Criteria for selection and classification of studies in medical events

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of study methodology and evaluation type on the selection of studies during the presentation of scientific events. METHODS: A prospective, observational, transversal approach was applied to a cohort of studies that were submitted for presentation at the 2021 Brazilian Breast Cancer Symposium. Three forms of criteria (CR) were presented. CR1 was based on six criteria (method, ethics, design, originality, promotion, and social contribution); CR2 graded the studies from 0 to 10 for each study, and CR3 was based on five criteria (presentation, method, originality, scientific knowledge, and social contribution). To evaluate the item correlation, Cronbach's alpha and factorial analysis were performed. For the evaluation of differences between the tests, we used the Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn tests. To determine the differences in the study classifications, we used the Friedman test and Namenyi's all-pairs comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 122 studies were evaluated. There was also a good correlation with the items concerning criterion 1 (α=0.730) and 3 (α=0.937). Evaluating CR1 methodology, study design and social contribution (p=0.741) represents the main factor and CR3 methodology, and the scientific contribution (p=0.994) represents the main factor. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences in the results (p<0.001) for all the criteria that were used [CR1-CR2 (p<0.001), CR1-CR3 (p<0.001), and CR2-CR3 (p=0.004)]. The Friedman test showed differences in the ranking of the studies (p<0.001) for all studies (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Methodologies that use multiple criteria show good correlation and should be taken into account when ranking the best studies.

Adesão à Terapia Hormonal Adjuvante com Tamoxifeno e Anastrozol utilizando ARMS-12 e MMAS-4 / Adherence to Adjuvant Hormone Therapy with Tamoxifen and Anastrozole using ARMS-12 and MMAS-4 / Adherencia a la Terapia Hormonal Adyuvante con Tamoxifeno y Anastrozol utilizando ARMS-12 y MMAS-4

Introdução: Entre os cânceres de mama, aproximadamente 75% das mulheres são receptores hormonais positivos, sendo estas mais propensas a responderem à hormonioterapia com anastrozol e tamoxifeno. Apesar de eficazes, apresentam taxas significativas de não adesão. Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão à terapia hormonal adjuvante com tamoxifeno e anastrozol em pacientes atendidos nos Ambulatórios da Mastologia e de Quimioterapia do Hospital São Paulo entre os anos de 2019 e 2020. Método: Estudo transversal com 102 mulheres, realizado entre os meses de setembro de 2019 e março de 2020. A adesão à terapia hormonal adjuvante foi avaliada utilizando-se as escalas Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) e Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale of 12 items (ARMS-12). Resultados: A média de idade foi de 61,5 anos (59,3-63,6). Entre as pacientes, 27,7% faziam uso de tamoxifeno e 72,3% de anastrozol. Relataram desconforto em relação ao uso do medicamento 84,4%, sendo as ondas de calor (42,2%) e as dores articulares (55,9%) os mais frequentes. A escala de ARMS>12 foi pontuada por 79,2%; cerca de 90% das mulheres pontuaram a MMAS-4 até dois pontos, porém não houve diferença significativa entre os tipos de hormônios utilizados para escalas de adesão (p=0,815 e p=0,489). Conclusão: A adesão à hormonioterapia observada foi relativamente baixa, independentemente da endocrinoterapia, podendo essas pacientes estarem em risco de inadequação quanto à resposta clínica

Introduction: Among breast cancers, approximately 75% of women are hormone receptors-positive, and these are more likely to respond to hormone therapy with anastrozole and tamoxifen. Although effective, they have significant rates of non-adherence. Objective: To evaluate adherence to adjuvant hormone therapy with tamoxifen and anastrozole in patients consulted at the Mastology and Chemotherapy Outpatient Clinic of Hospital São Paulo between 2019 and 2020. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out with 102 women between September 2019 and March 2020. Adherence to hormone therapy was evaluated using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) and Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale of 12 items (ARMS-12). Results: The mean age was 61.5 years (59.3-63.6). Among the patients, 27.7% used tamoxifen and 72.3%, anastrozole. 84.4% of them reported discomfort in using the medication, the most frequent were hot flashes (42.2%) and joint pain (55.9%). 79.2% scored the ARMS>12 scale, about 90% of the women scored MMAS-4 up to 2 points, but there was no significant difference between the types of hormones used for adhesion scales (p=0.815 to p=0.489). Conclusion: Adherence to hormone therapy was relatively low, regardless of the hormone used, and these patients may be at risk of inadequate clinical response

Introducción: Entre los cánceres de mama, aproximadamente el 75% de las mujeres son receptores hormonales positivos, y estas son más propensas a responder a la terapia hormonal con anastrozol y tamoxifeno. Aunque son eficaces, tienen tasas significativas de no adherencia. Objetivo: Evaluar la adhesión a la terapia hormonal adyuvante con tamoxifeno y anastrozol en pacientes atendidas en las Clínicas Ambulatorias de Mastología y Quimioterapia del Hospital São Paulo entre 2019 y 2020. Método: Este es un estudio transversal realizado con 102 mujeres entre septiembre de 2019 y marzo de 2020. La terapia hormonal adjunta se evaluó utilizando las escalas Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) e Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale of 12 items (ARMS-12). Resultados: La edad media fue de 61,5 años (59,3-63,6). Entre las pacientes, el 27,7% utilizaron tamoxifeno y el 72,3% anastrozol. El 84,4% de ellas reportaron molestias en relación con el uso del medicamento, siendo los más frecuentes los sofocos (42,2%) y el dolor articular (55,9%). 79,2% puntuaron la escala ARMS>12, alrededor del 90% de las mujeres obtuvieron MMAS-4 hasta dos puntos, pero no hubo diferencia significativa entre los tipos de hormonas utilizadas para escalas de adhesión (p=0,815 a p=0,489). Conclusión: La adherencia de la terapia hormonal observada fue relativamente baja, independientemente de la hormona utilizada, y estas mujeres pueden estar en riesgo de respuesta clínica inadecuada

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy / Prevalencia de la xerostomía en mujeres durante la quimioterapia por cáncer de mama / Prevalência da xerostomia em mulheres durante a quimioterapia por câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. Results: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de la xerostomía en las mujeres en tratamiento quimioterápico por cáncer de mama. Método: Cohorte prospectiva con 27 mujeres que realizaron hasta 16 sesiones de quimioterapia endovenosa. La recogida de datos ha sido realizada en el ambulatorio de un hospital universitario en la ciudad São Paulo, donde han sido aplicados dos formularios antes del inicio del tratamiento y el Xerostomia Inventory antes y después de cada sesión de quimioterapia. Resultados: La queja de boca seca estuvo presente en 48,1% de las mujeres antes de la quimioterapia, y ellas tuvieron aproximadamente 28 veces más chance de desarrollar la xerostomía durante el tratamiento. Se observó que el uso de antieméticos contribuyó para la ocurrencia de xerostomía, y los antiulcerosos se presentaron como factor de protección. Conclusión: El estudio identificó tanto una alta prevalencia de xerostomía independientemente de la quimioterapia empleada cuanto la necesidad de la creación de protocolos visando a la mejoría de la calidad de vida de esas pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência da xerostomia nas mulheres em tratamento quimioterápico por câncer de mama. Método: Coorte prospectiva com 27 mulheres que realizaram até 16 sessões de quimioterapia endovenosa. A coleta de dados foi realizada no ambulatório de um hospital universitário na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram aplicados dois formulários antes do início do tratamento e o Xerostomia Inventory antes e após cada sessão de quimioterapia. Resultados: A queixa de boca seca esteve presente em 48,1% das mulheres antes da quimioterapia, e elas tiveram aproximadamente 28 vezes mais chance de desenvolver a xerostomia durante o tratamento. Observou-se que o uso de antieméticos contribuiu para a ocorrência de xerostomia, e os antiulcerosos se apresentaram como fator de proteção. Conclusão: O estudo identificou tanto uma alta prevalência de xerostomia independentemente da quimioterapia empregada quanto a necessidade da criação de protocolos visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida dessas pacientes.

Plagiarism in scientific publications

Plagiarism in scientific publications is a topic of fundamental importance and rarely addressed in the literature. It is associated with ethical issues that go beyond research itself, a fact that values the discussion on the topic. The concept, the main types of plagiarism, ethical relationships, preventive methodologies aiming to minimize their occurrence, diagnostic methodologies, and potential penalties involved are discussed. Every researcher and team involved in publishing articles should be aware of the importance and relevance of not plagiarizing, since being cautious about it is essential to build a solid curriculum on the part of the researcher, and credibility on the part of scientific journals.

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy / Prevalencia de la xerostomía en mujeres durante la quimioterapia por cáncer de mama / Prevalência da xerostomia em mulheres durante a quimioterapia por câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. Results: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de la xerostomía en las mujeres en tratamiento quimioterápico por cáncer de mama. Método: Cohorte prospectiva con 27 mujeres que realizaron hasta 16 sesiones de quimioterapia endovenosa. La recogida de datos ha sido realizada en el ambulatorio de un hospital universitario en la ciudad São Paulo, donde han sido aplicados dos formularios antes del inicio del tratamiento y el Xerostomia Inventory antes y después de cada sesión de quimioterapia. Resultados: La queja de boca seca estuvo presente en 48,1% de las mujeres antes de la quimioterapia, y ellas tuvieron aproximadamente 28 veces más chance de desarrollar la xerostomía durante el tratamiento. Se observó que el uso de antieméticos contribuyó para la ocurrencia de xerostomía, y los antiulcerosos se presentaron como factor de protección. Conclusión: El estudio identificó tanto una alta prevalencia de xerostomía independientemente de la quimioterapia empleada cuanto la necesidad de la creación de protocolos visando a la mejoría de la calidad de vida de esas pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência da xerostomia nas mulheres em tratamento quimioterápico por câncer de mama. Método: Coorte prospectiva com 27 mulheres que realizaram até 16 sessões de quimioterapia endovenosa. A coleta de dados foi realizada no ambulatório de um hospital universitário na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram aplicados dois formulários antes do início do tratamento e o Xerostomia Inventory antes e após cada sessão de quimioterapia. Resultados: A queixa de boca seca esteve presente em 48,1% das mulheres antes da quimioterapia, e elas tiveram aproximadamente 28 vezes mais chance de desenvolver a xerostomia durante o tratamento. Observou-se que o uso de antieméticos contribuiu para a ocorrência de xerostomia, e os antiulcerosos se apresentaram como fator de proteção. Conclusão: O estudo identificou tanto uma alta prevalência de xerostomia independentemente da quimioterapia empregada quanto a necessidade da criação de protocolos visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida dessas pacientes.

Criteria for evaluating studies at scientific medical events

Medical journals value the quality of studies. Scientific events are spaces for discussion in the face of scientific advances, innovation and consensus. In them, space is opened for the presentation of clinical studies, translational studies, experience reports and videos, with the best-designed studies being selected and awarded. The lack of clear criteria allows for differences in assessments, making it difficult to place value on situations associated with research. In order to improve quality, it is necessary to evaluate ethics, the hierarchy of scientific evidence (methodology), the study design, the originality, the relevance, and the linearity of the material presented. The present study aims to discuss these points, presenting proposals to be used in the evaluation of clinical studies, translational studies, case reports and videos in scientific medical events.

Effects of anastrozole on Ki-67 antigen expression in the vaginal epithelium of female rats in persistent estrus

OBJECTIVES: Aromatase inhibitors are the first-choice drugs for the treatment of hormone sensitive breast cancer. However, in addition to the scarcity of studies, there are controversies about their effects on vaginal epithelial cell proliferation in rats, especially those in persistent estrus. METHODS: To investigate vaginal epithelial cell proliferation by Ki-67 antigen expression, persistent estrus was induced in 42 randomly selected rats. These rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: group I (control, n=21), which received 0.1 mL of propylene glycol (vehicle) daily, and group II (experimental, n=21), which received 0.5 mg/kg or 0.125 mg/day of anastrozole diluted with 0.1 mL of propylene glycol. RESULTS: Light microscopy showed a higher concentration of cells with brown Ki-67 stained nuclei in the control compared to the experimental group. The mean percentage of Ki-67 stained nuclei per 500 cells in the vaginal epithelium was 68.64±2.64 and 30.46±2.00 [mean±standard error of the mean (SEM)] in the control and experimental groups, respectively (p<0.003). CONCLUSION: This study showed that anastrozole, at the dose and treatment duration selected, significantly decreased cell proliferation in the vaginal mucosa of the rats in persistent estrus.

Breast cancer in the health insurance system of Jundiaí: data on 105 patients / Câncer de mama no sistema de saúde suplementar de Jundiaí: dados de 105 pacientes

Introduction: The data related to breast cancer's epidemiology in Brazil are heterogenous, reflecting the country's socioeconomic inequalities. Significant number of cases of this disease are attended through the health insurance system, but data on these cases is poorly disseminated. Objective: To evaluate epidemiological data on breast cancer from patients attended through the health insurance system in the municipality of Jundiaí, São Paulo. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted through reviewing the medical files of 105 patients diagnosed with breast cancer, who were attended between January 2014 and December 2015. The information gathered included: age, clinical staging, histological type, immunohistochemical profile, surgical treatment and adjuvant treatment. Results: The study included 105 patients with breast cancer who were treated exclusively within the health insurance system of Jundiaí. The patients' mean age was 50.8 years. We observed that 13 patients (12.3%) were diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (stage 0), 43 (40.9%) with stage I, 34 (32.3%) with stage II, 11 (10.4%) with stage III and 2 (1.9%) with stage IV. Conservative surgery was performed on 76 patients (72.3%), while 29 (27.7%) underwent mastectomy. Among the latter, immediate reconstruction was performed in 82.7% (24) of the cases. Conclusion: The high rates of early diagnosis and conservative surgery show that screening for breast cancer within the health insurance system of the municipality of Jundiaí, has been effective. Accessible mammography and the socioeconomic level of the population seem to be the main factors responsible for the obtained findings.

Introdução: Os dados referentes à epidemiologia do câncer de mama no Brasil são heterogêneos, reflexo da desigualdade socioeconômica do país. A medicina suplementar possui número relevante de casos da doença, porém estes são pouco divulgados. Objetivo: Avaliar os dados epidemiológicos do câncer de mama em pacientes atendidas pela saúde suplementar no município de Jundiaí, SP. Método: Estudo retrospectivo por meio da revisão do prontuário médico de 105 pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer de mama atendidas entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2015. As informações coletadas incluíram: idade, estadiamento clínico, tipo histológico, perfil imuno-histoquímico, tratamento cirúrgico e adjuvante. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 105 pacientes com câncer de mama, tratadas exclusivamente no sistema de saúde suplementar de Jundiaí. A idade média das pacientes foi de 50,8 anos. Observamos que 13 (12,3%) pacientes foram diagnosticadas com carcinoma ductal in situ (estádio 0), 43 (40,9%) no estádio I, 34 (32,3%) no estádio II, 11 (10,4%) no estádio III, e 2 (1,9%) no estádio IV. A cirurgia conservadora foi realizada em 76 (72,3%) pacientes, das quais 29 (27,7%) foram submetidas à mastectomia. Nessas pacientes, a reconstrução imediata foi realizada em 82,7% (24) dos casos. Conclusão: A elevada taxa de diagnósticos precoces, assim como de cirurgias conservadoras, revela rastreamento eficaz para o câncer de mama na saúde suplementar do município de Jundiaí. A acessibilidade à mamografia e o nível socioeconômico da população parecem ser os principais responsáveis pelos achados obtidos

Evaluation of body image, quality of life, tactile sensitivity and pain in women with breast cancer submitted to surgical intervention

SUMMARY Breast cancer is one of the most common types of tumor in the world and the most common among women. There are several treatments for breast cancer; however, the condition often can be accompanied by severe complications in a woman's life. OBJECTIVE: o evaluate and compare body image perception, quality of life, tenderness, and pain in women with breast cancer during preoperative and postoperative periods of 30, 60 and 90 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study. The patients answered the questionnaire "How I relate to my own body", EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23. We assessed upper limb and breast sensitivity with an esthesiometer. Patients were questioned about the presence and level of pain on a scale of 0 to 10. RESULTS: For body image, it was possible to observe a significant difference between pre and postoperative at 30 days. There were changes in some areas of the EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC QLQ BR23 questionnaires, such as arm and breast symptoms, social function, constipation, sexual function and satisfaction, among others. For evaluation of breast and axilla sensitivity and assessment of pain, all postoperative periods showed significant differences when compared to the preoperative period. The sensitivity of the inner region of the arm presented no significant change. CONCLUSION: The difference found in the study shows that evaluations on all scales should be done in several periods, using a proper treatment for the changes and individuality of each patient.

RESUMO O câncer de mama é um dos tipos mais comuns de tumores no mundo e o tipo mais comum entre as mulheres. Existem tratamentos severos para o câncer de mama, no entanto, em muitos casos, podem ser acompanhados por complicações sérias para a vida da mulher. OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar a percepção da imagem corporal, a qualidade de vida, a sensibilidade e a dor em mulheres com câncer de mama nos períodos pré-operatório e pós-operatório de 30, 60 e 90 dias. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal prospectivo. Os pacientes responderam ao questionário "Como me relaciono com meu próprio corpo", o EORTC QLQ-C30 e o EORTC QLQ-BR23. Fizemos uma avaliação da sensibilidade do membro superior e da mama com um estesiômetro. Os pacientes foram questionados sobre a presença de dor e seu nível em uma escala de 0 a 10. RESULTADOS: Para a imagem corporal, foi possível observar uma diferença significativa entre o pré e pós-operatório de 30 dias. Mostrou mudanças em algumas áreas dos questionários EORTC QLQ C30 e EORTC QLQ BR23, como sintomas de braço e mama, função social, constipação e função sexual e satisfação, entre outros. Para avaliação da sensibilidade mamária e axilar e avaliação da dor, todos os períodos de pós-operatório apresentaram diferenças significativas quando comparados ao período pré-operatório. A sensibilidade da região interna do braço não apresentou mudanças significativas. CONCLUSÃO: A diferença encontrada no estudo mostra que as avaliações em todas as escalas devem ser feitas em vários períodos, utilizando um tratamento adequado que enfrente as mudanças e a individualidade de cada paciente.

Leiomyoma of the breast parenchyma: a case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Benign tumors are often seen in breast screening examinations. However, the differential diagnosis is not always simple because of radiological similarity between the different benign lesions. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case report of leiomyoma of the breast parenchyma in a 68-year-old asymptomatic patient. The mammographic and ultrasonographic findings were similar to those observed in benign lesions. CONCLUSION: The histopathological diagnosis requires careful differentiation from lesions that have smooth muscle proliferation, especially leiomyosarcoma. The most commonly performed treatment is resection of the lesion with free margins. Although breast leiomyoma is rare, it should be considered among the differential diagnoses for breast nodules of benign appearance. Resection with safety margins proved to be the only treatment needed.

Mammographic density among indigenous women in forested areas in the state of Amapá, Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Densidade mamográfica em mulheres indígenas de áreas da floresta do estado do Amapá, Brasil: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There is no register of breast cancer cases among indigenous populations in Brazil. The objective here was to evaluate the association of clinical and demographic characteristics with mammographic density among indigenous women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study conducted in indigenous territories in the state of Amapá, Brazil. METHODS: Women were recruited from three indigenous territories and underwent bilateral mammography and blood collection for hormonal analysis. They were interviewed with the aid of an interpreter. Mammographic density was calculated using computer assistance, and was expressed as dense or non-dense. RESULTS: A total of 137 indigenous women were included in this study, with an average age of 50.4 years, and an average age at the menarche of 12.8 years. Half (50.3%) of the 137 participants had not reached the menopause at the time of this study. The women had had an average of 8.7 children, and only two had never breastfed. The average body mass index of the population as a whole was 25.1 kg/m2. The mammographic evaluation showed that 82% of women had non-dense breasts. The clinical characteristics associated with mammographic density were age (P = 0.0001), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P < 0.001) and estrogen levels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the indigenous women had non-dense breasts. Age, menopausal status and FSH and estrogen levels were associated with mammographic density.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Não há registro de casos de câncer de mama em populações indígenas no Brasil. O objetivo foi avaliar a associação de características clínicas e demográficas com a densidade mamográfica em mulheres indígenas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, analítico, realizado em territórios indígenas no estado do Amapá, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Mulheres foram recrutadas de três territórios indígenas e submetidas a mamografia bilateral e a coleta de sangue para análise hormonal. As participantes foram entrevistadas com a ajuda de um intérprete. A densidade mamográfica foi calculada com assistência de computador, e expressa como densa ou não densa. RESULTADOS: 137 mulheres foram incluídas no estudo, com média de 50,4 anos e média de idade à menarca de 12,8 anos. Metade (50,3%) das 137 participantes não havia entrado na menopausa no momento do estudo. As mulheres tinham em média 8,7 filhos, e duas nunca haviam amamentado. O índice de massa corpórea médio da população como um todo foi de 25,1 kg/m2. A análise mamográfica mostrou que 82% das mulheres tinham mamas não densas. As características clínicas associadas com a densidade mamográfica foram idade (P = 0.0001), hormônio folículo-estimulante (FSH, P < 0,001) e níveis de estrogênio (P < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria das indígenas tinha mamas não densas. Idade, status menopausal e níveis de estrógeno e FSH foram associados com a densidade mamográfica.

Expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas: a literature review

Gliomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system neoplasm. Astrocytomas are the most prevalent type of glioma and these tumors may be influenced by sex steroid hormones. A literature review for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas was conducted in the PubMed database using the following MeSH terms: “estrogen receptor beta” OR “estrogen receptor alpha” OR “estrogen receptor antagonists” OR “progesterone receptors” OR “astrocytoma” OR “glioma” OR “glioblastoma”. Among the 111 articles identified, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria. The majority of reports showed the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas. Overall, higher tumor grades were associated with decreased estrogen receptor expression and increased progesterone receptor expression.

Breast cancer: news in diagnosis and treatment / Câncer de mama: novidades no diagnóstico e no tratamento

SUMMARY The authors discuss the main innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, particularly in diagnostic imaging and screening, and in locoregional and systemic therapies.

RESUMO Os autores discutem as principais novidades no diagnóstico e no tratamento do câncer de mama, particularmente no diagnóstico por imagem, no rastreamento e nas terapêuticas locorregional e sistêmica.

Avaliação da imagem corporal e da função sexual em mulheres com linfedema após tratamento cirúrgico de câncer de mama / Body image and sexual function evaluation in women with lymphedema after surgery of breast neoplasm

O tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama pode levar a consequências como diminuição de amplitude de movimento de ombro e cotovelo, dor, fraqueza muscular, alteração de sensibilidade e linfedema. O linfedema, além de prejudicar o desempenho das atividades diárias, pode influenciar a imagem corporal e a função sexual da mulher, afetando, assim, sua qualidade de vida. Objetivou-se avaliar a imagem corporal e a função sexual em mulheres após tratamento cirúrgico de câncer de mama que evoluíram com linfedema. Foram incluídas 40 mulheres do Ambulatório de Mastologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo e divididas em 2 grupos: grupo controle (n=20), as que não desenvolveram linfedema, e grupo linfedema (n=20). Todas assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Foram aplicados, para todas as pacientes, ficha de avaliação, questionários de Imagem corporal "Como me relaciono com o meu corpo" e de Função sexual avaliada pelo Índice de Função Sexual Feminina. Obesidade, sedentarismo e radioterapia foram considerados fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de linfedema. A imagem corporal não foi influenciada pelo linfedema e se relacionou com a função sexual, apresentando relação diretamente proporcional. O câncer de mama interferiu na formação da imagem corporal e na função sexual das pacientes. Assim, além da alteração anatômica da mama, o câncer promove mudanças biopsicossociais, sendo minimizadas pelo tratamento multidisciplinar.

Breast neoplasm treatment may lead to consequences such as decrease of shoulder and elbow range of motion, pain, muscular weakness, abnormal sensitive and lymphedema. Besides interfering on daily activities, lymphedema can also change body image and female sexual function, affecting women's quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate body image and sexual function on women after surgery treatment of breast neoplasm that developed to lymphedema. Forty women were included in the study. The patients were recruited at Mastology Ambulatory of Universidade Federal de São Paulo. They were separated into 2 groups: control group (n=20), who did not develop lymphedema, and lymphedema group (n=20). All patients signed the Informed Consent. Evaluation form, questionnaires of body image "How do I relate with my body" and of sexual function, assessed by Female Sexual Function Index, were applied to all women involved. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and radiotherapy were risk factors for lymphedema development. Body image was not influenced by lymphedema, but was related to sexual function, presenting directly proportional relation. Breast neoplasm influenced body image and female sexual function. Thus, in addition to anatomic changes, breast neoplasm promotes biologic, psychology and social changes, requiring a multidisciplinary team to treat women with this disease.

Avaliação da qualidade de sono e de força muscular em mulheres com linfedema de membro superior após cirurgia de câncer de mama / Assessment of quality of sleep and muscle strength in women with breast-cancer-related lymphedema

As principais alterações encontradas após cirurgia de câncer de mama são disfunção articular no ombro e linfedema do membro superior homolateral à cirurgia, as quais podem prejudicar a qualidade de vida e a qualidade do sono das mulheres operadas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar se a qualidade de sono e a força muscular estão prejudicadas em pacientes com e sem linfedema após cirurgia de câncer de mama. Estudo transversal analítico realizado com voluntárias após tratamento cirúrgico para câncer de mama, que desenvolveram (grupo linfedema) e que não desenvolveram (grupo controle) linfedema de membro superior, selecionadas no Ambulatório da Disciplina de Mastologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Foi utilizado o questionário de índice de qualidade de sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI), a força muscular foi avaliada através do dinamômetro manual Lafayette® e ao final foi entregue cartilha de higiene do sono. Os dados foram compilados no Excel e o programa estatístico utilizado foi o SigmaStat 3.5®. Houve diferença significante quanto à comparação da perimetria entre os grupos, em seis de oito medidas, caracterizando o grupo linfedema; diminuição da força muscular no lado homolateral à cirurgia, sendo o grupo linfedema o mais alterado. O sono esteve prejudicado nos dois grupos, porém, com queixas diferentes. No grupo linfedema, a principal queixa foi quanto ao posicionamento para dormir e ao enfaixamento compressivo. Observou-se alteração do sono e da força muscular das mulheres que realizaram tratamento cirúrgico para o câncer de mama, sendo pior nas mulheres que desenvolveram o linfedema.

The most common consequences of breast cancer surgery includes joint dysfunction in the ipsilateral shoulder surgery and lymphedema of the upper limb ipsilateral to surgery. Such changes may affect the quality of life and women?s quality of sleep. The purpose of this study was to verify if the quality of sleep and the muscle strength are impaired in patients after surgical treatment for breast cancer, who developed and who didn?t develop lymphedema. An analytical cross study was developed with volunteers after surgical treatment for breast cancer who developed (lymphedema group) and who not developed (control group) lymphedema of the upper limb, in the Clinic of Mastology of the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. The questionnaire used was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); muscle strength was assessed by manual dynamometer Lafayette® and in the end it was handed in a booklet of sleep hygiene. The data were put in Excel program and the statistic program used was the SigmaStat 3.5®. There were significant results regarding the perimeter difference between groups in six of eight measures characterizing the group lymphedema; decreased muscle strength was noted in the ipsilateral side to surgery in both groups, being the lymphedema group more affected. Sleep was impaired in both groups, but with different complaints. In the lymphedema group the main complaint was about the position for sleep and compressive bandaging. There was a change in sleeping and muscle strength of women who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer, being worse in women who developed lymphedema