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Unmasking High-Risk Breast Tumors

A unique genetic signature can alert physicians to high-risk breast tumors that masquerade as low-risk tumors, according to research at the Siteman Cancer Center and collaborating national cancer centers. Although these tumors appear to be estrogen-receptor-positive – meaning they should depend on the hormone estrogen to grow – they don’t respond well to anti-estrogen therapy. “These tumors are like wolves in sheep’s clothing,” says Matthew Ellis, MB, BChir, PhD, a Washington University medical oncologist at Siteman.

A clinical test for the high-risk gene signature will be widely available soon. The test, Ellis says, will help physicians identify women who would benefit from more aggressive treatment suited to this tumor type.

Transoral Laser Microsurgery

For patients with head and neck cancer, traditional surgery can leave a patient with scarring and long rehabilitation. An alternative at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine called transoral laser microsurgery allows surgeons to remove a tumor through a patient's mouth.

For patients with head and neck cancer, traditional surgery can leave a patient with scarring and long rehabilitation. An alternative at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine called transoral laser microsurgery allows surgeons to remove a tumor through a patient s mouth.
A technology some think will revolutionize radiation therapy for some cancer patients has arrived to our Siteman Cancer Center and the Kling Center for Proton Therapy.
Watch this replay of the July 13 edition of our Wednesday Webinar series on the facts of breast cancer screening with Susan Kraenzle, RN, manager of the breast health center at Siteman Cancer Center.