Top stories in oncology: Cryoablation may be effective breast cancer treatment option, mammography remains beneficial to older women

Among the top stories in oncology last week were two Q&As: one was related to trial results that showed cryoablation was an effective treatment option for women with low-risk breast cancer, the other focused on the value of mammography for women aged 75 years and older.

Other highlights included a commentary that suggested the Right to Try Act may undermine palliative care for children with cancer, a study that found patients with head and neck cancer were at risk for opioid misuse and an analysis that indicated genetic factors influenced the risk for breast cancer in women who received radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Cryoablation may be promising alternative to surgery for low-risk breast cancer

Cryoablation may be an effective primary treatment option for women with low-risk breast cancer, according to preliminary findings from the Ice 3 trial. Read more.

‘There is value’ in mammography for older women, study shows

Women aged 75 years and older should continue to undergo screening mammography annually, as incidence of breast cancer remains high in this age group, according to study findings. Read more.

Right to Try Act may undermine palliative care in pediatric oncology

The Right to Try Act has raised concerns about late referrals to palliative care, particularly for children with cancer, according to a commentary published in JAMA Oncology. Read more.

Patients with head and neck cancer may be at risk for opioid misuse

Patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer appeared likely to receive opioids for pain management during treatment, and a significant number continued to use them 3 and 6 months later, according to a study published in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Read more.

Genetic factors influence breast cancer risk after radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Genetic factors influence the risk for breast cancer in women who received radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma, according to results of a case-only analysis published in Blood. Read more.