There are 45,000 new cases in the UK each year and although the majority of women never experience a recurrence, it does return in approximately 25 per cent of women. The majority of these recurrences are found during the first three years after treatment.
It is generally accepted that early diagnosis is a key factor influencing survival from breast cancer, with an 81 per cent reduction in mortality compared with women who were identified with more advanced stages. A recurrence of breast cancer might be found either by physical examination or by mammography, a process which uses low-dose X-rays to examine the breast. There is, however, no general agreement as to the best way to monitor patients for recurrence or how often women should receive X-rays.
The study, lead by Professor Fiona Gilbert of the University of Aberdeen is re-examining the data from existing research studies as well as data from clinicians and hospitals to assess the potential for reducing mortality through earlier detection of breast cancer while also considering the potential harms. The project will also investigate the cost-effectiveness of using mammography on a regular basis to identify the most appropriate method and recurrence.
Professor Gilbert says, "The key factor is to identify the best method for mammographic surveillance for patients after breast cancer treatment. In addition, we aim to look at alternative methods over the next three years to ascertain the most effective procedure for aftercare treatment and to estimate the cost-effectiveness of alternative follow-up schemes. In time we hope this will lead to an improvement in survival of women through a more efficient monitoring system."
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"We each have an immune system to help fight off disease," explained Dr. Wei. "However, when cancer develops, the immune system can't always distinguish tumor cells from normal cells, so the full power of the immune system is not harnessed to fight the disease. This vaccine helps to educate the immune system so that it recognizes HER2-positive cancer cells, helps destroy them and prevents them from spreading."
Dr. Wei's lab is the first to develop HER2 DNA vaccines. The first vaccine was developed in 1999. In collaboration with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, a pilot clinical trial with the HER2 DNA vaccine has been conducted in patients with Stage IV breast cancer and has demonstrated safety. Further testing is being considered.
Dr. Wei added, "As we continue our extensive research on this promising vaccine, based on the results to-date, we believe this could eventually help control the spread of HER2-positive breast cancer in patients who have been resistant to other treatments, and possibly prevent HER2-positive breast cancer from occurring."
Other researchers working with Dr. Wei include: Paula J. Whittington, Marie P. Piechocki, Henry H. Heng, Jennifer B. Jacob, Richard F. Jones and Jessica B. Back.
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