New trial alert: Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate prosthetic breast reconsrtuction

Researchers at the University Health Network in Toronto are conducting a new trial utilizing a surgical robotic system to reduce visible scarring of the breast, and nipple-areolar complex malposition/distortion.  The Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (RNSM), while thus far utilized in only a few centres in North America (The University Health Network trial will be the first of its kind in Canada), investigators do emphasize that the robotic technique is safe, feasible, and can "provide superior cosmetic outcomes with less morbidity and higher patient satisfaction compared to traditional nipple-sparing techniques.

 To read more about this trial, click here.

American Cancer Society updates position on electronic cigarettes

The American Cancer Society has revised its position statement on electronic cigarettes, due to increases in e-cigarette use among children, teens, and young adults.  The 3 revised statements in the position statement include:

• No youth or young adult should begin using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes 
• E-cigarettes should not be used to quit smoking 
• E-Cigarette users should not also smoke cigarettes or switch to smoking cigarettes, and former smokers now using e-cigarettes should not revert to smoking 

To read the completed, revised position statement, click here. 

Prescribing exercise as cancer treatment

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently released updated guidelines emphasizing the importance of physical activity and regular exercise in cancer prevention and survivorship.  Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, co-chair of the expert panel that created these guidelines states that conclusive evidence has been foundling linking exercise and longer survival for breast colon, and prostate cancer patients.  While it is not possible to applying this evidence to all cancer types yet, Dr. Schmitz is adamant that "there are enough benefits of physical activity, in general, that we recommend that survivors of all cancers follow the general public health recommendations for physical activity: 1.5-5 hours/week of moderate-intensity activity, or 1.25-2.5 hours/week of vigorous activity."

To rad more about these guidelines, click here.

Source mentioned: Campbell KL, Winters-Stone KM, Wiskemann J, May AM, Schwartz AL, Courneya KS, Zucker DS, Matthews CE, Ligibel JA, Gerber LH, Morris GS, Patel AV, Hue TF, Perna FM, Schmitz KH.  Exercise guidelines for cancer survivors: consensus statement from international multidisciplinary rounds. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019 Nov; 51(11) 2375-2390.

Detection and management strategies for cancer-related cognitive impairment in cancer survivors

Researchers in the Medical Oncology Department at the Centre Francois Baclesse in Caen, France have recently completed a study on the importance of cognitive rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors.  Lead by Professor Florence Joly, this studies emphasizes the importance of collaboration between oncologists, neurologists, imaging researchers, and neuroscientists "to define mechanisms of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and to optimize medical care and patients' rehabilitation."

To read more about this study, click here.

new cancer guidelines database launched

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) has launched a searchable database of nearly 1,000 cancer control guidelines.  Previously known as the Standards and Guidelines Evidence (SAGE) Directory, creator Dr. Melissa Brouwers from McMaster University, along with her research team, obtained funding from CPAC to unveil a resource that "address all stages of the cancer continuum, from screening to survivorship and end-of-life care."

Access to the cancer guidelines database is available here.