abstract: UK - Hormone replacement therapy and women with premature menopause - A cancer survivorship issue.

Abstract

The importance of addressing survivorship issues has been emphasised in recent years. As cancer therapies improve there is a growing population of cancer survivors, which includes many women with premature menopause. Women who are premenopausal at the time of their cancer diagnosis may have specific survivorship issues to be addressed, including infertility, early menopause and sexual dysfunction. These factors can continue have a significant impact on the quality of life of these patients at long term follow up. Data for this Review were identified by searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and references from relevant articles using the search terms 'HRT', 'women/female cancer/tumour', 'menopause' and 'survivorship'. Abstracts and reports from meetings were excluded. Only papers published in English between 1980 and 2010 were included.

The aims of this review are to: • Address the hormonal factors which impact on cancer survivorship for premenopausal women • Review the debate for the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in cancer survivors • Provide information for physicians and patients regarding the management of hormonally driven survivorship issues (for different tumour types), based on current evidence

The recommendations for practice are that HRT may be offered for the alleviation of vasomotor symptoms in cancer survivors who undergo premature menopause up to the age of natural menopause (51years in the UK).

HRT (including vaginal oestrogen preparations) is contraindicated in survivors of oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer and low grade endometrial leiomyosarcoma, where non-HRT alternatives should be considered to alleviate symptoms.

abstract: Subspecialist training in surgical gynecological oncology in the nordic countries.

DISSERTATIONS.SE: Towards improved management of Lynch syndrome; ovarian cancer profiles, risk perception, knowledge and family perspectives

Note:  references  BRCA/clear cell ovarian/multiple malignancies

In summary, we have demonstrated that ovarian cancer linked to Lynch syndrome has distinct genetic profiles, that mutation carriers frequently underestimate their risk of colorectal cancer, possess a good level of knowledge about Lynch syndrome and that families are affected by learning about Lynch syndrome, though few experience adverse effects.

abstract: he impact of prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy on menopausal symptoms and sexual function in women who carry a BRCA mutation

Blogger's Note: this study would apply to all those who experience surgical menopause including those eg. Lynch Syndrome/other Syndromes - women at risk, it is unfortunate that all women undergoing cancer surgery - those affected by surgical menopause were not included in this study

 

CONCLUSIONS:

Women who undergo prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy prior to menopause experience an increase in vasomotor symptoms and a decrease in sexual functioning. These symptoms are improved by HRT, but not to pre-surgical levels

Markman commentary: Can weekly topotecan substitute for a multi-day regimen in the treatment of ovarian cancer? Sadly, 10 years later the answer remains unknown

Gynecologic Oncology
Article in Press

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doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.04.020 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Clinical Commentary

Can weekly topotecan substitute for a multi-day regimen in the treatment of ovarian cancer? Sadly, 10 years later the answer remains unknown

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Maurie Markman^a,

^a Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Eastern Regional Medical Center, 1331 East Wyoming Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19046 USA

Received 28 March 2011; 

accepted 16 April 2011. 

Available online 12 May 2011.

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abstract: MicroRNA let-7a: A potential marker for selection of paclitaxel in ovarian cancer management.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study suggests that the beneficial impact of the addition of paclitaxel on EOC survival was significantly linked to let-7a levels, and that miRNAs such as let-7a may be a useful marker for selection of chemotherapeutic agents in EOC management.

abstract:Decreased hypersensitivity reactions with carboplatin-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin compared to carboplatin-paclitaxel combination: Analysis from the GCIG CALYPSO relapsing ovarian cancer trial.

abstract: Trastuzumab and pertuzumab produce changes in morphology and estrogen receptor signaling in ovarian cancer xenografts revealing new treatment strategies.

abstract: Weekly paclitaxel as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin or weekly topotecan in patients with resistant ovarian cancer:

CONCLUSIONS:

Combination chemotherapy in platinum-resistant ROC was more toxic than weekly paclitaxel and did not significantly prolong PFS.