On the pulse...for people affected by breast cancer

Cancerkin’s news update….

Cancerkin shortlisted in NCVO photography competition

In a competition attracting hundreds of entrants, Cancerkin were one of only 10 to be shortlisted in the first ever NCVO national photographic competition on 23rd February 2010. Member organisations were invited to submit a photograph and caption that reflects the work that they are doing and the positive difference that it makes. Our entry, along with the other ten finalists was exhibited and can be seen on the Guardian and NCVO’s websites. Click here to see them: NCVO and Guardian

Book Club

Would you like to broaden your intellectual and creative horizons? Are you looking for a hobby that will be both stimulating and relaxing? We are looking to start a book club at Cancerkin. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Lauren Newton at Cancerkin (l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk) or on the usual telephone number 020 7830 2323.

In the news…

Why Tamoxifen sometimes fails

Scientists have discovered why some breast cancers are resistant to tamoxifen (a drug therapy that blocks the growth of oestrogen which can fuel some breast cancer tumours). They found that when a gene called FGFR1 is turned on too much is can become resistant to the drug and other hormone treatments. In lab studies, they were able to switch off the gene in cancer cells which had too much of the gene. Following on from that, tamoxifen (and other treatments) were able to work again and destroy the cancer cells. About 10% of breast cancers have too much of the FGFR1 gene and this discovery could ultimately help thousands of women. Dr Nick Turner, lead author of the report, said: “We have known for some time that breast cancer patients with too much of the FGFR1 gene in their cancer are more likely to have a poor prognosis…The next step is to set up a clinical trial to see whether a drug that blocks the action of this gene can counteract hormone therapy resistance in breast cancer patients. If these trials confirm our lab work we could be on the verge of a potentially exciting new treatment for breast cancer.” Dr Lesley Walker (director of information at Cancer Research UK) said: “Cracking the problem of resistance to treatments such as tamoxifen would be a major advance in treating breast cancer.” Read more at: Cancer Research UK; BBC News

Aspirin and breast cancer

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported that women suffering from breast cancer who took aspirin on a regular basis were less likely to have a recurrence and less likely to die from the disease. They reported that the risks could be halved by taking aspirin 2-5 times per week. However, a report by the NHS says that this is only a preliminary study and cannot determine whether aspirin directly caused the difference in cancer recurrence and survival. Clearly, further research is needed. They go on to point out that aspirin is not without risks, particularly for those undergoing chemotherapy, who may be more susceptible to bleeding and so may be advised not to use aspirin. As ever, Individuals should always speak to their GP before taking or changing their medication. Read more here: Times Online; The Independent; nhs

New Blood Tests

A personalised blood test has been developed that can detect whether a tumour has returned or is responding to treatment; it is thought that it could be widely available within 5 years. The test will enable doctors to monitor the progress of patients with any type of tumour. The benefits would include avoiding aggressive treatment that is not needed and/or is not working and ensuring others get the treatment that they need. It is being hailed as another step towards personalised cancer care. In trials on 6 patients (including two with breast cancer), scientists detected minute traces of tumour DNA in a few mililitres of blood. Victor Velculescu of John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre in Baltimore, who led the research said: “There is currently no test for cancer that provides personalised biomarkers for clinical management of disease.” Professor Peter Johnson, the chief clinician of Cancer Research UK, said: “This is another exciting step down the road towards personalised cancer medicine. If this can be done for other types of cancer like bowel, breast and prostate, it will help us to bring new treatments to patients better and faster than ever.” Read more: Times and Guardian

Ageism in breast cancer treatment

Research funded by Breakthrough Breast Cancer showed that some older people are not benefitting from advances in the treatment for breast cancer that have been developed over the last 10 years, that have improved overall survival rates. This is despite the fact that the risk of getting the disease increases with age. The charity is calling for treatment to be offered on the basis of clinical need rather than age. The story was reported in the Mail Online and on the charity’s own website: Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Authorities prevent treatment of pregnant cancer patient

Finally, a distressing story from Nicaragua, reported in the Guardian about a pregnant woman, with cancer, who is having cancer treatment witheld, because it could harm the foetus and violate the ban on abortion. A law enacted in 2007 made the country one of the few in the world, which has a total ban on abortion under any circumstances.

Nicky Waldman (n.waldman@cancerkin.org.uk) 24th February 2010