• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.44-58
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• 2013

Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and has rapidly increasing rate annually. At present, western cancer therapies by surgery, radiation, and anticancer drug have not been fully effective. So many interests are given to herbal medicine on cancer treatment recently. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Curcuma longa L. (CL) on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats. Methods: In this experiment, MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in cell culture plates. 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 mg/ml of CL extract were tested for their anti-proliferative effects on MDA-MB-231 cells by MMT assay. And we induced breast cancer in rats. The changes in tumor's weight, and the effects on proliferations of splenocyte and thymocyte were investigated. Results: CL showed anti-proliferative effects on MDA-MB-231 cells in proportion to concentration of the CL. DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats, tumor's weight of the rat was not statistically significant, but showed a tendency to be reduced in the groups treated with CL. Proliferation rate of the rat's splenocyte and thymocyte increased in proportion to CL. In breast cancer tissue, expression of ER-${\alpha}$ was weakened proportionately to the concentration of the CL. Conclusions: These data suggest that CL can prevent the proliferation of breast cancer, then CL is useful to treat patient with breast cancer.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.610-615
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• 2011

Objectives : To observe the mitigating effects of a Traditional Korean Medicine treatment program, called Wheel Balanced Cancer Therapy (WBCT), with Adriamycin and 5-FU chemotherapy on a breast cancer patient. Methods : A 26 year old female patient diagnosed with stage IIb breast cancer was admitted to the East-West Cancer Center (EWCC) in February of 2010. She received Adriamycin and 5-FU from February 22nd, to July 20th, 2010 followed by WBCT consisting of herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and physiotherapy for 5 months. Her symptoms were measured by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and her quality of life was measured by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). Results : WBCT significantly alleviated chemotherapy-induced nausea, oral dryness, and peripheral neuropathy. Quality of life also significantly improved. Conclusions : This case study potentiates WBCT's significant efficacy in aiding breast cancer patients suffering from Adriamycin plus 5-FU chemotherapy induced adverse effects.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.230-235
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• 2020

Systemic therapy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) still remains challenging because there are no targeted agents or endocrine therapies currently available. The present case report documents the successful use of cisplatin monotherapy to manage a heavily pretreated TNBC patient showing poor response to therapy. The patient was a 51-year-old woman who had already undergone several lines of systemic chemotherapy for widespread TNBC. Although the mutation analysis performed on DNA isolated from blood cells and progressed lesion samples confirmed the tumor to be germline BRCA wild-type, cisplatin monotherapy was administered based on the increasing evidence of safety and efficacy of platinum for breast cancer. After three cycles of cisplatin treatment, the patient's metastatic lesions dramatically improved without any major toxicity, and she completed 17 cycles with good response. This case study indicates that patients with heavily pretreated TNBC can potentially achieve a good response to cisplatin monotherapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.2137-2139
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• 2013

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females, worldwide, accounting for 22.9% of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in females. Mammography is a sensitive (77-95%) and specific (94-97%) screening method for breast cancer. Previously, females between the 40-50 years old were recommended to have mammograms every one to two years. However, based on current evidence, in 2009, USPSTF recommended that the decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography for females younger than 50 years should be an individual decision and take patient context into account, including the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms. This decision was based on findings regarding radiation exposure, false-positive and false-negative rates, over-diagnosis, and pain and psychological responses. The goal of this paper is to focus on evidence for updating the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against routine mammography for females between 40-49 years of age.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8135-8142
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• 2014

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Iranian women and usually features delayed presentation and late diagnosis. Interpretation of symptoms, as the most important step, has a significant impact on patient delay in seeking treatment. There is a dearth of studies on symptom appraisal and the process leading to seeking help in breast cancer patients. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of Iranian women with self-detected possible breast cancer symptoms. Materials and Methods: A qualitative method was conducted involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 Iranian women with self-discovered breast cancer symptoms. Participants were purposefully selected from women who attended Cancer Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences during June 2012 to August 2013. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis with MAXQDA soft ware version 10. The trustworthiness of the study was verified by prolonged engagement, member validation of codes, and thick description. Results: The main concepts emerging from data analysis were categorized in four categories: symptom recognition, labeling of symptoms, interactive understanding, and confronting the fear of cancer. Symptom recognition through breast self-examination, symptom monitoring and employing prior knowledge distinguished normal from abnormal symptoms and accompanied with perception of being at risk of breast cancer led to symptom labeling. Social interaction by selective disclosure and receiving reassurance from a consultant led to confirmation or redefinition of the situation. Perceived seriousness of the situation and social meanings of breast cancer as a stigmatized and incurable illness associated with loss of femininity were reasons for patient worries and fear. Conclusions: This study emphasized that entangled cognitive, emotional and socio-cultural responses affecting understanding of symptom seriousness require further investigation. It is suggested that programs aimed at shortening patient delay in breast cancer should be focused on improving women's knowledge and self-awareness of breast cancer, in addition to correcting their social beliefs.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.451-457
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• 2011

Progress : A 33 year old female patient diagnosed with left breast cancer stage II was admitted to EWCC (East-West Cancer Center) in November of 2009. She had planned chemotherapy. She was treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and physiotherapy for a period of 4 months, from Nov 5th, 2009 to Feb 18th 2010. We evaluated the grade of chief complaints and performed blood tests periodically. Results : TKM alleviates symptoms induced by anticancer chemotherapy. Nausea, headache, dizziness and chemotherapyinduced peripheral neuropathy were reduced. Quality of life was also upward. Conclusions : This case study supports TKM's potential efficacy in treating breast cancer patients suffering from anticancer chemotherapy.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.67-70
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• 1994

The use of primary breast irraditation with advantage of improved cosmesis in breast cancer may be the potential risks of radiation for a change in the number of normal breast cancers and lung fibrosis. The magnitude of the scattered dose for a variety of radiation treatment techniques from patient of breast cancer and phantom was measured by adequate dosimeters. We can reduce the dose of the normal breast to treated with radiation by understanding the factors contributing to the unwanted dose and by determining ways to decrease this dose.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.119-126
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• 2009

Purpose: In order to estimate clinical effects of acupotomy and venesection in a patient with peripheral neuropathy and upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Methods: From 17th August, 2009 to 29th August 2009, 1 female patient with peripheral neuropathy and upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery was treated with general oriental medicine therapy(acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, physical therapy, herbal medication) and acupotomy with venesection. Results: The patient's chief complaints- Lt hand numbness, Lt arm edema, Lt. wrist flexion limitation - were notably improved. Conclusions : This study demonstrates that oriental medical treatment with acupotomy and venesection therapy has significant effect in improving symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, as though we had not wide experience in this treatment, more research is needed.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.126-131
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• 2018

This study investigates the effect of a combination of homeopathic medicine and electro- acupuncture in two patients with breast cancer and severe liver disease who could not receive standard anaesthesia therapy due to liver problems. Specifically, measurable and quantifiable parameters were used to evaluate whether an integrated approach-consisting of electro- acupuncture and a homeopathic medicine diluted above Avogadro's limit (that is, above a potency of 12CH) during the pre-surgical, surgical and post-surgical phases -can improve general well-being of a patient undergoing breast cancer surgery. In breast cancer surgery, we employed an integrated approach consisting of induction with hypnotics and muscle relaxants, followed by maintenance with anaesthetic gas, combined with a homeopathic treatment (Arnica montana 15CH and Apis mellifica 15CH) before and after surgery and an electro- acupuncture treatment performed in the pre- and post-surgical phases without any analgesic/pain relieving medications. Both of the patients treated with the integrated approach improved their overall condition without need for other common pain relieving medicines. Additionally, thanks to their rapid awakening, the patients were not relocated to a protected area and the hospitalization was shorter. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating homeopathic medicine and electro-acupuncture can be a solution for patients who need or ask about a different and/or safer alternative to the standard treatment. This approach can offer a safe, much less expensive, non-invasive and viable alternative for such cases. Moreover it can be useful for an opioids free anesthesia.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.246-253
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• 2021

In order to provide a physiological solution for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), the surgeon must understand where and how the pathology of lymphedema occurred. Based on each patient's pathology, the treatment plan should be carefully decided and individualized. At the authors' institution, the treatment plan is made individually based on each patient's symptoms and relative factors. Most early-stage patients first undergo decongestive therapy and then, depending on the efficacy of the treatment, a surgical approach is suggested. If the patient is indicated for surgery, all the points of lymphatic flow obstruction are carefully examined. Thus a BCRL patient can be considered for lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), a lymph node flap, scar resection, or a combination thereof. LVA targets ectatic superficial collecting lymphatics, which are located within the deep fat layer, and preoperative mapping using ultrasonography is critical. If there is contracture on the axilla, axillary scar removal is indicated to relieve the vein pressure and allow better drainage. Furthermore, removing the scars and reconstructing the fat layer will allow a better chance for the lymphatics to regenerate. After complete removal of scar tissue, a regional fat flap or a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with lymph node transfer is performed. By deciding the surgical planning for BCRL based on each patient's pathophysiology, optimal outcomes can be achieved. Depending on each patient's pathophysiology, LVA, scar removal, vascularized lymph node transfer with a sufficient adipocutaneous flap, and simultaneous breast reconstruction should be planned.