Search: treatments

How Do Breast Cancer Vaccines & Immunotherapy Treatments Work?

At our hospital, we get a lot of questions about immunotherapy treatments for breast cancer. Immunotherapy is one of latest, most promising lines of research in breast cancer, part of a growing breed of biologic therapies. Immunotherapy is often mentioned in the same context as the coveted “breast cancer vaccine.” Although immunotherapy and cancer vaccines are still in the research phase, many believe immunotherapy alone, or [...]

CyberKnife & Other Recent Developments in Breast Radiation Treatments

Radiation oncology has seen some impressive advances in treatment technology including robotic radiation delivery, accelerated radiation programs, and prone breast boards. In light of increasing advancements in the field, NYU Winthrop Hospital recently established a full Department of Radiation Oncology as opposed to a Division under the Department of Radiology. This separate department recognizes the [...]

What is the difference between genetic and genomic testing?

As a genetic counselor, I talk about genetic testing with individuals who have a personal or family history of cancer. We discuss the chance that their cancer or their relative’s cancer might be inherited, and review the option of testing to determine if they carry an inherited genetic mutation that may increase their risk of [...]

A young woman is undergoing radiation therapy for cancer under the supervision of doctors in a modern cancer hospital

What to Expect During Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer

As a radiation oncologist, I find that many breast cancer patients and their family members are anxious when they meet me for the first time. Patients have often already undergone surgery, and many have already met with a medical oncologist to discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy. An initial visit with a radiation [...]

Is Intermittent Fasting Worth the Weight?

Obesity and being overweight are the cause of a number of major health concerns including 13 types of cancer, including breast cancer. As a result, many seek out methods to help with weight management in an effort to reduce risk. Most recently, intermittent fasting (IF) has taken the spotlight as a method to help achieve this goal.

The Brightening Outlook for Patients with HER2+ Breast Cancer

Not all breast cancers are created equal. Historically those patients with hormone-driven breast cancer had better outcomes compared to those with HER2+ breast cancer. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/Neu is a kinase protein involved in normal cell growth. Sometimes there are errors in the genes that control the HER2 protein. This causes us to [...]

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is now the most commonlydiagnosed cancer in the world. Cancer is a group of diseases involving the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that can destroy healthy tissue in the body. Typically, cells die when they get too old or damaged, and DNA signals for new cell growth. Cancer occurs when a [...]

Why I Volunteer at The Maurer Foundation

My name is Carol Esposito and I am proud to say that I have been an active volunteer at The Maurer Foundation for nearly 20 years. My husband John and I met with Dr. Virginia Maurer in September of 2000 for a consultation regarding my breast cancer diagnosis. After surgeries, subsequent chemotherapy treatments and finally [...]

Are Cooling Caps a Solution to Chemo-Related Hair Loss?

Photo Source: Paxman Haircare Advancements in cancer treatment are occurring all the time, but one consequence of chemotherapy stubbornly remains, alopecia or hair loss. This particular side effect can cause deep psychological and emotional repercussions on a patient’s quality of life. Chemotherapy-related hair loss can cause “anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem, and an overall reduced sense [...]

Nutritional Supplement Know-How

What to Consider When Contemplating Dietary Supplements People around the world are spending over 140 billion dollars every year on nutritional supplements, with the well-intentioned effort to improve their health.(1) The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 defines a dietary supplement as a product taken by mouth that may contain contain dietary ingredients [...]