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Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Breast cancer can return years later: Oncologist shares how to spot early signs of relapse
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and like every cancer, there is a chance of breast cancer recurrence even after completion of the prescribed treatment. Hence, every woman has to undergo regular follow up as advised by the treating doctor. Can we catch breast cancer before it returns? Here's what doctors want you to know.(Image by Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anjali Kulkarni, vice president, RWE Strategy and Analytics and oncologist at 4baseCare, shared, 'Breast cancer recurrence can happen locally i.e. within the same or other breast or regionally i.e. in the axilla or neck nodes. To detect the signs of local recurrence, women can do a routine self breast examination and check overlying skin for any changes. This helps to detect local recurrence quite early. Local recurrence can be confirmed by mammography or ultrasonography.' Going to bed too soon after eating may increase the risk of breast cancer coming back, says a study.(Shutterstock) In many cases, recurrence happens at distant organs like liver, bone, lungs, brain and abdomen. Dr Kulkarni revealed, 'For distant recurrence there can be symptoms like bone pains, jaundice, severe headache, blood in cough or loss of weight. For such advanced stages, imaging is a definitive diagnostic method for recurrence. Mainly radiology tests like PETCT, bone scan, CT, MRI or ultrasound can detect recurrence. These methods usually detect cancer recurrence when the tumour or lesion size reaches at least 7-8 mm and visible on images.' A blood test could spot breast cancer relapse months before any scan Currently, there is an advanced technique ctDNA to identify recurrence even before it appears on the radiology images. Dr Kulkarni explained, 'This is called Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a type of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released by tumour cells into the bloodstream which can be used to identify cancer recurrence.' She elaborated, 'ctDNA detection can precede clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence by several months, allowing for early intervention. ctDNA levels can be done after treatment and can even help identify patients who are at higher risk of recurrence. Changes in ctDNA levels can be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment and guide treatment decisions.' Will your breast cancer come back? New blood test can predict with 100% accuracy. Here's all you need to know (Image by Freepik) Dr Kulkarni pointed out, 'Usually after completing the prescribed treatment, women are on follow up protocol every 3 months for the first year, then every 6 months for 5 years and then once a year. Few women with advanced breast cancer, the cancer may never go away completely. These women may continue to get treatments to help keep the cancer under check.' The follow up regimen will vary depending on the stage of disease and certain tumour types like Triple negative breast cancer which is known to be aggressive. Dr Kulkarni said, 'Women with BRCA gene mutations have a higher risk of developing bilateral breast cancer. Women who are presented with the early-stage breast cancer can be monitored clinically and radiological tests can be done at 6 monthly intervals. But aggressive cancer types require close monitoring. Technologies like ctDNA will be very helpful in these women for close surveillance.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
Forced adoption taskforce co-chair quits after accusing State Government of attempting to ‘silence' victims
A new reference group set up to address the impact of WA's history of forced adoptions has had a shaky start, with a co-chair quitting and accusing the State Government of attempting to 'silence' victims. Jennifer McRae has told The West Australian she was 'told off' after writing to Minister for Child Protection Jessica Stojkovski, to lobby for redress for survivors and a notification system to alert adults who don't know they were adopted. 'I haven't signed any kind of confidentiality . . . the reply was, you've accepted the position so it's kind of an assumed expectation,' Ms McRae said. 'We've been told we're not discussing that and my role as co-chair was to make sure that we stay on task. 'The expectation was that I was not to participate in advocacy work. There was no way I could agree to that, because it's my voice and to be silenced yet again by a government organisation, the very organisation that removed me from my mother, is just too much to ask.' The State Government confirmed that Ms McRae has 'voluntarily' elected to withdraw her application for the reference group. 'The State Government is committed to ensuring people with lived experience of forced adoption play a key role in driving change and informing the legislation, policies, practices and services that impact them,' a Government spokesman said on Friday. The Government spokesman said a notification system, recommended by a parliamentary inquiry into forced adoption last year, was not supported 'due to the potential to cause significant harm and distress' but that the process for adults to apply for information was being improved. Ms McRae said many adoptees, potentially hundreds, don't know to ask. 'This is a human rights issue,' she said. 'People do have a right to know that they're adopted because it impacts so many parts of their lives and now their own children, especially around being able to access your medical information. 'If you had the BRCA gene (linked to breast cancer) in your bloodline, knowing that can save your life.' Ms McRae, who was named Albany's community citizen of 2025, has also vowed to continue fighting for a redress scheme, similar to the $85,000 payment announced last month for members of WA's Aboriginal stolen generation. The Government has only committed to 'further consideration' of a redress scheme, that the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affair's report 'Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives' recommended should include a monetary payment and a personal apology from institutions. 'We've had a pretty vague (response), not yes or no,' Ms McRae said. 'This would be a great opportunity for the reference group to discuss redress.'
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
NeoGenomics Announces PanTracer Tissue and PanTracer Tissue + HRD Now Available to Support More Informed and Timely Cancer Care
FORT MYERS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NeoGenomics, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEO), a leading provider of oncology diagnostic solutions that enable precision medicine, today announced the launch of PanTracer™ Tissue, a next-generation solid tumor profiling assay, including the option to add testing for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). These new options can provide faster, actionable insights to help physicians navigate complex treatment decisions more confidently. PanTracer Tissue evaluates over 500 cancer-related genes and aligns with clinical guidelines, covering key biomarkers recommended for therapy selection and additional genomic insights for clinical trial enrollment. Results may be delivered in as little as 8 days, enabling physicians to rapidly initiate treatment strategies. Minimal specimen requirements make it suitable for a wide range of tumor types and practice settings. The assay builds on the company's tissue-based CGP platform, previously known as NeoComprehensive ® Solid Tumor. The addition of PanTracer Tissue + HRD offers enhanced tumor profiling by incorporating homologous recombination deficiency analysis into a single, guideline-aligned test for ovarian cancer. The PanTracer Tissue + HRD offering includes BRCA mutation status and a genomic instability score—critical biomarkers that can help guide the use of PARP inhibitors and other therapies targeting DNA repair pathways. The combined approach streamlines ordering and can shorten time to actionable results by capturing a broader range of clinically relevant genomic alterations, gene fusions, and DNA repair deficiencies. 'With PanTracer Tissue and PanTracer Tissue + HRD we're unlocking a more complete genomic view from a single sample, giving physicians clearer answers, sooner,' said Warren Stone, President and Chief Operating Officer at NeoGenomics. 'With the addition of PanTracer Tissue + HRD, we are expanding our portfolio to address the unmet need for ovarian cancer therapy selection with the objective of improving patient care.' PanTracer Tissue and PanTracer Tissue + HRD are part of NeoGenomics' broader portfolio of precision oncology solutions designed to improve patient outcomes through high-quality, guideline-aligned testing. Revealed at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, the continually expanding PanTracer portfolio reflects the company's dedicated focus on advancing diagnostic tools that support more informed, personalized care. About NeoGenomics, Inc. NeoGenomics, Inc. is a premier cancer diagnostics company specializing in cancer genetics testing and information services. We offer one of the most comprehensive oncology-focused testing menus across the cancer continuum, serving oncologists, pathologists, hospital systems, academic centers, and pharmaceutical firms with innovative diagnostic and predictive testing to help them diagnose and treat cancer. Headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, NeoGenomics operates a network of CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratories for full-service sample processing and analysis services throughout the US and a CAP-accredited full-service sample-processing laboratory in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as 'anticipate,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'can,' 'could,' 'would,' 'may,' 'will,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'forecast,' 'goal,' 'project,' 'guidance,' 'potential' and other words of similar meaning, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. These forward-looking statements address various matters, including statements regarding the potential impact of PanTracer™ Tissue, including the use of HRD testing, in oncology treatment and clinical trial enrollment. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others, the extent of use by oncologists and biopharma companies of PanTracer™ Tissue + HRD, the speed and utility of the results generated, and the risks identified under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are encouraged to read our filings with the SEC, available at and in the 'Investors' section of our website at for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document (unless another date is indicated), and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of these statements. Our business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
"I need to live every darn day to the fullest": New freedom for former tennis star Chris Evert after ovarian cancer ordeal
Chris Evert (via Getty Images) Tennis great Chris Evert , a retired world No. 1 and 18-time Grand Slam singles titlist, recently shared that her battle with ovarian cancer has radically transformed her perspective on life and self-expression. Diagnosed twice with stage 1 ovarian cancer, Chris Evert is now cancer-free and is leveraging her platform to promote awareness, genetic screening, and living life on her terms. Chris Evert speaks out about her fight with cancer and how it redefined her voice and purpose Chris Evert's experience with ovarian cancer was defined by tragedy, caution, and strength. Having already lost her sister Jeanne to the disease, Chris Evert was tested genetically and determined to be a carrier of the BRCA-1 mutation. After a preventative hysterectomy in 2022, physicians found stage 1 ovarian cancer through routine pathology. Although the cancer came back, it was once more detected early on and effectively treated. Now 69, Chris Evert is in remission for the second time. "Before this period of my life, I used to be wary of image and speaking out. Now I just say what I want to say, and that is an attitude that sets you free. If I am well informed and educated on a subject and I have an opinion, then I like to use my voice to speak out," Evert recently explained. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like India: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price (See Price List) Luxury Jewelry | search ads Undo That's the attitude that's given her not only confidence but also a mission: empowering women to know their risk factors, to get genetic testing, and to take their health into their own hands. How an unexpected cancer diagnosis finally set Chris Evert free: "I used to be wary... Now I just Although Evert promotes early awareness, experts warn against a misconception: that there is an "early test" for ovarian cancer. As reported by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), no screen is yet effective in detecting the disease in its earliest stages among the general population. Rather, professionals highlight genetic testing and preventive surgeries, particularly for high-risk patients with BRCA mutations. Dr. Gillian Hanley, associate professor at the University of British Columbia, points to the singularity of Evert's case: 'She would never have been symptomatic,' says Hanley. 'There's no screening method that would have picked that up. The only reason that cancer was diagnosed is because her fallopian tubes were removed and then they were very, very carefully analyzed by a pathologist… and that doesn't occur outside of the case of a BRCA mutation. ' No early detection for ovarian cancer—but knowledge is power Ovarian cancer is uncommon, occurring in approximately 1 in 87 women during their lifetime, but tends to be diagnosed late because it has insidious symptoms. As opposed to popular belief, the CA-125 blood test and transvaginal scans are not effective for early detection. A UK clinical trial in 2021 on a large population showed that existing screening practices do not lower mortality. This is why medical experts now focus on prevention through genetic testing and risk-reducing surgeries like salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes), especially during unrelated pelvic surgeries. 'So again, we're not saying that your regular woman on the street needs to go in and have this elective surgery,' said Sarah DeFeo of OCRA. 'But we know that hundreds of thousands of women are having surgery every year anyway, for a different reason, where they could take the opportunity to take out their tubes at the same time, potentially. It's something that they should talk to their doctor about, and it's something that doctors should be thinking about. ' DeFeo also encourages women to realize that family background counts on both sides. BRCA mutations are also inherited from fathers, so it is important to know your full genetic history. "It does change you when you have a battle like this and I do think about whether my cancer will come back from time to time, but what I think about more is that I need to live every darn day to the fullest. You know, I'd better start doing only things that I want to do and only things that make me happy. That's the way I think now," Evert said. "When you have lived through an experience like this, you appreciate that every day is precious. You just don't know what's around the corner and the reality is you have no control over it. So live every moment. This feels like a second chance for me, no doubt about it. Sometimes you have to sink to the lowest depths and get to a point where you wonder whether you will get through something like cancer to change your mindset," she said. Also read: Serving love: Top 5 Grand Slam romances that you probably didn't know about Chris Evert's survival story proves that by pushing women to venture into genetic testing and make informed choices, Evert has discovered a purpose greater than any championship medal. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Medscape
6 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Q&A: Familial and Genetic Risk in Ovarian Cancer
Maurie Markman, MD Malignant ovarian neoplasms are a significant cause of cancer mortality in women.[1] Important risk factors include age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer (OC), personal history of breast cancer, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.[2] Maurie Markman, MD, is president of medicine & science at City of Hope, and he talked to Medscape about the clinical implications of familial and genetic risk in OC. What is the importance of genetics in OC? We know a lot about OC genetics compared to when I started in this area. This is a fascinating part of medical history from over 50 years ago when nobody talked about OC. Patients would tell you that a family member — their mother, sister, or grandmother — had died of something that involved the stomach area. Historically, however, if you went back, there was no way of knowing if it was OC or gastric cancer because gastric cancer was extremely common. Additionally, there was nothing you could do about genetic risk at the time, nor much appreciation of how substantial this risk really is. The cumulative OC risk to age 80 years for women with BRCA1 is 36%-53% and 11%-25% for BRCA2 carriers.[3] What do we know about familial and genetic risk in OC? All patients diagnosed with OC should receive germline genetic testing. This is a decade-old recommendation from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Society of Clinical Oncology,[4] Society of Gynecologic Oncology,[5] and European Society for Medical Oncology[6] and it still isn't done. This recommendation is based not only on the increased risk for OC in patients with genetic mutations, including BRCA1 , BRCA2 , MLH1 , MSH2 , or MSH6 (the Lynch syndrome genes), but also due to its implications to patient management and risk-reduction strategies. There is evidence showing that most eligible patients are not offered genetic testing, and the main factors associated with this noncompliance are older age, ethnicity, and insurance coverage.[7] This is a real problem. All healthcare providers, not just gynecologic oncologists, should be aware of the importance of germline genetic testing. Can you tell us more about the implications of genetic testing to patient management? The first implication is to the patient diagnosed with OC. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor-suppressor genes involved in DNA repair, and their loss may cause cancer or change its course. BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation is recognized as a genetic marker for targeted therapy. There is overwhelming evidence that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have incredible impact on overall survival in OC as first-line, second-line, or later maintenance therapy in patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed tumors.[8,9] The impact on survival is enormous. This is not a treatment decision up for debate, and you won't know which patient will benefit from PARP inhibitors unless you carry out genetic testing. Beyond patient management, what is the impact of germline genetic testing? Germline testing helps determine a person's genetic predisposition to OC which is different from somatic testing of cancerous cells.[10] The impact extends to the patient's family and their support system. Family members, both male and female, could be at risk for genetic discrimination, including problems with life and health insurance, relationships, and even employment based on cancer risk. Genetic counselors are fundamental to guide patients and healthcare providers to understand the risks associated with pathogenic mutations and to decide on risk-reduction options. Today, genetic testing is strongly recommended because there are risk-reduction strategies that outweigh these negative risks I just mentioned.[4,5,6] When should genetic testing be offered to family members? Personal circumstances and preferences, such as family planning and reproductive options, should guide discussions about screening recommendations. Genetic testing is recommended to individuals with significant family history of OC and those from populations with high pathologic variant carrier frequencies, including Ashkenazi Jews, for example.[4,5,6] For asymptomatic women without a known high-risk hereditary cancer syndrome, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends no screening for OC. What are the strategies for risk reduction? The most effective approach to prevent ovarian and fallopian tube cancers is risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.[11] Typically, it is recommended to patients with pathologic variants in BRCA1/2, BRIP1, RAD51C, RAD51D , or MLH1, MSH2 , and MSH6 . Surgery can reduce the risk for gynecologic tumors by 80%-90% and decrease the all-cause mortality by 77%. The timing of surgery is also influenced by the patient's age, desire for pregnancy, family history, and the consequences of premature menopause. Can you tell us more about ongoing clinical trials about OC that could change clinical practice? I can mention two different approaches that could change clinical practice: bilateral salpingectomy for OC prevention and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of patients with poor survival prospects. Based on a theory that most OCs originate in the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube and then spread to the ovary, the hypothesis is that surgical resection of the fallopian tubes in women with increased risk may prevent the development of epithelial OC and avoid premature menopause.[12] We still need to know more about surgery eligibility and long-term survival outcomes. Very interesting. What are ADCs? ADCs are targeted therapies consisting of monoclonal antibodies capable of delivering cytotoxic drugs, the payload, directly to the tumor site while reducing systemic exposure and toxicity. Ideally, the payload should be released in the intracellular space.[13] Currently, there are many clinical trials trying to identify suitable targets and clinically effective therapies that could increase overall survivor in patients with OC.[14]
