breast cancer

September 30, 2021

Study shows how a protein coding gene confers breast cancer susceptibility during DNA transcription

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center research is providing new insights into how genetic variants convey breast cancer susceptibility by altering the transcription factor proteins that convert DNA strands into RNA.

By Tom Wilemon
September 16, 2021

Structural variants in breast cancer risk genes

Vanderbilt epidemiologists conducted in-depth whole genome sequencing of breast cancer risk genes in Black women, who die at higher rates and have more aggressive disease, to discover mutations that may improve testing and treatment selection.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 12, 2021

Study identifies biomarker for breast cancer response to immunotherapy

A biomarker that has proven to be a predictor for response to immunotherapies in melanoma patients also has clinical relevance for breast cancer patients, according to a new study published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

By Tom Wilemon
July 27, 2021

Prediction models for breast cancer

Vanderbilt researchers developed new prognostic models for breast cancer outcomes and found that adding postdiagnostic weight change as a factor improves the prediction.

By Leigh MacMillan
July 26, 2021

Mood and cognition after chemotherapy

Validation of cognitive complaints appears to improve mood in patients with persistent chemotherapy-cognitive impairment, Vanderbilt researchers report.

By Emily Stembridge
June 23, 2021

Study shows benefit of scheduling lung screens with mammograms

Women who are longtime smokers could potentially save their lives by undergoing lung screens on the same day they schedule mammograms, according to a study by Vanderbilt researchers published in the Journal of Medical Screening.

By Tom Wilemon
April 29, 2021

Songs written by Palliative Care Unit caregivers reflect uncertain times and offer a reminder: “Take Good Care”

Five songs providing a snapshot of how the pandemic year felt on the patient care front lines
By Matt Batcheldor
April 16, 2021

New Clinician Spotlight: Laura Kennedy

Laura Kennedy, MD, PhD, has joined Vanderbilt University Medical Center from the University of Washington School of Medicine/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle where she was acting instructor and research associate.
By VUMC News and Communications
March 9, 2021

Markers for breast cancer progression

Vanderbilt researchers clarify how a microRNA associated with triple-negative breast cancer survival inhibits cancer progression, suggesting new treatment strategies.
By Sarah E. Glass
December 17, 2020

Study reveals new strategy for reducing tumor growth, metastasis

A team of Vanderbilt investigators has discovered that blocking a certain signaling pathway boosts antitumor immunity and reduces tumor growth and metastasis in models of breast cancer and melanoma.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 12, 2020

Breast cancer treatment in older women

A new study from Vanderbilt epidemiologists suggests that it’s time to reconsider clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer in older women.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 5, 2020

Screening younger women for hereditary cancers may be cost effective

Population-wide screening for genetic variants linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer may be cost effective in women between the ages of 20 and 35, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
By Tom Wilemon
August 6, 2020

The importance of estrogen cycles

Deborah Lannigan and colleagues identify a key regulator of the estrogen receptor and suggest that its downregulation by oral contraceptives may increase oxidative stress and DNA damage, a common cause of cancer.
By Sarah E. Glass