Do Patients with Stage 1A Breast Cancer Need Chemotherapy After Surgery?
For breast cancer staged as 1A N0(i) M0 after complete surgical resection, the need for chemotherapy or targeted therapy depends on several factors, including the tumor's hormone receptor status (estrogen and progesterone receptors), HER2 status, and the patient's overa...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss LISA, I have received your letter and appreciate the detailed information you provided. Here is a summary of the findings: 1. Your friend has Stage IA breast cancer, not in situ carcinoma. 2. Tumor characteristics: the tumor measures ≤ 1 mm, with three foci. 3. Lymph ...[Read More] Do Patients with Stage 1A Breast Cancer Need Chemotherapy After Surgery?
Ensuring Safety at Home: Managing Cancer Medications with Dementia Care
The oral medication for cancer is safe? Hello, doctor! Our elder at home is suspected to have dementia. He has been receiving medical treatment and medication for dementia, but the effects are minimal. He forgets to wash his hands after taking his chemotherapy medication and ofte...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Sandwich Cookie. Regarding the safety of oral medications for cancer treatment, it is advisable to consult your hospital's pharmacist for a more secure recommendation. Thank you for reaching out. Best regards, Dr. Lai Yi-Cheng, Department of Radiation Oncology, Ch...[Read More] Ensuring Safety at Home: Managing Cancer Medications with Dementia Care
Managing Cancer and Mental Health: Prioritizing Care for Patients
Lung cancer metastasis to the brain? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend is Malaysian, and his mother has been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain. She has just completed radiation therapy for the brain. Initially, she was supposed to receive a treatment...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, online user: In the case of lung cancer with brain metastasis, and recent treatments including cranial radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, if the patient has no history of mental illness, it is advisable to first rule out the worsening of brain metastasis or acute side...[Read More] Managing Cancer and Mental Health: Prioritizing Care for Patients
Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment Options for a 90-Year-Old Grandmother
My grandmother, who is over 90 years old, has been diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. What are the concerns regarding her subsequent treatment? Recently, it was discovered that my 90-year-old grandmother has stage II breast cancer, PR+ER+Her2+(currently undergoing FISH testin...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Meg, 30 years old, female. 1. After examination, there is no metastasis, but due to age and the inherent risks of surgery, she chooses to forgo surgical intervention. Can she opt for direct hormonal therapy and targeted therapy with government insurance coverage for trastuzumab...[Read More] Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment Options for a 90-Year-Old Grandmother
Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
A lump near the armpit suddenly enlarged? Hello, Dr. Lai: I have had a hard lump about the size of a mung bean near my right armpit for a long time. Since it has not been painful and has not increased in size, I have ignored it. However, in the past three days, the lump suddenly ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Since I cannot see your actual symptoms, I am unable to provide a comprehensive assessment. I recommend that you first consult a surgeon for evaluation before making a diagnosis. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Dr. Lai Yi-Che...[Read More] Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Treatment
The relationship between cancer treatment and thyroid nodules? Hello, Doctor. This year, my mother and grandmother were diagnosed with breast cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer, respectively. My mother has already started her radiation therapy, while my grandmother is still undergo...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Hello, if it is hereditary and has not changed in size, the likelihood of malignancy is usually very low. It is recommended to just monitor it.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Nodules and Cancer Treatment
Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Breast cancer treatment Hello, Dr. Lai! I would like to inquire about the follow-up treatment for breast cancer. The report states the following: Size: 22mm, Lymph nodes: no metastasis, Margins: clear, Distant metastasis: none, Stage: IIA, Classification: Luminal B type, ER: >...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Debbie, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: HER2 is positive [+++], which indicates that targeted therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis by one-third. If HER2 is positive [++], further FISH testing is required to confirm whether targeted ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Chemotherapy Insights
Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients
Cervical cancer treatment The patient is a 72-year-old mother who has been diagnosed with stage 3B cervical cancer. The gynecologist believes that surgery is not advisable. After undergoing 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, the tumor has slightly sh...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. HDJDJKFKD, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. After 28 sessions of radiation therapy and 3 sessions of chemotherapy, a PET scan is required. It is important to rest for 6 to 8 weeks to avoid false positives. 2. The effectiveness of the treatment will ...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Cancer Treatment Options for Stage 3B Patients
Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Examination items In general, when assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans and EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) titers, other methods may include physical examinations, endoscopic evaluations, and PE...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss Lai. 1. In assessing the improvement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiation therapy and chemotherapy, in addition to CT and MRI scans, the EBV index, along with the physician's visual examination and the patient's self-reported symptoms, are also imp...[Read More] Assessing Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment: Beyond CT, MRI, and EBV
Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Regarding breast cancer radiotherapy? Is it necessary to perform another surgery to remove lymph nodes from the axilla for examination before radiation therapy for breast cancer, in order to determine the radiation dose, number of sessions, and whether the radiation field should ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, I am unable to give you more accurate advice. It is essential to review the pathology report and PET scan to determine the subsequent treatment and therapy option...[Read More] Understanding the Need for Lymph Node Surgery Before Breast Cancer Radiation
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Breast cancer treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am 32 years old and have stage II breast cancer. I have undergone a lumpectomy on my left breast. The tumor analysis shows: hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, and Ki67 at 30%. I would like to know if I definitely need to un...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Vicky, Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response: 1. Due to the incomplete information you provided, we can only determine that targeted therapy is not required (HER2 negative / Ki67 50%). This is insufficient to ascertain the need for chemotherapy. - Chemother...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Chemotherapy vs. Hormonal Therapy
Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
The significance of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening index? Hello Dr. Chen, I have seen many people online saying that a positive reaction for both EA-IgA and VCA-IgA indicates a very high probability of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Does this mean that if both EA an...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, in Taiwan, many patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) indeed have very high EBV titers at the time of diagnosis. As cancer treatment progresses, these titers tend to decrease, and if the treatment is successful, the levels will normalize. Clinically, w...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of EA-IgA and VCA-IgA in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Screening
Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Hello, I would like to understand the effects of radiation therapy after breast cancer treatment. A stage I breast cancer patient has undergone surgery abroad and had a tissue expander implanted. The doctor has suggested that radiation therapy may ...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Linlin, a 29-year-old female patient who underwent breast reconstruction, can still receive hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy postoperatively, which does not conflict with further treatment for breast cancer. Future follow-ups, including outpatient physical exam...[Read More] Effects of Radiation Therapy on Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Post-radiation changes in the skull base after nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment? Hello Dr. Lai, I have completed my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment nearly two years ago. In April of this year, an MRI scan revealed a gray area at the skull base. The radiologist informed me that...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiahe, In response to your inquiry, please find our reply below: 1. The gray lesions observed at the skull base on your MRI scan, whether seen on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), or under contrast enhancement, have different implications. Given y...[Read More] Understanding Post-Radiation Effects in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients
Understanding Esophageal Hardening After Cancer Treatment: What to Expect
Esophageal rigidity? Hello, Doctor. My father, who has stage III esophageal cancer, underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Three years later, he is experiencing difficulty swallowing again. After a follow-up visit and an endoscopy, it was found that his esophagus has becom...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Miss Tinglee828, Thank you for your letter. In response to your concerns about your father's esophagus becoming more rigid after chemotherapy, I personally believe that since it has been three years since the treatment, the tissue should be relatively stable, and the c...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Hardening After Cancer Treatment: What to Expect
Exploring Torisel Coverage for Metastatic Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
Hello, doctor. Regarding the application for reimbursement of Torisel for metastatic renal cell carcinoma? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which has already metastasized to the lungs, bones, adrenal glands, neck, and multiple lymph nodes. The biopsy fro...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Pharmacist, Thank you for your letter. Here is my response: 1. Regarding the diagnosis - The biopsy was taken from the L3 vertebra and the adrenal metastasis. The pathology report shows positive results for AMACR and PAX8. Both of these immunohistochemical tests are non-sp...[Read More] Exploring Torisel Coverage for Metastatic Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
Understanding Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Seniors
Prostate cancer Hello Dr. Lai: Recently, a family member (approximately 80 years old, with a pacemaker, unable to undergo MRI) was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones. The outpatient physician recommended surgical resection (which could exte...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, 1. The letter mentions that the patient has prostate cancer with bone metastasis. According to literature, the five-year survival rate is approximately 20%, but it is essential to evaluate this alongside risk factors such as the pathological Gleason score and PSA levels ...[Read More] Understanding Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options for Seniors
Optimal Dosing Intervals for TS-1 in Cancer Treatment
TS-1 dosing interval Thank you for your previous response. I have another question: TS-1 is prescribed to be taken within 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner. If the timing of breakfast and dinner is not fixed, what is the minimum time interval that should be maintained between...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello Mr. Jiang: Regarding the recommended interval between medication doses, it is advised to have at least 6 hours between meals. Additionally, since you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, it is suggested to keep your meal times as consistent as possible, as this is better ...[Read More] Optimal Dosing Intervals for TS-1 in Cancer Treatment
Understanding Metastasis Risks During HER2 Breast Cancer Treatment
Is there a possibility of metastasis during breast cancer treatment? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer (HER2 type) in May 2015. She has completed six rounds of chemotherapy and has undergone surgery for local excision, targeted therapy, and radiation thera...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. It is relatively uncommon for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted drug treatment to experience distant metastasis (unless the breast cancer is at a very advanced stage with a high number of infected axillary l...[Read More] Understanding Metastasis Risks During HER2 Breast Cancer Treatment
Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment and Recurrence Risks
What is the treatment duration for breast cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother is 58 years old and has just undergone a lumpectomy for breast cancer this year. The tumor was 1.3 cm in size, and there was no lymph node metastasis. She is currently receiving chemotherapy with a regimen ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your mother's postoperative pathological staging should be stage I, which is considered early stage. In my experience, it is very rare to encounter or hear of someone who relapses during postoperative chemotherapy; it is truly uncommon! Once...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment and Recurrence Risks