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The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023 met in Spain to shed light on new research surrounding breast cancer research. BreastCancer highlighted the main takeaways presented this year. A clinical trial called TROPION-Breast01 focused on metastatic breast cancer and used Dato-DXd as a therapy medicine (2023). The results of the trial indicate that the therapy medicine showed promise and stated the following
“[the therapy medicine] offered longer progression-free survival than standard chemotherapy for inoperable or metastatic hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that had grown while being treated with hormonal therapy.” (2023)
An additional finding is related to Verzenio, a medication used to stop cancer cell growth (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). Verzenio was studied in the monarchE study that has spanned five years with over 5,000 participants (DePolo, 2023). The results indicated the following, “[participants] were less likely to have a breast cancer recurrence in the breast area…[and] less likely to have a distant, or metastatic, recurrence” (2023). Additionally, statistics reported that participants who took Verzenio and hormonal therapy were “32% less likely to have a recurrence…[and] 32.5% less likely to have a distant, or metastatic, recurrence.” (DePolo, 2023) The main takeaway from the monarchE study is related to the benefits of Verzenion for individuals with “early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with a high risk of reccurence,” (2023).
Research related to pregnancy and breast cancer treatments was also presented. Studies showed that pregnancy following breast cancer treatment is safe for pregnant patients and their child. Researchers advised patients to still know of potential risks related to treatments and recurrence that may impact becoming pregnant. It’s recommended for patients to consult with their physicians if they are planning to become pregnant. The following are additional resources related to pregnancy and breast cancer:
- Breast Cancer Now offers resources related to planning pregnancy after receiving breast cancer treatment. The article includes information on fertility, menopause, and how long to wait following treatment.
- American Cancer Society answers common questions related to risks of pregnancy, such as breastfeeding and risks related to treatments and children.
To access the podcast discussing metastatic breast cancer and therapy medicine, click here.
To access the podcast and more information related to Verzenio and the potential benefits, click here.
To access the podcast discussing research on pregnancy after breast cancer, click here.
References:
Five breast cancer research takeways from esmo 2023. (2023). BreastCancer. Retrieved by https://www.breastcancer.org/news/2023-esmo-research-takeaways.
DePolo, J. (2023, October 30). Long-term benefits of verzenio for early-stage breast cancer confirmed. BreastCancer. Retrived from: https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/verzenio-long-term-benefits-early-stage-breast-cancer
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Abemaciclib tablets. Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20847-abemaciclib-tablets.