Germline Mutations Landscape in a Cohort of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in Patients Who Underwent Genetic Counseling for Gynecological and Breast Cancer / Cenário de mutações germinativas em uma coorte do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, em pacientes submetidas ao aconselhamento genético para câncer ginecológico e de mama

Abstract Objective The present study evaluated the profile of germline mutations present in patients who underwent genetic counseling for risk assessment for breast cancer (BC), ovarian cancer (OC), and endometrial cancer (EC) with a possible hereditary pattern. Methods Medical records of 382 patients who underwent genetic counseling after signing an informed consent form were analyzed. A total of 55.76% of patients (213/382) were symptomatic (personal history of cancer), and 44.24% (169/382) were asymptomatic (absence of the disease). The variables analyzed were age, sex, place of birth, personal or family history of BC, OC, EC, as well as other types of cancer associated with hereditary syndromes. The Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) nomenclature guidelines were used to name the variants, and their biological significance was determined by comparing 11 databases. Results We identified 53 distinct mutations: 29 pathogenic variants, 13 variants of undetermined significance (VUS), and 11 benign. The most frequent mutations were BRCA1 c.470_471delCT, BRCA1 c.4675 + 1G > T, and BRCA2 c.2T> G. Furthermore, 21 variants appear to have been described for the first time in Brazil. In addition to BRCA1/2 mutations, variants in other genes related to hereditary syndromes that predispose to gynecological cancers were found. Conclusion This study allowed a deeper understanding of the main mutations identified in families in the state of Minas Gerais and demonstrates the need to assess the family history of non-gynecological cancer for risk assessment of BC, OC, and EC. Moreover, it is an effort that contributes to population studies to evaluate the cancer risk mutation profile in Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo avaliou o perfil de mutações germinativas presentes em pacientes submetidas a aconselhamento genético para avaliação de risco para câncer de mama (CM), câncer de ovário (OC) e câncer de endométrio (CE) com possível padrão hereditário. Métodos Foram analisados os prontuários de 382 pacientes que realizaram aconselhamento genético após consentimento informado. Um total de 55,76% dos pacientes (213/382) eram sintomáticos (história pessoal de câncer), e 44,24% (169/382) eram assintomáticos (ausência da doença). As variáveis analisadas foram idade, sexo, naturalidade, história pessoal ou familiar de CM, OC, CE bem como outros tipos de câncer associados a síndromes hereditárias. As diretrizes de nomenclatura da Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) foram usadas para nomear as variantes e seu significado biológico foi determinado pela comparação de 11 bancos de dados. Resultados Identificamos 53 mutações distintas: 29 variantes patogênicas, 13 variantes de significado indeterminado e 11 benignas. As mutações mais frequentes foram BRCA1 c.470_471delCT, BRCA1 c.4675 + 1G > T e BRCA2 c.2T > G. Além disso, 21 variantes parecem ter sido descritas pela primeira vez no Brasil. Além das mutações BRCA1/2, foram encontradas variantes em outros genes relacionados a síndromes hereditárias que predispõem a cânceres ginecológicos. Conclusão Este estudo permitiu conhecer melhor as principais mutações identificadas nas famílias do estado de Minas Gerais e demonstra a necessidade de avaliar a história familiar de câncer não ginecológico para avaliação do risco de CM, OC e CE. Além disso, é um esforço que contribui com estudos populacionais para avaliar o perfil de mutações de risco para câncer no Brasil.

Effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use in women with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Patients with gynecological cancer commonly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods to cope with the disease. However, despite the existence of treatment strategies, the effect of fear and anxiety caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on attitudes about CAM use is unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of fear and anxiety experienced by patients with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic on their attitudes towards the use of CAM.@*METHODS@#This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that included 177 women with gynecological cancer; participants were recruited from a social networking site for cancer patients in Turkey between June and December 2021. Data were collected using an online survey that included the Personal Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Attitude Towards Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson's correlation test, and simple linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the data.@*RESULTS@#During the pandemic, 55.4% of the participants reported using CAM methods, but only 22.6% were using CAM before the pandemic. The participants who used CAM during the pandemic also scored higher on the fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety scales (20.69 ± 5.37 and 13.09 ± 6.29, respectively) compared to the participants who did not use CAM (9.29 ± 2.72 and 6.35 ± 2.06, respectively). Fear of COVID-19 accounted for 52% of the CAM attitude score, while coronavirus anxiety accounted for 15% of the CAM attitude score. Fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety together accounted for 53% of CAM attitude.@*CONCLUSION@#Gynecological cancer patients with high levels of COVID-19-related anxiety and fear during the pandemic used CAM more. Given that the psychological effects of the pandemic will continue in the coming years, CAM use should be evaluated as a coping strategy, especially due to the COVID-19-related anxiety and fear experienced by patients with gynecological cancer. While the rational and effective CAM methods should be supported, strategies should be developed to prevent misuse of CAM and its interference in prescribed medical treatments. Please cite this article as: Uslu-Sahan F, Yesilcınar I, Kurt G, Hancer E, Guvenc G. Effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use in women with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(4): 377-384.

Management Strategies for Sexuality Complaints after Gynecologic Cancer: A Systematic Review / Estratégias para enfrentamento de queixas da sexualidade após câncer ginecológico: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective To explore the main sexuality complaints of gynecologic cancer survivors after treatment and to identify the care strategies provided. Data Source Searches were conducted in six electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and EMBASE. Study Selection Articles published between 2010 and 2020 were selected and the following descriptors were used in the English language: female genital neoplasms and gynaecological cancer. The methodological quality of the studies used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data Collection The primary data extracted were: names of the authors, year of publication, country of origin, objective and type of study, data collection instrument, sample size and age range, types of cancer, and symptoms affected with the strategies adopted. Data Summary A total of 34 out of 2,536 screened articles were included. The main strategies found for patient care were patient-clinician communication, practices for sexuality care, individualized care plan, multiprofessional team support, and development of rehabilitation programs. For sexuality care, the most common practices are pelvic physiotherapy sessions and the use of vaginal gels and moisturizers. Conclusion The main complaints identified in the scientific literature were low libido and lack of interest in sexual activity, vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, and stenosis. Different care strategies may be adopted, such as follow-up with a multidisciplinary health team and sexual health rehabilitation programs, which could minimize these symptoms and ensure the quality of life of patients.

Resumo Objetivo Explorar as principais queixas da sexualidade com sobreviventes de câncer ginecológico após o tratamento e identificar as estratégias de cuidados prestados. Fonte dos Dados As buscas foram realizadas em seis bases eletrônicas: Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, MEDLINE, PsychINFO e EMBASE. Seleção dos Estudos Foram selecionados artigos publicados entre 2010 e 2020 e os descritores utilizados (em inglês) foram female genital neoplasms e gynaecological cancer. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos utilizou a ferramenta Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Coleta de Dados Os principais dados extraídos foram: nomes dos autores, ano de publicação, país de origem, objetivo e tipo de estudo, instrumento para coleta de dados, tamanho da amostra e faixa etária, tipos de câncer, os sintomas acometidos e as estratégias adotadas. Síntese dos Dados Dos 2,536 artigos identificados, 34 foram incluídos. As principais estratégias encontradas para os cuidados aos pacientes foram a comunicação paciente-médico, práticas para os cuidados sexuais, plano de cuidados individualizado, apoio a equipes multiprofissionais e desenvolvimento de programas de reabilitação. Para os cuidados de sexualidade, as práticas mais comuns são sessões de fisioterapia pélvica e o uso de géis vaginais e hidratantes. Conclusão As principais queixas identificadas na literatura científica foram baixa libido e falta de interesse na atividade sexual, secura vaginal, dor durante a relação sexual e estenose. Diferentes estratégias de cuidados podem ser adotadas, como o acompanhamento com uma equipe de saúde multidisciplinar e programas de reabilitação da saúde sexual, as quais poderiam minimizar estes sintomas e garantir a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Comportamiento de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva en cáncer ginecológico en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología / Behavior of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Gynecological Cancer at the National Institute of Oncology

Introducción: El tratamiento quirúrgico laparoscópico es utilizado en pacientes con cáncer de endometrio, cérvicouterino en estadio temprano y en el estadiamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de ovario. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva en el cáncer ginecológico en pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo de todas las pacientes con cáncer ginecológico (n = 112) tratadas por cirugía laparoscópica, en el período comprendido desde marzo de 2018 hasta marzo de 2019 en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, índice de masa corporal, diagnóstico, tipo histológico, entre otras. Resultados: El grupo etario predominante fue de 61 a 70 años. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue el adenocarcinoma de endometrio con el 54,46 por ciento. El proceder quirúrgico más utilizado fue la histerectomía total con doble anexectomía. Con relación al índice de masa corporal, las obesas representaron un 40,17 por ciento. El tiempo medio del acto operatorio fue de 96,3 minutos con un rango de 33 a 143 minutos y la estadía hospitalaria fue menor de 24 horas en el 98,21 por ciento de las pacientes. No se presentaron complicaciones y en cuanto a la conversión quirúrgica se realizó en el 1,79 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: La cirugía laparoscópica en pacientes con cáncer ginecológico constituye un procedimiento factible y una alternativa eficaz para pacientes con adenocarcinoma de endometrio, carcinoma de cérvix en etapa temprana y en el estadiamiento ovárico(AU)

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgical treatment is used in patients with endometrial cancer and early stage cervical-uterine cancer, as well as for the surgical staging of ovarian cancer. Objective: To describe the behavior of minimally invasive surgery in gynecological cancer in patients of the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Cuba. Methods: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was carried out, in all the patients with gynecological cancer (n=112) treated by laparoscopic surgery, in the period from March 2018 to March 2019 at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology. The variables studied were age, body mass index, diagnosis, histological type, among others. Results: The predominant age group was 61 to 70 years. The most frequent diagnosis was endometrial adenocarcinoma, accounting for with 54.46 percent. The most frequently used surgical procedure was total hysterectomy with double adnexectomy. Regarding body mass index, obese women represented 40.17 percent. The mean operative time was 96.3 minutes, with a range of 33 to 143 minutes; while hospital stay was less than 24 hours in 98.21 percent of the patients. There were no complications, while surgical conversion was performed in 1.79 percent of the cases. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery in patients with gynecologic cancer is a feasible procedure and an effective alternative for patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and early stage cervical carcinoma, as well as for ovarian cancer staging(AU)

Seven Cases of Depression and Anxiety in Gynecological Cancer Survivors Treated with an Herbal Medicine Called Kososan / 日本東洋医学雑誌

The lifetime incidence of cancer in women is about 50%, with some gynecological cancers increasing, and the prevalence of depression in patients is assumed to be about 12-25%1）. Depression is thought to affect not only suicide but also death from cancer2）, and it is important to provide psychological care to patients as survivors from the time they are diagnosed with cancer. Psychotropic drugs are often chosen for treatment, but side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, drowsiness, and constipation are observed, and the quality of life of cancer patients can be increasingly compromised.In this article, we report on seven cases of gynecological cancer survivors who experienced significant efficacy of kososan for the depression and anxiety resulting from stress they felt during various processes such as diagnosis, notification, treatment, recurrence, and best supportive care (BSC). Kososan is a qi-regulating formula, and its efficacy in improving depression has been described since ancient times. In particular, it can be widely used for qi problems of women with a deficiency pattern, and its application to gynecological cancer treatment is considered to be very useful.

Impact of Dietitian Delivered Intensive Nutrition Intervention on Dietary Intake and Weight Outcome Among Gynecology Cancer Outpatient Prior to Surgery

@#Introduction: This is open label randomised control trial, aimed to identify whether an early (commenced at the time of diagnosis) and intensive nutrition intervention (INI) (individualised dietary counselling, oral nutritional supplements [ONS], telephone, and home visit) can improve weight and dietary intake of gynaecological cancer (GC) patients preoperatively. Methods: Selected GC patients planned for surgery were randomly grouped into control group (CG) (n = 35) and intervention group (IG) (n = 34). Malnutrition screening tool (MST) was used as a screening tool, while Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) was used as a nutrition assessment tool. IG received an intensive individualised dietary counselling with the supply of ONS at baseline (Day 1). This continued with telephone and home visit follow-up by research dietitian (Day 3 and Day 6). Meanwhile, CG only received general nutritional counselling without supply of ONS. Final assessment was conducted on Day 14. The primary outcomes included weight changes measured using TANITA and dietary intake assessment using 24-hour diet recall. Results: Mean duration of INI was 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, there was a significant weight change between groups (p < 0.001), with 0.14% weight gain in IG and 1.3% weight reduction in CG. Mean energy and protein intake of IG were higher compared to CG by +329 kcal/day and +12.2 g/day, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that INI that incorporated individualised dietary counselling, ONS, telephone counselling, and home visit can increase energy and protein intake of GC patients, resulting in weight gain.

Urinotórax en una paciente con cáncer de pulmón y un segundo tumor primario / Urinothorax in a patient with lung cancer and a second primary tumor

Se describe el caso clínico de una paciente de 51 años de edad con antecedente de neoplasia de pulmón derecho, para lo cual recibió tratamiento con quimioterapia. Aproximadamente 3 años después comenzó a presentar dolor tipo cólico en flanco y fosa lumbar izquierdos acompañado de caída del volumen urinario, por lo que fue atendida en el Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba donde se le diagnosticó cáncer de cuello uterino, etapa IIIB. Se efectuó nefrostomía percutánea izquierda y el nivel del derrame pleural desapareció al transcurrir una semana. La paciente egresó con adecuada diuresis y cifras normales de creatinina; posteriormente se le indicó radioterapia contra el cáncer ginecológico.

The case report of a 51 years patient with a history of neoplasm in the right lung is described, for which she received treatment with chemotherapy. Approximately 3 years later she began to present colic type pain in left flank and lumbar cavity accompanied by fall of the urinary volume, reason why she was assisted in Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba where she was diagnosed cervical cancer, stage IIIB. Left percutaneous nephrostomy was made and the level of pleural effusion disappeared within a week. The patient was discharged with appropriate diuresis and normal figures of creatinine; later on radiotherapy was indicated against the gynecological cancer.

Demographic Profile of Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Study Conducted in Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India

Introduction: Worldwide, cervical cancer remains the most common gynecological cancer and the fourth most commonmalignancy in women, with over 526,000 women globally developing this tumor as reported in 2015 and 239,000 women dyingof the disease every year. To date, there are limited data of cervical cancer in Kashmir, India.Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze the demographic spectrum of cervical cancer in Kashmir.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. All the patients who had histopathologically confirmed cervical cancer,registered at Regional Cancer Center of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, were included, between2008 and 2015. All the patient characteristics including age, presentation, type of cancer, stage of cancer, parity, and treatmentreceived in each case were studied in detail.Results: The present study included 120 patients of cervical cancer. The median age of patients was 51 years. Majority of ourpatients were multiparous (88.3%) and from a rural background (74%). The most common presenting complaint was abnormal vaginalbleeding (70%) followed by abdominal pain (19%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of cervical carcinomaseen in 95% of patients followed by adenocarcinoma (5%). Most of the patients (66.67%) presented at late Stages (II, III, and IV).Conclusion: Early detection will reduce the number of deaths of cervical cancer patients. Asignificant number of cervical cancer patientsin Kashmir present with an advanced stage of disease. Cervical cancers are observed at a middle age group that is >40 years of age.People should be educated for an early consultation for symptoms, and high-risk individuals should be encouraged for screening. Thehealth programs about cervical cancer should be carried out in open places to give more information about cervical cancer to the public.

Estado nutricional en pacientes con cáncer cervico-uterino al ingreso hospitalario / Nutritional status in patients with cervical cancer at hospital admission

RESUMEN Existe un gran aumento de la frecuencia de desnutrición en pacientes con cáncer, sin embargo, la información disponible sobre la evaluación del estado de nutrición en pacientes con cáncer cervicouterino (CaCu) es limitada. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, transversal. Se realizó una revisión de expedientes clínicos, en los cuales, el estado nutricional fue evaluado con una valoración nutricional institucional que incluye parámetros antropométricos (peso, IMC, pliegue cutáneo tricipital (PCT), circunferencia media de brazo (CMB), % masa grasa), bioquímicos (albúmina, hemoglobina, linfocitos) y dietéticos (consumo energético y proteico). Resultados: Se incluyeron 195 expedientes de pacientes con CaCu. La frecuencia de los estadios tempranos fue de 51.8% y en esas pacientes existió una prevalencia de desnutrición determinada por la albúmina de 9.75% y de 25.13 % de acuerdo a los linfocitos, incrementándose a 41.18% de desnutrición de acuerdo al PCT en estadios avanzados. Se encontraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el estadio clínico y la ingesta calórica (r= −0.3062 p< 0.0001), la concentración de albúmina (r= −0.4732 p< 0.0001) y la circunferencia media de brazo (r= −0.2564 p= 0.0003). Conclusión: El estado nutricional en estadios tempranos del CaCu no presenta alteraciones, mientras que en estadios intermedios y avanzados la alteración del estado nutricional aumenta.

ABSTRACT There is a high frequency of malnutrition in cancer patients; however, available information on the assessment of nutritional status in patients with cervical cancer is limited. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Clinical records were reviewed; nutritional status was evaluated with the institutional nutritional evaluation tool that includes anthropometric (weight, BMI, tricipital skin fold, medium arm circumference, fat mass %), biochemical (albumin, hemoglobin, lymphocytes) and diet parameters (energy and protein consumption). Results: We included the records of 195 patients with cervical cancer. The frequency of the early stage cancer was 51.8% and in those patients there was a prevalence of malnutrition, determined by albumin, of 9.75% and 25.13% according to the lymphocytes, increasing to 41.18% measured by tricipital skin fold among patients with advanced-stage cancer. Statistically significant correlations were found between clinical stage and caloric intake (r= −0.3062 p< 0.0001), albumin concentration (r= −0.4732 p <0.0001) and mean arm circumference (r = −0.2564 p= 0.0003). Conclusion: The nutritional status in early stages of CaCu does not present alterations, while in intermediate and advanced stages the alteration of nutritional status may increase.

Micrometástasis ganglionares en pacientes con cáncer ginecológico. Serie de casos y revisión de la bibliografía / Nodal micrometastasis in gynecological cancer patients. Case series and literature review

Resumen OBJETIVO: Identificar micrometástasis ganglionares en neoplasias malignas ginecológicas, y las características histopatológicas y clínicas asociadas con los hallazgos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo efectuado en pacientes con uno o más ganglios con micrometástasis identificados en cirugías primarias etapificadoras por cáncer de endometrio, ovario o cervicouterino, linfadenectomía sistemática o ganglio centinela, atendidas en el Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia Dr. Luis Castelazo Ayala, de enero de 2014 a diciembre de 2018. Criterios de exclusión: ausencia micrometástasis ganglionares. Criterios de eliminación: información incompleta en el expediente clínico, sin seguimiento y falta de evidencia patológica de micrometástasis ganglionar. Variables de estudio: identificación de ganglios con micrometástasis, diagnóstico de cáncer ginecológico por tratamiento quirúrgico y tasa de supervivencia. Para la revisión bibliográfica se consultó la base de datos de PubMed, con MeSH o palabras clave: "micrometástasis ganglionares" y "cáncer de ovario"; "cáncer de endometrio", "cáncer cervicouterino" y "cáncer ginecológico con micrometástasis". RESULTADOS: Se registraron 11 casos de micrometástasis ganglionares, de un total de 433 con cáncer de ovario, endometrio o cervicouterino. No se aplicaron pruebas estadísticas por lo limitado de la muestra. En todos los casos se identificó, mínimo, un ganglio con micrometástasis, con ganglio centinela o linfadenectomía sistemática. Todas las pacientes recibieron tratamiento coadyuvante. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante efectuar la identificación de micrometástasis en linfadenectomías sistemáticas mediante la tinción con hematoxilina-eosina (es la metodología más accesible y económica para el sistema público de salud de México) o búsqueda de ganglio centinela, con la finalidad de determinar la frecuencia en población mexicana y establecer la etapa patológica real de la enfermedad.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To identify lymph node micrometastases in malignant gynecological neoplasms and their histopathological and clinical characteristics associated with the findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study performed in patients with one or more lymph nodes with micrometastases in primary stage surgery for endometrial, ovarian or cervical cancer, systematic lymphadenectomy or sentinel node, attended at the Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Dr. Luis Castelazo Ayala, from January 2014 to December 2018. Exclusion criteria: no ganglion micrometastases. Elimination criteria: incomplete information in the clinical file, without follow-up and lack of pathological evidence of lymph node micrometastasis. The variables to be considered were: identification of lymph nodes with micrometastases, diagnosis of gynecological cancer by surgical treatment and survival rate. For the literature review, the PubMed database was consulted, with key words such as "ganglionic micrometastases" and "ovarian cancer", "endometrial cancer", "cervical cancer" and "gynecological cancer with micrometastasis". RESULTS: There were 11 cases of lymph node micrometastases, of a total of 433 with ovarian, endometrial or cervical cancer. No statistical tests were applied because of the limited sample. In all cases, a lymph node with micrometastasis, with a sentinel lymph node or systematic lymphadenectomy was identified. All patients received coadjuvant treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to identify micrometastases in systematic lymphadenectomy by staining with haematoxylin-eosin (the most accessible and economical methodology for the public health system in Mexico) or sentinel lymph node search, in order to determine the frequency in the Mexican population and establish the actual pathological stage of the disease.

Cáncer ginecológico hereditario en la era de la medicina genómica

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by accumulation of sporadic genetic changes in the tumor tissue, generally after the age of 50. However, 10% to 30% of cases occur before the age of 50, some have a family history of cancer and may have inherited genetic changes that are transmitted from generation to generation and are present since conception. The number of genes identified is more than 80 related to approximately 200 genetic syndromes of predisposition to cancer. The importance of detecting these syndromes in patients and their families is because it allows an accurate diagnosis and prediction of risks and specific controls for each person and family, avoiding illness and death in many cases.

El cáncer es una enfermedad genética producto de la acumulación de cambios genéticos esporádicos en el tejido tumoral. Generalmente se presenta después de los 50 años. Sin embargo, un 10% a 30% de los casos ocurren antes de los 50 años, algunos tienen historia familiar de cáncer y podrían presentar cambios genéticos hereditarios que se transmiten de generación en generación y están presentes desde la concepción. El número de genes que se han identificado son más de 80 relacionados con aproximadamente 200 síndromes genéticos de predisposición al cáncer. La importancia de detectar estos síndromes en los pacientes y familias se debe a que nos permite hacer un diagnóstico preciso, predicción de los riesgos y controles específicos para cada persona y familia, evitando la enfermedad y muerte en muchos casos.

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in gynecologic cancer regression: a review of the literature

Brachytherapy as a form of treatment for gynecological tumors has been used for a long time in Brazil (since 1991) and can be considered as a form of radiotherapy treatment. High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy aims at delivering high dose rates of radiation in restricted volumes of the body, thereby increasing disease control and lower treatment toxicity for adjacent normal tissues. Cervical cancer (CC) is a disease that still affects women in developing countries and, despite being detected by laboratory and imaging tests, in many developing countries these techniques are not yet accessible to all that are affected by cervical cancer. HDR presents important results when isolated or in association with other treatment techniques. Numerous studies have shown that HDR for gynecological cancer presents results that can reach up to 85% cure, and with this it is concluded that there are few complications during or after treatment, since adjacent tissues are preserved, making HDR a safe procedure for patients and professionals.

The Safety and Immune-efficacy of Fucoidan from Gagome Kombu (Kjellmaniella crassifolia) on Women with the History of Gynecological Cancer / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

Objective: Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide in brown seaweeds. Previous studies show that fucoidan from Gagome kombu (GKF) exhibit immune-enhancing capabilities on healthy adults. In this study, we focused on the women with the history of gynecological cancer and evaluated the safety and immune-efficacy of GKF.Methods: Ten Japanese women subjects were chosen to ingest the test samples (1 drink / day containing 200 mg GKF) for 4 weeks. Before and after ingestion, blood chemistry analysis, hematological analysis, urinalysis and immune analysis were conducted. Result: Results showed no adverse clinical changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious symptoms were observed. Moreover, decrease of serum levels of Eotaxin, IL-7, IL-17 and VEGF were observed.Conclusion: These results indicate that in the case of women with the history of gynecological cancer, GKF is a safe functional food ingredient.

Fatores que interferem na adesão da mulher idosa a programas de prevenção do câncer ginecológico / Factors affecting adhesion by older women to gynecological cancer prevention programs / Factores que influyen en la adhesión de mujeres mayores a los programas de prevención de cáncer ginecológico

Objetivo: discutir os fatores que interferem na adesão da mulher idosa a programas de prevenção do câncer ginecológico. Método: revisão da literatura, realizada na base de dados LILACS, SCIELO e BIREME (2006-2017), em documentos oficiais do Ministério da Saúde e da Sociedade Brasileira de Cancerologia. Foram encontrados 142 artigos, permanecendo no estudo19 artigos, após aplicados os critérios de inclusão. Resultados: foram encontrados cinco fatores que interferem na adesão da mulher a programas de prevenção do câncer ginecológico: a dificuldade de acesso e acessibilidade aos serviços de saúde; os preconceitos da sociedade em geral em relação à velhice; a disponibilidade de uma pessoa para acompanhar a mulher idosa ao serviço de saúde; a insuficiente capacitação dos profissionais de saúde para atuar com a mulher idosa e; pouco investimento em ações de educação em saúde nesta área. Conclusão: para garantir a adesão da mulher idosa aos programas de prevenção de doenças oncológicas, é necessário romper o preconceito de muitos profissionais em relação ao envelhecimento, trabalhando a educação em saúde, a prevenção e a detecção precoce.

Objective: to discuss the factors that affect older women's adhesion to gynecological cancer prevention programs. Method: a literature search of the LILACS, SCIELO and BIREME databases (published in 2006-2017) and in official documents of the Ministry of Health and the Brazilian Cancerology Society found 142 articles, 19 of which were retained for review after applying the inclusion criteria. Results: women's adherence to gynecological cancer prevention programs was found to be affected by five factors: health service access and accessibility difficulties; social prejudices in relation to old age; availability of a person to accompany the older woman to the health service; insufficient training for health professionals to work with older women; and inadequate investment in health education in this area. Conclusion: health education to break down health professionals' prejudice towards aging will help to ensure that older women adhere to cancer prevention programs and facilitate the prevention, early detection and treatment of oncological diseases.

Objetivo: discutir los factores que interfieren en la adhesión de mujeres mayores a programas de prevención del cáncer ginecológico. Método: revisión de la literatura, realizada en las bases de datos LILACS, SCIELO y BIREME (publicadas en 2006-2017), en documentos oficiales del Ministerio de Salud y de la Sociedad Brasileña de Cancerología. Se encontraron 142 artículos, siendo que 19 de ellos permanecieron en el estudio, tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: se encontraron cinco factores que interfieren en la adhesión de la mujer a programas de prevención del cáncer ginecológico: la dificultad de acceso y accesibilidad a los servicios de salud; los prejuicios de la sociedad en general respecto a la vejez; la disponibilidad de una persona para acompañar a la anciana al servicio de salud; la insuficiente capacitación de los profesionales de salud para actuar con la mujer mayor y; baja inversión en acciones de educación en salud en esta área. Conclusión: para garantizar la adhesión de la mujer mayor, hace falta romper el prejuicio de muchos profesionales en relación al envejecimiento, trabajando la educación en salud, la prevención y la detección precoz.

Cross-sectional areas of calf soft tissue measured with MRI as a new method for staging gynecologic oncology-related extremity lymphedema / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To determine whether the cross-sectional area (CSA)of the calf measured with MRI could stage lower ex-tremity lymphedema (LEL)secondary to gynecological cancer treatments.Methods 148 patients were enrolled in this research.116 females with unilateral LEL and 32 without LEL after gynecological cancer treatments underwent calf MRI and water displacement. Total soft tissue CSA (T),muscle CSA (M)and subcutaneous tissue CSA (S)of affected calf,and difference of T (DT),M (DM) and S (DS)between calves were obtained on MRI at mid-calf level.Volume of affected calf and difference of volume (DV)between calves were obtained by water displacement.Statistical analysis was performed to determine feasibility of MRI measurements for ac-cessing LEL.Results There were close correlations between volume and T or S of affected calf,and between DV and DT or DS of calves.The correlations of stages of LEL with T and S of affected calf as well as DT and DS were stronger than the volume of affect-ed calf and DV (P< 0.01).Multivariate analysis showed more significant differences in T and S than in volume of affected calf,and in DS than in DV between LEL stages (P< 0.05).No difference was found in volume of affected calf and in DV between stage 0 andⅠ. For staging LEL,DS showed the most profound discrimination ability among all measurable parameters.Conclusion DS of calves could be the most reliable parameter recommended for staging and early diagnosis of LEL.

Relationship between dyadic coping and intimacy in gynecological cancer patients and partners / 中国心理卫生杂志

Objective:To investigate the dyadic coping and intimacy in gynecological cancer patients and their partners,and to explore the association between the two aspects.Methods:A total of 180 postoperative couples with gynecological cancer from 4 tertiary hospitals were investigated with Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) and Short Marital Adjustment (MAT).The relationship between couples,dyadic coping and intimacy were analyzed with the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).Results:APIM result showed that in the actor effect patients' and spouses'supportive dyadic coping,delegated dyadic coping and common dyadic coping were positive associated with their own intimacy (B =1.77-4.41),patients'and spouses'negative dyadic coping were both adversely associated with their own intimacy (B =-2.81,-2.66).The partner effect showed that patients' supportive dyadic coping and delegated dyadic coping were both positive associated with spouses'intimacy (B =1.00,4.07),spouses'delegated dyadic coping and common dyadic coping were both positive associated with patients' intimacy (B =2.67,2.60),patients' and spouses'negative dyadic coping were negatively associated with partner'intimacy (B =-1.67,-1.40).Conclusion:It suggests that the dyadic coping may be associated with both patients'and partners' intimacy.

Resolving the brachytherapy challenges with government funded hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to rationalize the feasibility and cost‑effectiveness of high dose rate (HDR) cobalt 60 (Co‑60) source versus 192‑Iridium (192‑Ir) source brachytherapy in government funded hospitals and treatment interruption gap because of exchange of sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of gynecological cancer patients, treated by radiotherapy with curative intent between April 2005 and September 2012 was conducted. We analyzed the total number of patients treated for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (Intracavitary brachytherapy or cylindrical vaginal source). The dates for 192‑Ir sources installation and the last date and first date of brachytherapy procedure before and after source installation respectively were also analyzed and calculated the gap in days for brachytherapy interruptions. RESULTS: The study was analyzed the records of 2005 to September 2012 year where eight 192‑Ir sources were installed. The mean gap between treatment interruptions was 123.12 days (range 1‑647 days). The Institutional incidence of gynecological cancer where radiotherapy was treatment modality (except ovary) is 34.9 percent. Around 52.25 percent of patients who received EBRT at this institute were referred to outside hospital for brachytherapy because of unavailability of Iridium source. The cost for 5 year duration for single cobalt source is approximately 20‑22 lakhs while for 15 Iridium sources is approximately 52‑53 lakhs. CONCLUSION: The combined HDR Co‑60 brachytherapy and EBRT provide a useful modality in the treatment of gynecological cancer where radiotherapy is indicated, the treatment interruption because of source exchange is longer and can be minimized by using cobalt source as it is cost‑effective and has 5 year working life. Thus, Co‑60 source for brachytherapy is a feasible option for government funded hospitals in developing countries.

Psychological support and quality of life in patients with gynecological cancer.

The gynecological cancer is the fourth in rate of occurrence in women and its treatment has a significant impact on their quality of life. The aim of the present study was to review the literature related to the impact of cancer on the quality of women’ life, the psychosocial adjustment of women and the possible ways of psychological support. A search was conducted using the CINAHL, Medline, Google, and PubMed. The quality of life of women facing gynecological cancer is significantly affected. Various changes in the everyday life of the patients are observed as well as psychological exhaustion, which often occurs with depressive symptoms including fear and strong anxiety leading sometimes to panic. Sexual disorders also occur, and support should be immediately provided, prior to the announcement of the bad news from a health care professional. The supportive psychotherapy group contributes to the full understanding of the different aspects of the problem. It is also important for the patient to realize that she is not alone in coping with this difficult problem. The use of specific cognitive and behavioural methods can change her way of thinking and coping with her problem by using the most efficient ways. The diagnosis of gynecological cancer can, in many cases, cause severe anxiety and depression. The role of the nurse is important in psychological support and generally in dealing with problems arising from its treatment.

The status of cancer pain and the usage of complementary and alternative medicine among gynecological cancer pain patients / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate the status of cancer pain and the usage of complementary and alternative medicine among gynecological cancer pain patients.Methods Thirty-one patients with cancer pain were investigated with self-designed questionnaire in the Gynecology Department of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University.Results The average score of age was (51.23 ± 11.34) years old,the youngest patient was 23 years old.During the period of cancer,54.84％ (17/31) of the average degree of cancer pain was mild,77.42％ (24/31) of the most severe degree of cancer pain was severe,51.61％ (16/31) of the patients experienced two or more parts of the pain,75.47％ (40/53) of the cancer pain was pelvic pain,72.72％ (24/33) was dull pain.The higher the degree of cancer pain was,the worse the subjective sleep quality was.Merely 25.81％ (8/31) of the patients used complementary and alternative medicine methods to treatment cancer pain,6 cases of them considered that the methods were effective.Conclusions Patients with gynecological cancer became younger and younger,their cancer pain was severe and mostly was pelvic pain and dull pain.Patients' subjective sleep quality was affected by cancer pain.Complementary and alternative methods might mitigate cancer pain but their usage frequency was low,which was anticipated to be more used in clinic.

Retrospective analysis of the clinical rational drug use refer to NCCN antiemetic guideline / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of antiemetics in patients with gynecological cancers during chemotherapy. METHODS: Medical records of 182 patients receiving chemotherapy lor gynecological cancer were evaluated and a descriptive a-nalysis was carried out.Logistic regression was performed to determine the predictors of compliance. RESULTS: The rate of adherence to guideline (CINV) for patients receiving one-day chemotherapy is 80%. prophylactic usage rate in patients receiving multi-days chemotherapy is 95%, with a 47% 5-HT3 receptor antagonist.The adherence to NCCN anti-emesis guideline was better in patients having paclitaxel-based chemotherapy than patients having no paclitaxel. CONCLUSION: As the biggest cancer hospital in China, antiemetics were commonly given as prevention of CINV in the form of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, but antiemetic effect of dexametha-sone was ignored and needed to be emphasized.