Top 5 Most-Read Breast Cancer Articles of 2024

The most-read breast cancer articles include topics on hereditary breast cancer, hormone therapy benefits, BRCA mutations, as well as treatment outcomes. | Image Credit: Stafeeva - stock.adobe.com

These articles reflect the ever-growing landscape of breast cancer research, treatments, and the potential benefits certain therapies may have on other health complications or adverse events.

Here are the top 5 most-read breast cancer articles in 2024.

5. Managing Germline Mutations in Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk

Germline mutations are inherited genetic changes that exist from conception and can cause hereditary breast cancer. These mutations originate in germ cells, the cells that develop into eggs or sperm. Hereditary breast cancer usually has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests genetic testing for individuals with a family history of breast cancer, specifically:

• Close relatives diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50
• Male relatives with breast cancer
• Three or more close relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast cancer

Read the article here.

4. Hormone Therapy May Reduce Dementia Risk in Patients With Breast Cancer

Patients with hormone receptor (HR)–positive breast cancer often receive hormone-modulating therapy (HMT). However, this treatment may have cognitive effects, including links to Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRDs). Cancer-related cognitive impairment can affect daily life, work, and family responsibilities for survivors of breast cancer. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the potential link between HMT and ADRDs in patients with breast cancer.

Read the article here.

3. BRCA Genes in Breast Cancer: Balancing Risk, Treatment With Breast-Conservation Therapy

Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) for individuals with BRCA1/2 mutations carries a higher risk of future breast cancers compared with the general population. However, most patients avoid additional cancer events and maintain bilateral breasts after 20 years. Patients with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants treated with BCT have higher rates of ipsilateral and contralateral breast cancer events. Younger age increases the risk of future ipsilateral breast cancer, while adjuvant radiotherapy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy reduce this risk.

Read the article here.

2. DESTINY-Breast06 Results Offer New Hope for Patients With HR-Positive, HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

Results from the DESTINY-Breast06 trial show that fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki effectively delays disease progression in patients with HR-positive, HER2-low metastatic breast cancer who have received prior endocrine therapy. Trastuzumab deruxtecan demonstrated early signs of improved overall survival compared with standard chemotherapy in patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, including the overall trial population. The safety profile of trastuzumab deruxtecan was consistent with previous breast cancer studies.

Read the article here.

1. Ozone Therapy May Kill Breast Cancer Cells, Reduce Adverse Effects for Patients

Ozone therapy may offer treatment benefits for patients with breast cancer. It has been shown to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress-inducing properties, making it a potential adjunctive therapy for various cancers. Research has demonstrated that ozone therapy can effectively reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy, heal treatment-related complications, improve blood flow and oxygen levels, and restore immune function in patients with breast cancer. However, more research is necessary to fully understand the efficacy and safety of ozone therapy in treating breast cancer.

Read the article here.