HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE
New Jersey ‘ s Medical Leaders Discuss Breast Cancer Breakthroughs
Compiled by Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Pink ribbon tributes to breast cancer are everywhere this month . Athletes , business people , politicians , as well as moms and dads and sisters and brothers want to increase awareness and show their support for those struggling to overcome this deadly disease .
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States , except for skin cancers . It is about 30 percent ( or 1 in 3 ) of all new female cancers each year .
The American Cancer Society ’ s estimate about 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year . Unfortunately , about 43,700 women will die from it .
Breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women . The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62 . This means half of the women who developed breast cancer are 62 years of age or younger when they are diagnosed . A very small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45 .
COMMERCE Magazine asked healthcare leaders from throughout New Jersey to discuss the latest innovations in treatment . Here is what we learned :
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center James Wurzer , M . D ., Ph . D Medical Director , AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute and Radiation Oncology
Significant advancements in the breast cancer field in recent years are revolutionizing the way we diagnose and care for patients . These innovations improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for those undergoing treatment .
Hypofractionation , an innovative approach to radiation therapy , has gained traction in breast cancer treatment . Through this technique , we deliver higher doses of radiation over a shorter period , reducing the overall treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness . This minimizes the impact on patients ’ daily lives and lowers overall healthcare costs .
Brachytherapy , another breakthrough , involves placing radioactive sources directly within or near the tumor site , precisely targeting the cancer while sparing surrounding healthy tissue . This technique minimizes the duration of treatment and reduces potential side effects , offering a more patient-friendly alternative to traditional radiation therapies .
The Oncotype DX test has transformed the landscape of treatment decision-making for patients who have early stage invasive breast cancer . By analyzing the expression of specific genes within the tumor , this genomic test provides personalized information about the risk of breast cancer recurrence in another part of the body , enabling clinicians to tailor treatment plans to individual patients . This prevents overtreatment in low-risk cases , sparing patients from unnecessary side effects , while ensuring aggressive treatment for high-risk cases .
Genetic testing has become increasingly important in the management of breast cancer , especially for individuals with a family history of the disease . Tests including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 screenings identify genetic mutations that predispose individuals to breast cancer , allowing for early interventions and preventive measures . Additionally , advances in targeted therapies have emerged from a deeper understanding of the genetic makeup of tumors , enabling more precise and effective treatments .
These innovations in breast cancer treatment – hypofractionation , brachytherapy , Onco type DX testing , and genetic screening , represent remarkable progress in the medical field . By using these to optimize treatment strategies , personalize care , and improve outcomes , we offer renewed hope to patients . These results and patient experiences highlights the value of ongoing research and technological advancements in the fight against breast cancer .
Atlantic Health System Shilpi Gupta , MBBD , MD , FACP Breast Medical Oncologist
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the women in the US aside from skin cancer .
Although the rate of breast cancer continues to grow slowly , the mortality from breast cancer has dropped . This is in large measures due to early detection with annual screening mammograms . However , in addition to early diagnosis , numerous strides have been made in the treatment of breast cancer which have also contributed to improved outcomes .
At Atlantic Health System our team of medical oncologists , breast surgeons and radiation oncologists follow the latest treatment guidelines and recommendations to provide exceptional care to our patients . In addition , we offer our patients the opportunity to join in multiple clinical trials , innovating the future of cancer care .
There are several types of breast cancer and treatments are tailored to individual patients , depending on the type of cancer , hormone receptor positive , HER-2 positive or triple negative .
Some of the latest treatment options include use of Elacestrant in hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer in the right setting .
In HER-2 positive breast cancer we have a clinical trial for patients who have residual cancer after completing preoperative chemotherapy and HER-2 directed therapy . This trial explores ways to improve cancer outcomes for patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer , which is a more aggressive type of breast cancer .
One of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer is triple negative cancer . This subtype often recurs , and our oncologists are using a newer type of medication called ADC ( antibody drug conjugate ) to treat patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer in the right setting .
Our hope is that with the ongoing research in breast oncology we will continue to offer our patients excellent care and treatment options .
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Dr . Gian Varbaro Chief Medical Officer
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has updated its approach to breast cancer diagnosis with the addition of 3D digital mammography . This was a key innovation in our diagnostic imaging department as our patients who are often underserved and lack access to the latest technology can now benefit from this resource .
Bergen New Bridge offers comprehensive breast imaging and diagnostic services , including our new state-of-the-art 3D digital mammography unit , which offers more accurate detection and early diagnosis . This new smarter 3D technology provides a noticeably more comfortable experience . The hospital also provides breast ultrasounds and minimally invasive biopsy procedures using ultrasound or stereotactic guidance .
The Medical Center also renovated our mammography area to offer a more tranquil environment , and our team provides patient-focused care in a warm and safe environment designed for optimal patient experience . The center was created with a patient ’ s well-being in mind .
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