Hormone receptor-negative as a predictive factor for pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To define a predictive factor for pathologic complete response, compare the oncologic outcomes associated with the degree of pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to analyze pathologic complete response as a prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients admitted to Hospital Estadual Mário Covas and Hospital Anchieta from 2008 to 2012, with locally advanced breast cancer. Hormone receptor status, HER2 status, histologic and nuclear grade, age upon diagnosis and histological type of the tumor were analyzed. Pathologic evaluation of the tumor was subdivided into pathologic complete response, defined by the absence of tumor; intermediate response, considered as a favorable stage; and poor response, considering low-responder patients. Data obtained were submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study included 243 patients. There was an association of pathologic complete response with HER-2 negative, histological grade 3, stage III, hormone receptor negative, positive lymph node, older age and more advanced tumors. However, after multivariate analysis the only predictor of pathologic complete response was the presence of negative hormone receptor. By analyzing the prognostic factors, hormone receptor negative was considered as an independent risk factor, and pathologic complete response was considered as an independent protective factor. CONCLUSION: Hormone receptor negative is predictive of pathologic complete response and is an isolated risk factor for lower progression-free survival and overall survival. Pathologic complete response is a protective factor for these same survival analyses.

Hormone receptor-negative as a predictive factor for pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer / Receptor hormonal negativo como fator preditivo para resposta patológica completa ao tratamento neoadjuvante de câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective To define a predictive factor for pathologic complete response, compare the oncologic outcomes associated with the degree of pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to analyze pathologic complete response as a prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival. Methods A retrospective study of patients admitted to Hospital Estadual Mário Covas and Hospital Anchieta from 2008 to 2012, with locally advanced breast cancer. Hormone receptor status, HER2 status, histologic and nuclear grade, age upon diagnosis and histological type of the tumor were analyzed. Pathologic evaluation of the tumor was subdivided into pathologic complete response, defined by the absence of tumor; intermediate response, considered as a favorable stage; and poor response, considering low-responder patients. Data obtained were submitted to statistical analysis. Results The study included 243 patients. There was an association of pathologic complete response with HER-2 negative, histological grade 3, stage III, hormone receptor negative, positive lymph node, older age and more advanced tumors. However, after multivariate analysis the only predictor of pathologic complete response was the presence of negative hormone receptor. By analyzing the prognostic factors, hormone receptor negative was considered as an independent risk factor, and pathologic complete response was considered as an independent protective factor. Conclusion Hormone receptor negative is predictive of pathologic complete response and is an isolated risk factor for lower progression-free survival and overall survival. Pathologic complete response is a protective factor for these same survival analyses.

RESUMO Objetivo Definir um fator preditivo para resposta patológica completa, comparar os resultados oncológicos associados com o grau de resposta patológica, após quimioterapia neoadjuvante, e analisar a resposta patológica completa como fator prognóstico para sobrevivência global e livre de progressão de doença. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes admitidas no Hospital Estadual Mário Covas e Hospital Anchieta, no período de 2008 a 2012, com câncer de mama localmente avançado. Foram utilizados status dos receptores hormonais, proteína HER2, grau histológico e nuclear, idade do paciente ao diagnóstico e tipo histológico do tumor. A avaliação patológica do tumor foi subdividida em resposta patológica completa, definida com ausência de tumor; resposta intermediária, considerada como um estádio favorável; e resposta ruim, considerando os pacientes pouco respondedores. As informações obtidas foram submetidas à análise estatística. Resultados Foram incluídas 243 pacientes. Verificou-se associação de resposta patológica completa entre HER-2 negativo, grau histológico 3, estadiamento III, receptor hormonal negativo, linfonodo positivo, maior idade e tumores mais avançados. Porém, após análise multivariada, o único fator preditivo de resposta patológica completa foi presença de receptor hormonal negativo. Ao analisar fatores prognósticos, receptor hormonal negativo permaneceu como variável independente de risco, e resposta patológica completa, como variável independente de proteção. Conclusão O receptor hormonal negativo é fator preditivo isolado de resposta patológica completa e fator de risco para menor sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global. Já a resposta patológica completa é fator protetor para estas mesmas análises de sobrevivência.

Application of prognostic score IPSET-thrombosis in patients with essential thrombocythemia of a Brazilian public service.

INTRODUCTION:: In patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), the vascular complications contribute to morbidity and mortality. To better predict the occurrence of thrombotic events, an International Prognostic Score for Thrombosis in Essential Thrombocythemia (IPSET-thrombosis) has recently been proposed. We present the application of this score and compare its results with the usual classification system. METHOD:: We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics and risk factors for thrombosis of 46 patients with a diagnosis of ET seen in the last 6 years at Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (FMABC). RESULTS:: Thrombosis in the arterial territory was more prevalent than in venous sites. We observed that cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking) were also risk factors for thrombosis (p<0.001). Age over 60 years and presence of JAK2 V617F mutation were not associated with the occurrence of thrombotic events. No patient classified by IPSET-thrombosis as low risk had a thrombotic event. Furthermore, using the IPSET-thrombosis scale, we identified two patients who had thrombotic events during follow-up and were otherwise classified in the low-risk group of the traditional classification. Leukocytosis at diagnosis was significantly associated with arterial thrombosis (p=0.02), while splenomegaly was associated with venous thrombotic events (p=0.01). CONCLUSION:: Cardiovascular risk factors and leukocytosis were directly associated with arterial thrombosis. IPSET-thrombosis appears to be better than the traditional classification at identifying lower risk patients who do not need specific therapy.

Application of prognostic score IPSET-thrombosis in patients with essential thrombocythemia of a Brazilian public service / Aplicação do escore prognóstico IPSET-trombose nos pacientes com trombocitemia essencial em um hospital público brasileiro

Summary Introduction: In patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), the vascular complications contribute to morbidity and mortality. To better predict the occurrence of thrombotic events, an International Prognostic Score for Thrombosis in Essential Thrombocythemia (IPSET-thrombosis) has recently been proposed. We present the application of this score and compare its results with the usual classification system. Method: We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics and risk factors for thrombosis of 46 patients with a diagnosis of ET seen in the last 6 years at Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (FMABC). Results: Thrombosis in the arterial territory was more prevalent than in venous sites. We observed that cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking) were also risk factors for thrombosis (p<0.001). Age over 60 years and presence of JAK2 V617F mutation were not associated with the occurrence of thrombotic events. No patient classified by IPSET-thrombosis as low risk had a thrombotic event. Furthermore, using the IPSET-thrombosis scale, we identified two patients who had thrombotic events during follow-up and were otherwise classified in the low-risk group of the traditional classification. Leukocytosis at diagnosis was significantly associated with arterial thrombosis (p=0.02), while splenomegaly was associated with venous thrombotic events (p=0.01). Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk factors and leukocytosis were directly associated with arterial thrombosis. IPSET-thrombosis appears to be better than the traditional classification at identifying lower risk patients who do not need specific therapy.

Resumo Introdução: em pacientes com trombocitemia essencial (TE), complicações vasculares contribuem para morbidade e mortalidade. Para melhor predizer a ocorrência de eventos trombóticos, um escore prognóstico internacional de trombose para TE (IPSET-trombose) foi recentemente desenvolvido. Apresentamos aqui a aplicação desse escore e comparamos seus resultados com o sistema de classificação usual. Método: avaliamos retrospectivamente as características e os fatores de risco para trombose em 46 pacientes com diagnóstico de TE que foram atendidos nos últimos 6 anos na Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Resultados: trombose em território arterial é mais prevalente que em sítio venoso. Observamos que fatores de risco cardiovascular (hipertensão, hipercolesterolemia, diabetes mellitus e tabagismo) foram considerados fatores de risco para trombose (p<0,001). Idade > 60 anos e presença de mutação JAK2 V617F não se associaram à ocorrência de eventos trombóticos. Nenhum paciente classificado como baixo risco pelo IPSET-trombose apresentou evento trombótico. Quando comparado à classificação de risco tradicional, IPSET-trombose foi capaz de identificar dois pacientes que evoluíram com trombose no seguimento e estavam categorizados no grupo de baixo risco. Leucocitose ao diagnóstico foi mais prevalente em pacientes que apresentaram trombose arterial (p=0,02), e esplenomegalia, entre aqueles com evento trombótico venoso (p=0,01). Conclusão: fatores de risco cardiovascular e leucocitose se associaram de forma direta com trombose arterial. IPSET-trombose parece ser melhor que a classificação tradicional na identificação de pacientes de baixo risco que não precisam de terapia específica.

Epidemiological profile and prognostic factors in patients with lung cancer / Perfil epidemiológico e fatores prognósticos em pacientes com câncer de pulmão

SUMMARY Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of patients with lung cancer treated at a public tertiary referral hospital specializing in oncology, and to explore variables that may be related to the overall survival (OS) of these patients. Method: Data from the medical records of all patients with invasive lung cancer consecutively seen at the Oncology Department of Hospital Estadual Mário Covas between August 2008 and December 2013 were extracted. The information obtained was submitted to statistical analysis. Results: Of the total 210 patients, 39 were excluded from analysis due to lack of information in the medical record. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma, representing 39.41% of the sample, followed by squamous cell carcinoma with 25.29% and small-cell carcinoma with 13.53%. Other histological types were responsible for the remaining 21.76%. There was a statistically significant association between Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≤ 70%, palliative chemotherapy lines performed and stage at diagnosis, and OS. Additionally, administration of target therapy to patients with EGFR mutation was associated with significantly better overall survival. However, analysis of laboratory variables (hemoglobin, albumin and LDH) as possible prognostic factors for survival showed no statistically significant relationship. Among patients with stage III and IV, the median OS was 10.1 months. Conclusion: The risk factors for shorter OS were KPS score ≤ 70%, less than two lines of palliative chemotherapy, and stage III and IV at diagnosis. The implementation of CT screening for risk patients may allow earlier diagnosis of cases and improve these results.

RESUMO Objetivo: traçar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com câncer de pulmão atendidos em hospital público terciário de referência em oncologia e explorar variáveis que possam estar relacionadas com a sobrevida global (SG) desses pacientes. Método: foram extraídos dados dos prontuários de todos os pacientes com câncer de pulmão invasivo, entre agosto de 2008 e dezembro de 2013, atendidos consecutivamente no Serviço de Oncologia do Hospital Estadual Mário Covas. As informações obtidas foram submetidas à análise estatística. Resultados: do total de 210 pacientes, 39 foram excluídos da análise pela ausência de informações no prontuário. O tipo histológico mais frequente foi o adenocarcinoma, representando 39,41% da amostra, seguido do carcinoma espinocelular com 25,29% e de pequenas células com 13,53%. Outros tipos histológicos foram responsáveis pelos 21,76% restantes. Houve associação com significância estatística entre KPS ≤ 70%, linhas de quimioterapia paliativa realizadas e estágio ao diagnóstico com SG. A administração de terapia-alvo direcionada para pacientes com mutação do EGFR foi significativamente associada à melhor SG. A análise das variáveis laboratoriais (hemoglobina, albumina e desidrogenase lática – DHL) como possíveis fatores prognósticos de sobrevida não mostrou relação estatisticamente significativa. Entre os pacientes em estágio III e IV, a SG mediana foi de 10,1 meses. Conclusão: os fatores de risco para menor SG foram KPS ≤ 70%, menos de duas linhas de quimioterapia paliativa e estágios III e IV ao diagnóstico. A implementação do rastreamento tomográfico de pacientes de risco poderá permitir o diagnóstico mais precoce e a melhora desses resultados.

Epidemiological profile and prognostic factors in patients with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile of patients with lung cancer treated at a public tertiary referral hospital specializing in oncology, and to explore variables that may be related to the overall survival (OS) of these patients. METHOD: Data from the medical records of all patients with invasive lung cancer consecutively seen at the Oncology Department of Hospital Estadual Mário Covas between August 2008 and December 2013 were extracted. The information obtained was submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the total 210 patients, 39 were excluded from analysis due to lack of information in the medical record. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma, representing 39.41% of the sample, followed by squamous cell carcinoma with 25.29% and small-cell carcinoma with 13.53%. Other histological types were responsible for the remaining 21.76%. There was a statistically significant association between Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≤ 70%, palliative chemotherapy lines performed and stage at diagnosis, and OS. Additionally, administration of target therapy to patients with EGFR mutation was associated with significantly better overall survival. However, analysis of laboratory variables (hemoglobin, albumin and LDH) as possible prognostic factors for survival showed no statistically significant relationship. Among patients with stage III and IV, the median OS was 10.1 months. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for shorter OS were KPS score ≤ 70%, less than two lines of palliative chemotherapy, and stage III and IV at diagnosis. The implementation of CT screening for risk patients may allow earlier diagnosis of cases and improve these results.

Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Terminal Cancer Correlates With Inflammation, Poor Quality of Life and Sleep, and Anxiety/Depression.

PURPOSE: To assess which laboratory and clinical factors are associated with fatigue in patients with terminal cancer. METHODS: We evaluated 51 patients with advanced incurable solid tumors using the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale for fatigue; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR) for sleep quality; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depression; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire, Version 3.0 (QLQ C-30); and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) for quality of life. We also analyzed several inflammatory markers and the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS). RESULTS: We observed severe fatigue in 19 (38%) patients (FACIT-F score >36). There was a significant correlation between fatigue as evaluated by the CFQ and quality of sleep and between the CFQ mental fatigue subscale scores and TNF-α level. When fatigue was evaluated using the FACIT-F scale, we observed a significant association between fatigue and anxiety/depression, quality of sleep, mGPS, and hemoglobin levels. Fatigue measured both with the CFQ and FACIT-F scale correlated with poor quality of life according to the EORTC QLQ C-30. CONCLUSION: In patients with advanced cancer, fatigue is a common symptom associated with the presence of inflammation, poor quality of sleep, depression/anxiety, and poor quality of life.

Adjuvant treatment delay in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: to evaluate if time between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy) in patients with breast cancer is a risk factor for lower overall survival (OS). METHOD: data from a five-year retrospective cohort study of all women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at an academic oncology service were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: three hundred forty-eight consecutive women were included. Time between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment was a risk factor for shorter overall survival (HR=1.3, 95CI 1.06-1.71, p=0.015), along with negative estrogen receptor, the presence of lymphovascular invasion and greater tumor size. A delay longer than 4 months between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment was also associated with shorter overall survival (cumulative survival of 80.9% for delays ≤ 4 months vs. 72.6% for delays > 4 months; p=0.041, log rank test). CONCLUSION: each month of delay between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment in women with invasive breast cancer increases the risk of death in 1.3-fold, and this effect is independent of all other well-established risk factors. Based on these results, we recommend further public strategies to decrease this interval.

Applicability of modified Glasgow Prognostic Score in the assessment of elderly patients with cancer: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between inflammatory parameters through the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and other clinical characteristics of elderly patients with cancer, including frailty evaluated by the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients from the oncology service at Faculdade de Medicina do ABC with a confirmed diagnosis of solid tumor aged 65 years or more at diagnosis. Patients were assessed by applying the translated and validated to Portuguese version of the EFS and also had blood sample collection for the evaluation of C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin for calculation of the mGPS. RESULTS: We included 52 patients of both sexes, with median age of 72.5 years, of these 67.3% had localized disease and 32.7% metastatic disease. The mGPS presented 17.3% of high-risk patients. The frailty evaluated by EFS occurred in 57.6% of patients. Patients with both abnormal parameters (CRP and albumin) in the mGPS had significantly higher scores on EFS when compared to those with no change (6 vs. 9.56 points, p=0.021). The mGPS correlated also with clinical staging (p=0.019) and performance status (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory parameters correlate significantly with frailty, more advanced clinical stage and poor functional status.

The Profile of Heparanase Expression Distinguishes Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma from Benign Neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION: The search for a specific marker that could help to distinguish between differentiated thyroid carcinoma and benign lesions remains elusive in clinical practice. Heparanase (HPSE) is an endo-beta-glucoronidase implicated in the process of tumor invasion, and the heparanase-2 (HPSE2) modulates HPSE activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of heparanases in the development and differential diagnosis of follicular pattern thyroid lesions. METHODS: HPSE and HPSE2 expression by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry evaluation, western blot analysis and HPSE enzymatic activity were evaluated. RESULTS: The expression of heparanases by qRT-PCR showed an increase of HPSE2 in thyroid carcinoma (P = 0.001). HPSE activity was found to be higher in the malignant neoplasms than in the benign tumors (P<0.0001). On Western blot analysis, HPSE2 isoforms were detected only in malignant tumors. The immunohistochemical assay allowed us to establish a distinct pattern for malignant and benign tumors. Carcinomas showed a typical combination of positive labeling for neoplastic cells and negative immunostaining in colloid, when compared to benign tumors (P<0.0001). The proposed diagnostic test presents sensitivity and negative predictive value of around 100%, showing itself to be an accurate test for distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows, for the first time, a distinct profile of HPSE expression in thyroid carcinoma suggesting its role in carcinogenesis.

Complete pathologic response as a prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx post-chemoradiotherapy / Resposta patológica completa como fator prognóstico no carcinoma espinocelular de orofaringe após quimiorradioterapia

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCO) provides good results for locoregional disease control, with high rates of complete clinical and pathologic responses, mainly in the neck. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy is related to the prognosis of patients with SCCO. METHODS: Data were prospectively extracted from clinical records of N2 and N3 SCCO patients submitted to a planned neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were evaluated. Half of patients obtained complete pathologic response in the neck. Distant or locoregional recurrence occurred in approximately 42% of patients, and 26% died. Statistical analysis showed an association between complete pathologic response and lower disease recurrence rate (77.8% vs. 20.8%; p = 0.017) and greater overall survival (88.9% vs. 23.3%;p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The presence of a complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy positively influences the prognosis of patients with SCCO.

RESUMO Introdução: O tratamento baseado em quimirradioterapia do Carcinoma Espinocelular de Orofaringe (CECOF) apresenta bons resultados no controle locorregional da doença com boas taxas de resposta clínica e patológica completas especialmente no pescoço. Objetivo: Determinar se a resposta patológica completa após quimiorradioterapia estárelacionada aos prognósticos dos pacientes com CECOF. Método: Os dados foram obtidos de maneira prospectiva da revisão de prontuários de pacientes com CECOF N2 e N3 submetidos a esvaziamento cervical planejado após quimiorradioterapia. Resultados: Um total de 19 pacientes foram avaliados. Metade dos indivíduos apresentou resposta patológica completa no pescoço. Recidiva à distância ou locorregional ocorreu em aproximadamente 42% dos pacientes e 26% deles morreram. A análise estatística demonstrou uma associação entre resposta patológica completa e menor taxa de recidiva (77,8% vs.20,8%; p = 0,017) e maior sobrevivência global (88,9% vs.23,3%; p = 0,049). Conclusão: A presença de resposta patológica completa após quimiorradioterapia influencia positivamente no prognóstico de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de orofaringe.

Adjuvant treatment delay in breast cancer patients / Atraso no tratamento adjuvante em pacientes com câncer de mama

Summary Background: to evaluate if time between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy) in patients with breast cancer is a risk factor for lower overall survival (OS). Method: data from a five-year retrospective cohort study of all women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at an academic oncology service were collected and analyzed. Results: three hundred forty-eight consecutive women were included. Time between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment was a risk factor for shorter overall survival (HR=1.3, 95CI 1.06-1.71, p=0.015), along with negative estrogen receptor, the presence of lymphovascular invasion and greater tumor size. A delay longer than 4 months between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment was also associated with shorter overall survival (cumulative survival of 80.9% for delays ≤ 4 months vs. 72.6% for delays > 4 months; p=0.041, log rank test). Conclusion: each month of delay between surgery and the first adjuvant treatment in women with invasive breast cancer increases the risk of death in 1.3-fold, and this effect is independent of all other well-established risk factors. Based on these results, we recommend further public strategies to decrease this interval.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar se o tempo da cirurgia até o primeiro tratamento adjuvante (quimioterapia, radioterapia ou hormonioterapia) em pacientes com câncer de mama é um fator de risco para pior sobrevivência global (SG). Métodos: estudo retrospectivo em que foram coletados dados dos prontuários de todas as mulheres com câncer de mama invasivo, diagnosticadas entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2010, atendidas consecutivamente em um serviço acadêmico de oncologia. Resultados: foram incluídas 348 mulheres, com mediana de tempo entre a cirurgia e o primeiro tratamento adjuvante de 2 meses. A sobrevivência global foi pior entre as mulheres com maior tempo entre a cirurgia e o primeiro tratamento adjuvante. Após análise multivariada, essa variável permaneceu como fator de risco independente para SG, juntamente com receptor de estrógeno negativo, presença de invasão angiolinfática e maior tamanho tumoral. Conclusão: o tempo entre a cirurgia e o primeiro tratamento adjuvante é um fator de risco independente para a sobrevivência global de mulheres com câncer de mama invasivo.

Complete pathologic response as a prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx post-chemoradiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCO) provides good results for locoregional disease control, with high rates of complete clinical and pathologic responses, mainly in the neck. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy is related to the prognosis of patients with SCCO. METHODS: Data were prospectively extracted from clinical records of N2 and N3 SCCO patients submitted to a planned neck dissection after chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were evaluated. Half of patients obtained complete pathologic response in the neck. Distant or locoregional recurrence occurred in approximately 42% of patients, and 26% died. Statistical analysis showed an association between complete pathologic response and lower disease recurrence rate (77.8% vs. 20.8%; p=0.017) and greater overall survival (88.9% vs. 23.3%; p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The presence of a complete pathologic response after chemoradiotherapy positively influences the prognosis of patients with SCCO.

Meta-analysis of adjunctive non-NK1 receptor antagonist medications for the control of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a distressing chemotherapy-induced symptom that may adversely impact the quality of life of cancer patients. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the Pubmed, Bireme, and Cochrane databases for randomized clinical trials that were published in English and that evaluated the combination of adjunctive non-neurokinin 1 (NK1) antagonist drugs (i.e., neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and cannabinoids) with 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) antagonists for adult cancer patients who were scheduled to receive moderate or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. We employed the Review Manager (RevMan) Computer program Version 5.2 for statistical calculations. RESULTS: We included 13 studies with a total of 1,669 patients. We observed a higher complete protection for acute CINV with adjunctive medications (risk ratio (RR) = 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-1.01; p = 0.05; I2 = 47%), which was not the case for the delayed period (RR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.73-1.10, p = 0.29, I2 = 15%). We also observed that these adjunctive medications significantly increased the complete control of nausea (RR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.95; p = 0.02, I2 = 83%) and vomiting (RR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.50-0.75; p < 0.00001; I2 = 60%). There was no subgroup analysis evidence of the superiority of any single group of adjunctive medications. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that adjunctive non-NK1 antagonist medications may be useful for CINV control. Prospective randomized studies incorporating these low-cost medications into new regimens combining 5-HT3 and NK1 antagonists may be warranted.

Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) improves quality of life in patients with advanced solid tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a native Amazon plant that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. We wanted to assess its activity for symptom management of terminal cancer patients. METHODS: This prospective phase II study assessed the effects of a 100-mg dose of a dry extract of U. tomentosa three times per day in patients with advanced solid tumors who had no further therapeutic options and a life expectancy of at least 2 months. The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C30) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue questionnaires were used to assess the participants' quality of life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire was used to assess anxiety and depression, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality. In addition, several biochemical and inflammatory parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-one volunteers were recruited. Their median age was 64 (range, 33-85) years, and 47% of patients were female. More than 65% of patients had scores on the Karnofsky Performance Scale of 80% or less. Treatment improved the patients' overall quality of life (p=0.0411) and social functioning (p=0.0341), as assessed by the EORTC QLQ C-30, and reduced fatigue (p=0.0496) according to the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire. None of the biochemical or inflammatory parameters assessed (interleukin-1 and -6, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and α-1-acid glycoprotein) changed significantly. No tumor response was detected according to the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors; however, the disease stabilized for more than 8 months in four participants. The medication was well tolerated by most patients. CONCLUSION: Use of cat's claw might be beneficial in patients with advanced cancer by improving their quality of life and reducing fatigue. The mechanism of action does not seem to be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant.

From one side to the other: what is essential? Perception of oncology patients and their caregivers in the beginning of oncology treatment and in palliative care / De um lado ao outro: o que é essencial? Percepção dos pacientes oncológicos e de seus cuidadores ao iniciar o tratamento oncológico e em cuidados paliativos

Objective To evaluate the perception of oncology patients and their caregivers upon diagnosis and beginning of the therapy and during palliative care. Methods A cross-sectional study at the oncology and palliative care outpatients clinics of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Clinical and demographic data from patients and their caregivers were collected and questionnaires regarding the elements considered important in relation to the treatment were applied. Results We enrolled 32 patients and 23 caregivers that were initiating treatment at the oncology outpatient clinic, as well as 20 patients and 20 caregivers at the palliative care clinic. Regarding the patients treated at the oncology clinic, the issues considered most important were a physician available to discuss the disease and answer questions (84%), trust in the physician (81%), and a physician with accessible language (81%). For their caregivers, the following issues were considered extremely important: trust in the medical team that treats the patients (96%), and the same medical team taking care of their relatives (87%). As to patients treated at the palliative care clinic, trust in the physician (83%), to be with people considered important to them (78%), and to be treated preserving their dignity (72%) were considered extremely important. For their caregivers, to receive adequate information about the disease and the treatment’s risks and benefits (84%), and sincere communication of information about the disease (79%) were considered extremely relevant. Conclusion Confidence through good communication and consistency in care were fundamental values to achieve satisfaction among caregivers and patients with cancer during all the course of disease development. .

Objetivo Avaliar a percepção dos pacientes oncológicos e de seus cuidadores no início da abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica, e durante os cuidados paliativos. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado nos ambulatórios de oncologia e cuidados paliativos vinculados a Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Foram coletados dados clínicos e demográficos de pacientes e de seus cuidadores, e aplicados questionários referentes aos elementos a serem elencados como importantes em relação ao tratamento. Resultados Foram incluídos 32 pacientes e 23 cuidadores que iniciavam o tratamento nos ambulatórios de oncologia, bem como 20 pacientes e 20 cuidadores nos ambulatórios de cuidados paliativos. Em relação aos pacientes do ambulatório de oncologia, os itens considerados mais importantes foram: médico disponível para discutir a doença e responder dúvidas (84%), confiança nos médicos (81%) e médico com linguagem acessível (81%). Para seus cuidadores, os seguintes aspectos foram considerados extremamente importantes: confiança nos médicos que cuidam do paciente (96%) e mesma equipe médica cuidando do seu familiar (87%). Para pacientes do ambulatório de cuidados paliativos, foram considerados extremamente importantes: confiança nos médicos (83%), estar com pessoas consideradas importantes (78%) e ser tratado de modo que preservasse sua dignidade (72%). Para seus cuidadores, foram considerados extremamente importantes: receber informação adequada sobre a doença e os riscos e benefícios do tratamento (84%), e sinceridade na comunicação das informações a respeito da doença (79%). ...

Carcinoma anaplásico da tireoide: um caso raro de sobrevivência em longo prazo após tratamento exclusivo com quimiorradioterapia / Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: rare case of long-term survival after exclusive chemoradioterapy

Paciente masculino, 30 anos, com nódulo em região cervical anterior associado à dispneia progressiva. Tomografia computadorizada de pescoço com massa em lobo tireoidiano esquerdo com invasão das estruturas musculares adjacentes, desvio da traqueia e extensão ao mediastino superior. A lesão era irressecável por invasão circular da traqueia, sendo então apenas realizado biópsia da lesão que evidenciou carcinoma anaplásico da tireoide. Encaminhado para tratamento paliativo com radioterapia concomitante à quimioterapia. Trinta e dois meses após o diagnóstico, o paciente ainda encontra-se assintomático, sem evidência de doença metastática à distância e com doença locorregional radiologicamente estável. Trata-se do primeiro relato de um caso de carcinoma anaplásico de tireoide submetido exclusivamente à paliação com sobrevida desta magnitude e que ainda está em seguimento oncológico.

Thirty year-old male with an anterior cervical nodule associated with progressive dyspnea. Neck computed tomography showed a mass in the left thyroid lobe with adjacent muscular invasion, tracheal deviation and extension to the upper mediastinum. The lesion was unressectable because of tracheal circular invasion and therefore he was submitted just to a biopsy which evidenced thyroid anaplastic carcinoma. Palliative treatment was then performed with radiotherapy concomitant to chemotherapy. Thirtytwo months after diagnosis the patient is still asymptomatic, with no evidence of distant metastatic disease and with local disease radiologically stable. This is the first case report of a patient with thyroid anaplastic carcinoma submitted exclusively to palliation with a survival of this magnitude and still on oncologic follow up.

Carbamazepine for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a pilot study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Nausea and vomiting are major inconveniences for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Despite standard preventive treatment, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) still occurs in approximately 50% of these patients. In an attempt to optimize this treatment, we evaluated the possible effects of carbamazepine for prevention of CINV. DESIGN AND LOCATION: Prospective nonrandomized open-label phase II study carried out at a Brazilian public oncology service. METHODS: Patients allocated for their first cycle of highly emetogenic chemotherapy were continuously recruited. In addition to standard antiemetic protocol that was made available, they received carbamazepine orally, with staggered doses, from the third day before until the fifth day after chemotherapy. Considering the sparseness of evidence about the efficacy of anticonvulsants for CINV prevention, we used Simon's two-stage design, in which 43 patients should be included unless overall complete prevention was not achieved in 9 out of the first 15 entries. The Functional Living Index-Emesis questionnaire was used to measure the impact on quality of life. RESULTS: None of the ten patients (0%) presented overall complete prevention. In three cases, carbamazepine therapy was withdrawn because of somnolence and vomiting before chemotherapy. Seven were able to take the medication for the entire period and none were responsive, so the study was closed. There was no impact on the patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: Carbamazepine was not effective for prevention of CINV and also had a deleterious side-effect profile in this population.

Carbamazepine for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a pilot study / Carbamazepina para prevenção de náusea e vômito induzidos por quimioterapia: um estudo piloto

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Nausea and vomiting are major inconveniences for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Despite standard preventive treatment, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) still occurs in approximately 50% of these patients. In an attempt to optimize this treatment, we evaluated the possible effects of carbamazepine for prevention of CINV. DESIGN AND LOCATION: Prospective nonrandomized open-label phase II study carried out at a Brazilian public oncology service. METHODS: Patients allocated for their first cycle of highly emetogenic chemotherapy were continuously recruited. In addition to standard antiemetic protocol that was made available, they received carbamazepine orally, with staggered doses, from the third day before until the fifth day after chemotherapy. Considering the sparseness of evidence about the efficacy of anticonvulsants for CINV prevention, we used Simon's two-stage design, in which 43 patients should be included unless overall complete prevention was not achieved in 9 out of the first 15 entries. The Functional Living Index-Emesis questionnaire was used to measure the impact on quality of life. RESULTS: None of the ten patients (0%) presented overall complete prevention. In three cases, carbamazepine therapy was withdrawn because of somnolence and vomiting before chemotherapy. Seven were able to take the medication for the entire period and none were responsive, so the study was closed. There was no impact on the patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: Carbamazepine was not effective for prevention of CINV and also had a deleterious side-effect profile in this population. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Náusea e vômito são inconvenientes importantes para pacientes submetidos a quimioterapia. A despeito do tratamento preventivo padrão, náuseas e vômitos induzidos por quimioterapia (NVIQ) ocorrem em aproximadamente 50% dos pacientes. Na tentativa de otimizar este tratamento, avaliamos os possíveis efeitos da carbamazepina na prevenção de náuseas e vômitos induzidos por quimioterapia. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo fase II, prospectivo, não randomizado, aberto, realizado em um serviço público brasileiro de oncologia. MÉTODOS: Recrutaram-se continuamente pacientes alocados para o primeiro ciclo de quimioterapia altamente emetogênica. Além do protocolo anti-emético padrão disponibilizado, os pacientes receberam carbamazepina, por via oral, em doses escalonadas, a partir do terceiro dia anterior até o quinto dia após a quimioterapia. Dada a escassa evidência de eficácia dos anticonvulsivantes na prevenção de NVIQ, adotamos o desenho de Simon em duas fases, que deveria incluir 43 pacientes a não ser que prevenção completa global não fosse alcançada em 9 dos primeiros 15 participantes. O questionário "Functional Living Index-Emesis" foi usado para avaliar o impacto na qualidade da vida. RESULTADOS: Nenhum dos 10 pacientes (0%) apresentou prevenção completa global. Três tiveram a carbamazepina suspensa por sonolência e vômito antes da quimioterapia. Sete foram capazes de tomar a medicação por todo o período proposto e nenhum obteve resposta, sendo então interrompido o estudo. Não houve impacto na qualidade da vida. CONCLUSÃO: Carbamazepina não foi efetiva para prevenção de NVIQ e apresentou perfil deletério de efeitos adversos nesta população. .

From one side to the other: what is essential? Perception of oncology patients and their caregivers in the beginning of oncology treatment and in palliative care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perception of oncology patients and their caregivers upon diagnosis and beginning of the therapy and during palliative care. METHODS: A cross-sectional study at the oncology and palliative care outpatients clinics of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Clinical and demographic data from patients and their caregivers were collected and questionnaires regarding the elements considered important in relation to the treatment were applied. RESULTS: We enrolled 32 patients and 23 caregivers that were initiating treatment at the oncology outpatient clinic, as well as 20 patients and 20 caregivers at the palliative care clinic. Regarding the patients treated at the oncology clinic, the issues considered most important were a physician available to discuss the disease and answer questions (84%), trust in the physician (81%), and a physician with accessible language (81%). For their caregivers, the following issues were considered extremely important: trust in the medical team that treats the patients (96%), and the same medical team taking care of their relatives (87%). As to patients treated at the palliative care clinic, trust in the physician (83%), to be with people considered important to them (78%), and to be treated preserving their dignity (72%) were considered extremely important. For their caregivers, to receive adequate information about the disease and the treatment's risks and benefits (84%), and sincere communication of information about the disease (79%) were considered extremely relevant. CONCLUSION: Confidence through good communication and consistency in care were fundamental values to achieve satisfaction among caregivers and patients with cancer during all the course of disease development.