I promise

"I promise, Suzy... Even if it takes the rest of my life." -Nancy G. Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

What is TNBC

WHAT IS TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER?

Just in recent years, Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) has sparked interest in the news where instead of calling the tumor as ER-negative, PR-negative, and HER2-negative; researchers began using the shorthand term, "Triple Negative," dubbed the "new type" of breast cancer. Being Triple Negative, you don't have a targeted therapy and your only treatment option is chemotherapy.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer is seen in about 15% of all breast cancers. TNBC is a very aggressive cancer that tends to strike younger women, pre-menopause, especially among African-American women and women who have BRCA1 mutations. The tumor tends to be fast growing and is less likely to show up on an annual mammogram. TNBC is more likely to metastasis early on; has a high rate of recurrence in the first 2-3 years from diagnosis and has a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer due to lack of specific, targeted treatment for TNBC.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Ethical Implications of Gene Patenting

"Do genes qualify as a property that a single individual or corporation is allowed exclusive rights to? This spring, the Supreme Court will hear a case that could dictate the future of biomedicine. Currently, Myriad Genetics Corporation, a biotechnology outfit in Utah, has patented two human genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are known to greatly elevate a woman's risk of breast and ovarian cancer. This patent allows Myriad Genetics to block all others from using these genes for the purposes of breast cancer diagnostics, research and treatment...."

 http://www.empowereddoctor.com/the-ethical-implications-of-gene-patenting (Click link to full story)

 UPDATE: Published June 13, 2013
"Human genes may not be patented, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday. The decision is likely to reduce the cost of genetic testing for some health risks, and it may discourage investment in some forms of genetic research.  The case concerned patents held by Myriad Genetics, a Utah company, on genes that correlate with an increased risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer."
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/us/supreme-court-rules-human-genes-may-not-be-patented.html?_r=0 
(Click link to story)
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