breast cancer

Breast cancer genetics: new insights

Largest genetic study of breast cancer to date identifies 222 genetic risk loci, 137 genes and multiple signaling pathways associated with risk, providing important new insights.

Surgery for hereditary breast cancer

Similar rates of bilateral mastectomy in women with inherited mutations in high- and moderate-penetrance genes raises concerns about possible overtreatment of some patients, Vanderbilt researchers report.

Cell-free breast cancer “biopsy”

The circulating DNA that tumors release is a reliable metric of tumor genomics and can be used to monitor molecular changes in metastatic breast cancer.

Five-year, multi-site trial to assess lymphedema prevention concludes

Lymphedema study results could be a game-changer for breast cancer patients and survivors. The Vanderbilt-led trial found that patients with early detection who used L-Dex with additional intervention were less likely to progress to chronic lymphedema than patients monitored with a tape measure receiving the same intervention. 

Breast cancer biomarkers of response

Vanderbilt researchers have identified blood-based biomarkers associated with complete responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.

New Clinician Spotlight: Kelly Hewitt

Kelly Hewitt, MD, recently joined the Division of Surgical Oncology after being recruited from St. Charles Health System in Bend, Oregon, where she served as medical director of the Breast Program.

1 2 3 4 11