive lobular breast cancer and their doctors make more informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how ultrasound imaging can help doctors see changes in blood vessel patterns in breast cancer tumors during treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Among 53 patients, 32 (60%) showed a positive response to treatment. Key ultrasound measurements, like vessel density and diameter, changed significantly based on the patients' response to chemotherapy, which indicates that this imaging technique could be a reliable way to track treatment effectiveness early on. Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer and their doctors monitor treatment progress more effectively.

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This study looked at whether some women with invasive breast cancer can safely skip surgery after receiving treatment that shrinks their tumors. The researchers found that out of 50 women who participated, 62% had no signs of cancer in their breast after treatment, and none of the patients who didn’t have surgery experienced a return of their cancer over an average follow-up of about 55 months. This is significant because it suggests that surgery may not be necessary for certain patients, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer who respond well to initial treatment.

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This study looked at the effects of skipping endocrine therapy (ET) in early-stage breast cancer patients with low estrogen receptor levels (1%-10%). Out of over 10,000 patients, those who did not receive ET had a higher risk of death—specifically, a 23% increased chance overall, and even higher for certain groups, like those with higher ER levels (6%-10%). This finding is important because it highlights that not using ET might lead to worse survival outcomes for patients with ER-low breast cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with early-stage breast cancer and their doctors make better treatment decisions.

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This study looked at whether a surgical technique called immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) during axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) helps reduce the number of days patients need to keep drainage tubes in after surgery. Researchers found that patients who had ILR had a median of 15 drain days, while those who did not have ILR had a median of 11 drain days. However, the patients with ILR experienced fewer seromas (3.5%) compared to those without ILR (12.1%). This matters because fewer seromas can lead to less discomfort and complications for breast cancer patients after surgery. Who this helps: Patients recovering from breast cancer surgery.

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This study looked at how the initial stage of breast cancer and the amount of cancer left after treatment affect patient outcomes in those with triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer. Researchers found that nearly half of the patients (47%) showed no cancer following treatment, and those who did not see this complete response had worse outcomes if they started with larger tumors. This matters because understanding these factors helps doctors better predict treatment success and tailor postoperative care for patients. Who this helps: Patients with triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer.

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This study looked at how postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) using proton or photon treatments affects the success of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) in women who have undergone mastectomy. Of the 231 women analyzed, about 12.6% had surgical site infections, 16.2% required unplanned reoperations, and only 7.6% experienced reconstruction failure. The use of a protective film called Mepitel significantly lowered the chances of infection and the need for additional surgery, which is important for improving recovery and outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

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This study looked at how race affects the type of surgery breast cancer patients receive after chemotherapy. Researchers found that Black patients were more likely to undergo axillary lymph node surgery (ALND) compared to White and Asian/other patients, with 50.6% of Black patients receiving ALND versus 37.5% of White and 38.9% of Asian/other patients. This matters because although there were no differences in cancer response to treatment by race, the increased likelihood of surgery for Black patients suggests potential inequalities in treatment choices that need to be addressed. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those undergoing treatment for breast cancer, by highlighting the need for fair surgical practices.

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This study explored how using machine learning could improve predictions of colon cancer survival by incorporating additional patient information beyond just anatomic TNM staging. Researchers analyzed 382,531 colon cancer cases and found that their new model outperformed the traditional TNM-only model in several key areas: it had a better predictive accuracy score, with a 4-year error rate dropping from 0.19 to 0.14 and a Harrell index increasing from 0.73 to 0.83. This matters because more accurate predictions can guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing better survival predictions for colon cancer.

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This study looked at how well neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) works before surgery for patients with invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC). Researchers analyzed data from 1,329 breast cancer patients and found that while the type of histology (tissue) did not greatly affect surgery outcomes, lobular cases had higher rates of positive margins after lumpectomy (21.2% compared to 7.9% for other types) and were more likely to undergo additional axillary surgery. Identifying the specific molecular traits of these tumors can help doctors better choose treatments for patients, especially since certain subgroups showed promising responses to therapy. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients, particularly those with lobular tumors.

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The study looked at how axillary surgery, a procedure done on the lymph nodes under the arm for breast cancer, has changed over the years. Researchers found that different terms and methods are used in this kind of surgery, making it hard to compare results from different studies. They recommend that doctors adopt a consistent terminology for a specific type of surgery called sentinel lymph node surgery to improve clarity and communication in research. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers better understand and compare treatments for breast cancer.

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This study looked at a new system to predict survival outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 425 patients between 2010 and 2022 and found that the new staging system could fairly predict overall survival, with rates at three years being 84% for stage IVA-D patients. The study highlights that including more detailed information about where the cancer has spread could make predictions even better. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by providing better tools to understand survival chances and treatment options.

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This study looked at a specific type of cell in the breast known as luminal progenitor (LP) cells, which can survive stressful conditions that damage other cells. Researchers found that a protein called cKIT helps these cells grow and that when cKIT is active, it can lead to aggressive breast cancers. Notably, higher levels of cKIT are linked to shorter survival times for some patients with breast cancer, indicating it may be a critical factor in disease progression. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with basal-like breast cancer and healthcare providers looking for new treatment strategies.

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This study looked at whether a clipped lymph node, marked before chemotherapy, is effective for understanding cancer spread in breast cancer patients. Out of 540 patients studied, 93% had their clipped node successfully retrieved during surgery, and 86% of those were found to be sentinels, important nodes indicating cancer presence. The false negative rate—where the node appears negative for cancer when it actually is positive—for the clipped node was 5.4%, which is comparable to 4.9% for other removed nodes, suggesting that doctors might be able to limit surgery by just focusing on the clipped node. Who this helps: Patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

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This study looked at how the stage of HER2-positive breast cancer when diagnosed affects survival rates after treatment with chemotherapy. Out of over 57,000 patients, those who achieved a complete response to chemotherapy (pCR) had very high survival rates after five years—98% for stage I, 97% for stage II, and 91% for stage III. This research highlights that patients with more advanced stage III cancer can still do well if they respond well to treatment, indicating a need for more tailored therapies in these cases. Who this helps: This helps patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how changes in axillary surgery, specifically axillary lymph node dissection, have affected the training of surgical residents and fellows over 15 years. It found that general surgery residents now perform about half as many axillary surgeries compared to a decade ago, dropping from an average of 12 cases in 2010 to just 6.1 cases in 2024, while the training for fellows remains stable, with an average of 21.3 cases. This matters because fewer opportunities for residents to practice important procedures may weaken their training, leading to potential impacts on patient care. Who this helps: This benefits surgical residents and ultimately the patients they will care for.

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Researchers studied how the timing of surgery after chemotherapy affects outcomes for breast cancer patients. They analyzed data from 1,877 patients and found that those who waited more than 9 weeks for surgery after chemotherapy had worse chances of surviving without cancer returning. Specifically, patients with specific tumor types, particularly hormone receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancers, faced significantly worse outcomes if they had longer delays before surgery. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients and their doctors understand the importance of scheduling surgery promptly after chemotherapy.

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This study looked at lymphedema, a condition that can happen to cancer patients when fluid builds up and causes swelling, affecting their health and quality of life. It found that effective treatment requires teamwork from different medical experts and that some surgeries can help prevent and manage this condition. The review highlighted that the best approach to treating lymphedema is a combination of therapies tailored to each patient’s needs. Who this helps: Patients with cancer-related lymphedema.

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This study focused on creating clear medical guidelines for managing benign breast conditions known as fibroepithelial lesions (FELs). The guidelines state that for most benign growths called fibroadenomas, patients typically only need surgery if they're causing symptoms, are a certain size, or are growing. Notably, if these fibroadenomas are diagnosed through a biopsy and aren’t concerning, patients don’t require further imaging and can return to regular screenings. Who this helps: These guidelines benefit patients with benign breast lesions and their doctors.

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This study looked at how complete and accurate the information is about cancer recurrences in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 to 2021. It found that the percentage of missing data decreased significantly for various cancers: breast cancer missing data went from 15.7% to 8.4%, colon from 19.8% to 9.3%, and lung from 20.5% to 7.4%. However, issues like poor doctor documentation still affect data quality, which can complicate research efforts. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, doctors, and cancer patients as better data leads to improved treatment options and outcomes.

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Researchers looked at how well hospitals followed new guidelines for checking lymph nodes in lung cancer surgeries. In 2022, 54% of hospitals met the standard, but this dropped to just 232 out of 504 (46%) in 2023 due to stricter requirements. These findings highlight a significant challenge in ensuring that patients receive optimal care, as improving lymph node evaluation can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with lung cancer benefit from better lymph node evaluations during surgery.

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This study looked at how well hospitals are performing sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) for melanoma patients. Researchers found that over 48,000 patients were treated across more than 1,100 hospitals, with an average of 2.4 lymph nodes removed and about 18% testing positive for cancer. The results showed that SLNB procedures are consistent across facilities, but there is still room for improvement, particularly in other related surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits melanoma patients and the doctors treating them.