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A Message from Dr. Love
Every now and again a research study grabs my attention because the investigators have gone off on a new path and have published findings that make me think: Wow, they could be on to something! In other instances, a study grabs me not because of what the researchers found, but because the media made it sound so much better than it was. And sometimes it’s a bit both—which is why I want to talk to you about the breast cancer vaccine that’s been all over the news.
Over the past few years, I’ve come to believe that it is very likely that there is a virus that is involved in the initiation of some forms of breast cancer. So, I was intrigued to learn more about this work. What these researchers have done is interesting. And while it may sound promising to hear that none of the vaccinated mice in their study developed breast cancer, it’s equally important to remember that scientists stop breast cancer from developing in mice all the time. So, it’s foolish for anyone to be acting like we have suddenly found a way to prevent breast cancer when we don’t even yet know if this vaccine will be safe or effective in women!
This is, however, a great example of why we started and why researchers need the Army of Women! If researchers are able to develop a safe vaccine that they think can prevent breast cancer, it will need to be tested in tens of thousands of women before it can be approved and then widely used. And, if and when that happens, the Army of Women would love to be a part of it! Until then, though, we’d all be much better off if everyone could remember that women are not mice, and that we should save our accolades for real breakthroughs, not media-manufactured ones.
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Hot Topics
A new study suggests that one single dose of radiation to the tumor bed at the time of surgery provides the same benefits as traditional radiation therapy that is delivered to the whole breast for five weeks.
The prospective international clinical trial, called TARGIT-A, was launched in March 2000. A randomized phase 3 trial, it enrolled 2232 women age 45 and older who had been diagnosed with ductal breast cancer and were scheduled to have a lumpectomy followed by radiation. Half of the women received the current standard of care: external whole breast radiation, which is delivered every day, for several weeks. The other half received one dose of radiation to the tumor bed with a special applicator at the time of surgery.
The researchers followed the women to see if there was a difference in the two groups in the rate of local recurrence.
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Cause for Love
Organic Bouquet has created a gorgeous Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation Sweet & Lovely Rose Bouquet that every one will love: One dozen long stemmed pink roses, with velvety deep pink blossoms that open perfectly with abundant petals.
It’s always special to say "Happy Birthday!" or “I Love You!” or “Congratulations” with flowers. And it’s even more special when your order can also benefits the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. MORE >
Each time you buy an item on our new Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation eBay Giving Works page, the seller will donate between 10 and 100% of the final sale price to the Foundation! Check out the items currently for sale and learn how you can post your own items to benefit the Foundation. MORE >
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Research Update
Thank you to all of the amazing women and men who came out to support the Foundation’s research program on June 6 at the Third Annual Love Walk. It was great to walk with you, talk with you, and hear your thoughts about moving breast cancer research forward. Your support for our work makes it possible for us to not only conduct research but to get people the information they need about all aspects of breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Thank you!
Did you miss our Afternoon of Results on May 3? Want to learn more about our recent research findings? Read our report.
The 7th International Symposium on the Intraductal Approach to Breast Cancer will be held February 23-27, 2011, in Santa Monica, Calif. Registration information coming soon! You can read conference reports from all of our past Symposiums here.
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Judy Tinelli