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Single-Port Robotic-assisted Transaxillary Breast-conserving Surgery: A Prospective, Single-arm, Non-randomized Phase IIa Clinical Trial
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Breast cancer: beyond the cutting edge
1West Virginia University, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506-9520, USA. ghiga@hsc.wvu.edu
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|September 19, 2009
Summary
Breast cancer treatment has advanced significantly over 100 years, shifting towards less invasive methods like lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. Genomic insights and clinical trials drive these improvements, though cure remains elusive.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Medical History
Background:
- Breast cancer treatment has evolved over a century.
- Genomic insights have deepened disease understanding.
- Screening programs and clinical trials have improved survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress in breast cancer treatment over the past 100 years.
- To highlight paradigm shifts towards minimal intervention.
- To discuss remaining challenges and controversies.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and clinical trial outcomes.
- Analysis of advancements in surgical techniques.
- Examination of the role of hormonal and targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- Shift from radical mastectomy to breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
- Adoption of sentinel node biopsy over extensive axillary dissection.
- Selective use of hormonal and targeted therapies based on tumor characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress in breast cancer treatment, emphasizing minimal intervention.
- Genomic understanding and clinical trials are key drivers of progress.
- Despite advances, challenges remain, and a definitive cure is yet to be achieved.
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