Breast Cancer changes as it spreads

Source: BBC Health; Annals of Oncology

UK researchers in Edinburgh (Scotland for you geographically challenged) have determined that up to 40% of breast cancer tumors actually change form as they metastasize (spread).  The analysis of 211 tumors which spread from the breast to lymph nodes in the armpits, a common occurrence, demonstrated surprising results.

20 tumors changed from estrogen receptor negative to positive while others did the reverse.  The significance is that medications such as tamoxifen which would not work on estrogen receptor negative tumors could be helpful in treating the spreading tumor.

If borne out in clinical trials, this research could have dramatic implications for the treatment of breast cancer in women.

~Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire