Cancer risk-reducing surgery: Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology Guideline Part 2 (Gastrointestinal and thyroid).

BACKGROUND: Risk-reducing operations are an important part of the management of hereditary predisposition to cancer. In selected cases, they can considerably reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with cancer in this population. OBJECTIVES: The Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO) developed this guideline to establish national benchmarks for cancer risk-reducing operations. METHODS: The guideline was prepared from May to December 2021 by a multidisciplinary team of experts to discuss the surgical management of cancer predisposition syndromes. Eleven questions were defined and assigned to expert groups that reviewed the literature and drafted preliminary recommendations. Following a review by the coordinators and a second review by all participants, the groups made final adjustments, classified the level of evidence, and voted on the recommendations. RESULTS: For all questions including risk-reducing colectomy, gastrectomy, and thyroidectomy, a major agreement was achieved by the participants, always using accessible alternatives. CONCLUSION: This and its accompanying article represent the first guideline in cancer risk reduction surgery developed by the BSSO and it should serve as an important reference for the management of families with cancer predisposition.

Criteria for eligibility to cisplatin in the curative treatment of head and neck cancer: Consensus opinion from a panel of experts.

Squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is an important problem in Brazil, where epidemiological and socioeconomic features often create barriers to the implementation of combined modalities with curative potential. Cisplatin improves the efficacy of radiotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of localized SCCHN and in the definitive therapy of locally advanced disease. However, the addition of high-dose cisplatin to radiotherapy increases treatment toxicity and is not always warranted. A panel of experts convened in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for discussions and recommendations regarding the use of high-dose cisplatin in combination with radiotherapy in SCCHN. In addition to discussing their professional experience, panel members used the current literature to provide evidence-based, practical recommendations regarding sociodemographic or medical criteria that may preclude safe administration of cisplatin. It is hoped that the application of these recommendations in clinical practice may improve therapeutic results in Brazil and other countries with similar health-care environments.

The germline mutational landscape of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Brazil.

The detection of germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 is essential to the formulation of clinical management strategies, and in Brazil, there is limited access to these services, mainly due to the costs/availability of genetic testing. Aiming at the identification of recurrent mutations that could be included in a low-cost mutation panel, used as a first screening approach, we compiled the testing reports of 649 probands with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants referred to 28 public and private health care centers distributed across 11 Brazilian States. Overall, 126 and 103 distinct mutations were identified in BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively. Twenty-six novel variants were reported from both genes, and BRCA2 showed higher mutational heterogeneity. Some recurrent mutations were reported exclusively in certain geographic regions, suggesting a founder effect. Our findings confirm that there is significant molecular heterogeneity in these genes among Brazilian carriers, while also suggesting that this heterogeneity precludes the use of screening protocols that include recurrent mutation testing only. This is the first study to show that profiles of recurrent mutations may be unique to different Brazilian regions. These data should be explored in larger regional cohorts to determine if screening with a panel of recurrent mutations would be effective.

Multiagent chemotherapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the seminal vesicle.

Adenocarcinoma of the seminal vesicle is a rare condition, with fewer than 60 cases described in the literature. Most reports highlight the histopathological characteristics of the tumor; however, the role of chemotherapy, especially in the metastatic setting, is poorly described. In this paper, we describe a patient with metastatic disease, who sustained a response to modified FOLFOX6 as first-line therapy. This platinum-based combination therapy seems effective in this scenario and may provide an opportunity for extended survival and relief of symptoms.

Supportive care in head and neck oncology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Survival gains were achieved in head and neck cancer patients treated with a multidisciplinary approach, including platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation, with a substantial increase in toxicity. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of these toxicities - the focus of this review - are essential aspects in the daily care of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Low-level laser is a promising therapy for prevention and treatment of mucositis. Amifostine, as an acute and late xerostomia-preventive agent, may be considered in patients undergoing fractionated radiation therapy alone. The incidence of xerostomia was significantly reduced in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Severe cutaneous reactions can occur when epidermal growth factor receptor-targeting agents are administered concurrently to radiation therapy. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents should not be administered to head and neck cancer patients under radiation therapy or chemotherapy outside of the context of clinical trials. SUMMARY: The best outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated in the multidisciplinary context can only be achieved with an adequate patient selection, an experienced and motivated team and if the best possible supportive care is offered. Randomized studies on promising supportive therapies must be encouraged.