Cáncer de mama triple negativo: otra enfermedad y nuevo reto / Triple negative breast cancer: another disease and a new challenge

El cáncer de mama Triple Negativo es un subtipo molecular que se caracteriza por ausencia de expresión de receptores de estrógeno, progesterona y proteína HER2. Representa el 10 % a 15 % de todos los subtipos de cáncer de mama con impacto en el pronóstico y en las líneas de tratamiento; siendo negativo para receptores hormonales y HER2, la terapéutica hormonal y anti-HER2 no cuentan para su manejo. Aún no se dispone de productos dirigidos a blancos específicos para esta categoría.(AU)

The Triple Negative breast cancer is a molecular subtype characterized by no expression of the estrogen, the progesterone and the HER2 protein receptors. They represents 10 % to 15 % of all the breast cancer subtypes with an impact on the prognosis and in the treatment lines; is negative for the hormone receptors and for the HER2, hormonal and the anti-HER2 therapeutics do not count for the management of them. The products targeting specific to this category are not yet available(AU)

Cáncer de mama y su respuesta al tratamiento neoadyuvante según subtipo molecular / Breast cancer and its response to neoadjuvant treatment according to molecular subtipe

El cáncer de mama es una de las patologías más frecuentes a nivel mundial y en el Ecuador ocupa un sitio importante dentro de la mortalidad; en pacientes con tumores de estadios avanzados la quimioterapia neodyuvante es el procedimiento indicado para lograr una reducción tumoral satisfactoria. El objetivo fue determinar la respuesta clínica y patológica en pacientes con cáncer de mama tratadas con quimioterapia neoadyuvante según cada subtipo molecular, atendidos en el hospital "Teodoro Maldonado Carbo" en el período 2015 a 2017. Se hizo uso de un diseño no experimental, transversal de tipo correlacional. Pacientes con cáncer de mama que recibieron neoadyuvancia, en su mayoría con quimioterapia basada en antraciclinas y taxanos. Se clasificó a las pacientes por sus subtipos moleculares, los mismos se obtuvieron en base a las características inmunohistoquímicas de los reportes de patología que constan en el sistema AS-400. Se comprobó la respuesta clínica al tratamiento usando los Criterios RECIST 1.1. Como resultado los 171 pacientes fueron analizados. La edad promedio de las pacientes fue 55 13 años de edad; el 25% fueron luminal B (HER+), 24% luminal B (HER-), 22% triple negativo, 18% HER2+ y 12% luminal A; el 52% de las pacientes tuvieron estadio III de la enfermedad; el 75% (129) de las pacientes fue realizada una mastectomía radical modificada. Se pudo concluir que la respuesta patológica completa en pacientes con tratamiento neoadyuvante se relaciona con los subtipos moleculares y esto es estadísticamente significativo. Además, se evidenció las mayores tasas de respuesta patológica completa en los grupos moleculares de HER2+ y triple negativo.

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent pathologies worldwide and in Ecuador it occupies an important place in mortality. In patients with advanced stage tumors, the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is the indicated procedure to achieve a satisfactory tumor reduction. The aim was to determine the clinical and pathological response in patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to each molecular subtype, treated at the "Teodoro Maldonado Carbo" hospital in the period 2015 to 2017. We used a non-experimental, crosssectional type design. Patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant, mostly with chemotherapy based on anthracyclines and taxanes. The patients were classified by their molecular subtypes, they were obtained based on the immunohistochemical characteristics of the pathology reports that appear in the AS-400 system. The clinical response to treatment was checked using the RECIST 1.1 Criteria. As a result, a sum of 171 patients were analyzed. The average age of the patients was 55 + 13 years old; 25% were luminal B (Her +), 24% luminal B (Her-), 22% triple negative, 18% Her2 + and 12% luminal A; 52% of the patients had stage III of the disease; 75% (129) of the patients underwent a modified radical mastectomy. As a conclusion, the complete pathological response in patients with neoadjuvant treatment is related to molecular subtypes and this is statistically significant. Also, the highest rates of complete pathological response in the molecular groups of Her2 + and triple negative were evident.

Low density lipoprotein modified silica nanoparticles loaded with docetaxel and thalidomide for effective chemotherapy of liver cancer

In the present study, we successfully developed a docetaxel (DTX) and thalidomide (TDD) co-delivery system based on low density lipoprotein (LDL) modified silica nanoparticles (LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD). By employing the tumor homing property of LDL and the drug-loading capability of silica nanoparticles, the prepared LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD was expected to locate and specifically deliver the loaded drugs (DTX and TDD) to achieve effective chemotherapy of liver cancer. In vitro analysis revealed that nano-sized LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD with decent drug loading capabilities was able to increase the delivery efficiency by targeting the low density lipoprotein receptors, which were overexpressed on HepG2 human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line, which exerted better cytotoxicity than unmodified silica nanoparticles and free drugs. In vivo imaging and anti-cancer assays also confirmed the preferable tumor-homing and synergetic anti-cancer effects of LDL/SLN/DTX/TDD.

Pertuzumabe para o tratamento do câncer de mama HER2-positivo metastático em primeira linha de tratamento associado ao trastuzumabe e docetaxel / Pertuzumab for the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in first-line treatment associated with trastuzumab and docetaxel

CONTEXTO: O câncer de mama é o câncer mais incidente nas mulheres no mundo e sua incidência tem crescido devido ao aumento da expectativa de vida, urbanização e adoção de determinados estilos de vida, como modificações na dieta e na atividade física. O câncer de mama tem seu comportamento e tratamento definidos pela localização, idade de apresentação e estadiamento. Os fatores de risco levam em consideração critérios histopatológicos, biológicos e, mais recentemente, moleculares e genéticos. As implicações prognósticas desse câncer têm relação com o status de receptores - estrogênio, progesterona e o Receptor de Fator de Crescimento Epidérmico do Tipo 2 (HER2). De 15 a 20% dos casos de câncer de mama apresentam superexpressão da proteína HER2, codificada pelo gene ERBB2, que é a condição de pior prognóstico, já que confere à célula tumoral comportamento agressivo com aumento do crescimento e proliferação, maior capacidade invasiva e de metastatização. A sobrevida média após o diagnóstico deste tipo de câncer varia de 18 a 24 meses, mas pode ser 50% menor para pacientes com superexpressão de HER2. A definição de câncer de mama metastático inclui a presença da doença que acomete outros sítios além da mama, da parede torácica e das cadeias regionais de drenagem linfática. A sua disseminação pode ocorrer através da via linfática, sanguínea ou por extensão direta do tumor. Em mulheres com câncer de mama metastático HER2-positivo, o tratamento objetiva a melhora da qualidade de vida e o prolongamento da sobrevida, usando terapias que incluem quimioterapia (QT), hormonioterapia, além de medicações alvo. TECNOLOGIA: Pertuzumabe associado ao trastuzumabe em quimioterapia. INDICAÇÃO: Câncer de mama metastático HER2+ PERGUNTA: O uso de pertuzumabe associado ao trastuzumabe e à quimioterapia já oferecida pelo SUS é eficaz, seguro e custo-efetivo para a primeira linha de tratamento de pacientes com câncer de mama metastático HER2+ comparado às terapias atualmente disponíveis no SUS? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Apenas um ensaio clínico de fase III publicado avaliou o uso do pertuzumabe associado ao trastuzumabe e docetaxel para o tratamento de pacientes com câncer de mama metastático HER2+. O estudo indica que a associação possibilita uma sobrevida global (SG) de 56,5 meses e que a introdução do pertuzumabe ao tratamento feito com trastuzumabe e docetaxel possibilita um aumento de SG de 15,7 meses. O perfil de segurança apresenta-se similar ao da associação de docetaxel e trastuzumabe. O uso de trastuzumabe + QT foi associado a uma melhora na SG em relação à QT sozinha. Estudos que utilizaram taxanos (docetaxel ou paclitaxel) como QT associados ou não ao trastuzumabe também demonstram melhora na SG com a associação do trastuzumabe. O perfil de efeitos adversos do trastuzumabe preocupa pelo aumento no risco de eventos cardíacos graves. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Ambos os demandantes apresentaram dados de razão de custoefetividade incremental que, quando utilizados com um horizonte temporal adequado, de aproximadamente 10 anos, indicam que a associação pertuzumabe, trastuzumabe e docetaxel não é custo-efetiva para o tratamento de pacientes no SUS, mesmo quando utilizado o limiar muito elevado de três vezes o PIB per capita proposto (SBOC: R$ 343.151,78 /ano de vida extra no cenário-base e R$ 150.124,40 /ano de vida extra para a avaliação adotando os descontos negociados com o fabricante; Roche: R$ 260.440,00 /ano de vida extra num horizonte temporal de 10 anos). IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Ambos os demandantes apresentaram valores de impacto orçamentário para a introdução do medicamento no SUS; variando de 534 milhões de reais no estudo da SBOC para 885 milhões no estudo da Roche em cinco anos. O estudo da Roche, no entanto, calcula um cenário alternativo no qual o impacto orçamentário, descontando os custos relacionados à judicialização da saúde, seria de 201 milhões de reais em cinco anos. EXPERIÊNCIA INTERNACIONAL: O National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) e o Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) da França recomendam o uso do pertuzumabe em combinação com o trastuzumabe e docetaxel para pacientes com câncer de mama HER2-positivo metastático. O Pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (PCO) do Canadá recomenda o financiamento do pertuzumabe associado ao trastuzumabe e taxano, desde que os preços dos medicamentos fossem ajustados a um limiar de custo-efetividade aceitável. Já o Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) da Escócia e o National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCP) da Irlanda não recomendam o uso do pertuzumabe. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A associação do pertuzumabe ao trastuzumabe e docetaxel para o tratamento de mulheres com câncer de mama metastático HER2+ com IHQ 3+ ou FISH+ foi considerada eficaz e segura. As avaliações econômicas indicam que o medicamento não é custo-efetivo quando comparado à quimioterapia no Brasil. A análise de impacto orçamentário indica a necessidade de investimentos de altos valores. O alto preço de venda do pertuzumabe é o principal parâmetro que influencia desfavoravelmente a relação de custo-efetividade da associação. A negociação de preços com o fabricante poderia ser uma alternativa no sentido de possibilitar o acesso ao medicamento pelos pacientes do SUS. Nenhum dos demandantes incluiu nas suas análises uma avaliação de custo de oportunidade. Essa avaliação é de extrema importância, pois poderia indicar qual o melhor emprego dos investimentos financeiros em vistas aos benefícios para a população, a incorporação da nova tecnologia terapêutica ou ações alternativas como, por exemplo, a melhora do diagnóstico precoce do câncer de mama. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: Na discussão entre os membros do Plenário foram considerados os seguintes pontos: a maioria dos pacientes no principal estudo apresentado era virgem de tratamento com trastuzumabe; o perfil dos pacientes incluídos no estudo é diferente do perfil dos pacientes na vida real; a incorporação do pertuzumabe não se mostrou custo-efetiva e com grande impacto orçamentário ao sistema de saúde. Assim, os membros do Plenário da CONITEC, em sua 53ª reunião ordinária recomendaram que a matéria fosse enviada à Consulta Pública com manifestação preliminar não favorável à incorporação do pertuzumabe associado ao trastuzumabe e docetaxel no tratamento do câncer de mama HER2-positivo metastático em primeira linha de tratamento. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Na consulta pública do relatório de recomendação inicial do pertuzumabe foram recebidas 208 contribuições técnico-científicas e 427 contribuições de experiência ou opinião, sendo a maioria discordante da recomendação inicial da CONITEC. O demandante apresentou análise estratificada do estudo pivotal do pertuzumabe, mostrando os resultados separadamente para as pacientes com metástases visceral e não visceral; as pacientes com metástase visceral representaram 80% do total da população do estudo e tiveram mediana de sobrevida de 20,8 meses. Além disso, o demandante apresentou sua proposta de transferência de tecnologia para a produção do pertuzumabe no Brasil, aceita pelo Ministério da Saúde. Os membros do Plenário discutiram que as pacientes que mais se beneficiariam da incorporação do pertuzumabe seriam as pacientes com metástases viscerais, que apresentam doença mais grave e que, portanto o medicamento deveria ser incorporado para esse subgrupo de pacientes. O Plenário da CONITEC entendeu que houve argumentação suficiente para retificar sua recomendação inicial, desde que haja negociação de preço com a empresa fabricante do medicamento e propôs que o preço máximo permitido para a incorporação do pertuzumabe fosse baseado no valor terapêutico pago pela adição do trastuzumabe à terapia padrão. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC deliberaram por recomendar a incorporação no SUS do pertuzumabe para tratamento do câncer de mama HER2-positivo metastático em primeira linha de tratamento, conforme estabelecido pelas Diretrizes Diagnósticas e Terapêuticas do Ministério da Saúde e condicionado à negociação de preço. DECISÃO: Incorporado pertuzumabe no tratamento do câncer de mama HER2-positivo metastático em primeira linha de tratamento, segundo Portaria SCTIE/MS nº 57, de 4 de dezembro de 2017. (AU)

Exponential Rise in Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) during Anti-Androgen Withdrawal Predicts PSA Flare after Docetaxel Chemotherapy in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between rising patterns of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before chemotherapy and PSA flare during the early phase of chemotherapy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 55 patients with CRPC who received chemotherapy and in whom pre-treatment or post-treatment PSA levels could be serially obtained. The baseline parameters included age, performance, Gleason score, PSA level, and disease extent. PSA doubling time was calculated using the different intervals: the conventional interval from the second hormone manipulation following the nadir until anti-androgen withdrawal (PSADT1), the interval from the initial rise after anti-androgen withdrawal to the start of chemotherapy (PSADT2), and the interval from the nadir until the start of chemotherapy (PSADT3). The PSA growth patterns were analyzed using the ratio of PSADT2 to PSADT1. RESULTS: There were two growth patterns of PSA doubling time: 22 patients (40.0%) had a steady pattern with a more prolonged PSADT2 than PSADT1, while 33 (60.0%) had an accelerating pattern with a shorter PSADT2 than PSADT1. During three cycles of chemotherapy, PSA flare occurred in 11 patients (20.0%); of these patients, 3 were among 33 (9.1%) patients with an accelerating PSA growth pattern and 8 were among 22 patients (36.4%) with a steady PSA growth pattern (p=0.019). Multivariate analysis showed that only PSA growth pattern was an independent predictor of PSA flare (p=0.034). CONCLUSION: An exponential rise in PSA during anti-androgen withdrawal is a significant predictor for PSA flare during chemotherapy in CRPC patients.

Gastric Metastasis from Breast Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Design of precise third-line therapy for gastric cancer: target or chemotherpy?

No abstract available.

Safety of Megestrol Acetate in Palliating Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

There are concerns whether megestrol acetate (MA) stimulates the growth of prostate cancer in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We evaluated the effect of cumulative doses of MA on the disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with CRPC who were receiving Docetaxel-based chemotherapy. From July 2003 through June 2009, we identified 109 consecutive patients with CRPC and who had received docetaxel-based chemotherapy. Of these patients, 68 (62.4%) have not received MA, whereas 21 patients (19.3%) and 20 patients (18.3%) had received low dose MA (total 18,400 mg), respectively. We assessed the effect of several variables on DSS. None of the clinicopathological variables differed among the three groups. When comparing DSS using Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was no statistically significant survival differences among the three groups (P = 0.546). Using multivariate Cox proportional analyses with backward elimination, the number of docetaxel cycles was only significant factor predicting DSS (HR: 0.578, 95% CI: 0.318-0.923, P = 0.016). Cumulative doses of MA as adjuvant treatment for patients with CRPC and who are receiving docetaxel-based chemotherapy, did not affect their DSS. Therefore, MA can be safely administered in cachexic patients with CRPC.

Particularização do adenocarcinoma do colo frente ao conhecimento atual / Particularization of cervix adenocarcinoma according to current knowledge

O adenocarcinoma do colo uterino (AC) está ficando cada vez mais frequente, passando, nas últimas décadas, de 15 para até 25% do total, tendendo a ocorrer mais em jovens, com uma evolução mais rápida. O rastreamento citológico é menos eficiente na detecção de alterações glandulares, devido à sua menor frequência e falta de padronização citopatológicas. A associação de testes de papilomavírus humano (HPV) acrescida de marcadores como p16 e Ki-67, poderá melhorar a sua detecção. Falta especificidade nas imagens colposcópicas e a investigação endocervical não está padronizada. O adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) é de difícil diagnóstico, e é comum o AC ser detectado em estádios mais avançados. Mas uma vez tratado e controlado, este ainda apresenta um maior risco de metástases, quando comparado aos carcinomas escamosos no mesmo estádio. Não existe, até o momento, uma definição de tratamento de acordo com o tipo histológico. Nestes casos, estudos recentes começam a mostrar um potencial benefício da adição de quimioterapia com taxano antes e após o tratamento convencional do AC. Frente às dificuldades no manejo da neoplasia glandular cervical, há uma perspectiva de impacto positivo na diminuição dos AIS e AC decorrente da vacinação contra HPV de meninas e mulheres jovens, que necessitarão de novas estratégias de rastreamento.

The cervix adenocarcinoma (AC) is becoming more frequent, rising in recent decades from 15 to 25% of the total, tending to occur in younger and have a faster evolution. The cytological screening is less efficient in detecting glandular changes due to low frequency and lack of cytopathological standardization. The association of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing plus biomarkers as p16 and Ki-67 may improve the detection. There is a lack of the specificity in colposcopic images and the endocervical samples studies are not standardized. The adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is difficult to diagnose, and the AC is often detected in advanced stages. Once treated and controlled, the AC has a higher risk of metastases when compared to squamous carcinomas at the same stage. There is not yet a definition of treatment according to the histologic type. Recent studies have begun to show a potential benefit of the addition of taxane based chemotherapy to conventional treatment for AC. Faced with difficulties in the management of cervical glandular neoplasia, there is the perspective of positive impact in the reduction of AIS and AC resulting from HPV vaccination of girls and young women, that with lesser risks, they will require new screening algorithms.

Castration-resistant prostate cancer: systemic therapy in 2012

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous neoplasm in the male population worldwide. It is typically diagnosed in its early stages, and the disease exhibits a relatively indolent course in most patients. Despite the curability of localized disease with prostatectomy and radiation therapy, some patients develop metastatic disease and die. Although androgen deprivation is present in the majority of patients with metastatic prostate cancer, a state of androgen resistance eventually develops. Castration-resistant prostate cancer, defined when there is progression of disease despite low levels of testosterone, requires specialized care, and improved communication between medical and urologic oncologists has been identified as a key component in delivering effective therapy. Despite being considered a chemoresistant tumor in the past, the use of a prostate-specific antigen has paved the way for a new generation of trials for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Docetaxel is a life-prolonging chemotherapy that has been established as the standard first-line agent in two phase III clinical trials. Cabazitaxel, a novel taxane with activity in cancer models resistant to paclitaxel and docetaxel, is the only agent that has been compared to a chemotherapy control in a phase III clinical trial as a second-line therapy; it was found to prolong the overall survival of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with docetaxel when compared to mitoxantrone. Other agents used in this setting include abiraterone and sipuleucel-T, and novel therapies are continually being investigated in an attempt to improve the outcome for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

A Case of Synchronous Esophagus and Stomach Cancer Successfully Treated by Combined Chemotherapy / 대한소화기학회지

Although cases of simultaneous esophagus and stomach cancer have been reported sporadically, there are rare reports of successful treatment using chemotherapy. We report a case of synchronous esophageal and gastric cancer successfully treated using docetaxel and cis-diammineedichloro-platinum (CDDP) combination chemotherapy instead of surgery. A 82-years-old man with anorexia and progressive weight loss was diagnosed with synchronous esophageal and gastric cancer by endoscopy. Both cancers were diagnosed as resectable by the preoperative clinical staging. However, surgery was contraindicated because of severe lung dysfunction. Moreover, he actively refused radiotherapy and endoscopic management. Therefore, the patient was given combined chemotherapy with docetaxel (65 mg/m2) and CDDP (60 mg/m2). The esophageal and gastric lesion completely disappeared on endoscopy, and there were no residual tumor cells on endoscopic biopsy after three cycles of chemotherapy. Metastatic lymph nodes also completely disappeared on the CT scan. The patient received a total of ten cycles of chemotherapy, without severe adverse effects. The patient remained asymptomatic for 18 months after discontinuation of the chemotherapy, without evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. Surgery or endoscopic treatment of both esophageal and gastric cancers is desirable, but, if medically inoperable, chemotherapy can be alternative treatment option.

Cáncer de mama triple negativo: características clínicas y moleculares / Triple negative breast cancer: clinical and molecular characteristics

El cáncer de mama es una enfermedad problema en Venezuela por su incidencia, prevalencia y alta mortalidad. Representa la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en la mujer venezolana, superado escasamente por el cáncer de cuello uterino. Los carcinomas de mama "triple negativo" se definen por falta de expresión de receptores de estrógenos, progesterona y Her2-Neu. Representan aproximadamente el 15% de todos los cáceres mamarios. Es más frecuente en mujeres pre-menopáusicas jóvenes, en latinoamericanas y en mujeres de raza negra. La mayoría de estos tumores son de tipo ductal, tienen alto grado nuclear e histológico, mayor tasa de recaídas y metástasis y peor pronóstico. La mayoría de los tumores triple negativos pertenecen al tipo molecular de los cánceres de mama tipo basal. El perfil inmunohistoquímico del cáncer de mama triple negativo ha sido investigado extensamente y es altamente heterogéneo. Estos tumores no son tratables con hormonoterapia ni con Trastuzumab y solamente se puede usar quimioterapia en el manejo sistémico. Algunos esquemas de quimioterapia son más efectivos que otros en cáncer de mama triple negativo y hay diversas terapias "emergentes" en investigación clínica.

Breast cancer is a problematic disease in Venezuela bacause of its incidence, prevalence and high mortality rate. It represents the second cause of death by cancer in the venezuelan woman exceeded slighthly by the cervix uterine cancer. Triple negative breast cancers are defined by lack of expression of estrogen, progesterone, and Her2-Neu receptors. This subgroup accounts for 15% of all types of breast cancer and for a higher percentage of breast cancer arising in young pre-menopausal Latin-American women and those of African descent. Histologically, such cancer fall into the molecular type and the basal subgroup of the breast cancer. Most of them are ductal with a high nuclear and histological grade, a higher rate of replase and metastasis and a worse prognosis. The triple negative breast cancer immunohistochemical profile has been extensively investigated and is higly heterogeneous; it is not treated with hormone therapy or with Trastuzumab and only chemotherapy in the systemic way can be used. Some chemoterapy schemes are more effective for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer and there are also "emergent" therapies in clinical investigation.

Efeitos colaterais cutâneos de quimioterapia com taxanos: O ponto de vista do dermatologista / Cutaneous adverse reactions to chemotherapy with taxanes: The dermatologist's point of view

Taxanos são drogas quimioterápicas cada vez mais utilizadas no tratamento adjuvante de um grande número de cânceres, principalmente câncer de mama e de pulmão. Os efeitos colaterais não cutâneos mais importantes e limitantes do uso destas drogas são neutropenia e mucosite. Os efeitos colaterais cutäneos, além de muito frequente, interfere de forma importante na qualidade de vida dos doentes. Não existem tratamentos totalmente eficazes, mas algumas orientações podem diminuir os sintomas e prevenir recidivas em novas sessões de quimioterapia.

Chemotherapy with taxanes has recently become part of the treatment for many advanced neoplastic diseases, specially breast and lung cancer. Their main noncutaneous adverse reactions include neutropenia and mucositis, which eventually lead to drug discontinuation. Cutaneous adverse reactions are frequent and significantly interfere with the patient's quality of life. Treatments are poorly effective, but special recommendations may improve symptoms and prevent relapses requiring drug rechallenge.

Second Line Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer / 대한소화기학회지

Pancreatic cancer is a very lethal cancer. It is the 5th most common cause for cancer related mortality in Korea. Most of patients have unresectable pancreatic cancer, and systemic chemotherapy remains the only treatment option for them. Gemcitabine has been adopted as the standard first-line agent for advanced pancreatic cancer, but the progression free survival with gemcitabine is short. Many of patients need further treatment. We reviewed the clinical trials of second line chemotherapy for gemcitabine refractory pancreatic cancer and tried to show currently available treatment options.

Comparison of the Toxicities and Efficacies of the Combination Chemotherapy Regimens in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients Who Achieved Complete Response after Chemotherapy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We retrospectively analyzed comparative toxicities and efficacies of chemotherapy regimens in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients who achieved complete response (CR) after chemotherapy. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 1,203 patients, who were pathologically diagnosed as AGC in a single center between January 2001 and October 2007. On the basis of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, CR was evaluated with abdominal computed tomography. Toxicities were evaluated using the National Cancer Institute's common toxicity criteria before each chemotherapy cycle. RESULTS: Among the 1,203 AGC patients enrolled in this study, 568 received chemotherapy and 635 received best supportive care. The major chemotherapy regimens were 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) and 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI). Among the 568 patients, 51 (9.0%) achieved CR (49 [8.6%] with FOLFOX [n=12], DCF [n=26], or FOLFIRI [n=11] and 2 [0.3%] with etoposide, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil). For patients administered FOLFOX, DCF, and FOLFIRI, the median time to disease progression was 4 months (range, 1.8-59.5), 15 months (range, 2.9-31.2) and 10 months (range, 2.0-39.5), and the median survival times were 48 months (range, 5.9-74.0), 37 months (range, 14.0-86.0), and 30 months (range, 6.0-50.0), respectively. Grades 3-4 mucositis occurred mostly in patients administered DCF (n=8, 30.8%). Grades 3-4 leucopenia were observed in 1 (8.3%), 11 (42.3%), and 4 (36.4%) patients administered FOLFOX, DCF and FOLFIRI, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in the 3 regimens. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 regimens (FOLFOX, DCF and FOLFIRI) were active and tolerable. Their efficacies and toxicities were not significantly different.

Quimioterapia em câncer de mama / Chemotherapy for breast cancer

Em 2010, um milhão e meio de mulheres receberão o diagnóstico de câncer de mama no mundo, sendo 49.000 no Brasil. O câncer de mama e uma área em constante evolução, exigindo, tanto da parte de mastologistas quanto dos oncologistas, rápida adaptação aos novos conceitos. Sabe-se que o câncer de mama não e uma doença única e, portanto, seu tratamento deve ser individualizado. A quimioterapia é uma parte importante do tratamento desta doença e tem evoluído recentemente, juntamente com a cirurgia, hormonioterapia, radioterapia e outros tratamentos de suporte, fazendo com que a mortalidade por esta doença continue a diminuir. Baseado em dados dos estudos de perfil molecular, e possível que mais de 50% das pacientes recebam quimioterapia adjuvante desnecessariamente. Revisa-se aqui o papel dos novos testes de perfil molecular disponíveis e o estado atual do uso de quimioterapia no câncer de mama. Nesta revisão, e dado especial enfoque ao tratamento adjuvante e neoadjuvante, sendo descritas algumas particularidades como o tratamento das pacientes idosas, da doença HER-2 positiva e da doença metastática.

In 2010, one and a half million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, and 49, 000 in Brazil. Breast cancer is a constantly evolving area requiring from Mastologists and Oncologists a fast adaptation to new concepts. Furthermore, breast cancer does not consist of a single entity, therefore, it requires individualized treatment approaches. Chemotherapy is an important treatment modality, and it has been a rapidly evolving area that has been contributing to the decreasing breast cancer mortality observed in recent years, along with surgery, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and other supportive treatments. Based on data from molecular profiling studies, more than 50% of the patients may be receiving unnecessary adjuvant chemotherapy. We aim to review the role of new molecular profiling tests and the current state of art in chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. We also address the important issue of chemotherapy treatment in elderly patients, and the management of HER -2 positive and metastatic disease.

Evaluación del uso del esquema de paclitaxel con carboplatino en pacientes con cáncer de mama metastásico / Paclitaxel-carboplatine scheme assessment applied in patients presenting with metastatic breast cancer

La quimioterapia con paclitaxel es fundamental en el cáncer de mama metastásico (CMM). Se evaluó la eficacia y seguridad del uso del paclitaxel combinado con carboplatino. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de 63 pacientes tratadas en el Servicio de Oncología del Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, desde enero de 2001 hasta diciembre de 2005, con confirmación histológica de cáncer de mama y enfermedad metastásica, tratadas previamente con antraciclinas (en la adyuvancia). Hubo predominio de éstas en etapa premenopáusica; la mediana de edad fue de 44,2 años. Predominaron los receptores hormonales negativos y la presencia de un solo sitio metastásico, El hueso y el pulmón fueron las localizaciones metastásicas más comunes, 26,4 y 21,8 por ciento, respectivamente. El índice de respuesta global fue 33,3 por ciento. No hubo diferencias significativas en los índices de respuestas según las variables pronósticas. La supervivencia a 1, 2 y 3 años fue de 60, 46,4 y 28,2 por ciento, respectivamente. La mediana de supervivencia fue de 16,2 meses. Las variables asociadas a mejor pronóstico fueron índice de Karnofsky ³ 60 por ciento, receptores hormonales positivos y presencia de un solo sitio metastásico. La enfermedad diseminada en hueso, partes blandas y piel tiene mejor pronóstico. Las principales toxicidades fueron: hematológicas, neurológicas y digestivas. El promedio de procesos adversos por paciente fue de 2,6 y 20 por ciento de estos fueron grado 3-4. El incremento de las enzimas hepßticas provocó mayor cantidad de suspensiones de tratamiento. Los esquemas de combinación con paclitaxel tienen buen perfil de seguridad y eficacia aceptable.

Paclitex chemotherapy is essential in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We assessed effectiveness and safety of combined use of carboplatine. Methods: We made a descriptive and retrospective study of 63 patients treated in Oncology Service of Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital from January, 2001 to December, 2005 with a histological confirmation of breast cancer, and metastatic disease, previously treated with anthracyclins (in adjuvant therapy). There was a predominance of negative hormonal receptors, and presence of an only metastatic site. Bone and lungs were the more common metastatic locations, 26.4 percent and 21.8 percent, respectively. Global response rate was of 33.3 percent. There were not significant differences in response rate by prognostic variables. Survival at 1, 2, ant 3 years was of 60, 46.4 and 28.2 percent, respectively. Survival average was of 16,2 months. Variables associated with a better prognosis were a Karnofsky rate ³ 60 percent, positive hormonal receptors and presence of an only metastatic site. Disease disseminated in bone, soft tissues, and skin had a better prognosis. Main toxicities were: hematologic, neurologic, and digestives. The adverse processes average by patient was of 2.6 and the 20 percent of these ones were 3-4 degrees. Increment in hepatic enzymes caused a higher level of treatment suspension. Combined schemes with Paclitaxel have a good and acceptable profile of safety and effectiveness.

Successful Treatment of Syncope with Chemotherapy Irresponsive to Cardiac Pacemaker in Head and Neck Cancer

Recurrent syncope as a complication of recurrent neck malignancy is an uncommon but well documented association. The syncope is presumed to occur when a tumor mass invades the baroreceptor within the carotid sinus or when it disrupts the afferent nerve fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve. A 59-year-old man presented with recurrent syncope and headache. He had a wide local excision including tonsillectomy and modified left radical neck dissection for tonsilar cancer 4 years ago. A computed tomography scan revealed ill-defined lesions in left parapharyngeal, carotid space and right upper jugular region. After clinical evaluation, cardiac pacemaker was placed, but he still suffered from the syncope. Then, he received the chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin. The last hypotension event occurred on day 10 of the chemotherapy. Six months after 3 cycles of chemotherapy, he remained in complete remission and resolution of syncope. We report a case in which syncope was associated with a recurrence of tonsilar cancer and successfully treated with chemotherapy.