Mortality due to cervical and breast cancer in health regions of Brazil: impact of public policies on cancer care.

OBJECTIVE: This analysis assessed the association between regional income, screening coverage for cervical and breast cancer, and temporal trends in mortality from these cancers in different Brazilian health regions. STUDY DESIGN: Spatiotemporal ecological study across 450 health regions of Brazil. METHODS: Data from 2010 Demographic Census were used to assess income. Variations in income distribution within health regions were measured using the Gini index. Data on screening coverage were obtained from the Ambulatory Information System (SIA/SUS). Mortality was assessed from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 data. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) in cervical and breast cancer mortality rates, 2010-2018, was calculated by health regions. Results were presented in regional maps. The associations between income, screening coverage and mortality changes were estimated by bivariate spatial correlation. RESULTS: Health regions located in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil had the greatest percentages of screening coverage and highest per capita incomes with the lowest Gini index values. From 2010 to 2018, mortality rates for cervical cancer were highest in the North and Northeast health regions. Breast cancer mortality rates were highest in the South and Southeast health regions. The AAPC in breast and cervical cancer mortality had a negative association with per capita income and screening coverage, and a positive association with the Gini index. CONCLUSIONS: There are large regional variations in income, screening coverage, and mortality rates for women with breast and cervical cancer. These inequities could be mitigated by policies to address income disparities and improved access to screening.

Quality of Life Post Cervical Cancer Treatment: A Comparison Between Radical Surgery Approach and Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: The assessment of quality of life (QoL) in women with cervical cancer is crucial due to the profound changes they undergo during and after treatment. Often, the significance of sexual factors is underestimated, likely due to societal taboos surrounding such discussions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the long-term QoL outcomes, particularly focusing on sexuality, among three therapeutic approaches for cervical cancer: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy; isolated hysterectomy; and hysterectomy combined with radiotherapy. METHODS: Conducted from November 2022 to July 2023, this cross-sectional study involved 131 cervical cancer patients. Their QoL was assessed using the MDASI, FACIT-Cx, and risk factor questionnaires. Results were compared across the three treatment groups, revealing notable differences. RESULTS: Patients undergoing chemo/radio/brachytherapy showed significantly lower QoL scores compared to those undergoing isolated hysterectomy. This was evident in reduced scores across FACIT-Cx subscales for physical well-being, specific concerns, and FACIT-total (p < 0.05). The MDASI results similarly indicated greater symptoms and interference in daily activities for the chemo/radio/brachytherapy group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, isolated hysterectomy, demonstrated superior QoL outcomes compared to chemo/radio/brachytherapy. Furthermore, the study underscored the importance of addressing sexual concerns in QoL assessments of cervical cancer survivors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care to enhance overall well-being posttreatment.

Cervical Cancer in Mexico: From a Renowned Vaccination Program to Unfulfilled Needs in Treatment Access.

Mexico's national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program was established in 2008, providing free access to HPV vaccines and quickly becoming an immense success story, achieving significant coverage among young Mexican females. However, despite these efforts and notable achievements, cervical cancer caused mainly by HPV remains a challenging issue among Mexican women aged 15 years or older. A critical obstacle faced by women in the country is a lack of early detection and screening resources, coupled with delays in diagnosis and treatment, exacerbated by the poor distribution of already insufficient healthcare resources. This situation creates adverse conditions for the female demographic in the country. Our editorial aims to draw attention to the urgent need to improve access to adequate prevention, screening, and treatment for cervical cancer patients in Mexico, advocating for a collective effort between the Mexican government, public health professionals, and civil society.

Findings and Challenges in Replacing Traditional Uterine Cervical Cancer Diagnosis with Molecular Tools in Private Gynecological Practice in Mexico.

We have been encouraging practicing gynecologists to adopt molecular diagnostics tests, PCR, and cancer biomarkers, as alternatives enabled by these platforms, to traditional Papanicolaou and colposcopy tests, respectively. An aliquot of liquid-based cytology was used for the molecular test [high-risk HPV types, (HR HPV)], another for the PAP test, and one more for p16/Ki67 dual-stain cytology. A total of 4499 laboratory samples were evaluated, and we found that 25.1% of low-grade samples and 47.9% of high-grade samples after PAP testing had a negative HR HPV-PCR result. In those cases, reported as Pap-negative, 22.1% had a positive HR HPV-PCR result. Dual staining with p16/Ki67 biomarkers in samples was positive for HR HPV, and 31.7% were also positive for these markers. Out of the PCR results that were positive for any of these HR HPV subtypes, n 68.3%, we did not find evidence for the presence of cancerous cells, highlighting the importance of performing dual staining with p16/Ki67 after PCR to avoid unnecessary colposcopies. The encountered challenges are a deep-rooted social reluctance in Mexico to abandon traditional Pap smears and the opinion of many specialists. Therefore, we still believe that colposcopy continues to be a preferred procedure over the dual-staining protocol.

The Hallmarks of Cervical Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms Induced by Human Papillomavirus.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and, specifically, high-risk HPVs (HR-HPVs) are identified as necessary factors in the development of cancer of the lower genital tract, with CaCU standing out as the most prevalent tumor. This review summarizes ten mechanisms activated by HR-HPVs during cervical carcinogenesis, which are broadly associated with at least seven of the fourteen distinctive physiological capacities of cancer in the newly established model by Hanahan in 2022. These mechanisms involve infection by human papillomavirus, cellular tropism, genetic predisposition to uterine cervical cancer (CaCU), viral load, viral physical state, regulation of epigenetic mechanisms, loss of function of the E2 protein, deregulated expression of E6/E7 oncogenes, regulation of host cell protein function, and acquisition of the mesenchymal phenotype.

Exame físico em ginecologia / Physical examination in gynecology

O exame físico na prática ginecológica diuturna é o sustentáculo de uma perspectiva diagnóstica com vistas a uma abordagem individualizada, oportuna e humanizada da paciente. Lança mão de técnica semiótica clássica, inicialmente, após avaliação de sinais vitais, minuciosa inspeção ectoscópica, seguida de exame físico especial. E deverá ser realizado em ambiente adequadíssimo, sem nenhuma improvisação e ou adaptações não compatíveis, com a importância e a segurança garantidas por um exame físico de boa qualidade. O exame físico de mamas tem como objetivo primordial a identificação de nódulos mamários e, eventualmente, de tumores localmente avançados; e relativa tranquilidade é assegurada às pacientes quando ele é considerado normal. O exame físico vulvar permite a identificação de prolapso de órgãos pélvicos, neoplasia intraepitelial e/ou invasiva vulvar e distúrbios de desenvolvimento sexual, além de oferecer subsídios para a propedêutica da vulvodínea, sendo, principalmente, uma oportunidade para o diagnóstico em dermatologia vulvar, mesmo a vulva correspondendo a apenas 1% da pele feminina. O exame especular, um clássico da ginecologia, é indispensável para a triagem do câncer de colo uterino. Por fim, o toque genital, a despeito de sua subjetividade, permite a avaliação dos órgãos genitais internos.

Physical examination in daytime gynecological practice is the mainstay of a diagnostic perspective with a view to an individualized, timely and humanized approach to the patient; resorting to the classical semiotic technique, initially, after assessing vital signs, a thorough ectoscopic inspection, followed by a special physical examination; which should be carried out in a very suitable environment, without any improvisation or adaptations that are not compatible with the importance and safety guaranteed by a good quality physical examination. The primary objective of the physical examination of the breasts is to identify breast nodules and possibly locally advanced tumors; in addition to relative tranquility, assured to patients, when the respective exam is considered normal. Vulvar physical examination allows the identification of pelvic organ prolapse; vulvar intraepithelial and/or invasive neoplasia; sexual development disorders; in addition to offering subsidies for the propaedeutics of vulvodynia; and, above all, it is an opportunity for diagnosis in vulvar dermatology, even though the vulva accounts for only 1% of female skin. Specular examination, a classic in gynecology, is essential for screening for cervical cancer. Finally, the genital touch which, despite its subjectivity, allows the evaluation of the internal genital organs.

Application to help physiotherapists in the evaluation of pelvic dysfunctions after cervical cancer / Aplicativo para auxiliar fisioterapeutas na avaliação de disfunções pélvicas após câncer de colo do útero

Abstract Introduction Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV), and its treatment entails chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. This may cause different kinds of dysfunction in the pelvic floor. Hence, physiotherapy plays an important role in the evaluation and treatment of urogynecological dysfunctions occasioned by the oncological treatment. Objective To develop a digital technology in application format to help physiotherapists in the assessment of pelvic dysfunctions after cervical cancer. Methods A digital technology in application format was developed after approval from the Ethics in Research Committee of the Tropical Medical Center. The instrument was developed by a physiotherapist with expertise and experience in the area. The researchers held meetings to finalize the creation of the checklist, and the application was programmed using the Android Studio Environment. In the end, the application was evaluated by two physiotherapist experts in the field. Results The application created displays five sections addressing the symptoms of urinary dysfunction, sexual function, anal function, pain and alterations such as: lymphedema, vaginal stenosis and vaginal fibrosis. Conclusion The use of the application may help physiotherapists in the assessment of pelvic dysfunctions after cervical cancer.

Resumo Introdução O câncer de colo do útero é causado pela infecção persistente por alguns tipos de papilomavírus humano e o seu tratamento envolve quimioterapia, radioterapia e cirurgia, podendo ocasio-nar diferentes disfunções no assoalho pélvico. Desta forma, a fisioterapia tem papel importante na avaliação e tratamento das disfunções pélvicas decorrentes do tratamento oncológico. Objetivo Desenvolver uma tecnologia digital em formato de aplicativo para auxiliar fisioterapeutas na avaliação de disfunções pélvicas após câncer de colo do útero. Métodos Trata-se do desenvolvimento de uma tecnologia digital em formato de aplicativo, que foi realizado após aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Núcleo de Medicina Tropical. O instrumento foi elaborado por fisioterapeutas com expertise e experiência na área. Os pesquisadores realizaram reuniões para finalizar o processo de criação do checklist, e o aplicativo foi programado em ambiente Androide Studio. Ao final, o aplicativo foi avaliado por duas fisioterapeutas especialistas na área. Resultados O aplicativo criado apresenta cinco capítulos abordando sintomas de disfunção urinária, função sexual, função anal, dor e alterações como linfedema, estenose vaginal e fibrose vaginal. Conclusão A utilização do aplicativo poderá auxiliar os profissionais fisioterapeutas na avaliação de disfunções pélvicas após câncer de colo do útero.

Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en el tiempo entre la detección de lesiones premalignas de cuello de útero y su tratamiento / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time between detection of cervical precancerous lesions and their management / Impacto da pandemia de COVID 19 no tempo entre a detecção de lesões cervicais pré-malignas e seu tratamento

Introducción: la pandemia por COVID-19 ha afectado la salud de la mujer y en particular a los derechos sexuales y reproductivos. En el contexto de cambios asistenciales por la pandemia COVID 19, podría verse afectado el tamizaje y seguimiento de las lesiones premalignas de los cánceres de cuello de útero (CCU), poniendo en riesgo su diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento precoz. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar los tiempos transcurridos entre el resultado de screening patológico y el tratamiento de lesiones premalignas de CCU, cotejando con los plazos establecidos por la ordenanza ministerial vigente y comparando los tiempos observados antes y durante la pandemia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal, mediante un análisis comparativo antes y después de la pandemia por COVID-19. Se incluyeron usuarias a quienes se les realizó conización quirúrgica en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell en dos períodos de tiempo: 1 de marzo de 2019 a 29 de febrero de 2020, y 1 de marzo de 2020 a 28 de febrero de 2021. Resultados: la media en días observada desde el PAP hasta la conización fue de 245 para el primer periodo y de 242 para el segundo. El porcentaje de pacientes que cumplen con la ordenanza ministerial en ambos períodos no supera el 5%. Conclusiones: no se evidenció una mayor demora en el seguimiento y tratamiento de estas usuarias durante la pandemia por COVID-19, sin embargo los tiempos observados superan ampliamente los establecidos por Ordenanza Ministerial en los periodos pre pandemia y durante la misma.

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women's health in general, and in particular their sexual and reproductive rights. Within the context of changes in health care services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the screening and follow up of cervical precancerous lesions could be affected, and in turn, this could prevent timely diagnosis and early treatment. This study aims to report the period of time be-tween pathological findings in screening tests and the treatment of precancerous lesions of cervical cancer, analyze it within the context of deadlines set in the Ministry of Health regulations in force, and compare it to pre-pandemic deadlines and time frames during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: observational, analytical and transversal study conducted by means of analyzing the situation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included users who underwent surgical conization at the Pereira Rossell Hospital during two periods of time: Between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020 and between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Results: average number of days from the PAP test until conization was 245 days for the first period and 242 for the second one. The percentage of patients that comply with the Ministerial decree in both periods is lower than 5%. Conclusions: the study found time to treatment in the follow up and management of users did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the times ob-served widely exceed the deadlines set in the ministerial decree in both periods, that is before and during the pandemic.

Introdução: a pandemia de COVID-19 afetou a saúde das mulheres e em particular os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos. No contexto das mudanças na saúde devido à pandemia de COVID 19, o rastreamento e o acompanhamento das lesões pré-malignas do câncer de colo de útero (CCU) podem ser afetados, colocando em risco o diagnóstico oportuno e o tratamento precoce. Objetivo: descrever os tempos decorridos entre o resultado do rastreamento patológico e o tratamento das lesões pré-malignas do CCU, comparando-os com os períodos estabelecidos pela atual Portaria Ministerial, e comparar os tempos observados antes e durante a pandemia. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo observacional, analítico e transversal por meio de uma análise comparativa antes e após a pandemia de COVID19. Foram incluídos as usuárias que realizaram a conização cirúrgica no Hospital Pereira Rossell em dois períodos de tempo: 1º de março de 2019 a 29 de fevereiro de 2020 e 1º de março de 2020 a 28 de fevereiro de 2021. Resultados: a média de dias observados do PAP à conização foi de 245 para o primeiro período e 242 para o segundo. O percentual de pacientes que cumprem a Portaria Ministerial em ambos os períodos não ultrapassa 5%. Conclusões: não houve evidência de maior demora no acompanhamento e tratamento desses usuários durante a pandemia por COVID-19, porém os tempos observados superam em muito os estabelecidos por Portaria Ministerial nos períodos pré-pandemia e durante a mesma.

Relationship between awareness of cervical cancer and HPV infection and attitudes towards HPV vaccine among women aged 15-49 years: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between awareness of cervical cancer and HPV infection and attitudes towards HPV vaccine among women aged 15-49 years. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at Karabük Training and Research Hospital, Turkey. METHODS: 500 women who visited the gynecology outpatient clinic of a public hospital between July 15 and December 31, 2019, were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire comprising nine questions (created by the researchers), the HPV and Cervical Cancer Awareness Questionnaire and the Carolina HPV Immunization Attitudes and Beliefs Scale. RESULTS: The relationship between the awareness questionnaire and the beliefs scale was explained through simple effect modeling of a structural equation. The women's knowledge score regarding cervical cancer and HPV infection was 4.69 ± 4.02 out of 15. Women were afraid of being diagnosed with cervical cancer and HPV infection, but they did not have sufficient information. They had poor information about the HPV vaccine, did not know how to obtain the vaccine and did not have enough information about its benefits and harmful effects. Women who were afraid of getting cervical cancer, and who thought that they were at risk, had more information about the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSION: Women need information about cervical cancer, HPV infection and the HPV vaccine. Midwives, nurses and physicians who provide healthcare services in gynecological follow-ups should provide information to women about the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer.

Estimating the turning point of the log-logistic hazard function in the presence of long-term survivors with an application for uterine cervical cancer data.

The hazard function plays an important role in cancer patient survival studies, as it quantifies the instantaneous risk of death of a patient at any given time. Often in cancer clinical trials, unimodal hazard functions are observed, and it is of interest to detect (estimate) the turning point (mode) of hazard function, as this may be an important measure in patient treatment strategies with cancer. Moreover, when patient cure is a possibility, estimating cure rates at different stages of cancer, in addition to their proportions, may provide a better summary of the effects of stages on survival rates. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to consider the problem of estimating the mode of hazard function of patients at different stages of cervical cancer in the presence of long-term survivors. To this end, a mixture cure rate model is proposed using the log-logistic distribution. The model is conveniently parameterized through the mode of the hazard function, in which cancer stages can affect both the cured fraction and the mode. In addition, we discuss aspects of model inference through the maximum likelihood estimation method. A Monte Carlo simulation study assesses the coverage probability of asymptotic confidence intervals.

Cáncer mamario y cervicouterino: el problema del absentismo femenino en la acción preventiva / Breast and cervical cancer: the problem of the lack of preventive actions in women

Introducción: La prevalencia del cáncer es un problema que vas más allá de la preocupación médica, por cuanto involucra aspectos subjetivos y sociales en la vida de quienes lo padecen o están en riesgo. Por esto, es de gran importancia detectarlo tempranamente, especialmente entre mujeres debido a su exposición a los factores de riesgo de cáncer de mama y cérvix. Objetivo: Analizar la abstención femenina en Chile a la Mamografía y Papanicolaou. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un análisis multivariado de regresión logística binomial, de los datos disponibles en el Módulo de Salud de la Encuesta de Caracterización Socioeconómica Nacional (CASEN) en su edición del año 2015. Resultados: Se expone una generalizada abstención a la acción preventiva entre mujeres, aun cuando la prevalencia de ambos tipos de cáncer es alta. Los motivos personales aparecen como los más comunes para omitir Mamografía y/o Papanicolaou, especialmente la subvaloración de su importancia. Los factores que aumentan la probabilidad de abstención son la baja escolaridad, la ausencia de afiliación médica y la presencia de pareja. Conclusiones: Se plantea la necesidad de aumentar igualmente la cobertura del servicio preventivo, focalizar los recursos hacia la población vulnerable y mejorar las estrategias de incentivo hacia estos exámenes.

Introduction: The prevalence of cancer is a problem that goes beyond medical concern since it involves subjective and social aspects that affect the lives of those who either suffer from cancer or are at risk for it. Therefore, it is important to detect it early, especially among women due to their exposure to risk factors for breast and cervical cancer. Objective: To analyze women's abstention from mammography and Papanicolaou screening in Chile. Materials and methods: A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted with available data from the Health Module of the National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (NSCS) from 2015. Results: Even though there is a high prevalence of both types of cancer, there is a generalized female abstention from preventive actions. Personal reasons are the most common justifications given for avoidance of mammography and/or Papanicolaou test, especially undervaluing their importance. Factors that increase the probability of abstention include low education level, lack of medical affiliation, and presence of a partner. Conclusions: It is important to increase the coverage of preventive services, focus resources towards vulnerable populations, and create incentive strategies for women to take these exams.

Barriers and innovative interventions for early detection of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer has decreased significantly over the past 30 years in some countries. However, it remains among the leading causes of cancer deaths in low-income, and racial/ethnic minority women. Cervical cancer prevention technologies are not always available. Laboratories are often not well equipped to use them. HPV information has not been widely disseminated. WHO guidelines, and US and Latin American data provide context for strategies on effective interventions to reduce cervical cancer disparities. Systemic, personal and cultural barriers, combined with decision-making guidelines, and impactful messaging can accelerate reductions in cervical cancer health inequities in the Americas.

El cáncer cervicouterino ha disminuido significativamente en los últimos 30 años, pero sigue siendo una de las principales causas de muerte entre mujeres de bajos recursos y minorías raciales/étnicas. Las tecnologías preventivas del cáncer cervicouterino no están siempre disponibles y los laboratorios no están siempre bien equipados para utilizarlas. La información sobre el VPH no ha sido difundida ampliamente. La OMS y datos de EEUU y Latinoamérica ofrecen estrategias para reducir el cáncer cervicouterino. El entendimiento de las barreras sistémicas, personales y culturales, dentro de un marco de toma de decisiones, y mensajes innovadores puede reducir las barreras asociadas con el cáncer cervicouterino en las Américas.

Protein Expression Analysis in Uterine Cervical Cancer for Potential Targets in Treatment.

Specific markers in lesions of the human uterine cervix cancer (UCC) are still needed for prognostic, diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. In this study we evaluated key molecules at protein level between normal epithelium, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1-3) and invasive cancer of a group of molecules previously reported at mRNA level. For that purpose, human formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed containing 205 Mexican tissue core specimens. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative analysis of histological staining was performed against twenty-two distinct proteins for each core and the processing platform ImageJ. In the progression of the disease we found key statistical differences for the proteins SEL1, Notch3 and SOCS3. High expressions of SEL1L, Notch3 and SOCS3 have potential value to increase the prognostic of UCC in combination with markers such as p16INK4a. This study identified key drivers in cervical carcinogenesis that should be evaluated for the development of UCC therapies.

Th17 response in patients with cervical cancer.

Persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main risk factor for uterine cervical cancer (UCC). However, viral infection alone is not sufficient for the development and progression of premalignant cervical lesions for cancer. In previous years it has been suggested that the adaptive immune response triggered by the differentiation of naïve helper T cells in Th17 cells may serve an important role in disease development. It has been hypothesized that Th17 cells may be involved in the promotion of UCC, as high levels of interleukin 17 (IL17) expression have been detected in the mucosa of the uterine cervix of patients affected by the disease. However, the role of Th17 cells in the tumor development and progression remains unclear. It is believed that the immune response of the Th17 type during persistent infection of the genital tract with HR-HPV triggers chronic inflammation with a long duration with the production of IL17 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, creating a favorable environment for tumor development. These cytokines are produced by immune system cells in addition to tumor cells and appear to function by modulating the host immune system, resulting in an immunosuppressive response as opposed to inducing an effective protective immune response, thus contributing to the growth and progression of the tumor. In the present review, the latest advances are presented about the function of Th17 cells and the cytokines produced by them in the development and progression of UCC.

Linfadenectomía paraaórtica extraperitoneal por laparoscopia como método clasificatorio en pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma de cérvix localmente avanzado: reporte de casos / Laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy as a classification method in locally advanced cervical cancer: Report of a series of cases

Resumen Describimos la experiencia quirúrgica de diez pacientes sometidas a linfadenectomía paraaórtica extraperitoneal laparoscópica (LPEL) para clasificación en carcinoma de cérvix localmente avanzado (CCLA) y revisión de la literatura. Métodos: Búsqueda de literatura en MEDLINE y EMBASE usando palabras clave: "Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Neoplasm Staging; Lymph Nodes; Lymph Node Excision; Laparoscopy; extraperitoneal''. Describimos la técnica quirúrgica para LPEL y resultados obtenidos en 10 pacientes intervenidas. Resultados: Diez pacientes con CCLA fueron sometidas a LPEL, rango de edad entre 29 y 65 años, sangrado operatorio entre 5 y 30cc, recuento ganglionar entre 2 y 11 ganglios; no complicaciones intraoperatorias y estancia hospitalaria entre uno y tres días. Conclusión: Es la primera experiencia reportada de LPEL para el CCLA en Colombia, siendo un procedimiento factible, seguro y útil para identificar compromiso paraaórtico adaptando el tratamiento.

Abstract A description is presented on the surgical experience of 10 patients who underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LEPL) in order to classify locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC), as well as a literature review. Methods: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE using the following keywords:''Uterine Cervical Cancer; Cancer Staging; Lymph Nodes; Lymph Node Excision; Laparoscopy; extraperitoneal''. The surgical technique for LEPL is described, as well as the outcomes of the 10 patients who underwent surgery. Results: A total of 10 patients, with ages between 29 and 65 years and with LACC underwent LPEL. There were surgical blood losses between 5 to 30 cc, a lymph node count between 2 and 11, no surgical complications, and a hospital stay of between 1 and 3 days. Conclusion: This is the first experience reported for LPEL for LACC in Colombia. It is a safe, feasible, and useful procedure to identify para-aortic involvement.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and uterine cervical cancer cells: Antineoplastic effect of meclofenamic acid.

Uterine cervical cancer (UCC) is one of the main causes of cancer-associated mortality in women. Inflammation has been identified as an important component of this neoplasia; in this context, anti-inflammatory drugs represent possible prophylactic and/or therapeutic alternatives that require further investigation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are common and each one may exhibit a different antineoplastic effect. As a result, the present study investigated different anti-inflammatory models of UCC in vitro and in vivo. Celecoxib, sulindac, nimesulide, dexamethasone, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid and mefenamic acid were tested in UCC HeLa, VIPA, INBL and SiHa cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the drugs was evaluated in vitro. Celecoxib, sulindac, nimesulide, mefenamic acid and flufenamic acid presented with slight to moderate toxicity (10-40% of cell death corresponding to 100 µM) in certain cell lines, while meclofenamic acid exhibited significant cytotoxicity in all essayed cell lines (50-90% of cell death corresponding to 100 µM). The meclofenamic acid was tested in murine models (immunodeficient and immunocompetent) of UCC, which manifested a significant reduction in tumor growth and increased mouse survival. It was demonstrated that of the evaluated anti-inflammatory drugs, meclofenamic acid was the most cytotoxic, with a significant antitumor effect in murine models. Subsequent studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical utility of this drug.

Estrategia de intervención sobre la percepción de factores epidemiológicos del cáncer cervicouterino / Intervention strategy on the perception of epidemiological factors for cervical cancer

Introducción: en la actualidad el cáncer constituye un serio problema de salud en Cuba y el mundo.Objetivos: diseñar y aplicar un programa de intervención educativa para incrementar el conocimiento de los factores epidemiológicos asociados al cáncer cervicouterino. Identificar la presencia de estos factores en mujeres con citologías alteradas y determinar el nivel de conocimientos en mujeres supuestamente sanas.Métodos: se realizó una investigación cuasi experimental, longitudinal en el Consejo Popular Zona Sur, policlínico 5 de Septiembre, Consolación del Sur, periodo de enero a diciembre de 2012. Universo de 687 féminas y una muestra de 248, de ellas 48 con citologías positivas y 200 supuestamente sanas. Para el procesamiento de la información se utilizó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial aplicándose la prueba de McNemar para evaluar diferencias significativas entre variables.Resultados: la citología alterada fue más frecuente en el grupo de edad de 30 a 34 años y la neoplasia intracervical grado I la que más se evidenció, el 91,6 por ciento de las 48 mujeres citologías positivas tenían infección asociada, de las cuales el 39,5 por ciento era el Virus del Papiloma Humano. El 72,9 por ciento comenzaron sus relaciones sexuales a los 17 años de edad o menos, el 56 por ciento tenían tres partos o más.Conclusiones: En las mujeres supuestamente sanas vistió bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre factores epidemiológicos asociados al cáncer cervicouterino. Después de aplicada la intervención aumentó el conocimiento de los factores epidemiológicos asociados al cáncer cervicouterino(AU)

Factores clínico-epidemiológicos de buen pronóstico en el éxito reproductivo / Intervention strategy on the perception of epidemiological factors for cervical cancer

Introducción: la infertilidad femenina constituye un problema de salud por su alta incidencia, limitaciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas e implicaciones económicas y psicológicas.Objetivo: determinar los factores pronósticos que influyen en el éxito reproductivo de las pacientes atendidas y diseñar un modelo predictivo a partir de los factores demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio para las pacientes atendidas en consulta.Métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico longitudinal de casos y controles. El universo estuvo constituido por 578 pacientes y la muestra por 200 pacientes que se dividieron en dos grupos de estudio de 100, las que lograron concebir embarazo (casos) y las que no (control), se empleó Odds Ratio (OR) a partir del cual se realizó el puntaje.Resultados: del grupo control predominó la edad entre 35-39 años con 48 casos, y un OR de 1,3, de los antecedentes ginecológicos de destaca la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica (EIP) con 68 casos en pacientes no embarazadas representando un 34 por ciento y 13 en el grupo de casos para un 6,5 por ciento, con un OR de 2,8. Considerando 47 pacientes del grupo de control se les había practicado una cirugía abdominal en hemiabdomen inferior, entre los APP predominó la DM con 43 casos en total para un 21,5 por ciento, con un OR de 1,3.Conclusiones: la mayor incidencia sobre la fertilidad fueron: EIP, tabaquismo, obesidad e hipotiroidismo el modelo; de predicción para embarazo en pacientes seguidas en consulta de infertilidad sirve para guiar a las parejas en sus probabilidades de éxito reales(AU)