Real-world reference scores for EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 in early breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To deliver patient-reported outcome (PRO) reference data for breast cancer and various other breast diseases to facilitate the interpretation of PRO scores during routine breast cancer treatment. METHODS: To determine reference baseline values for the PRO measures EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23, PRO data captured in the breast cancer centre at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin from 2016 to 2021 were evaluated. As part of the clinical routine, ambulatory patients were asked to answer a digital survey regarding their medical history, current health status and health-related quality of life using the aforementioned questionnaires prior to their doctor's appointment in the outpatient breast clinic. Adjusted linear and variable dispersion beta regression models were used to compare different diagnosis groups. RESULTS: A total of 3689 patients were included in the digital PRO program, of which 1478 were eligible for this study; 729 had invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ, 270 patients were diagnosed with fibroadenoma and 479 patients had other breast diseases such as cysts, mastopathy or abscesses. Overall, patients with breast cancer reported worse scores in almost all domains except for role functioning, sexual functioning and body image. Compared to previously published reference scores for early breast cancer, the current data show a more pronounced impact on perceived emotional and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are of high value for the interpretation of PROs and facilitate their use in clinical practice and clinical trials. The scores indicate an urgent need for psychosocial support prior to treatment.

Video-Assisted Breast Surgery (VABS) and Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) for Fibroadenoma Mammae on Patients' Satisfaction: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the patients' satisfaction level after fibroadenoma surgery with Video-Assisted Breast Surgery (VABS) and Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) techniques. METHODS: Patients who underwent VABS or VABB for a diagnosis of fibroadenoma mammae at the Oncology Clinic in Solo, Indonesia were included in this study. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from medical records. Direct or telephone interviews were performed and the patients were asked to complete Universitas Sebelas Maret Breast Satisfaction Questionnaire 8 (UNS-BsQ8) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total sample of 16 patients with VABS and 26 patients with VABB were recruited. All the patients were confirmed to have fibroadenoma based on the pathological result. The mean total scores for VABS and VABB were 34.50 ± 2.094 and 31.57 ± 3.081, respectively (P= 0.137). Out of 8 questions, only 3 items had statistically significant differences. VABS had higher mean score than VABB in terms of surgery cost (P = 0.002), pain in surgery site (P = 0.006), and pain in shoulder (P =  0.013). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in terms of overall patients' satisfaction level between both groups. However, VABS had a higher mean score than VABB in terms of cost and pain.

HIFU treatment for fibroadenoma - a clinical study at National Scientific Research Centre, Astana, Kazakhstan.

This randomized controlled study evaluated effect of low frequency high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in 80 women with breast fibroadenomas randomly and evenly divided into main and control groups, treated with HIFU and sectoral resection accordingly. In- vitro trial of fibroadenoma samples exposed to different power levels:100 Watt (W), 200 W and 300 W, analysis of results shown that optimal ablation power 200W was enough for coagulation necrosis of tumour, while 300W ablation caused complete destruction of tissues. Results showed that 20% of control group (surgically treated) patients had post-operative complications and 12.5% - postponed recurrences, as opposed to zero incidence of either in the main group (HIFU treated). The average hospital stay following HIFU reduced by 52%. Both in-vitro and morphological studies showed that HIFU caused high precision coagulation necrosis of fibroadenoma and preservation of the surrounding tissues. HIFU enabled to avoid early postoperative complications and long-term recurrences. This technique can significantly improve quality of life by reducing pain intensity and enabling sooner activity..