A DAY OF LEARNING @COLUMBIASURGERY

Major props to the team that assembled the program.  It flowed nicely from one topic to the next.  There were two sessions with a bit of a break in between.  The sessions began with a case presentation and ended with a Q&A where all of the presenters were on the panel.

Columbia University Medical Center, home of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center which is one of just 39 NCI designated centers in the country was host for Breast Cancer Management 2013 on February 1.  Yes, I know.  In a 24 hour news cycle, this should have been posted days ago.

I'm a learner, not a teacher.  And I'm a sharer, NOT a member of the medical community.  I'm sharing what I learned.

It's most important to understand not all things are for all people and the best way to determine what's right for you?  Do GOOD homework.  Then, bring your questions to your doctor.  A four inch stack of papers isn't really "good homework." 

If any of these topics speak to you, do a little investigating.  The breast cancer website at Columbia is excellent. BreastMD.org  I like the information on Johns Hopkins site, too.  I know there are others but the most important point; when turning to the internet, turn to known and trusted sites.

And now, the program topics with a few observations from the peanut gallery.

Session 1: Breast Cancer Prevention, Screening, Diagnosis and New Surgical Approaches Moderator: Sheldon Marc Feldman, MD, FACS

— Case Presentation
Anu Sharma, MD, Hanina Hibshoosh, MD, and Ralph Wynn, MD

— Progress in Genetics
Wendy K. Chung, MD, PhD
Right out of the gate, I was fully immersed in the topic.  I have wacky genetics going on in my own family.  My mom has no known BRCA mutation on either BRCA 1 or 2.  I have mutations of "unknown significance" on BOTH BRCA 1 and 2.  What does that mean?  Basically, I'm still a big question mark.  Between 70 and 80 percent of all breast cancers are sporadic. No genetic link, no family history.  Between 5 and 10 percent have BRCA mutations and then, there's my situation.  A family cluster is identified in 15 to 20 percent of breast cancer patients.

I'd say there is a significant "family cluster" in my own situation.  There are other genes that may play a role in the development of breast cancer.  A few of them are considered high risk.  BreastNext is a test that may or may not be covered by insurance, would only be indicated in very specific circumstances.  Results take 18 weeks.  I think I'm in those "specific circumstances" and I may be contacting the genetic counselor to determine if I want to explore taking this path. Information is power.  You can read about BreastNext here

— Epidemiology and Prevention**
Katherine D. Crew, MD, MS
The biggest take away from this very complex topic is that we must learn how to properly assess our true risk factors.  We should all adopt healthy lifestyles but no matter what we do, we can not prevent breast cancer.  Those in high risk categories might consider using tamoxifen (most women decline).  Preventive mastectomy can reduce risk by more than 90%.  Oophorectomies can reduce risk by about 50%.  This is about choice and it's not up to any one of us to tell any of the rest of us what we should or should not be doing.

— Biologic Prognostic Markers: Methylation**

Regina Santella, PhD

I am not qualified on any level to explain anything that Dr. Santella presented.  She was brilliant and her explanation of epigenetics was easy to understand.  Bottom line.  You HAD to be there.  Cancer is the result of damage to our DNA.  How does the environment alter our DNA and turn on and off the genes that should be fighting cancer cells?  That is a gross oversimplification of her presentation but this  truly is one of those, You Had To Be There moments.  There have been a number of environmental studies including one on Long Island in 1996 that is often cited by researchers.  I'd like to scream every time I hear, "It's in the water" -- Possibly, but it's not that simple.

— Role of MRI in Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Ralph Wynn, MD
Dr. Wynn discussed a number of circumstances under which MRI might be suggested and then explained the pros and cons in each situation.  Strictly from a personal point of view, the presentation about its use as a diagnostic tool was of utmost importance.  My friend is in need of an MRI and when my daughter begins screening, the breast surgeon already indicated that would be her image of choice.

The new American Cancer Society guidelines leave the question of MRI unanswered for many:  "Insufficient evidence to recommend for or against MRI screening" under specific circumstances which, in patient language, means get the gloves on and prepare for a fight with the insurance company (or, in the case of my friend, her doctor).  Included on the "you're on your own list" .....  extremely dense breasts.  Is "extremely" in the eye of the beholder or is there a measurement?  MRI is a very grey area (yes, pun intended).  One thing is certain, I do believe I'm scheduled for one this year to check the integrity of my implants.  They've been a part of me for almost six years already. It's time for a peek. And probably a fight with my insurance company, too.

— New Surgical Approaches for Non-invasive Breast Cancer

Preya Ananthakrishnan, MD

Lumpectomy, mastectomy and oncoplastic surgery were all discussed.  I was most interested in the latter of the three.  I knew very little about the procedure.  Oncoplastic surgery is referred to as a third pathway between lumpectomy and mastectomy.  In some cases, breast conserving surgery can leave a less than pleasing cosmetic outcome.  Oncoplastic surgery is the "rearranging" of breast tissue to fill in the holes.  It involves a breast lift and often a reduction in the opposite breast.  Again, an oversimplification but this is an option in a specific population.  Very important to reiterate: Not all options are beneficial or the best course of actions for all patients.  That is the best case I can make for "Patients as partners" ....  We bring our concerns and questions to the table and the clinician helps guide us through our available options.

  
— Breast Reconstruction in the 21st Century
Christine Rohde, MD
Different methods of reconstruction were presented by Dr. Rohde.  The pros and cons of each technique were reviewed. New on the horizon?  Saline filled tissue expanders may be replaced by Air Expanders.  Important to note, these are not being used in the US.  They are still being studied but if they become the new standard of care, it will eliminate the need to go to the doctor for injections and patients will expand their own skin, at their own pace, in the comfort of their own homes.  Stay tuned.......

Surgical intervention for lymphedema was also discussed and I can see some jumping up and down.  I hesitate to even mention this because I don't have answers.  Dr. Sheldon Feldman is at the forefront of this procedure.  Best if I provide a the link to the page at Columbia where this is explained in detail. It can be found here.

— Q & A Panel Discussion

3:10pm Session 2: Early and Recurrent Breast Cancer

Moderator: Bret Taback, MD

— Case Presentation
Anu Sharma, MD, Hanina Hibshoosh, MD, and Ralph Wynn, MD

— Surgical Management of Early Stage Breast Cancer/ Oncoplastic Surgery
Margaret Chen, MD, FACS
Dr. Chen presented a broad spectrum of topics related to the surgical interventions associated with early stage patients. She discussed an analysis of almost 15,000 women with regard to margins and recurrence.  There was no difference in recurrence rates whether margins were clear at 1 mm, 2mm or 5mm.

Dr. Chen also went into a more detailed explanation of the microsurgery being performed by Dr. Feldman to create a connection with between lymph vessels and the vein to help with drainage and minimize risk of lymphedema.  This is during mastectomy when lymph nodes are being removed.  Dr. Feldman was asked if the procedure might be possible in those who already have lymphedema from prior surgery.  Again, an oversimplification of a highly sophisticated technique. And again, Stay Tuned......

— Personalized Adjuvant Therapy for Risk Reduction
Kevin Kalinsky, MD
And now what?  Surgery is over and treatment choices must be made.  This is where personalized medicine comes into play and this is truly where one size does NOT fit all.  It's about many things and all factors are taken into consideration. Fortunately, the arsenal of tools to help guide decisions continues to grow.  Size, grade and tumor type are important. Tumor analysis via tests like Onco-Dx and MammaPrint are taken into consideration.  The use of Adjuvant! Online by our doctors to help determine the risk/reward of different treatments is yet another tool.  (The Adjuvant link is to a Forbes article that I felt was misleading and I shared those thoughts in a comment).

— Hormonal Therapy – Toxicity and Adherence
Dawn L. Hershman, MD, MS
Did you remember to take your ________ (insert drug of choice: tamoxifen, femara, arimidex, etc) today?  Dr. Hershman did an eye opening presentation on "compliance" also known as "Don't forget your pills!"  Except, it wasn't only about forgetting to take the pills.  She talked about side effects and the many reasons some choose to discontinue treatment.  We all know about femara flashes and that some find tamoxifen intolerable.  Endocrine disruptors can cause joint pain, bone loss, endometrial problems as serious as cancer.  That's where the risk/benefit conversation is essential and unique to each patient.  No cookie cutter answer.  No one size fits all.

What bothered me most?  Learning about those who cut their pills so they last twice as long (likely rendering them ineffective) or those who can't afford to pay for their prescriptions.  THAT bothered me most.  Text reminders and auto refills can address the forgetfulness.  Who is addressing the disparity?  That was my own commentary.  Dr. Hershman presented the facts.  It's up to us to find a way to address those realities.

— Recent Advances in Radiation Oncology in Early Breast Cancer Management
Eileen P. Connolly, MD, PhD
There are many things happening in the area of radiation oncology.  The studies presented in San Antonio about new standards of care established in the UK were discussed by Dr. Connolly.  It seems possible in patients whose disease fits within the guidelines, that a higher daily dose of radiation spread over three weeks may be as effective as the current five week course being administered.  She shared her thoughts on intra-operative radiation (it's delivered during lumpectomy and it's another STAY tuned item).  We saw when it would be appropriate for a patient to be on her stomach for radiation therapy and when it should not be done.  Of particular interest to me was watching the steps taken to protect other organs and tissues, most importantly, the heart.

— Lifestyle Modification in Breast Cancer Survivors
Heather Greenlee, ND, PhD
Dr. Greenlee went through all of the things we can do to maintain healthy lifestyles.  Exercise, maintaining good weight, eating properly.  A glass of wine a day doesn't mean you can accumulate 5 days and get smashed on the weekend.  That drew a laugh.  What struck me most (and I hope I'm recalling the proper statistic), approximately one third of all cancers of every type can be prevented by behavior.  Said another way, 65% of all cancer diagnoses are a crap shoot.  The (un)luck of the draw.  Pulling the short straw.  Sidebar commentary, this is why research is imperative.

— Breast Cancer Recurrence and Endocrine Resistance
Matthew A. Maurer, MD
By far, Dr. Maurer's presentation was the one that mattered most.  His topic was highly personal.  His presentation was also quite complex and hands down, the most colorful (literally.... his slides were bursting with color).  He provided information regarding present treatment options available for metastatic breast cancer.  He talked about dormancy.  What makes a cell go rogue?  Are there possible prognostic indicators?  And then, he presented the slide that created the loudest buzz in San Antonio.  Lori and I were beside each other for that presentation.  Frankly, we were both surprised there wasn't more of a splash at SABCS.

It's a drug that is going into a Phase III trial.  I believe it's opening next month.  For comparison, many new studies show a gain of 4 or 5 months before progression (or whatever outcome is being measured).  This drug, developed by Pfizer, appears to be a game changer.  Progression free survival went from 7.5 months to just over 26 months.  THAT'S progress. Picking up a year and a half is big news.  It's big enough that Pfizer may seek a fast tracked FDA approval.  And, Columbia is slated to be one of the centers involved in the trial.  Another Stay Tuned......  This is one to watch. 

— Psychosocial Issues in End of Life Care
Jon Levenson, MD
Dr. Levenson's presentation addressed many aspects of psychosocial issues.  He talked about different medications used to control pain and how some of the side effects might be managed.  Palliative care was discussed.  In addition, NCI is funding a study being conducted at Columbia for treatment of major depression in breast cancer patients.  The study includes patients at early stage and through to those with advanced disease.  It is still open.  In fact, it happens to be a study that Army of Women is trying to help fill.  As a staunch supporter of Dr. Susan Love and a volunteer.....I would say that's what we call "full circle!"  


— Q & A Panel Discussion 

The day ended with a lovely dinner with Luana from You Can Thrive.  We met at an Avon event and we were in San Antonio together.

And for the postscript:

**This is really full circle.  Did you notice the two sessions with ** annotations?  Scroll up and look.  Those sessions were about prevention and the environment.  This article appeared in yesterday's NY Times about Breast Cancer and the environment.  Karen Joy Miller, who is a tireless advocate, lives on Long Island and is someone who embraced me as I stepped into this world of advocacy.  We were at the Huntington screening of Pink Ribbons Inc together.  We've crossed paths a number of times.  SHE was one of the patient members on the committee.  That report is 270 pages.  If you'll excuse me, I'm going to send her a congratulatory email.  Then, I have a 270 page report to read.......

First, manners.  A big thank you to Columbia for putting this together  .....