Cardiac dosimetry analysis and quality of life evaluation of internal breast lymph node irradiation in postoperative left breast cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To analyze the cardiac dosimetry of lymph node irradiation in the internal breast region after left-sided breast cancer surgery and to assess its impact on patients' quality of life.Methods:The clinical data of 108 patients who underwent inverse intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after left-sided breast cancer surgery in Cancer Hospital of Nantong University from May 2019 to May 2021 were collected and retrospectively analyzed, and divided into a study group (with internal breast, 55 cases) and a control group (without internal breast, 53 cases) according to whether the postoperative radiotherapy included lymph node irradiation in the internal breast region. The dosimetric indexes of planned target area (PTV) , cardiac tolerance, serum myocardial injury markers and quality of life before and after radiotherapy were compared between the two groups.Results:In terms of PTV dosimetry, the conformality index (CI) of the study group and the control group were 0.73±0.07 and 0.75±0.08, the homogeneity index (HI) were 0.17±0.03 and 0.17±0.02, the D max were (55.69±1.02) Gy and (55.46±1.13) Gy, the D mean were (50.54±0.23) Gy and (50.48±0.21) Gy respectively, there were no statistically significant differences ( t=1.38, P=0.169; t<0.01, P>0.999; t=1.11, P=0.269; t=1.41, P=0.160) . In terms of cardiac receptivity, the D mean of the two groups were (5.93 ± 0.32) Gy, (5.64 ± 0.30) Gy, V 40 were (0.47 ± 0.10) %, (0.41 ± 0.11) %, and V 30 were (2.48 ± 0.51) %, (2.06 ± 0.49) % respectively, and there were statistically significant differences ( t=4.86, P<0.001; t=2.97, P=0.004; t=4.36, P<0.001) . The levels of serum troponin Ⅰ (cTnⅠ) before radiotherapy in the study group and the control group were (0.09±0.02) ng/ml and (0.09±0.01) ng/ml, creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were (0.27±0.08) U/L and (0.25±0.08) U/L, myoglobin (MYo) were (3.84±1.02) μg/L and (3.69±0.97) μg/L, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were (172.35±16.24) pg/ml and (169.81±15.93) pg/ml respectively, there were no statistically significant differences ( t<0.01, P>0.999; t=1.30, P=0.197; t=0.78, P=0.436; t=0.82, P=0.414) . One month after radiotherapy, the levels of serum cTnⅠ in the two groups were (0.09±0.03) ng/ml and (0.09±0.02) ng/ml, CK-MB were (0.29±0.09) U/L and (0.28±0.08) U/L, MYo were (4.06±1.08) μg/L and (4.01±1.03) μg/L, and BNP were (175.13±17.09) pg/ml, (172.47±16.28) pg/ml respectively, there were no statistically significant differences ( t<0.01, P>0.999; t=0.61, P=0.544; t=0.25, P=0.806; t=0.83, P=0.410) . The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores before radiotherapy in the study and the control groups were (60.24±5.13) points and (61.19±5.46) points, (74.12±7.20) points and (75.35±7.88) points at 1 month after radiotherapy, (77.53±7.14) points and (78.95±7.08) points at 6 months after radiotherapy, and (75.02±6.93) points and (76.68±6.74) points at 1 year after radiotherapy respectively, there were no statistically significant differences ( t=0.93, P=0.353; t=0.85, P=0.399; t=1.04, P=0.302; t=1.26, P=0.210) . The EORTC QLQ-C30 scores at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after radiotherapy were higher than those before radiotherapy in the two groups, and there were statistically significant differences (all P<0.001) . Conclusion:IMRT containing lymph node irradiation in the internal breast region after left breast cancer surgery brings a certain degree of increased cardiac dose, but it is feasible to control it within a certain range and does not affect the patients' cardiac function or quality of life in the short term.

Dosimetric study of volumetric modulated arc therapy and tomo direct simultaneous integrated boost for patients receiving breast-conserving surgery for left breast cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To explore the dosimetry difference between volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and tomo direct (TD) in tumor bed simultaneous push radiotherapy after left breast-conserving surgery, and to provide more dosimetry reference for clinic.Methods:A total of 22 patients with left breast cancer who underwent simultaneous quantitative radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery were selected from the Department of Radiation Oncology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital from December 2018 to June 2020. The localized CT images and target organs at risk and other structural data were collected. Two radiotherapy plans, VMAT and TD, were designed for the same patient, and the dosimetry differences of target areas and organs at risk were compared and analyzed between the two groups.Results:In terms of target dosimetry, there were statistically significant differences in the D 2% [ (59.99±0.19) Gy vs. (59.55±0.51) Gy, t=4.09, P<0.001], D 98% [ (57.19±0.08) Gy vs. (57.46±0.22) Gy, t=-5.10, P<0.001], conformal index (CI) (0.76±0.05 vs. 0.58±0.13, t=8.19, P<0.001) and homogeneity index (HI) (0.05±0.00 vs. 0.04±0.01, t=4.89, P<0.001) of the planning gross tumor volume (PGTV) between VMAT and TD plans. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the D 50% [ (58.73±0.10) Gy vs. (58.73±0.24) Gy, t=-0.03, P=0.974]. There were statistically significant differences in the D 50% [ (52.21±0.33) Gy vs. (53.00±0.72) Gy, t=-4.81, P<0.001], D 98% [ (48.44±0.43) Gy vs. (49.09±0.21) Gy, t=-6.80, P<0.001], CI (0.83±0.06 vs. 0.67±0.06, t=10.52, P<0.001) and HI (0.20±0.01 vs. 0.19±0.01, t=8.75, P<0.001) of the planned target volume (PTV) between the two plans. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the D 2% [ (59.01±0.45) Gy vs. (59.00±0.48) Gy, t=0.22, P=0.830]. In terms of organs at risk, there were statistically significant differences in the V 20 [ (18.81±2.86) % vs. (22.03±1.91) %, t=-5.36, P<0.001] and D mean [ (11.66±1.32) Gy vs. (12.85±1.46) Gy, t=-4.10, P=0.007] of left lung, V 5 [ (5.70±2.90) % vs. (0.30±0.13) %, t=16.44, P<0.001] and D mean [ (2.45±0.29) Gy vs. (0.43±0.14) Gy, t=9.09, P<0.001] of right lung, D mean [ (3.22±0.72) Gy vs. (1.69±0.80) Gy, t=5.41, P<0.001] of right breast, D 2% [ (5.37±1.97) Gy vs. (0.46±0.09) Gy, t=11.75, P<0.001] of cord between VMAT and TD plans. There were no significant differences in the V 5 of left lung [ (53.00±5.99) % vs. (50.00±7.69) %, t=1.91, P=0.061], V 5 of right breast [ (11.51±4.60) % vs. (8.06±3.49) %, t=1.59, P=0.120], V 30 [ (1.49±0.69) % vs. (1.51±0.71) %, t=-0.06, P=0.952] and D mean [ (3.99±0.97) Gy vs. (3.90±1.03) Gy, t=0.56, P=0.581] of heart between the two plans. Conclusion:TD and VMAT can meet the clinical dosimetry requirements for patients with left breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery. However, the two techniques have their own characteristics. VMAT has better conformity and TD has better uniformity. TD is significantly better than VMAT in protecting the right lung, right breast and spinal cord of healthy organs at risk. VMAT is better in protecting the left lung. Both VMAT and TD basically achieve the same protection for heart.

Solid papillary carcinoma of the breast

Solid Papillary Carcinoma (SPC) of the breast is a rare tumor with an incidence of less than 1%, mainly affecting elderly females. It is morphologically characterized by well-defined nodules with low-grade nuclear features associated with fibrovascular cores and shows neuroendocrine differentiation. SPC can be in-situ or invasive but has a favorable prognosis. It is a morphological mimicker of some pre-malignant conditions leading to its frequent misdiagnosis. An appropriate immunohistochemical (IHC) panel workup helps in distinguishing this tumor from its various morphological mimics. In this report, we present one such case of SPC with a small focus of invasion, reviewing the literature.

Trends in bilateral mastectomy for cases of unilateral breast cancer in a Brazilian institute over a 10-year period

Introduction: There has been a substantial increase worldwide in the number of women with unilateral breast cancer who undergo bilateral mastectomy. Possible contributing factors include the advent of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and an improvement in breast reconstruction techniques. This study evaluated the trend in bilateral mastectomy at the Ceará Cancer Institute in Brazil. Methods: Patients with unilateral breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction were evaluated retrospectively between 2009 and 2018. Clinical, pathological and surgical factors were analyzed to determine their possible effects on the type of surgery performed. Results: Of 121 patients, 77 (63.6%) were submitted to unilateral mastectomy, while 44 (36.4%) underwent bilateral mastectomy. Most were treated with NSM (n = 66; 54.5%), with this technique being significantly associated with bilateral mastectomy (p < 0.001). Bilateral mastectomy increased significantly over the period (p = 0.009; r2 = 0.592), but unilateral mastectomy did not (p = 0.417; r2 = 0.084). Age < 45 years (p = 0.007) and negative axilla (p = 0.003) were also associated with bilateral mastectomy, while axillary dissection was associated with unilateral mastectomy (p = 0.028). Multivariate analysis showed the 2016-2018 period to be an independent factor associated with bilateral mastectomy. Conclusions: These results corroborate the international literature. From 2010 onwards, there was a trend towards an increase in bilateral mastectomy with breast reconstruction. These data may contribute to multidisciplinary debates, facilitating the establishment of guidelines. Further studies are required to improve understanding of this phenomenon in Brazil.

Dosimetric study of helical tomotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy simultaneous integrated boost for patients receiving breast-conserving surgery of left breast / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the dosimetric characteristics of helical tomotherapy (HT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) after left breast conserving surgery.Methods:Twenty-four patients with left breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery who were admitted to the Department of Radiation Oncology of Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province from May 2016 to May 2019 were selected. The HT plan and the VMAT plan were designed for the same patient. The target dose and the dose volume parameters of organs at risk were compared and analyzed in the two radiotherapy plans.Results:There were significant differences in the D 2% [(59.68±0.46) Gy vs. (60.06±0.20) Gy, t=-4.229, P<0.001], D 98% [(57.46±0.44) Gy vs. (57.20±0.07) Gy, t=2.912, P<0.001], conformity index (CI) (0.80±0.05 vs. 0.76±0.04, t=4.079, P<0.001) and homogeneity index (HI) (0.04±0.01 vs. 0.05±0.00, t=-5.505, P<0.001) of the planning gross tumor volume (PGTV) between the HT and VMAT plans. However, there was no significant difference in the D 50% [(58.77±0.46) Gy vs. (58.75±0.11) Gy, t=0.179, P=0.859]. There were significant differences in the D 50% [(51.99±0.39) Gy vs. (52.39±0.36) Gy, t=-5.278, P<0.001], D 98% [(49.46±0.29) Gy vs. (48.35±0.46) Gy, t=9.538, P<0.001] and HI (0.19±0.01 vs. 0.21±0.01, t=-7.538, P<0.001) of the planned target volume (PTV) between the two plans. However, there were no significant differences in the D 2% [(59.13±0.64) Gy vs. (59.09±0.46) Gy, t=0.511, P=0.614] and CI (0.83±0.04 vs. 0.82±0.04, t=1.637, P=0.115). In terms of organs at risk, there were significant differences in the V 5 [(57.90±1.42)% vs. (52.40±5.74)%, t=4.812, P<0.001], V 20 [(22.40±2.17)% vs. (18.40±3.16)%, t=5.573, P<0.001] and D mean [(12.71±0.55) Gy vs. (11.46±1.26) Gy, t=4.963, P<0.001] of left lung, D mean of right lung [(3.42±0.27) Gy vs. (2.49±0.24) Gy, t=13.310, P<0.001], D mean of right breast [(4.41±0.50) Gy vs. (3.12±0.65) Gy, t=10.326, P<0.001], V 30 [(0.55±0.37)% vs. (1.24±1.11)%, t=-4.020, P=0.001] and D mean of heart [(4.68±0.62) Gy vs. (3.83±0.88) Gy, t=7.335, P<0.001], D mean of left atrium [(2.53±0.31) Gy vs. (2.16±0.28) Gy, t=5.488, P<0.001], D mean of right atrium [(2.77±0.43) Gy vs. (2.20±0.30) Gy, t=7.103, P<0.001], D mean of right ventricle [(5.10±0.72) Gy vs. (3.72±0.94) Gy, t=9.802, P<0.001] and D 2% of spinal cord [(14.79±2.73) Gy vs. (5.42±2.23) Gy, t=14.788, P<0.001] between HT and VMAT plans. There was no significant difference in the D mean of left ventricle [(5.10±1.19) Gy vs. (4.80±1.54) Gy, t=1.250, P=0.224]. Conclusion:Both the HT plan and the VMAT plan can meet the treatment requirements. The HT plan can provide better target area conformity and dose uniformity. The VMAT plan has more advantages in terms of organs at risk. The HT plan shows an advantage only in exposure to high-dose area.

Sarcoma primitivo de mama: presentación de un caso / Primary breast sarcoma: case report

RESUMEN Fundamento: el sarcoma primitivo de la mama es el tumor maligno no epitelial menos frecuente de este órgano, representa menos del 1 % de los cánceres de la mama. Presentan un pronóstico sombrío con presencia de metástasis tempranas y una supervivencia muy pobre. Objetivo: presentar el caso de una paciente femenina que presenta un sarcoma primitivo gigante de mama. Presentación del caso: paciente femenina, de 56 años de edad que presenta sarcoma primitivo que ocupa prácticamente toda la mama izquierda. Conclusiones: el sarcoma primitivo de la mama es una enfermedad de infrecuente aparición, por lo cual se considera de interés para los profesionales de la salud su publicación.

ABSTRACT Background: primary breast sarcoma is the least frequent non-epithelial malignant tumor, representing less than 1 % of all breast cancers. It has a dismal prognosis with the presence of early metastases and a very poor survival. Objective: to explain a case of a 56 years old female patient with a large ulcerated primary breast sarcoma. Case report: a case of a 56 years old female patient with a large ulcerated primitive sarcoma in the left breast is presented. Conclusions: the publication of this report has clinical interest for health professionals due to the rarity of the primary sarcoma of the breast.

Análise postural fotogramétrica após exercícios supervisionados em mulheres pós-cirurgia oncológica mamária / Photogrammetric postural analysis after supervised exercises in breast cancer after surgery women

Uma das complicações no pós-cirúrgico de câncer de mama é a alteração na postura, no entanto os estudos enfocam mais a amplitude de movimento do ombro. Objetivo: Estudo quantitativo que teve como objetivo avaliar a amplitude de movimento do ombro e a postura de pacientes pós-cirurgia oncológica mamária, antes e após seis meses de tratamento com exercícios supervisionados. Métodos: Participaram 12 mulheres em pós-operatório, após a realização de exercícios semanais durante uma hora. Para avaliar a abdução de ombro, foram realizadas fotografias semanais durante o primeiro mês e, para a avaliação da postura, o registro foi realizado mensalmente durante seis meses de exercícios supervisionados. As imagens foram analisadas por intermédio do aplicativo ALCimagem-2000 e SAPO versão 0.68. Resultados: Houve incremento significativo da abdução do ombro do lado da cirurgia (p<0,05) e diminuição significativa do triângulo de tales bilateral (p<0,05). Conclusão: A aplicação de exercícios supervisionados se mostrou importante na correção de desvios posturais e na recuperação da abdução de ombro.

One of the complications in the post-surgery of breast cancer is the change in posture, however the studies focus more on the range of motion of the shoulder. Objective: A quantitative study aimed at evaluating shoulder range of motion and posture of patients after breast surgery, before and after six months of treatment with supervised exercises. Methods: Twelve women participated in the postoperative period after weekly exercises for one hour. Evaluating the abduction of the shoulder, weekly photographs was taked during the first month and, for the evaluation of the posture, the recording was performed monthly during six months of supervised exercises. The images were analyzed through the application LCimagem-2000 and SAPO versão 0.68. Results: There was a significant increase in the abduction of the shoulder on the surgery side (p <0.05) and a significant decrease in the bilateral triangle (p <0.05). Conclusion: The application of supervised exercises was shown to be important in the correction of postural deviations and recovery of shoulder abduction

Atrial Function in Patients with Breast Cancer After Treatment with Anthracyclines / Função Atrial em Pacientes com Câncer de Mama Após tratamento com Antraciclinas

Abstract Background: Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) is used to predict atrial fibrillation, measured by echocardiography. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess atrial EMD and mechanical function after anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. Methods: Fifty-three patients with breast cancer (48 ± 8 years old) who received 240 mg/m2of Adriamycin, 2400 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide, and 960 mg/m2 of paclitaxel were included in this retrospective study, as were 42 healthy subjects (47 ± 9 years old). Echocardiographic measurements were performed 11 ± 7 months (median 9 months) after treatment with anthracyclines. Results: Left intra-atrial EMD (11.4 ± 6.0 vs. 8.1 ± 4.9, p=0.008) and inter-atrial EMD (19.7 ± 7.4 vs. 14.7 ± 6.5, p=0.001) were prolonged; LA passive emptying volume and fraction were decreased (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001); LA active emptying volume and fraction were increased (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001); Mitral A velocity (0.8 ± 0.2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2, p=0.0001) and mitral E-wave deceleration time (201.2 ± 35.6 vs. 163.7 ± 21.8, p=0.0001) were increased; Mitral E/A ratio (1.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3, p=0.0001) and mitral Em (0.09 ± 0.03 vs. 0.11 ± 0.03, p=0.001) were decreased; Mitral Am (0.11 ± 0.02 vs. 0.09 ± 0.02, p=0.0001) and mitral E/Em ratio (8.8 ± 3.2 vs. 7.6 ± 2.6, p=0.017) were increased in the patients. Conclusions: In patients with breast cancer after anthracycline therapy: Left intra-atrial, inter-atrial electromechanical intervals were prolonged. Diastolic function was impaired. Impaired left ventricular relaxation and left atrial electrical conduction could be contributing to the development of atrial arrhythmias.

Resumo Fundamento: Atraso eletromecânico atrial (AEA) é utilizado para prever fibrilação atrial, medido pela ecocardiografia. Objetivos: O propósito deste estudo era verificar o AEA e a função mecânica após quimioterapia com antraciclinas. Métodos: Cinquenta e três pacientes com câncer de mama (48 ± 8 anos) que receberam 240 mg/m2 de adriamicina, 2400 mg/m2 de ciclofosfamida, e 960 mg/m2 de paclitaxel foram incluídas neste estudo retrospectivo, além de 42 indivíduos saudáveis (47 ± 9 anos). Medidas ecocardiográficas foram realizadas por aproximadamente 11 ± 7 meses (média de 9 meses) após tratamento com antraciclinas. Resultados: AEA esquerdo intra-atrial (11,4 ± 6,0 vs. 8,1 ± 4,9, p=0,008) e AEA interarterial (19,7 ± 7,4 vs. 14,7 ± 6,5, p=0,001) foram prolongados; Volume de esvaziamento passivo e fracionamento de AE diminuíram (p=0,0001 e p=0,0001); Volume de esvaziamento ativo e fracionamento de AE (p=0,0001 e p=0,0001); Tempo de aceleração mitral A (0,8 ± 0,2 vs. 0,6 ± 0,2, p=0,0001) e de desaceleração de onda-E mitral (201,2 ± 35,6 vs. 163,7 ± 21,8, p=0,0001) aumentarão; Razão mitral E/A (1,0 ± 0,3 vs. 1,3 ± 0,3, p=0,0001) e mitral Em (0,09 ± 0,03 vs. 0,11 ± 0,03, p=0,001) diminuíram; Razão mitral Am (0,11 ± 0,02 vs. 0,09 ± 0,02, p=0,0001) e mitral E/Em (8,8 ± 3,2 vs. 7,6 ± 2,6, p=0,017) aumentaram nos pacientes. Conclusões: Em pacientes com câncer de mama após terapia com antraciclina: intervalos eletromecânicos intra-atriais esquerdos, intra-atriais foram prolongados. A função diastólica foi prejudicada. O relaxamento ventricular esquerdo foi prejudicado, e a condução elétrica atrial esquerda pode estar contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de arritmias atriais.