The Research Think Tank (RTT) Treatment Work Group focused on unanswered questions about the most optimal treatment of breast cancer in a young woman and how that treatment may differ from that given to an older woman.
The group was composed of advocates:
As well as physicians/researchers:
Six of the 19 research priorities recommended by the RTT focused on treatment of breast cancer in young women. Below we list the priority, indicate any progress made since the RTT and list any open trials of which we are aware related to or focusing on these research priorities.
Recent research updates:
Young women’s microenvironment (stroma) may have a role in breast cancer growth, particularly in triple negative breast cancer. Read More
Current research initiatives/studies:
Development of a Quantitative Tissue Optical Index of Breast Density For Prediction of Hormone Therapy Response. Read More
Recent research updates:
A recent study found a possible mechanism by which postpartum breast cancer is more aggressive and likely to metastasize. Read More
Recent research updates:
A study examining neoadjuvant chemotherapy in young women found that young women, especially those with hormone receptor positive/HER2- and triple negative breast cancer, were more likely to achieve complete pathological response (pCR, breast cancer disappears), and young women with luminal-like breast cancer appeared to benefit more from neoadjuvant chemotherapy than older women. Read More
Recent research updates:
SOFT and TEXT trial data showed that ovarian suppression in combination with Tamoxifen or an Aromatase Inhibitor reduces breast cancer recurrence in young women, age 35 or younger, who were at high risk of recurrence (high enough risk that chemotherapy was ordered). Read More
Recent research updates:
There have been two recent, conflicting, studies on the long-term outcomes of mastectomy versus lumpectomy plus radiation. ESTRO reported that lumpectomy plus radiation therapy showed higher rates of recurrence in women under age 45 (compared to mastectomy), and that recurrence was more likely to lead to metastasis. It is important to recognize that this study’s observational data was collected in 1989-1998 and none of the women received systemic therapies, which is not representative of the current standard of care. Read More
A recent meta-analysis did not find a significant survival difference between lumpectomy plus radiation therapy and mastectomy in women age 40 and younger. Read More
Recent research updates:
Oncotype DX is a test which shows which women can safely avoid chemotherapy and receive endocrine therapy only. A recent report of Oncotype DX data, which included data for women under 40, showed that a recurrence score less than 18 had no significant differences in outcomes compared to the 40-49 and 50-59 age groups. In the younger patients with node-negative disease and recurrence score <18, Breast Cancer Specific Mortality was <1.3% and those with node-positive was <1.7%. Read More
Recent studies have indicated that 10 years of tamoxifen is better than 5 at reducing the risk of recurrence in young premenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Read More
Please refer to the SOFT and TEXT trial results above for information on possible ovarian suppression as well.
Current research initiatives/studies:
The POSITIVE Trial is examining whether it is safe to take a “baby break” from Tamoxifen so that a woman can conceive a child and the length of time that Tamoxifen should be taken before the “baby break” occurs.
Read about our RTT work group on quality of life during and after breast cancer treatment.
If you believe we are missing a crucial piece of research or have not included a research study which should be here, please contact us!