About Us > Eric Fitzsimmons
Highlights
Pembrolizumab approved for high-risk triple-negative breast cancer
The FDA approved the use of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to treat some early-stage, triple-negative breast cancers, marking the first time an immunotherapy medicine has been approved for use in early-stage breast cancer.
Healthy eating habits you can start right now
There are many ways to make healthier food choices, but it can be hard to know where to start. We spoke to cancer nutrition and fitness expert Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, CSO, LDN, CPT, about what you can do if you’ve just resolved to start a healthier diet.
No sports this year, but Play for Pink raises $25K for LBBC
Lilly Bolen built an annual fundraiser around live sports at Tuft’s University, but even with in-person events canceled, Bolen and other supporters turned out to raise $25,000.
Eight ways to cope with the holidays during a pandemic
For people affected by breast cancer, the holidays can be difficult every year. As experts caution against large events, traveling, and indoor gatherings for the 2020 season, the way we celebrate this year will be different than we are used to, and that can make this time even more upsetting.
ASCO studies explore medicine combinations, order to treat metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Two studies, presented as part of the 2020 ASCO Annual Meeting, provide guidance on how medicines approved in the past few years are best used in combination and after other treatments.
PHERGain study suggests some with HER2-positive early breast cancer may not need chemotherapy
The PHERGain trial, presented May 29 as part of the 2020 ASCO Annual Meeting, explored using PET scans to select people with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer who may not need chemotherapy.
Capecitabine after treatment for early triple-negative breast cancer reduces risk of recurrence
Adding a year of capecitabine (Xeloda) after standard treatment resulted in fewer people with early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer having a recurrence, according to a study presented at the 2020 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Local therapy does not improve survival for de novo metastatic breast cancer
A randomized trial of women with de novo metastatic breast cancer found that surgery and radiation to remove the primary tumor did not lead to longer survival.
New data from HER2CLIMB shows tucatinib prevents progression of brain metastases
A new analysis of the HER2CLIMB trial found that adding tucatinib (Tukysa) to treatment for people with stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer prevents brain metastases from growing.
What I Wish I Knew: Dealing with sexual side effects
Roberta "Bobbi" Albany spoke with LBBC about her experience with sexual side effects, techniques she’s found that help, and what is needed to help women with breast cancer.
How the coronavirus affects early-stage breast cancer treatment
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected breast cancer care, from surgery to radiation to chemotherapy/targeted therapy to fertility preservation.
FDA approves targeted therapy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
The antibody-drug conjugate sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) is now approved to treat people with metastatic, triple-negative breast cancer that has grown after past lines of treatment.
FDA approves tucatinib for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
The Food and Drug Administration approved the targeted medicine tucatinib (Tukysa) to be used in treatment for people with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
Breast cancer treatment during the coronavirus outbreak
Drs. Julie Gralow and Reshma Mahtani explain how people in treatment for breast cancer can balance the known threat of breast cancer against what was known about the potential threat of developing COVID-19 in the first few months of the pandemic.
FDA approves neratinib with capecitabine for metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor showed longer survival for people with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer already given multiple lines of treatment.
Treatment decisions: Challenges treating older adults with breast cancer
Comorbidities present unique challenges in treating older adults with breast cancer.
Questions to ask if you are considering medical marijuana
If you are considering medical marijuana, there are important questions you should ask — about the law, about your treatment, about yourself and about medical marijuana — before you begin.
My story: What Breast Cancer Awareness Month means to me
Four women share their impressions of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: what is good about it, what they hope for it and what frustrates them.
Clinical Trials: What They Are, Who Participates and Why It Matters
Clinical trials are studies carried out in people to learn more about diseases, like breast cancer, and their treatments. Clinical trials for breast cancer often explore new approaches to treatment.
What if It Comes Back? Dealing With Fear of Recurrence
Everyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer faces the fear of recurrence. For many it is an ongoing concern, and for some it can interfere with enjoying daily life.
The choice: When is chemotherapy the right treatment for breast cancer?
Chemotherapy is known for causing side effects, from hair loss to nausea to heart damage to neuropathy. Who gets chemotherapy has changed in recent years, but for many people with breast cancer, chemotherapy is still standard treatment.