Trastuzumab and survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Introduction: Prognosis of Her2-positive breast cancer has changed since the introduction of trastuzumab for treatment in metastatic and early breast cancer. It was described to be even better compared to prognosis of Her2-negative metastatic breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of trastuzumab in our cohort.

Tumour stage distribution and survival of malignant melanoma in Germany 2002-2011.

Background: Over the past two decades, there has been a rising trend in malignant melanoma incidence worldwide. In 2008, Germany introduced a nationwide skin cancer screening program starting at age 35. The aims of this study were to analyse the distribution of malignant melanoma tumour stages over time, as well as demographic and regional differences in stage distribution and survival of melanoma patients.

No Survival Benefit for Patients with Treatment in Certified Breast Centers-A Population-based Evaluation of German Cancer Registry Data.

Much time and money has been spent on the establishment and preservation of certified breast centers (CBCs), but up to now there is almost no evidence for whether certification results in an improved outcome for breast cancer patients. The aim of this evaluation was to assess, whether the certification of specialized units had any influence on their patients' outcomes and if a survival difference between CBC patients and non-CBC patients can be shown. This population-based analysis included cancer registry data from 32,789 operated breast cancer patients with no prior cancer diagnosis and with active follow-up.

Impact of breast cancer subtypes and patterns of metastasis on outcome.

Clinical outcome of patients with stage IV breast cancer is dependent on tumor biology, extent, and localization of metastases. Routine imaging diagnostics for distant metastasis is not recommended by the national guidelines for breast cancer follow-up. In this study, we evaluated different patterns of metastases of cancer subtypes in order to generate hypotheses on individualization of follow-up after breast cancer in the adjuvant setting.