Venous thromboembolism incidence in postoperative breast cancer patients

Abstract Background Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of morbidity in cancer patients. Breast cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment are at an increased risk of VTE. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of VTE in patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of breast cancer and to identify the related risk factors. Methods A historical cohort of patients at the São Paulo State Cancer Institute (ICESP) underwent surgery for breast cancer. The inclusion criteria covered patients with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ who had breast surgery anytime from January 2016 to December 2018. Results Of the 1672 patients included in the study, 15 had a confirmed diagnosis of VTE (0.9%), and 3 of these had deep vein thrombosis (0.2%), and 12, had pulmonary thromboembolism (0.7%). Clinical and tumoral characteristics did not differ between the groups. The incidence of VTE was higher in patients who had undergone skin-sparing mastectomy or nipple-sparing mastectomy (p = 0.032). Immediate reconstruction, particularly with abdominal-based flaps (4.7%), increased VTE events (p = 0.033). Median surgical time was higher in patients with VTE episodes (p = 0.027), and total hospital length of stay increased in days (6 days vs. 2 days, p = 0.001). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and postoperative prophylaxis with Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) were associated with lower VTE rates (0.2% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.048 and 0.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.039; respectively) in these patients. Conclusions The incidence of VTE events in breast cancer patients who underwent surgery was 0.9%. Immediate reconstruction (especially with abdominal-based flaps), skin-sparing/nipple-sparing mastectomies, and longer surgeries were associated with increased risk. The LMWH postoperative prophylaxis reduced this risk.

Measurement of extracapsular extension in sentinel lymph node as a possible predictor of residual axillary disease in breast cancer

Abstract Background The presence of Extracapsular Extension (ECE) in the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is still a doubt in the literature. Some studies suggest that the presence of ECE may be related to a greater number of positive axillary lymph nodes which could impact Disease Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS). This study searches for the clinical significance of the ECE. Methods Retrospective cohort comparing the presence or absence of ECE in T1-2 invasive breast cancer with positive SLNB. All cases treated surgically at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed. All patients with axillary disease in SLNB underwent AD. Outcomes Identify the association between the presence and length of ECE and additional axillary positive lymph nodes, OS and DFS between both groups. Results 128 patients with positive SLNB were included, and 65 had ECE. The mean metastasis size of 0.62 (SD = 0.59) mm at SLNB was related to the presence of ECE (p < 0.008). The presence of ECE was related to a higher mean of positive sentinel lymph nodes, 3.9 (± 4.8) vs. 2.0 (± 2.1), p = 0.001. The median length of follow-up was 115 months. The OS and DFS rates had no differences between the groups. Conclusion The presence of ECE was associated with additional positive axillary lymph nodes in this study. Therefore, the OS and DFS were similar in both groups after 10 years of follow-up. It is necessary for additional studies to define the importance of AD when SLNB with ECE.

Underestimation Rate in the Percutaneous Diagnosis of Radial Scar/Complex Sclerosing Lesion of the Breast: Systematic Review / Taxa de subestimação no diagnóstico percutâneo de cicatriz radiada/lesão esclerosante complexa da mama: Revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective To evaluate the underestimation rate in breast surgical biopsy after the diagnosis of radial scar/complex sclerosing lesion through percutaneous biopsy. Data Sources A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane, and Embase databases were consulted, with searches conducted through November 2020, using specific keywords (radial scar OR complex sclerosing lesion, breast cancer, anatomopathological percutaneous biopsy AND/OR surgical biopsy). Data collection Study selection was conducted by two researchers experienced in preparing systematic reviews. The eight selected articles were fully read, and a comparative analysis was performed. Study selection A total of 584 studies was extracted, 8 of which were selected. One of them included women who had undergone a percutaneous biopsy with a histological diagnosis of radial scar/complex sclerosing lesion and subsequently underwent surgical excision; the results were used to assess the underestimation rate of atypical and malignant lesions. Data synthesis The overall underestimation rate in the 8 studies ranged from 1.3 to 40% and the invasive lesion underestimation rate varied from 0 to 10.5%. Conclusion The histopathological diagnosis of a radial scar/complex sclerosing lesion on the breast is not definitive, and it may underestimate atypical andmalignant lesions, which require a different treatment, making surgical excision an important step in diagnostic evaluation.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o grau de discordância entre biópsia percutânea e cirúrgica da mama em pacientes com diagnóstico de cicatriz radiada/lesão esclerosante complexa (CR/LEC) por meio de uma revisão sistemática. Fontes dos dados Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática segundo as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, na sigla em inglês). As bases de dados primárias consultadas foram PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane e Embase, combuscas conduzidas até novembro de 2020, utilizando palavras chaves específicas (cicatriz radiada OU lesão esclerosante complexa, câncer de mama, anatomopatológico de biópsia percutânea E/OU biópsia cirúrgica). Seleção dos estudos A busca dos artigos resultou em um total de 584 estudos, sendo 8 selecionados, os quais incluíam mulheres submetidas a biópsia com diagnóstico histológico de CR/LEC e posteriormente submetidas a exérese cirúrgica para avaliar como desfecho o grau de subestimação de lesões atípicas e malignas. Coleta de dados A seleção dos estudos foi conduzida por dois pesquisadores, com experiência na elaboração de revisão sistemática. Os oito artigos selecionados foram lidos na íntegra e submetidos a uma análise comparativa. Síntese dos dados Cicatrizes radiadas/lesões esclerosante complexas foram associadas com lesões atípicas e malignas após a exérese cirúrgica. O grau de subestimação geral foi calculado pela porcentagem de lesões atípicas e malignas no anatomopatológico após a exérese cirúrgica dentre o total de CR/LEC diagnosticadas, enquanto o grau de subestimação de lesões invasoras foi calculado considerando-se apenas os carcinomas invasivos. O grau de subestimação geral dos estudos selecionados variou de 1,3 a 40%, e o de lesões invasoras de 0 a 10,5%. Conclusão O diagnóstico histopatológico de CR/LEC na mama não é definitivo, podendo subestimar lesões atípicas e malignas, cujo tratamento é distinto, tornando a exérese cirúrgica etapa fundamental na investigação diagnóstica.

Teleoncology Orientation of Low-Income Breast Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Feasibility and Patient Satisfaction / Orientação teleoncológica de pacientes de baixa renda com câncer de mama durante a pandemia de COVID-19: Viabilidade e satisfação do paciente

Abstract Objective The present study aims to assess the feasibility and patient satisfaction of teleoncology orientation in a vulnerable population of breast cancer patients assessed in a government health system during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Methods Eligible patients received an invitation to receive remote care to minimize exposure to an environment in which the risk of respiratory infection was present. The means of communication was telephone through an application that allows free conversation with no charge. An anonymous-response questionnaire based on a Likert-type scale was sent through a cell phone application or e-mail directly to each patient or close relative of the patient immediately after teleconsultation. Responses to the questions, which addressed utility, facility, interface quality, interaction quality, reliability, satisfaction, and interest in future evaluation, were compiled and analyzed. Results A total of 176 eligible patients scheduled for consultation were evaluated and 98 were included. Seventy (71.4%) successfully undertook the teleorientation. The questionnaire was submitted by 43 (61.4%) patients. The overall teleoncology orientation was classified as very positive by 41 (95.3%) patients. Specifically, regarding the questionnaire items, 43 (100%) patients scored 4 or 5 (agreed that the teleconsultation was beneficial) concerning the facility, followed by 42 (97.2%) for the interface quality, 41 (95.3%) for both utility and interaction quality, 40 (93%) for satisfaction and interest in future evaluation, and, finally, 39 (90.6%) for reliability. Conclusion Teleoncology orientation of low-income breast cancer patients is most feasible and leads to high patient satisfaction.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade e satisfação em relação à orientação teleoncológica realizada em população vulnerável de pacientes com câncer de mama e provenientes do sistema público de saúde durante a pandemia do coronavírus em 2020. Métodos Pacientes elegíveis foram agendados para atendimento remoto visando minimizar exposição a ambientes com risco de infecção respiratória. O meio de comunicação foi o telefone, pois permite conversa sem custos. Um questionário anônimo com base na escala Likert foi enviado através de aplicativo de telefone celular ou e-mail para paciente ou familiares, logo após a teleconsulta. As respostas, que abordavam utilidade, facilidade, qualidade da interface, qualidade da interação, confiabilidade, satisfação e interesse em avaliações futuras, foram compiladas e analisadas. Resultados Um total de 176 pacientes elegíveis para teleconsulta foram avaliados e 98 foram incluídos. Setenta (71,4%) realizaram a teleorientação com sucesso. O questionário foi respondido por 43 (61,4%) pacientes. De maneira geral, a teleorientação foi classificada como muito positiva por 41 (95,3%) pacientes. Em relação aos itens avaliados, 43 (100%) pacientes pontuaram 4 ou 5 (concordaram que a teleconsulta era benéfica) em relação à facilidade do serviço, seguido por 42 (97,2%) para a qualidade da interface, 41 (95,3%) tanto para a utilidade quanto para a qualidade da interação, 40 (93%) para satisfação e interesse em avaliação futura e 39 (90,6%) para confiabilidade em relação ao método. Conclusão A orientação teleoncológica empacientes de baixa renda e com câncer de mama mostrou ser viável e com altas taxas de satisfação.