Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the LYMPH-ICF Instrument for Lymphedema into Portuguese/Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to cross-culturally adapt the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire Lymphoedema (LYMPH-ICF) instrument into Brazilian Portuguese and conduct a pilot application (n = 10), without psychometric pretensions. METHOD: Methodological research was conducted, following the steps of translation, synthesis, back-translation, and evaluation by the expert committee. Two translators, two back-translators, and twelve professionals participated in the expert committee. A pretest was carried out with 10 patients with secondary lymphedema due to breast cancer. The degree of agreement was determined by the content validity coefficient. RESULTS: It was necessary to modify 8 out of the 29 questions comprising the questionnaire, which exhibited idiomatic disagreement. However, despite these changes, there were no indications of impairments, as content reliability was achieved through a validity coefficient of 0.90. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The instrument was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted for Brazil with a high level of agreement.

TP53 Gene Polymorphism at Codon 72 as a Response Predictor for Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a favored method for achieving pathologic complete response (pCR). The TP53 gene is involved in inducing the response to chemotherapy drugs. Objectives: The present study sought to correlate polymorphism variants at codon 72 with pCR to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Casuistry and Methods: The study was conducted in the state of Sergipe, in northeastern Brazil. A total of 206 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy from 2019 to 2022 were included. DNA samples were collected for the evaluation of TP53 polymorphism at codon 72. A prospective evaluation of the cases was conducted to verify the surgical pathologic response after chemotherapy; the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) were used. The study was approved by the University of São Paulo Ethics and Research Committee. Results: Of the 168 patients, 44.6% were Arg72Arg, 17.3% were Pro72Pro, and 38.0% were Arg72Pro; pCR was achieved in 21.4% of the patients; 10.1% had progressive disease, 13.7% had stable disease, and 54.2% had a partial pathologic response. The only predictor of pCR in multivariate regression was immunohistochemistry (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, Arg72Pro and Pro72Pro increased the odds of the patient evolving with stable disease. This study was innovative in demonstrating a predictor of stable disease in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: TP53 polymorphism at codon 72 is not a predictor of pCR, but it can be a predictor of stable disease.

Towards precision medicine in breast imaging: A novel open mammography database with tailor-made 3D image retrieval for AI and teaching.

This project addresses the global challenge of breast cancer, particularly in low-resource settings, by creating a pioneering mammography database. Breast cancer, identified by the World Health Organization as a leading cause of cancer death among women, often faces diagnostic and treatment resource constraints in low- and middle-income countries. To enhance early diagnosis and address educational setbacks, the project focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through a comprehensive database. Developed in collaboration with Ambra Health, a cloud-based medical image management software, the database comprises 941 mammography images from 100 anonymized cases, with 62 % including 3D images. Accessible through http://mamografia.unifesp.br, the platform facilitates a simple registration process and an advanced search system based on 169 clinical and imaging variables. The website, customizable to the user's native language, ensures data security through an automatic anonymization system. By providing high-resolution, 3D digital images and supplementary clinical information, the platform aims to promote education and research in breast cancer diagnosis, representing a significant advancement in resource-constrained healthcare environments.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the LYMPH-ICF Instrument for Lymphedema into Portuguese/Brazil / Traducción y adaptación transcultural al portugués/Brasil del instrumento LYMPH-ICF para linfedema / Tradução e adaptação transcultural para o português/Brasil do instrumento LYMPH-ICF para linfedema

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to cross-culturally adapt the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire Lymphoedema (LYMPH-ICF) instrument into Brazilian Portuguese and conduct a pilot application (n = 10), without psychometric pretensions. Method: Methodological research was conducted, following the steps of translation, synthesis, back-translation, and evaluation by the expert committee. Two translators, two back-translators, and twelve professionals participated in the expert committee. A pretest was carried out with 10 patients with secondary lymphedema due to breast cancer. The degree of agreement was determined by the content validity coefficient. Results: It was necessary to modify 8 out of the 29 questions comprising the questionnaire, which exhibited idiomatic disagreement. However, despite these changes, there were no indications of impairments, as content reliability was achieved through a validity coefficient of 0.90. Final Considerations: The instrument was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted for Brazil with a high level of agreement.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Realizar la adaptación transcultural del instrumento Cuestionario de Funcionamiento, Discapacidad y Salud del Linfedema (LYMPH-ICF) al portugués de Brasil y una aplicación piloto (n = 10), sin pretensiones psicométricas. Método: Investigación metodológica, siguiendo los pasos de traducción, síntesis, retrotraducción y evaluación por parte del comité de expertos. Participaron dos traductores, dos retrotraductores y doce profesionales para el comité de expertos. Se realizó una prueba piloto con 10 pacientes con linfedema secundario al cáncer de mama. Y el grado de concordancia se obtuvo mediante el coeficiente de validez de contenido. Resultados: Hubo necesidad de modificar 8 de las 29 preguntas que componen el cuestionario, las cuales mostraron discordancia idiomática. Sin embargo, a pesar de que se realizaron dichas modificaciones, no hubo indicación de perjuicios, ya que se alcanzó la confiabilidad del contenido mediante la obtención de 0,90 en el coeficiente de validez. Conclusiones: El instrumento fue traducido y adaptado transculturalmente para Brasil con un alto grado de concordancia.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar a adaptação transcultural do instrumento Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire Lymphoedema (LYMPH-ICF) para o português do Brasil e uma aplicação piloto (n = 10), sem pretensão psicométrica. Método: pesquisa metodológica, seguindo os passos de tradução, síntese, retrotradução e avaliação pelo comitê de especialistas. Participaram dois tradutores, dois retrotradutores e doze profissionais para o comitê de especialistas. Realizou-se o pré-teste com 10 pacientes com linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama. E o grau de concordância foi obtido pelo coeficiente de validade de conteúdo. Resultados: houve a necessidade de modificar 8 das 29 questões que compõem o questionário, as quais demonstraram discordância idiomática. Contudo, mesmo que tais alterações tenham sido realizadas, não houve indicação de prejuízos, já que foi alcançada a confiabilidade do conteúdo através da obtenção de 0,90 pelo coeficiente de validade. Considerações finais: o instrumento foi traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente para o Brasil com alto grau de concordância.

Evaluation of the efficacy of using indocyanine green associated with fluorescence in sentinel lymph node biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the technique recommended for the axillary staging of patients with breast cancer in the initial stages without clinical axillary involvement. Three techniques are widely used globally to detect sentinel lymph nodes: patent blue, the radiopharmaceutical technetium 99 with gamma probe, and the combination of these two. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sentinel lymph node detection rate with an innovative technique: indocyanine green (ICG) associated with fluorescence in breast cancer patients, and compare it with patent blue and a combination of patent blue and indocyanine green. METHODS: 99 patients were sequentially (not randomly) allocated into 3 arms with 33 patients submitted to sentinel lymph node techniques. One arm underwent patent blue dying, the other indocyanine green, and the third received a combination of both. The detection rates between arms were compared. RESULTS: The detection rate in identifying the sentinel lymph node was 78.8% with patent blue, 93.9% with indocyanine green, and 100% with the combination. Indocyanine green identified two sentinel nodes in 48.5% of patients; the other groups more commonly had only one node identified. The mean time to sentinel lymph node identification was 20.6 ± 10.7 SD (standard deviation) minutes among patients submitted to the patent blue dye, 8.6 ± 6.6 minutes in the indocyanine green arm, and 10 ± 8.9 minutes in the combined group (P<0.001; Student's test). The mean surgery time was 69.4 ± 16.9; 55.1 ± 13.9; and 69.4 ± 19.3 minutes respectively (P<0.001; Student's test). CONCLUSIONS: The sentinel lymph node detection rate by fluorescence using indocyanine green was 93.9%, considered adequate. The rates using patent blue, indocyanine green, and patent blue plus indocyanine green (combined) were significantly different, and the indocyanine green alone is also acceptable, since it has a good performance in sentinel lymph node identification and it can avoid tattooing, with a 100% sentinel lymph node detection rate when combined with patent blue.

Ultrasound Measurement of the Distance between the Breast Tumor and the Skin: A Cut-Off Value for Safe Skin Preservation - Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

Background: In superficial tumors of the breast, it is necessary to plan the thickness of surgical skin flaps, and whether skin can be preserved for esthetics results. This study aimed to find an ultrasound-measured cut-off distance between tumor and skin (TSD) that allows patients to have the skin over the tumor spared. Methods: This is a diagnostic accuracy study comparing preoperative ultrasound TSD with pathological TSD and the thickness of the skin flaps. We recruited all consecutive women diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2017 and December 2019 whose surgical planning allowed to have the tumor and overlying skin to be removed in bloc (reconstruction procedures, situations where skin removal would not lead to esthetic problems, and superficially located tumors). Measurements were made: preoperatively (by ultrasound), during surgery (using a metal caliper to obtain the thickness of surgical skin flap), and after surgery (pathological). A pathological tumor-skin distance greater than surgical skin flap thickness would indicate preservation of skin above the tumor. Results: We evaluated 95 consecutive patients with 102 lesions. The average surgical flap thickness was 5.5 mm (3-10 mm). The ultrasound-measured cut-off TSD of 2.1 mm obtained 96.0% accuracy in predicting free anterior margin, considering a 5-mm-thick surgical flap. Conclusion: In breast superficial tumors, a cut-off distance of 2.1 mm or more measured preoperatively by ultrasound allows safe preservation of the skin above the tumor. Future studies need to follow up for longer the women submitted to skin preservation surgeries, especially those not undergoing radiotherapy.

Effect of acupuncture in myelosuppression and quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on myelosuppression and quality of life in women with breast cancer during treatment with anthracyclines (ANT). METHODS: Women with indication for ANT chemotherapy were randomized into two groups: acupuncture group (AG) and control group (CG). A quality of life questionnaire (FACT-G) and peripheral blood levels of the participants were evaluated before and at the end of treatment. The AG was submitted to an acupuncture intervention, starting before the first chemotherapy infusion, and continuing throughout the treatment. RESULTS: A total of 26 women were randomized into 2 groups: AG (10) and CG (16). Of these, 26.9% had a dense dose indication according to the service's protocol for the administration of granulocyte-stimulating factor (G-CSF) from the first cycle, not participating in the analysis. The need for secondary prophylaxis with G-CSF occurred in 72.7% in the control group versus 12% in the acupuncture group. Regarding quality of life (QoL), it was observed that the groups did not initially differ from each other. At the end of the treatment, there was a significant difference in the AG for the physical (GP) (p-value=0.011), social/family (GS) (p-value=0.018), and functional (GF) (p-value=0.010) domains, regarding the initial and final FACT-G showed a difference between the groups, where the GA average at the end rose from 80.68 to 90.12 (p-value = 0.004) and in the CG the average dropped from 81.95 to 70.59 (p-value=0.003). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was efficient in the secondary prophylaxis of myelosuppression during chemotherapy and the quality of life of women during treatment has increased. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - Rebec on 06/28/2018, registration number U1111-1216-3921, Rebec Trial RBR-7BWJ6R.

Awareness of Self-Examination, Screening, and Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Among Women Awaiting Care at the Outpatient Clinic of a Mastology Unit.

This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and the awareness of screening and risk factors for breast cancer among patients from a mastology clinic and to associate such findings with sociodemographic factors of that population. A total of 202 randomly selected patients from the outpatient clinic of the Mastology Unit of São Paulo School of Medicine were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used and included questions regarding sociodemographic variables, questions to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE, and knowledge of mammographic screening and risk factors for breast cancer. The vast majority of patients were aware of the existence of BSE (93.1%). BSE was performed by most patients (64.9%), although only 20.3% performed it adequately. Only 21.8% of respondents showed awareness of the best screening method for breast cancer. Furthermore, 17.3% of patients showed adequate awareness of risk factors for breast cancer. The analysis of sociodemographic variables showed that older, postmenopausal, and less-educated women showed better practice of BSE. Overall, the patients had no adequate awareness of BSE, mammographic screening, and risk factors for breast cancer, and the majority failed to practice BSE adequately, particularly the group of patients with the higher level of education. These data show that educational measures regarding the practice of BSE and, especially, mammograms should be emphasized, regardless of education level or family income of the patient.

Survival and recurrence with or without axillary dissection in patients with invasive breast cancer and sentinel node metastasis.

To evaluate overall survival and locoregional recurrence between patients with invasive breast tumours and sentinel node metastasis undergoing sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) alone and those undergoing complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with invasive breast carcinoma who underwent lumpectomy at a public university hospital in Brazil between 2008 and 2018. We evaluated the overall survival and the locoregional recurrence using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Overall, 97 participants who underwent lumpectomy were enroled; 41 in the ALND group, and 56 in the SLND group, according to Z0011 criteria. Only 17% of the patients in the ALND group had an additional biopsy-proven axillary disease, and 83% were treated with complete dissection unnecessarily. The 5-year survival rates were 80.1% and 87.5% for SLND and ALND, respectively (p = 0.376). Locoregional recurrence was rare (1.7% and 7.3% in the SLND and ALND, respectively; p = 0.3075). Overall survival and locoregional recurrence were similar between the two groups. The de-escalation of ALND to SLND in women with metastasis in the sentinel lymph node treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy that meet the Z0011 criteria is feasible even in developing countries.

Ductal Carcinoma in situ: Underestimation of Percutaneous Biopsy and Positivity of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in a Brazilian Public Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Mammography screening has become widely spread and provided a marked increase in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis. In DCIS, the ductal epithelium proliferates without invasion through the basal cell membrane. However, histologic underestimation can happen in some cases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rate of histologic underestimation (histopathologic results upgraded to invasive carcinoma after surgery) and the rate of positive results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients diagnosed with DCIS in a Brazilian public hospital. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of all consecutive patients admitted between 2009 and 2013 whose initial diagnosis was DCIS through core needle biopsy. DCIS cases with a high risk of invasion underwent SLNB. We excluded cases with invasion or micro-invasion components in the first biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 86 women were included, most with microcalcifications as the primary radiological lesion (73.2%), and underwent preoperative biopsy, with an invasive component in 21 (24.4%) in the final pathology report. Most had invasive carcinoma of no special type (NST): 52.3% (n = 11) and microinvasive tumors (7 cases, 33.3%). The main factors associated with histologic underestimation were nodular lesion (61.9%, p<0.001) and an ultra-sonography-guided biopsy (71.4%, p=0.0005). The positivity rate of SLNB was 4.3%. All these patients underwent mastectomy, and the initial histologic pattern was solid DCIS. CONCLUSION: The "histologic underestimation" rate among patients with DCIS was not low, and less than 5% of patients who underwent SLNB had axillary positivity. This result suggests that patients who have DCIS and a high risk of invasion and undergoing mastectomy should have SLNB. As to the patients who will undergo lumpectomy, SLNB could be omitted and could be performed if patients have upgraded to invasive breast cancer.

Exercise Protocol With Limited Shoulder Range of Motion for 15 or 30 Days After Conservative Surgery for Breast Cancer With Oncoplastic Technique: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate the effect of limiting shoulder range of motion (ROM) for 15 or 30 days on surgical complications and on shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function of breast cancer patients following conservative oncoplastic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 women with breast cancer who underwent conservative oncoplastic surgery. The day after surgery, all patients started an exercise protocol with shoulder exercises limited to 90 degrees. Two weeks after surgery they were randomized into Free ROM Group (n=30) or Limited ROM Group (n=30). The Free ROM Group was allowed to perform shoulder exercises with unlimited ROM; the Limited ROM Group continued with shoulder movement restricted at 90 degrees until 30 days after surgery, at which time they were also allowed free ROM. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications (dehiscence, seroma, infection, and necrosis) and secondary outcomes were shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function. RESULTS: No difference in the incidence of postoperative scar complications between groups was noted. There was no difference between the groups in shoulder joint amplitude, pain, or upper limb function. CONCLUSIONS: The free ROM exercise protocol 15 days post surgery was safe concerning cicatricial complications.

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. METHOD: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. RESULTS: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. CONCLUSION: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Early Free Range-of-Motion Upper Limb Exercises After Mastectomy and Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction Are Safe and Beneficial: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the impact that free range-of-motion (ROM) upper limb exercises 15 or 30 days after mastectomy and immediate implant-based reconstruction has on surgical complications and kinetic-functional recovery. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 60 women who had breast cancer treated with mastectomy and immediate implant or tissue expander reconstruction. The patients initiated the exercises with shoulder ROM limited to 90° the day after surgery. After 2 weeks, the patients were randomized into two groups of 30 patients each: the "free-range group," which permitted shoulder range exercises until limited by pain or wound dehiscence, and the "limited-range group," which maintained shoulder movement restriction at 90° until 30 days after surgery, at which time they also were allowed to perform free-range exercises. The patients underwent evaluations preoperatively, then 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery. The primary outcomes were incidence and prevalence of dehiscence and seroma and incidence of infection and necrosis. The secondary outcomes were shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in terms of incidence and prevalence of postoperative complications. The patients with free upper limb exercise 15 days after surgery had less pain, greater shoulder amplitude, and better upper limb function than those who had movement restricted to 90° for 30 days. CONCLUSION: The postoperative protocol with free shoulder ROM on the 15th day after surgery is safe and beneficial in terms of kinetic-functional recovery and pain control for patients after mastectomy and immediate implant-based reconstruction. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER: NCT02480842.

The risk of developing breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in obese women submitted to bariatric surgery: a meta-analysis.

This article performs a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of bariatric surgery and the risk of developing breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in obese women. MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until January 2019 to retrieve studies that assessed the risk of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer in obese women submitted to bariatric surgery. There was no language restriction. We extracted and combined data from studies to assess the risk ratio (RR) of developing these neoplasms. A random-effects meta-analytic model was applied in all calculations. The New Castle Ottawa and GRADE were used to assess quality of the included studies and certainty of the evidence, respectively. This study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019112927). We found 188 articles and 7 of those were included in our meta-analysis, which incorporated a total of 150,537 patients in the bariatric surgery arm and 1,461,938 women in the control arm. The total RR of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer was .41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: .31-.56]; I2 = 90%; 7 studies). The risk of breast cancer was reduced by 49% (RR: .51; 95%CI: .31-.83]; I2 = 92%; 6 studies). The risk of ovarian cancer was reduced by 53% (RR: .47; 95%CI: .27-81; I2 = 0%; 3 studies). The risk of endometrial cancer was reduced by 67% (RR: .33; 95%CI: .21-.51; I2 = 88%; 7 studies). Bariatric surgery may have a protective effect reducing the risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in obese women. The high heterogeneity and other issues justify the need for further studies to deepen our knowledge.

Prevalence and risk factors of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in osteoporotic and breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has been reported as a side effect of bisphosphonate (BP). The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of MRONJ in women taking BP for osteoporosis and for metastatic breast cancer and correlate it with risk factors and biochemical markers of bone metabolism. METHODS: Patients taking oral or intravenous BP with osteoporosis (G1; n = 153; median 72.8 years) and with metastatic breast cancer (G2; n = 134; median 58.2 years) had their hospital charts reviewed, were submitted to dental inspection, and answered a health questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were randomly collected from both groups to measure osteocalcin, carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen, intact parathyroid hormone and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), creatinine, and total calcium. RESULTS: G1 was older (p = 0.001) and had more cases of diabetes (p = 0.043). P1NP was higher (p = 0.022) and 25OHD lower (p = 0.004) in G2 compared with G1. MRONJ was not found in the G1, whereas 4 cases (3%) were detected in G2. Positive risk factors for MRONJ were number of BP doses and number of visits to the dentist and dental extractions. The biochemical parameters, however, could not identify those who developed MRONJ. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MRONJ was 3% in women with metastatic breast cancer receiving BP. No cases were identified in women receiving oral BP chronically for osteoporosis. P1NP was higher in women with metastatic breast cancer, even during treatment with antiresorptives, but could not differentiate those with MRONJ.

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy / Prevalencia de la xerostomía en mujeres durante la quimioterapia por cáncer de mama / Prevalência da xerostomia em mulheres durante a quimioterapia por câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. Results: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de la xerostomía en las mujeres en tratamiento quimioterápico por cáncer de mama. Método: Cohorte prospectiva con 27 mujeres que realizaron hasta 16 sesiones de quimioterapia endovenosa. La recogida de datos ha sido realizada en el ambulatorio de un hospital universitario en la ciudad São Paulo, donde han sido aplicados dos formularios antes del inicio del tratamiento y el Xerostomia Inventory antes y después de cada sesión de quimioterapia. Resultados: La queja de boca seca estuvo presente en 48,1% de las mujeres antes de la quimioterapia, y ellas tuvieron aproximadamente 28 veces más chance de desarrollar la xerostomía durante el tratamiento. Se observó que el uso de antieméticos contribuyó para la ocurrencia de xerostomía, y los antiulcerosos se presentaron como factor de protección. Conclusión: El estudio identificó tanto una alta prevalencia de xerostomía independientemente de la quimioterapia empleada cuanto la necesidad de la creación de protocolos visando a la mejoría de la calidad de vida de esas pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência da xerostomia nas mulheres em tratamento quimioterápico por câncer de mama. Método: Coorte prospectiva com 27 mulheres que realizaram até 16 sessões de quimioterapia endovenosa. A coleta de dados foi realizada no ambulatório de um hospital universitário na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram aplicados dois formulários antes do início do tratamento e o Xerostomia Inventory antes e após cada sessão de quimioterapia. Resultados: A queixa de boca seca esteve presente em 48,1% das mulheres antes da quimioterapia, e elas tiveram aproximadamente 28 vezes mais chance de desenvolver a xerostomia durante o tratamento. Observou-se que o uso de antieméticos contribuiu para a ocorrência de xerostomia, e os antiulcerosos se apresentaram como fator de proteção. Conclusão: O estudo identificou tanto uma alta prevalência de xerostomia independentemente da quimioterapia empregada quanto a necessidade da criação de protocolos visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida dessas pacientes.

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy / Prevalencia de la xerostomía en mujeres durante la quimioterapia por cáncer de mama / Prevalência da xerostomia em mulheres durante a quimioterapia por câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. Results: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de la xerostomía en las mujeres en tratamiento quimioterápico por cáncer de mama. Método: Cohorte prospectiva con 27 mujeres que realizaron hasta 16 sesiones de quimioterapia endovenosa. La recogida de datos ha sido realizada en el ambulatorio de un hospital universitario en la ciudad São Paulo, donde han sido aplicados dos formularios antes del inicio del tratamiento y el Xerostomia Inventory antes y después de cada sesión de quimioterapia. Resultados: La queja de boca seca estuvo presente en 48,1% de las mujeres antes de la quimioterapia, y ellas tuvieron aproximadamente 28 veces más chance de desarrollar la xerostomía durante el tratamiento. Se observó que el uso de antieméticos contribuyó para la ocurrencia de xerostomía, y los antiulcerosos se presentaron como factor de protección. Conclusión: El estudio identificó tanto una alta prevalencia de xerostomía independientemente de la quimioterapia empleada cuanto la necesidad de la creación de protocolos visando a la mejoría de la calidad de vida de esas pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência da xerostomia nas mulheres em tratamento quimioterápico por câncer de mama. Método: Coorte prospectiva com 27 mulheres que realizaram até 16 sessões de quimioterapia endovenosa. A coleta de dados foi realizada no ambulatório de um hospital universitário na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram aplicados dois formulários antes do início do tratamento e o Xerostomia Inventory antes e após cada sessão de quimioterapia. Resultados: A queixa de boca seca esteve presente em 48,1% das mulheres antes da quimioterapia, e elas tiveram aproximadamente 28 vezes mais chance de desenvolver a xerostomia durante o tratamento. Observou-se que o uso de antieméticos contribuiu para a ocorrência de xerostomia, e os antiulcerosos se apresentaram como fator de proteção. Conclusão: O estudo identificou tanto uma alta prevalência de xerostomia independentemente da quimioterapia empregada quanto a necessidade da criação de protocolos visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida dessas pacientes.

Meta-analysis of long-term efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy in the treatment of early breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy in women with early stage breast cancer after breast conservative surgery. METHODS: We performed a search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare conventional fractioning and hypofractioned radiotherapy. The studied outcomes were local and loco-regional recurrence, disease-free survival, mortality, cardiac ischemia, rib fracture and pulmonary fibrosis up to 5 years and 5 years after treatment. Shrinkage of the breast, breast tightening, telangiectasia, breast edema, shoulder stiffness and arm edema were evaluated within 10 years. Cosmesis and acute skin radiation toxicity were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten publications of six RCTs were included. No statistical difference in local and loco-regional recurrence, disease-free survival, mortality, cardiac ischemia, ribs fracture and pulmonary fibrosis, shrinkage of the breast, breast tightening, shoulder stiffness, arm edema and cosmesis was found. However, there was a significant difference in favor of hypofractionated for breast edema (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.88, p = 0.003, 4675 patients), telangiectasia (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19 a 0.87, p = 0.02, 5167 patients), and acute skin radiation toxicity (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.61, p = 0.0003, 347 patients). CONCLUSION: There is no difference between conventional fractionation and hypofractionated in terms of efficacy when we evaluate local recurrence, loco-regional recurrence, distance recurrence, disease-free survival and mortality. There is also no difference concerning safety when we assess the occurrence of fibrosis, ischemia and ribs fractures. Hypofractionated showed better results in relation to breast edema, telangiectasia, and acute skin radiation toxicity.

Effectiveness and Safety of Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction in Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma: A Matched Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is rarely performed in patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma (LABC). It has not been considered the best indication, and the literature is scarce about this subject. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective matched case-control study was performed in patients with LABC submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). Forty-eight patients undergoing immediate IBBR were matched with 96 patients undergoing conventional mastectomy. Patients were matched according to 2 models based on prognostic characteristics prior to NCT and response to NCT. Local recurrence and disease-free survival were compared between the groups. In the IBBR group, local complications were evaluated. RESULTS: In all, 196 patients were evaluated. The mean tumour size of IBBR patients was 5.8 cm. 83.3% (180/196) of the patients had clinical stage III. At a mean follow-up of 74.7 months, the local recurrence rate was 6.2% (3/48), 15.6% (15/96) and 13.7% (13/95) in the IBBR, model 1 and model 2 groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Disease-free survival was higher in the IBBR group than in the model 1 group (mean 88.8 vs. 73.7 months; p = 0.05). In the group submitted to IBBR, 14.6% (7/48) of patients presented loss of prosthesis and 48.8% (20/41) developed capsular contracture. CONCLUSION: Immediate IBBR may be a safe and effective surgical procedure in selected patients with LABC.

Evaluation of body image, quality of life, tactile sensitivity and pain in women with breast cancer submitted to surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of tumor in the world and the most common among women. There are several treatments for breast cancer; however, the condition often can be accompanied by severe complications in a woman's life. To evaluate and compare body image perception, quality of life, tenderness, and pain in women with breast cancer during preoperative and postoperative periods of 30, 60 and 90 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study. The patients answered the questionnaire "How I relate to my own body", EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23. We assessed upper limb and breast sensitivity with an esthesiometer. Patients were questioned about the presence and level of pain on a scale of 0 to 10. RESULTS: For body image, it was possible to observe a significant difference between pre and postoperative at 30 days. There were changes in some areas of the EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC QLQ BR23 questionnaires, such as arm and breast symptoms, social function, constipation, sexual function and satisfaction, among others. For evaluation of breast and axilla sensitivity and assessment of pain, all postoperative periods showed significant differences when compared to the preoperative period. The sensitivity of the inner region of the arm presented no significant change. CONCLUSION: The difference found in the study shows that evaluations on all scales should be done in several periods, using a proper treatment for the changes and individuality of each patient.