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In 2007, Australian and New Zealand women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast were invited to take part in a research study organised by the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG). The study (BIG 3-07/TROG 07.01 trial) aimed to see whether improvements could be made to radiation treatment for these patients.
DCIS is most commonly treated via surgery to remove the part of the breast with DCIS, followed by radiation treatment. Radiation treatment has been shown to improve the chances of not developing further cancer in the affected breast. This study aimed to find an optimal radiation treatment regime for these patients.
Trial design
The MARIANNE trial was an international trial involving up to 1092 patients with progressive or recurrent locally advanced or previously untreated metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab emtansine (also known as T-DM1; brand name Kadcycla). Trastuzumab emtansine is an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of trastuzumab (brand name Herceptin® and others), a linker molecule and the cytotoxic (chemotherapeutic) agent DM1. Trastuzumab emtansine was a new drug at the time the trial began. (Trastuzumab is an antibody-based drug which binds to HER2 receptors in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.)
BCAC is pleased a new linear accelerator is in the wings for the Southern DHB and believes will make a difference for cancer patients.
Some breast cancers respond to hormones in our body and their growth is driven by the presence of these hormones - these are known as oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive breast cancers.
Other breast cancers respond to the presence of the HER2 protein and will grown in response to this receptor - this is known as HER2-postive breast cancer.
Triple negative breast cancer, means the growth of breast cancer cells is not driven by:
Women in the Rodney region, north of Auckland, will now have easier access to breast screening and more choice, thanks to a new digital mobile breast screening unit now operating in the area.
BreastScreen Waitemata Northland, screens about 35,500 women a year and the new mobile unit will operate from up to six sites throughout Rodney, replacing fixed breast screening sites in Orewa and Warkworth.
BCAC welcomes the initiative because fewer women will have to travel for a mammogram. They can instead visit the mobile screening unit when it comes to their area.
BCAC welcomes new reports which show that nearly 41,500 more women aged 50 to 69 have taken part in the Government’s free breast cancer screening programme in the 24 months to December 2010 than in the previous period.
The percentage of Maori and Pasifika women having breast screening has had the greatest increase, with a further 5486 Maori women and 2898 Pasifika women taking part in the programme over the 24 month period to December 2010.
Associate Minister of Health, Hon Tariana Turia, says,“This increase is great news for women’s health. Not only are these women giving themselves the best chance for breast cancer to be found and treated early, but this is a sign women are prioritising their health.
Writing about our lives in a creative way offers a valuable means of expression.
The words written by someone who has ‘been there too’ can comfort and reassure others who are going through the same experience.
Inspired by an Australian collection of stories written by women with secondary breast cancer (Armed with Chocolate Frogs, Kate Carey Productions) over thirty Sweet Louise members have signed up to contribute their creative short stories and poems to a special Sweet Louise book.
BCAC supported the visit of the ASB Visiting Professor Annette Stanton in March 2011 when she presented a public lecture entitled "Survivorship in Breast Cancer What helps and hinders women?".
Annette Stanton is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, senior research scientist at the UCLA Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, and a member of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Following her trip to the 33rd Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in December 2010, BCAC committee member Rowena Mortimer is convinced of the value of the associated advocacy programme.
Rowena was particularly struck by just how much research is currently underway to investigate many aspects of breast cancer and she gained a real appreciation for just how much she didn’t know! For this reason she believes the advocacy programme offered at the Symposium for attendees from around the world and run by the Alamo Breast Cancer foundation, is an invaluable way of upskilling.
