Top 5 Most-Read Breast Cancer Articles of 2024 Highlight Advances in Research and Treatment

The landscape of breast cancer research and treatment continues to evolve, as highlighted by the top 5 most-read articles of 2024. These articles delve into various aspects of breast cancer, from genetic predispositions to innovative treatments and their implications.

1. Managing Germline Mutations in Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk Germline mutations, which are inherited genetic changes, play a significant role in hereditary breast cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends genetic testing for individuals with a family history of breast cancer, especially those with close relatives diagnosed before the age of 50, male relatives with breast cancer, or three or more close relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast cancer.

2. Hormone Therapy May Reduce Dementia Risk in Patients With Breast Cancer Hormone-modulating therapy (HMT) for hormone receptor (HR)–positive breast cancer patients may have cognitive effects, including links to Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRDs). This research sheds light on the potential link between HMT and ADRDs, offering valuable insights for breast cancer survivors.

3. BRCA Genes in Breast Cancer: Balancing Risk, Treatment With Breast-Conservation Therapy Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) for individuals with BRCA1/2 mutations carries a higher risk of future breast cancers. However, most patients maintain bilateral breasts after 20 years, with younger age increasing the risk of future ipsilateral breast cancer. Adjuvant radiotherapy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy can reduce this risk.

4. DESTINY-Breast06 Results Offer New Hope for Patients With HR-Positive, HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer The DESTINY-Breast06 trial results indicate that fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki effectively delays disease progression in patients with HR-positive, HER2-low metastatic breast cancer who have undergone prior endocrine therapy. This treatment shows early signs of improved overall survival compared with standard chemotherapy.

5. Ozone Therapy May Kill Breast Cancer Cells, Reduce Adverse Effects for Patients Ozone therapy emerges as a potential adjunctive treatment for breast cancer, with properties that include immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress-inducing effects. It has been shown to reduce chemotherapy's adverse effects, heal treatment-related complications, improve blood flow and oxygen levels, and restore immune function. However, further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety.