The effect of the RadioProtect cosmetic formulation on the skin of oncological patients treated with selected cytostatic drugs and ionizing radiation.

Introduction: According to the Polish Central Statistical Office and the National Cancer Registry, cancer is the main cause of death in the world. Every year over 8 million people die from cancer worldwide, while in Poland the disease kills nearly 100,000 people. The group of patients analysed in this study suffered from breast, colorectal and lung cancers, and underwent radio- and chemotherapy. The patients were treated with a cosmetic formulation to accelerate the healing of their skin and improve the functioning of the hydrolipidic barrier. Aim: To examine oncological patients' skin and to improve its biophysical parameters with a specialized cosmetic preparation. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 60 female cancer patients treated at the University Hospital in Zielona Gora, Poland. The patients volunteered for in vivo tests of the cosmetic formulation. Results: The emulsions applied to the patients undergoing chemotherapy significantly increased the hydration of their epidermis. After 4 months of regular use of the preparation, their skin hydration level increased by 22%. The skin hydration of the patients undergoing radiotherapy increased by 3%, as compared with the levels at the beginning of the study. Conclusions: Cosmetic formulations for oncological patients restore the adequate level of skin hydration, aid the reconstruction of the skin and its protective barrier, soothe irritations, accelerate the healing of pathological lesions and prevent their development. Adverse effects may delay or prevent further treatment. Therefore, appropriately tailored care is very important and should not be overlooked.

Genetic predisposition to male breast cancer in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer in men accounts for fewer than 1 % of all breast cancer cases diagnosed in men and women. Genes which predispose to male breast cancer include BRCA1 and BRCA2. The role of other genes is less clear. In Poland, 20 founder mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, NBN, RECQL are responsible for the majority of hereditary breast cancer cases in women, but the utility this genes panel has not been tested in men. METHODS: We estimated the prevalence of 20 alleles in six genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, NBN, RECQL) in 165 Polish male breast cancer patients. We compared the frequency of selected variants in male breast cancer cases and controls. RESULTS: One of the 20 mutations was seen in 22 of 165 cases (13.3%). Only one BRCA1 mutation and two BRCA2 mutations were found. We observed statistically significant associations for PALB2 and CHEK2 truncating mutations. A PALB2 mutation was detected in four cases (OR = 11.66; p < 0.001). A CHEK2 truncating mutation was detected in five cases (OR = 2.93;p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we recommend that a molecular test for BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 and CHEK2 recurrent mutations should be offered to male breast cancer patients in Poland.