Asymptomatic changes in cardiac function can occur in ductal carcinoma-in-situ patients following treatment with HER-2/neu-pulsed dendritic cell vaccines.

Background: Targeting HER-2/neu with Trastuzumab has been associated with development of cardiac toxicity.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast completed an IRB approved clinical trial of a HER-2/neu targeted dendritic cell based vaccine. Four weekly vaccinations were administered prior to surgical resection.

The Role of PET and PET/CT in the Surgical Management of Breast Cancer: A Review.

The role of PET and PET/CT in the management of patients with breast cancer is in evolution. Recent investigations suggest dual time point imaging increases sensitivity of detection of smaller breast cancers even DCIS suggesting PET imaging may offer some value in patients where mammography is typically not particularly sensitive. PET/CT may have its greatest role in staging, especially for patients with locally advanced breast cancer and can even predict response to neoadjuvant therapy.