Quality of life in patients treated with breast cancer surgery and adjuvant systemic therapy and/or adjuvant radiotherapy in Uruguay.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment can impair patient quality of life (QoL), and those undergoing more aggressive treatments may be more severely impacted. Objective: Assess the level of perception of the QoL of patients treated for BC at the Hospital de Clínicas and the Departmental Hospital of Soriano. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire for cancer patients (EORTC, QLQ-C30) and one specific for BC (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were used. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients who had completed chemotherapy treatment at least one year prior to the evaluation were enrolled. The average age was 61 years old. QLQC QUESTIONNAIRE: The global QoL score (GQOL) was high: 70.9. Patients undergoing breast-conservation surgery (BCS) had better scores in physical and emotional functioning (p < 0.005) and presented less frequently with: pain, constipation, and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). Those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) had higher scores for GQOL and for physical, role, and social functioning scales (p < 0.001) and had less fatigue, pain, insomnia, and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). QUESTIONNAIRE QLQBR: Sexual functioning and sexual enjoyment scales were relatively low. Patients undergoing BCS had better scores on the functional scales: body image and future outlook; and fewer breast symptoms (p < 0.005). Those undergoing SLNB also had better scores on the functional scales for body image and future outlook future and presented less frequently with symptoms (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Uruguayan BC patients experience high values on the GQOL scale; those undergoing BCS and SLNB had better scores on most functional and problem/symptom scales. Patients undergoing BCS had better scores in physical and emotional functioning and presented less frequently with pain, constipation, and financial difficulties. With respect to the type of axillary surgery received, patients who underwent SLNB had higher scores on the GQOL scale and on the physical, role, and social functional scales. The implementation of intervention strategies aimed at improving the quality of life, and the physical and emotional care of patients is recommended.

PROMRIINE (PRe-operatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging is INEffective) Study: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Surgical Decisions and Clinical Outcomes in Women with Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review and summarize the association between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical outcomes in women with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer from published randomized controlled trials (RCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent researchers conducted a systematic review through a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. If there was disagreement between the two reviewers, a third reviewer assessed the manuscript to determine whether it should be included for data extraction. The quality of the papers was assessed using the risk of bias tool, and the evidence was analyzed using GRADE. Meta-analyses using a fixed-effects model were used to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Initially, 21 studies were identified, 15 of which were observational comparative studies. A total of five RCTs were included, and they suggested that preoperative MRI significantly reduced the rate of immediate breast-conserving surgery and increased the risk for mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: From the RCT perspective, preoperative MRI for newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer did not improve surgical outcomes and may increase the risk of mastectomy.

Oncoplastia extrema: Cirugia conservadora en cáncer de mama multicéntrico. Presentación de caso clínico / Extreme oncoplasty: Conservative surgery in multicentric breast cancer. Presentation of a clinical case

Introducción: La conservación mamaria ha evolucionado y cada vez se utilizan más técnicas oncoplásticas para obtener mejores resultados cosméticos. Además, esta técnica permite escisiones más amplias que previenen deformidades mamarias mediante la reconstrucción de grandes defectos de resección. Objetivo: Reportar con un caso clínico: estrategia quirúrgica de una paciente con cáncer de mama multicéntrico y cirugía conservadora oncoplástica de la mama. Caso clínico: Paciente de 72 años con mamas grandes ptosis Grado III con diagnóstico de carcinoma mamario derecho multicéntrico Estadio IA mT1cNO luminal A anatómico - pronóstico. Deseos de la paciente de conservar la mama. Se decide mastoplastía terapéutica + Ganglio centinela (GC) + mastopexia y reducción contralateral. Anatomía patológica: mama derecha: carcinoma ductal infiltrante multicéntrico GC 0/3. Mama izquierda: 1 foco de 2 mm carcinoma lobulillar infiltrante de tipo clásico score II de nottingham. margen libre. Inmunohistoquimica: RE 95%, RP 95%, Her2 neu negativo score 0 y ki67 2%. Se discute caso en unidad de mastología, se decide: Radioterapia 3D bilateral y hormonoterapia con anastrazole. Discusión: La Mastoplastia terapéutica es considerada una opción de tratamiento estándar para pacientes seleccionados garantizando la conservación mamaria con seguridad oncológica aceptable, adecuados resultados estéticos y similar supervivencia. Permite la escisión tumoral con márgenes de resección más amplios y resultados oncológicos y estéticos aceptables. Creemos que es esencial brindar información precisa para ayudar a la paciente en la toma de decisiones sobre las consecuencias específicas de cualquier técnica oncoplástica. Conclusiones: La oncoplastia extrema debe ser utilizada solamente para casos seleccionados. Deberá ser evaluado por un equipo multidisicplinario, idealmente en el contexto de una unidad de mastología integrada por: cirujanos mastólogos, radioterapeutas, imagenólogos, oncólogos, anatomopatólogos y psicooncólogos. La técnica quirúrgica debe ser realizada preferentemente por cirujanos de mama con formación oncoplástica y reconstructiva de la mama(AU)

Introduction: Breast conservation has evolved and more oncoplastic techniques are used to obtain better cosmetic results. In addition, this technique allows wider excisions that prevents breast deformities by reconstructing large resection defects. Objetivo: Report with a clinical case: surgical strategy of multicentric breast cancer and oncoplastic breast-conservative surgery. Clinical case: A 72-year-old patient with large breasts with Grade III ptosis diagnosed with multicentric right mammary carcinoma Stage IA mT1cNO luminal A anatomical - prognosis. The patient's wishes to preserve the breast. Therapeutic mastoplasty + sentinel node (SLN) + mastopexy and contralateral reduction was decided. Pathology: right breast: multicentric infiltrating ductal carcinoma GC 0/3. Left breast: 1 focus of 2-mm infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the classic Nottingham score II type. free margin. Inmunohystochemistry: RE 95%, RP 95%, Her2 neu negative score 0 and ki67 2%. The case is discussed in the mastology unit, and we decided: Bilateral 3D radiotherapy and hormone therapy with anastrozole. Discussion: Therapeutic mastoplasty is considered a standard treatment option for selected patients, guaranteeing breast conservation with acceptable oncological safety, adequate aesthetic results and similar survival. It allows tumor excision with wider resection margins and acceptable oncological and cosmetic results. We believe that it is to provide accurate information to help the patient in making essential decisions about the specific consequences of any oncoplastic technique. Conclusions: Extreme oncoplasty should only be used for selected cases. It must be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, ideally in the context of a mastology unit made up of: breast surgeons, radiotherapists, imaging specialists, oncologists, pathologists and psycho-oncologists. The surgical technique should preferably be performed by breast surgeons with oncoplastic and reconstructive training of the breast(AU)

Cost-effectiveness of intraoperative radiation therapy versus intensity-modulated radiation therapy for the treatment of early breast cancer: a disinvestment analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant radiotherapy represents a key component in curative-intent treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients. In recent years, two accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) techniques are preferred for this population in our organization: electron-based Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) and Linac-based External Beam Radiotherapy, particularly Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Recently published long-term follow-up data evaluating these technologies have motivated a health technology reassessment of IORT compared to IMRT. METHODS: We developed a Markov model to simulate health-state transitions from a cohort of women with early-stage breast cancer, after lumpectomy and adjuvant APBI using either IORT or IMRT techniques. The cost-effectiveness from a private health provider perspective was assessed from a disinvestment point of view, using life-years (LYs) and recurrence-free life-years (RFLYs) as measure of benefits, along with their respective quality adjustments. Expected costs and benefits, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were reported. Finally, a sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness using lower IORT local recurrence and metastasis rates in IORT patients, and if equipment maintenance costs are removed. RESULTS: IORT technology was dominated by IMRT in all cases (i.e., fewer benefits with greater costs). Despite small differences were found regarding benefits, especially for LYs, costs were considerably higher for IORT. For sensitivity analyses with lower recurrence and metastasis rates for IORT, and scenario analyses without equipment maintenance costs, IORT was still dominated by IMRT. CONCLUSIONS: For this cohort of patients, IMRT was, at least, non-inferior to IORT in terms of expected benefits, with considerably lower costs. As a result, IORT disinvestment should be considered, favoring the use of IMRT in these patients.

Partial-accelerated irradiation with stereotactic radiotherapy at a dose of 30 Gy in 5 fractions in early breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) Thirty Gy delivered in 5 fractions for patients with early breast cancer. METHODS: Between January 1st, 2018, and December 31s, 2022, we conducted 117 treatments for patients with early-stage breast cancer. All patients underwent conservative surgery followed by APBI using stereotactic external beam radiotherapy. We analyzed local, regional, distant control, overall survival, toxicity, and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: The average age was 62 years. 21.3% ductal and 78.7% invasive carcinomas. Regarding the PTV volume, the median was 198.8 cc (38-794 cc). Treatments were completed in all cases. The median follow-up period was of 21 months (1-62 months). Regarding acute toxicity, no Grade 3-4 toxicities were recorded. One patient experienced Grade 2 neuropathic pain. One patient developed subacute fibrosis and two patients developed telangiectasia as subacute and chronic toxicity. Cosmetic results were "good" or "very good" in 96.3% of cases. None of the patients relapsed at any level (local, regional, or distant) and overall survival during follow.up was 100%. CONCLUSION: APBI with SBRT 30 Gy in 5 fractions in early-stage breast cancer is a feasible technique, very-well tolerated and has excellent oncologic and cosmetic outcome during our follow-up period.

Pattern of practice of re-irradiation for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence in Italy: a survey by the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

PURPOSE: The Re-irradiation and the Breast Cancer Working Groups of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) conducted a survey to provide an overview of the policies for breast cancer (BC) re-irradiation (re-RT) among the Italian radiotherapy (RT) centers. METHODS: In October 2021, 183 RT centers were invited to answer a survey: after an initial section about general aspects, the questionnaire focused on radiation oncologists' (ROs) attitude toward re-RT in three different scenarios: ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) treated with second conservative surgery, IBTR treated with mastectomy and inoperable IBTR. Surveyed ROs were also asked to express their interest in being involved in a prospective trials. RESULTS: Seventy-seven/183 (42.0%) centers answered the Survey, only one RO per center was requested to answer. In particular, 86.5% ROs declared to have performed "curative" re-RT for IBTR during the previous two years (2019-2020): 76.7% respondents administered re-RT after second BCS, 50.9% after mastectomy, and 48.1% for inoperable IBTR. Re-RT practice varied widely among centers in terms of treatment volumes, dose and fractionation schedules, techniques and dose-volume constraints for organs at risks (OARs). Forty-six participants (59.7%) expressed their interest in participating in a prospective study investigating BC re-RT. CONCLUSIONS: About one out of three RT centers in Italy delivered re-RT for IBTR. Nevertheless, practice of re-RT varied widely among centers highlighting the needs for prospective studies to improve knowledge in this field.

Comparison of partial-breast irradiation and intraoperative radiation to whole-breast irradiation in early-stage breast cancer patients: a Kaplan-Meier-derived patient data meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Partial breast irradiation (PBI) and intraoperative radiation (IORT) represent alternatives to whole breast irradiation (WBI) following breast conserving surgery. However, data is mixed regarding outcomes. We therefore performed a pooled analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived patient data from randomized trials to evaluate the hypothesis that PBI and IORT have comparable long-term rates of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence as WBI. METHODS: In February, 2023, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central were systematically searched for randomized phase 3 trials of early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery with PBI or IORT as compared to WBI. Time-to-event outcomes of interest included ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), overall survival (OS) and distant disease-free survival (DDFS). Statistical analysis was performed with R Statistical Software. RESULTS: Eleven randomized trials comprising 15,460 patients were included; 7,675 (49.6%) patients were treated with standard or moderately hypofractionated WBI, 5,413 (35%) with PBI and 2,372 (15.3%) with IORT. Median follow-up was 9 years. PBI demonstrated comparable IBTR risk compared with WBI (HR 1.20; 95% CI 0.95-1.52; p = 0.12) with no differences in OS (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.90-1.16; p = 0.70) or DDFS (HR 1.15; 95% CI 0.81-1.64; p = 0.43). In contrast, patients treated with IORT had a higher IBTR risk (HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.23-1.72; p < 0.01) compared with WBI with no difference in OS (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.84-1.14; p = 0.81) or DDFS (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.76-1.09; p = 0.31). CONCLUSION: For patients with early-stage breast cancer following breast-conserving surgery, PBI demonstrated no difference in IBTR as compared to WBI while IORT was inferior to WBI with respect to IBTR.

Evaluation of intraoperative breast radiotherapy on local recurrence: a Brazilian cohort.

PURPOSE: Assess the local recurrence rate and global survival rate among women diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOERT) between 2007 and 2017, in a single private healthcare setting in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study based on medical records about the outcomes of patients submitted to breast-conserving surgery followed by IOERT. The collected variables included the patient's profile and tumor features, IOERT isodose, and outcomes. The quantitative data were presented in tables of frequency. The survival curves were created with the Kaplan-Meier method. In all tests, the adopted relevance level was 5%. The analyses were carried out with SPSS version 25.0. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The samples consisted of 78 patients, among which a total of 14 (17.9%) recurrences were observed. The median time of recurrence was 49 months after the IOERT was performed. Of the 78 patients analyzed, 13 (16.7%) died, 5 (6.4%) of which were due to breast cancer. The global survival rate in 5 years was 94.9% and 90.4% in 10 years. The local recurrence rate in 5 years was 89.7% and 86.4% in 10 years. Our findings revealed a higher local recurrence rate than the literature data. However, our results also showed that patients classified as low-risk had an overall survival of 5 and 10 years similar to other studies in the literature, reaffirming that low-risk women can benefit from IOERT. Given this finding, it is reaffirmed that rigorous eligibility criteria for IOERT are critical to reducing local recurrence.

Significados atribuídos por mulheres com câncer de mama ao grupo de apoio / Meanings attributed by women with breast cancer to a support group / Significados atribuidos por las mujeres con cáncer de mama al grupo de apoyo

A sobrevivência ao câncer de mama é um problema de saúde pública que demanda serviços especializados com foco na reabilitação psicossocial. Entre as necessidades identificadas nesse contexto está o incentivo à adoção de estratégias de promoção de autocuidados pelas mulheres. Uma das estratégias adotadas consiste no grupo de apoio psicológico, que auxilia as pacientes a enfrentar a longa jornada do tratamento. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é compreender os significados produzidos por mulheres com câncer de mama sobre sua participação em um grupo de apoio. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório realizado com dez mulheres com câncer de mama usuárias de um serviço de reabilitação para mastectomizadas. Como referencial metodológico foi utilizada a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista aberta em profundidade e os conteúdos foram transcritos e codificados. A análise indutiva e o método de comparação constante foram aplicados nos processos de codificação aberta, axial e seletiva, que permitiram identificar três categorias nucleares: percepção das atividades realizadas no grupo, identificação de benefícios e barreiras do convívio no grupo e transformações decorrentes da participação. As participantes significaram sua presença no grupo como fonte de acolhimento, apoio, desenvolvimento de recursos pessoais e amizades, contribuindo para promover sua qualidade de sobrevida. Além dos potenciais benefícios, também foram identificadas barreiras que podem dificultar a adesão e continuidade da participação no grupo, o que sugere a necessidade de incorporar no cuidado um olhar para as dimensões subjetivas da saúde da mulher.(AU)

Surviving breast cancer is a public health problem and depends on services focused on psychosocial rehabilitation. Healthcare providers must encourage women to adopt strategies to promote their self-care. The psychological support group is a resource that helps women to face the long journey of treatment. This study aimed to understand the meanings women with breast cancer produced about their participation in a support group. This exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out with 10 women with breast cancer who use a rehabilitation service for mastectomized patients. Grounded Theory was used as a methodological reference. An open in-depth interview was applied for data collection. The contents were transcribed and coded. Inductive analysis and the constant comparison method were applied in the open, axial, and selective coding processes, which enabled the identification of three core categories: perception of the activities carried out in the group, identification of benefits and barriers of living in the group, and transformations resulting from participation. Participants denote their involvement with the group as a source of shelter, support, development of personal resources and friendships that helps promoting quality of life. Besides these potential benefits, participants also evinced barriers that can hinder adherence and continuity of participation in the group, suggesting the importance of incorporating a look at the subjective dimensions of women's health into care.(AU)

Sobrevivir al cáncer de mama es un problema de salud pública que depende de los servicios centrados en la rehabilitación psicosocial. Entre las necesidades identificadas en esta materia se encuentra el uso de estrategias para promover el autocuidado. Uno de los recursos que ayuda a afrontar el largo camino del tratamiento es el grupo de apoyo psicológico. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer los significados que producen las mujeres con cáncer de mama sobre su participación en un grupo de apoyo. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, realizado con diez mujeres con cáncer de mama usuarias de un servicio de rehabilitación para mastectomizadas. Como referencia metodológica se utilizó la teoría fundamentada en los datos. Se aplicó una entrevista abierta en profundidad para la recogida de datos, cuyos contenidos fueron transcritos y codificados. El análisis inductivo y el método de comparación constante se aplicaron en los procesos de codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, lo que permitió identificar tres categorías centrales: percepción de las actividades realizadas en el grupo, identificación de los beneficios y las barreras de vivir en el grupo y transformaciones resultantes de la participación. Las mujeres denotan su participación en el grupo como una fuente de acogida, apoyo, desarrollo de recursos personales y amistades, que ayuda a promover la calidad de vida. Además de los beneficios potenciales, también se identificaron barreras que pueden dificultar la adherencia y continuidad de la participación en el grupo, lo que sugiere la necesidad de incorporar en la atención una mirada centrada en las dimensiones subjetivas de la salud de las mujeres.(AU)

Real-World Evidence on the Use of Endocrine Therapy for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in Patients Treated With Breast-Conserving Surgery Followed by Postoperative Radiation Therapy: A Brazilian Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the reproducibility of findings from randomized controlled trials regarding adjuvant hormone therapy (HT) for breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in a real-life scenario. MATERIALS/METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo database. It included DCIS patients DCIS who received breast-conserving surgery and postoperative radiation therapy. The endpoints were local control (LC), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: We analyzed 2192 patients treated between 2000 and 2020. The median FU was 48.99 months. Most patients (53.33%; n = 1169) received adjuvant HT. Patients not receiving adjuvant HT tend to be older (P = .021) and have a lower educational level (P < .001). At the end of FU, 1.5% of patients had local recurrence, and there was no significant difference between groups (P = .19). The 10-year OS and BCSS were 89.4% and 97.5% for adjuvant HT versus 91.5% and 98.5% for no adjuvant HT, respectively, and there were no significant differences between groups. The 10-year OS was 93.25% for medium/high education level versus 87.31% for low (HR for death 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32-0.83; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of adjuvant HT for DCIS were not reproduced in a Brazilian cohort. Education significantly impacted survival and HT usage, reflecting the influence of socioeconomic factors. These findings can allow for more precise interventions.

Hypofractionated whole breast irradiation in association with hypofractionated or normofractionated boost to the tumor bed in early breast cancer: tolerance and efficacy analysis.

BACKGROUND: The boost to the tumor bed improves local control in breast cancer and it is an important part of the breast conserving therapy. However, information about the use of a hypofractionated boost is sparse, thus further studies are needed. We conducted a retrospective study with the aim of comparing hypofractionated boost (HB) and normofractionated boost (NB) on skin toxicity and local control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 96 women with early breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving surgery and hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) were retrospectively analyzed divided into hypofractionated boost group and conventional fractionation boost group. Forty-nine patients were treated with NB with 16 Gy in 8 fractions and 47 patients were treated with HB with 13.35 Gy in 5 fractions. We examined acute and chronic toxicity with CTCAE version 5. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 49.5 months (26-67). Median age was 57 years (36-82). Sixty-six patients (68.7%) were younger than 60 years at the time of boost and 30 (31.2%) were older than 60 years who received the boost due to poor prognostic factors. No differences were found between the two groups in terms of patient, tumor or treatment characteristics. Grade 2 acute skin toxicity was 6.3% in the NB group and 4.2% in the HB group. Chronic skin induration was 4.2% in the NB group and 1% in the HB group. They did not show grade 3 skin toxicity. There were also no differences in acute or late skin toxicity between the two groups. No local recurrences were evidenced. CONCLUSIONS: Hypofractionated WBI associated with HB treatment is a viable option in the management of conservative breast therapy given the good tolerance and similar local control.

Effects of preoperative magnetic resonance image on survival rates and surgical planning in breast cancer conservative surgery: randomized controlled trial (BREAST-MRI trial).

BACKGROUND: Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has high sensitivity in detecting invasive neoplasms. Controversy remains about its impact on the preoperative staging of breast cancer surgery. This study evaluated survival and surgical outcomes of preoperative MRI in conservative breast cancer surgery. METHODS: A phase III, randomized, open-label, single-center trial including female breast cancer participants, stage 0-III disease, and eligible for breast-conserving surgery. We compared the role of including MRI in preoperative evaluation versus radiologic exam routine with mammography and ultrasound in breast cancer conservative candidates. The primary outcome was local relapse-free survival (LRFS), and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), mastectomy rate, and reoperation rate. RESULTS: 524 were randomized to preoperative MRI group (n = 257) or control group (n = 267). The survival analysis showed a 5.9-years LRFS of 99.2% in MRI group versus 98.9% in control group (HR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.12-4.28; p = 0.7) and an OS of 95.3% in the MRI group versus 96.3% in the control group (HR = 1.37 95% CI 0.59-3.19; p = 0.8). Surgical management changed in 21 ipsilateral breasts in the MRI group; 21 (8.3%) had mastectomies versus one in the control group. No difference was found in reoperation rates, 22 (8.7%) in the MRI group versus 23 (8.7%) in the control group (RR = 1.002; 95% CI 0.57-1.75; p = 0.85). CONCLUSION: Preoperative MRI increased the mastectomy rates by 8%. The use of preoperative MRI did not influence local relapse-free survival, overall survival, or reoperation rates.

Adjuvant radiation therapy for older women with early-stage breast cancer: a propensity-matched SEER analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of adjuvant radiation therapy on the survival prognosis of older women with early-stage breast cancer under different surgical treatments. METHODS: We collected patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Elderly female patients (≥ 70 years) with stage I-IIB diagnosed with invasive carcinoma in 1988-2017 were included. After propensity score matching (PSM), the prognosis of patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy was calculated separately. The effects of radiotherapy on the survival of three special population groups (breast-conserving surgery + T1N0M0 + ER positive, mastectomy + T3N0M0 and mastectomy + T1-2N1M0) were analyzed selectively. RESULTS: Of 106,553 older women with early-stage breast cancer were identified. 48,630 patients had received radiotherapy, while 57,923 patients had not. After PSM, older women undergoing breast-conserving surgery benefited significantly from radiotherapy (both OS and BCSS p < 0.001), for patients with T1N0M0 and ER-positive breast cancer (both OS and BCSS p < 0.001). In the subgroup of T1-2N1M0 breast cancer treated by mastectomy, patients undergoing radiotherapy had a worse survival as well (OS p < 0.001; BCSS p = 0.0907). While in the subgroup of T3N0M0 breast cancer treated by mastectomy, survival analyses showed no statistical differences between patients receiving radiation or not (OS p = 0.1778, BCSS p = 0.6957). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated the clinical effects of radiation on older women who received different surgical treatments. Our study suggested that radiotherapy should be omitted in older women undergoing mastectomy + T3N0M0 or T1-2N1M0 and radiotherapy could be considered in women with T1N0M0 + ER-positive undergoing breast-conserving surgery.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the surgical treatment of breast cancer

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an increasingly frequent option in the treatment of breast cancer. One of the goals of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to change the indication for a mastectomy to a conservative surgery, and for axillary lymphadenectomy to sentinel lymph node assessment. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study that evaluated response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment. Patients were divided into three groups when the surgery indication was changed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: downgrade, unchanged, upgrade. Results: During the study period, 355 patients were included with a mean age of 55 years. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy promoted a downgrade in 38.7% of patients with indication for mastectomy and an upgrade in 36.8% of patients with indication for conservative surgery; in the total group, the maintenance of indication for surgery was 62,2%. In the axillary approach, lymphadenectomy downgrade was 6.9% and sentinel lymph node biopsy upgrade was 34% with 27% being due to positivity and 7% due to disease progression. Multivariate analysis found a significant difference between clinical staging and change in surgical indication for both breast and axilla (p<0.0001). In the multivariate analysis of pathologic complete response and change of indication for breast and axilla surgery, triple negative and HER-2-positive tumors showed a significant difference (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was able to perform a downgrade of breast and axilla surgery in few patients and there was no relationship between the change of indication and pathologic complete response. (AU)

Supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer de mama y cirugía conservadora / Survival in Patients with Breast Cancer and Conservative Surgery

Introducción: En la actualidad la cirugía conservadora, más que una opción en el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de mama, es la técnica quirúrgica de elección. Objetivo: Caracterizar la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer de mama operados con cirugía conservadora. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo descriptivo de corte longitudinal, en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico "Arnaldo Milián Castro" y el oncológico "Celestino Hernández Robau", ambos de la ciudad de Santa Clara provincia Villa Clara, en el período comprendido desde enero del 2011 hasta diciembre del 2020. Resultados: La supervivencia global de los pacientes con cáncer de mama y cirugía conservadora en aquellos que presentaron eventos (fallecidos) fue mayor en los portadores de carcinoma ductal infiltrante con 9,3 años. En el caso del estadio tumoral predominó la supervivencia en aquellos pacientes que estaban en estadios Ia y IIa con 9,8 y 9,1 años, respectivamente. Según la inmunohistoquímica, el subtipo molecular con mejor supervivencia global fue el Luminal B con 9,2 años. En cuanto al tratamiento definitivo aplicado presentaron mayor supervivencia global aquellos pacientes que recibieron esquemas de quimioterapia+ radioterapia+ hormono terapia y quimioterapia+ radioterapia con 9,4 y 8,8 años, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Existe una mayor supervivencia global en aquellos pacientes con carcinoma ductal infiltrantes (NOS), estadios tumorales Ia y IIa, con subtipo molecular Luminal B según inmunohistoquímica y con tratamientos definitivos de quimioterapia+ radioterapia+ hormonoterapia(AU)

Introduction: Nowadays, conservative surgery, rather than an option for the surgical treatment of breast cancer, is the surgical technique of choice. Objective: To characterize the survival of patients with breast cancer operated on with conservative surgery. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, descriptive and longitudinal study was carried out at Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico "Arnaldo Milián Castro" and "Celestino Hernández Robau" oncologic hospital, both in the city of Santa Clara, Villa Clara Province, in the period from January 2011 to December 2020. Results: The overall survival of patients with breast cancer and conservative surgery in those who presented events (died) was higher in those with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, accounting for 9.3 years. In the case of tumor stage, survival was predominant in those patients with stages IA and IIA, accounting for 9.8 and 9.1 years, respectively. Concerning immunohistochemistry, the molecular subtype with the best overall survival was Luminal B, accounting for 9.2 years. Regarding the applied definitive treatment, those patients who received chemotherapy-radiotherapy-hormone therapy and chemotherapy-radiotherapy schemes presented better overall survival, accounting for 9.4 and 8.8 years, respectively. Conclusions: Overall survival is higher in patients with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (not otherwise specified), tumor stages IA and IIA, molecular subtype Luminal B according to immunohistochemistry, and definitive treatments with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy scheme(AU)

Oncological Outcomes of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy in an Unselected Population Evaluated in a Single Center / Desfechos oncológicos da mastectomia poupadora do complexo areolo-mamilar em uma população não selecionada avaliada em um único centro

Abstract Objective Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has been traditionally used in selected cases with tumor-to-nipple distance > 2 cm and negative frozen section of the base of the nipple. Recommending NSM in unselected populations remains controversial. The present study evaluated the oncological outcomes of patients submitted to NSM in an unselected population seen at a single center. Methods This retrospective cohort study included unselected patients with invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent NSM in 2010 to 2020. The endpoints were locoregional recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS), irrespective of tumor size or tumor-to-nipple distance. Results Seventy-six patients (mean age 46.1 years) (58 invasive carcinomas/18 DCIS) were included. The most invasive carcinomas were hormone-positive (60%) (HER2 overexpression: 24%; triple-negative: 16%), while 39% of DCIS were high-grade. Invasive carcinomas were T2 in 66% of cases, with axillary metastases in 38%. Surgical margins were all negative. All patients with invasive carcinoma received systemic treatment and 38% underwent radiotherapy. After a mean of 34.8 months, 3 patients with invasive carcinoma (5.1%) and 1 with DCIS (5.5%) had local recurrence. Two patients had distant metastasis and died during follow-up. The 5-year OS and DFS rates for invasive carcinoma were 98% and 83%, respectively. Conclusion In unselected cases, the 5-year oncological outcomes following NSM were found to be acceptable and comparable to previous reports. Further studies are required.

Resumo Objetivo A mastectomia poupadora do complexo areolo-mamilar (MPM) tem sido tradicionalmente utilizada em casos selecionados com distância tumor-mamilo > 2 cm e biópsia de congelação da base do mamilo negativa. Recomendar MPM em populações não selecionadas continua controverso. Este estudo avaliou os resultados oncológicos de pacientes submetidas à MPM em uma população não selecionada atendida em um único centro. Métodos Coorte retrospectivo incluindo pacientes não selecionadas com carcinoma invasivo ou carcinoma ductal in situ (CDIS) submetidas à MPM entre 2010 e 2020. Os desfechos incluíram: recorrência locorregional, sobrevida livre de doença (SLD) e sobrevida global (SG), independentemente do tamanho do tumor ou da distância tumor-mamilo. Resultados Setenta e seis pacientes (média: 46,1 anos de idade) (58 carcinomas invasivos/18 CDIS) foram incluídas. A maioria dos carcinomas invasivos era hormônio-positivo (60%) (superexpressão de HER2: 24%; triplo-negativo: 16%), enquanto 39% dos CDIS eram de alto grau histológico. Os carcinomas invasivos foram T2 em 66% dos casos, com metástases axilares em 38%. As margens cirúrgicas foram todas negativas. Todas as pacientes com carcinoma invasivo receberam tratamento sistêmico e 38% receberam radioterapia. Após um período médio de 34,8 meses, 3 pacientes com carcinoma invasivo (5,1%) e 1 com CDIS (5,5%) apresentaram recidiva local. Durante o acompanhamento, duas pacientes tiveram metástase à distância e vieram a óbito. As taxas de SG e SLD aos 5 anos para carcinoma invasivo foram de 98% e 83%, respectivamente. Conclusão Em casos não selecionados, os resultados oncológicos de 5 anos após MPM foram considerados aceitáveis e comparáveis a resultados anteriores. Estudos adicionais são necessários.

Intraoperative radiotherapy versus no radiotherapy for early stage low-risk breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery: a propensity score matching study based on the SEER database.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) and no radiotherapy in early stage low-risk breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery. METHODS: According to the criteria recommended by ASTRO for patients eligible for IORT, we retrospectively selected women with early stage low-risk breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery from 2010 to 2019 from the SEER database. Propensity score matching was used to balance the differences in baseline characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) of patients, and the log-rank test was used to compare the differences. RESULTS: A total of 20,245 patients were included in the analysis, including 1738 in the IORT group and 18,507 in the no radiotherapy group, with a median follow-up of 41 months. Before matching, the 5-year OS rates of the IORT group and the no radiotherapy group were 95.5% and 85.7% (p < 0.001), respectively, and the 5-year BCSS rates of the two groups were 99.6% and 98.3% (p < 0.001), respectively. After matching, the 5-year OS rates were 95.6% and 90.3% (p < 0.001) in the IORT group and the no radiotherapy group, respectively, and the 5-year BCSS rates were 99.5% and 99.1% (p = 0.028), respectively. Cox multivariate analysis of the original data showed that radiotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and BCSS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For patients aged 50 years or older with early stage low-risk breast cancer, IORT may be a better option, with improved BCSS compared to the elimination of radiotherapy. The study could not draw conclusions on OS, because underlying diseases may be unevenly distributed between the two groups.

Salvage Nipple-sparing Mastectomy for Patients with Breast Cancer Recurrence: A Case Series of Brazilian Patients / Mastectomia preservadora de mamilo para pacientes com recidiva de câncer de mama: Uma série de casos de pacientes brasileiras

Abstract Objective Few studies analyzed the safety of salvage nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) for local relapse treatment. We evaluated the outcomes of patients with indications for mastectomy who chose to undergo NSM for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). Methods Between January 2001 and December 2018, we evaluated 24 women who underwent NSM for local relapse after conservative surgery. Results Thepatientswere followedupfor amean time of132months since thefirst surgery. After the NSM, 5 (20.8%) patients were diagnosed with local recurrence and only 1 (4.2%) patient died. The patients presented 4.8% (2) of partial and 2.4% (1) of total nipple necrosis. Conclusion In this long-term follow-up since the first surgery, we observed low rates of complication and good survival, although associated with high local recurrence in patients diagnosed with IBTR undergoing NSM as salvage surgery.We demonstrated that NSMmay be considered after IBTR for patients who did not want to undergo total mastectomy.

Resumo Objetivo Há poucos estudos sobre a segurança de se realizar adenomastectomia (nipple-sparing mastectomy, NSM, em inglês) para tratamento de recidiva local. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados de pacientes com indicação para mastectomia que optaram por se submeter a NSM para o tratamento de recorrência local. Métodos Foram analisadas 24 pacientes submetidas a NSM para tratamento de recidiva local após tratamento conservador entre janeiro de 2001 e dezembro de 2018. Resultados As pacientes foramacompanhadas por um períodomédio de 132meses a partir da primeira cirurgia. Após a NSM, 5 (20,8%) pacientes foram diagnosticadas com recorrência local, e apenas 1 paciente foi a óbito. As pacientes apresentaram 4,8% de necrose parcial e 2,4% de necrose total do mamilo. Conclusão Em um longo período de acompanhamento desde a primeira cirurgia, foram observadas baixas taxas de complicação pós-operatória e boa sobrevida, porém, associadas comuma alta taxa de recorrência local em pacientes submetidas a NSM para tratamento de recidiva local após cirurgia conservadora. Neste estudo, demonstrou-se que a NSM pode ser considerada uma opção cirúrgica para pacientes que não querem se submeter a mastectomia total.

Segmentectomía lateral izquierda laparoscópica en donante vivo para trasplante hepático adulto-pediátrico / Laparoscopic living donor left lateral sectionectomy for pediatric liver transplantation

Introducción: La segmentectomía lateral izquierda es el procedimiento más empleado para la cirugía del donante en trasplante hepático con donante vivo adulto-pediátrico (THDVA-P), y ha demostrado ser seguro y reproducible. Sin embargo, la información aún es escasa respecto al abordaje laparoscópico. Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es dar a conocer los resultados posoperatorios de la segmentectomía lateral izquierda laparoscópica (SLI-L) para THDVA-P. Materiales y Método: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de un solo centro, Hospital del Salvador; con vasta experiencia en trasplante hepático y en resecciones hepáticas laparoscópicas. Se ofreció realizar el procedimiento de SLI-L para la cirugía del donante vivo. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica y los resultados posoperatorios de los donantes. Resultados: Entre abril de 2015 y enero de 2021, 36 pacientes, 25 de ellos hombres, fueron sometidos a SLI-L. El 86% eran madre o padre del receptor, con una mediana de 30 años (19-45). Mediana de tiempo operatorio de 360 min (240-480). Hubo conversión en un caso debido a sangrado venoso de difícil manejo y en dos oportunidades se utilizó técnica mano asistida por la misma causa. Morbilidad Clavien-Dindo III en un paciente debido a fuga biliar precoz, manejada con prótesis vía colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica exitosamente. La mediana de hospitalización fue de 4 días (3-12) y no hubo mortalidad. Conclusión: La SLI-L ha evolucionado, desde un procedimiento innovador hasta convertirse en el actual procedimiento estándar para THDVA-P. Los buenos resultados en términos de morbimortalidad sugieren que podría ser una técnica segura y reproducible en contextos similares al del centro.

Introduction: Living donor left lateral sectionectomy is a well-established alternative in cadaveric donor pediatric liver transplantation. This procedure has proven to be safe and reproducible. However, laparoscopic approach is still under development and evidence of its feasibility is limited. Aim: The aim of this article is to present the surgical technique and postoperative outcomes of the cases of laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy performed in this center. Materials and Method: A retrospective, observational, single center study was conducted in Hospital del Salvador. From 04/2015 - 01/2021 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy was offered for donor surgery. We present the surgical technique, perioperative care, and early postoperative outcomes in donors. Results: This series includes 36 patients, 25 (69%) of them were males. A total of 31 (86%) donors were mother or father of the recipient. Median age of donors was 30 years (19-45), median operative time was 360 min (240-480). All the patients underwent laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy. Conversion was necessary in one case due to difficult management of a venous bleeding. Clavien-Dindo Morbidity III, in one patient who required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography due to an early bile leak. Median hospitalization was 4 days (3-14). There was no mortality. Conclusion: Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy has proven to be safe and reproducible. This technique has evolved from an innovative procedure to become the current standard of practice in our center, with excellent results in terms of morbidity and mortality.