Towards better mortality prediction in cancer patients in the ICU: a comparative analysis of prognostic scales: systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive ability of mortality prediction scales in cancer patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using a search algorithm in October 2022. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library (BVS), and Medrxiv. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 scale. SETTING: ICUs admitting cancer patients. PARTICIPANTS: Studies that included adult patients with an active cancer diagnosis who were admitted to the ICU. INTERVENTIONS: Integrative study without interventions. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Mortality prediction, standardized mortality, discrimination, and calibration. RESULTS: Seven mortality risk prediction models were analyzed in cancer patients in the ICU. Most models (APACHE II, APACHE IV, SOFA, SAPS-II, SAPS-III, and MPM II) underestimated mortality, while the ICMM overestimated it. The APACHE II had the SMR (Standardized Mortality Ratio) value closest to 1, suggesting a better prognostic ability compared to the other models. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting mortality in ICU cancer patients remains an intricate challenge due to the lack of a definitive superior model and the inherent limitations of available prediction tools. For evidence-based informed clinical decision-making, it is crucial to consider the healthcare team's familiarity with each tool and its inherent limitations. Developing novel instruments or conducting large-scale validation studies is essential to enhance prediction accuracy and optimize patient care in this population.

[Translated article] Characteristics, clinical benefit, and reimbursement of new authorisations for oncohaematology drugs in Spain between 2017 and 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the authorisations and funding resolutions for new onco-haematological drugs in Spain between 2017 and 2020, as well as the results of their main trials. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted between October and December 2022. Onco-haematology drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency between 2017 and 2020 were included, according to EFPIA patients W.A.I.T Indicator 2021 Survey. Authorisation information was obtained from the main study of the European Public Assessment Report. Data were collected on medicines, their authorisation and main study, benefit shown, cost, and status and time to reimbursement. RESULTS: Forty-one new drugs authorised for 49 indications were identified. More than half (58.5%) were targeted therapies, and 61.2% were for the treatment of solid tumours (61.2%). Most had palliative intent (71.4%) and were indicated in relapsed or refractory disease (55.1%). Of the clinical trials, 57.1% were phase III and 63.3% were randomised. The primary endpoint was overall survival in 16.3%, increasing to 25.8% among randomised clinical trials. Regarding licensed drugs based on response rate, the median response rate was 56.4% [IQI 40-66.3]. In those authorised on the basis of surrogate time-to-event endpoints, the median hazard ratio was 0.54 [IQI 0.38-0.57], and among those using overall survival was 0.71 [IQI 0.59-0.77]. Globally, 22.4% had shown benefit in overall survival, with a median gain of 4 months [IQI 3.6-16.7]. One-third (33.3%) of the indications evaluable according to the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale showed substantial clinical benefit. Of the indications, 75.5% were funded, half (48.6%; 36.7% of the total) with restrictions. The median time to funding was 19.5 months [IQI 11.4-29.3]. CONCLUSIONS: Most main clinical trials of new onco-haematology drugs approved in Spain used surrogate primary endpoint and, at the time of authorisation, few had shown to prolong overall survival. More than a third were uncontrolled clinical trials.

Delay in the Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Misuse of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) In Dentistry: Case Report

This case report highlights the delay in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the inappropriate use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in dentistry. OSCC is a malignant neoplasm that affects the oral cavity and can have severe consequences if not diagnosed and treated appropriately and promptly. The patient presented with a persistent oral lesion that was initially diagnosed as a traumatic injury and treated with LLLT, which led to a delay in the correct diagnosis of OSCC. The case emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper management of oral lesions to prevent the progression of malignant conditions. It also emphasizes the need for professional knowledge regarding the applicability of LLLT in dental practice. Dental professionals should be vigilant in recognizing suspicious oral lesions and promptly refer patients for further evaluation and appropriate treatment to ensure optimal outcomes.

Este informe de un caso destaca el retraso en el diagnóstico del carcinoma espinocelular oral (CEC) y el uso inapropiado de la terapia con láser de baja potencia (LBP) en odontología. El CEC es una neoplasia maligna que afecta la cavidad oral y puede tener graves consecuencias si no se diagnostica y trata de manera adecuada y oportuna. La paciente presentó una lesión oral persistente que inicialmente se diagnosticó como lesión traumática y se trató con LBP, lo que llevó a un retraso en el diagnóstico correcto del CEC. El caso enfatiza la importancia de la detección temprana y el manejo adecuado de las lesiones orales para prevenir la progresión de condiciones malignas. También resalta los riesgos asociados con el uso inapropiado de la LBP en la práctica odontológica. Los profesionales de la odontología deben estar atentos a las lesiones orales sospechosas y remitir a los pacientes de manera oportuna para una evaluación adicional y un tratamiento adecuado, con el fin de garantizar mejores resultados.

Cuidados Paliativos em hospital oncológico de referência: atenção primária, diagnóstico tardio e mistanásia / Palliative Care in a referral oncology hospital: Primary Health Care, late diagnoses and mysthanasia

RESUMO Estudo retrospectivo, observacional, transversal que analisou os encaminhamentos de 120 pacientes oncológicos para uma equipe de Cuidados Paliativos (CP) em hospital público de referência em oncologia no norte do Paraná, em fevereiro de 2020. Os dados foram coletados nos prontuários e analisados com base no suporte teórico da bioética. Observou-se que expressiva maioria dos pacientes 82,5% chegou ao hospital com doença avançada e 59,7% foram encaminhados para CP em menos de seis meses após a entrada no serviço. Parte importante dos pacientes chegou sem possibilidade de terapia específica oncológica, sendo, por isso, rapidamente encaminhados aos CP. Esses e outros achados da pesquisa sustentam uma discussão entre cuidados paliativos, atenção primária à saúde e diagnóstico oncológico tardio. O artigo conclui que, no contexto dos CP, as mortes relacionadas ao diagnóstico oncológico tardio, antecedidas de sofrimentos evitáveis e decorrentes de falhas estruturais em políticas públicas de saúde, expressam uma problemática forma de mistanásia.

ABSTRACT This retrospective study analyzed the referrals of 120 cancer patients to a Palliative Care (PC) team in a public oncology referral hospital in northern in northern Paraná, in February 2020. It was observed that the vast majority of patients (82.5%) arrived at the hospital with advanced disease, while 59.7% were referred to PC in less than six months after entering the service. An important part of the patients arrived with no possibility of specific oncological therapy, and were therefore quickly referred to PC. These and other research data support a discussion between palliative care, primary health care and late cancer diagnosis. The article concludes that, in the context of PC, deaths related to late cancer diagnosis, preceded by avoidable suffering due to structural failures in public health policies, are characterized as a problematic form of mysthanasia.

Characteristics, clinical benefit and reimbursement of new authorisations for oncohaematology drugs in Spain between 2017 and 2020. / Características, beneficio clínico y financiación de las nuevas autorizaciones de fármacos oncohematológicos en España entre 2017 y 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the authorisations and funding resolutions for new onco-hematological drugs in Spain between 2017 and 2020, as well as the results of their main trials. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted between October and December 2022. Onco-hematology drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency between 2017 and 2020 were included, according to EFPIA patients W.A.I.T Indicator 2021 Survey. Authorisation information was obtained from the main study of the European Public Assessment Report (EPAR). Data were collected on medicines, their authorisation and main study, benefit shown, cost, and status and time to reimbursement. RESULTS: Forty-one new drugs authorised for 49 indications were identified. More than half (58.5%) were targeted therapies, and 61.2% were for the treatment of solid tumors (61.2%). Most had palliative intent (71.4%) and were indicated in relapsed or refractory disease (55.1%). Of the clinical trials, 57.1% were phase III and 63.3% were randomised. The primary endpoint was overall survival in 16.3%, increasing to 25.8% among randomised clinical trials. Regarding licensed drugs based on response rate, the median response rate was 56.4% (IQI 40.0-66.3). In those authorised on the basis of surrogate time-to-event endpoints, the median Hazard Ratio was 0.54 (IQI 0.38-0.57), and among those using overall survival was 0.71 (IQI 0.59-0.77). Globally, 22.4% had shown benefit in overall survival, with a median gain of 4 months (IQI 3.6-16.7). One third (33.3%) of the indications evaluable according to the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale showed substantial clinical benefit. Of the indications, 75.5% were funded, half (48.6%; 36.7% of the total) with restrictions. The median time to funding was 19.5 months (IQI 11.4-29.3). CONCLUSIONS: Most main clinical trials of new onco-haematology drugs approved in Spain used surrogate primary endpoint and, at the time of authorisation, few had shown to prolong overall survival. More than a third were uncontrolled clinical trials.

Cáncer de mama en el hombre. Reporte de caso / Breast cancer in men. Case repor

Introducción: El cáncer de mama masculino es una patología infrecuente que re-presenta menos del 1% de la patología mamaria maligna, con una edad media de diagnóstico de 67 años. Tiene un peor pronóstico que el cáncer de mama femenino debido a su alto origen genético y baja sospecha, desencadenando diagnósticos inadecuados y tardíos, y disminuyendo la supervivencia a mediano y largo plazo.Objetivo: Describir el caso clínico de un paciente masculino con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, abordando la presentación clínica, los métodos diagnósticos, el tratamiento oncoespecífico, y la evolución clínica y quirúrgica. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un paciente masculino de 52 años, con evi-dencia de lesión exofítica en mama derecha más ganglio axilar ipsilateral, con diag-nóstico confirmado de patología de cáncer de mama estadio clínico cT4bN1Mx. Se plantea un manejo multidisciplinario: quimioterapia neoadyuvante y mastecto-mía radical derecha. Finalmente recibe tratamiento oncoespecífico y radioterapia con evolución favorable.Discusión: El cáncer de mama masculino tiene una baja incidencia respecto a la mujer, por lo que su sospecha diagnóstica se ve limitada. En etapas iniciales el diagnóstico es inespecífico debido a las pocas manifestaciones clínicas, pero deberá respaldarse en métodos imagenológicos, análisis anatomopatológico e in-munohistoquímico para guiar el tratamiento oncoespecífico.Conclusión: El cáncer de mama masculino posee una sospecha diagnóstica limi-tada que requiere un manejo multidisciplinario específico. La correcta estadifica-ción de la patología depende del seguimiento clínico y un análisis inmunohistoquí-mico oportuno, para un tratamiento adecuado con mejores resultados clínicos y altas tasas de supervivencia.

Introduction: Male breast cancer is an infrequent pathology; it represents less than 1% of malignant breast pathology, with an average age of diagnosis of 67 years. It has a worse prognosis than female breast cancer, due to its high genetic origin and low suspicion, which leads to inadequate and late diagnosis, becoming evident in advanced stages, decreasing survival in the medium and long term.Objective: To describe the clinical case of a patient diagnosed with breast cancer, addressing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, oncospecific treatment, as well as the corresponding clinical and surgical evolution.Case presentation: We present a 52-year-old male patient, with evidence of exophytic lesion in right breast plus ipsilateral axillary node, with diagnosis confir-med by pathology report of breast cancer, clinical stage: cT4bN1Mx. A multidisci-plinary management is proposed, initially the patient receives neoadjuvant chemo-therapy, then undergoes a surgical procedure: radical right mastectomy. Finally, she receives oncospecific treatment in the specialties of clinical oncology and radiothe-rapy, with favorable evolution.Discussion: Male breast cancer has a low incidence compared to women, so its diagnostic suspicion is limited. In initial stages the diagnosis is unspecific due to the few clinical manifestations, but should be supported by imaging methods and confirmatory methods, an anatomopathological and immunohistochemical analy-sis, to guide oncospecific treatment. Conclusions: Male breast cancer, is an infrequent pathology with limited diagnos-tic suspicion, which requires specific multidisciplinary management. It is important to have a continuous medical follow-up of the patient, to achieve at the time of diagnosis a correct clinical and immunohistochemical staging, which allows to fo-cus on the appropriate management and treatment, with better clinical outcomes and better survival rates.

The association between pre-existing heart failure and cancer incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer are some of the most recognized causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in heart failure (HF) populations. Recent studies have hypothesized that HF might promote the development and progression of cancer. We aim to analyze and discuss the most recent evidence on the relationship between HF and cancer development. METHODS: From inception to November 2022, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant articles on patients with HF and a subsequent cancer diagnosis that reported outcomes of overall and site-specific cancer incidence, or mortality. RESULTS: Of 2401 articles identified in our original search, 13 articles met our criteria. Studies reporting risk rate estimates were summarized qualitatively. Studies reporting hazard ratios (HRs), or relative risks were combined in a meta-analysis and revealed that HF was associated with an increased overall cancer incidence with a HR=1.30 (95% CI: 1.04-1.62) compared with individuals without HF. Subgroup analyses by cancer type revealed increased risk for lung cancer (HR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.28-2.73), gastrointestinal cancer (HR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.03-1.45), hematologic cancer (HR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.23-2.08) and female reproductive cancer (HR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.27-2.21). Mortality from cancer was higher in HF patients compared with non-HF subjects with a HR=2.17 (95% CI: 1.23-3.84). CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that HF may result in a subsequent increase in cancer incidence as well as in cancer-related mortality. The most common cancer subtypes in HF patients were lung, female reproductive system, and hematologic cancers. Further research is needed to understand this association better and to provide the best cardiological and oncological care.

Estado nutricional preoperatorio y complicaciones en cirugía digestiva oncológica: un estudio retrospectivo en un centro de cáncer chileno

Introducción: La desnutrición es una condición frecuente en pacientes oncológicos y puede estar presente en un 40-80% de éstos. En cirugía gastrointestinal, es ampliamente conocida la relación entre la desnutrición preoperatoria y las complicaciones. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la asociación entre el estado nutricional preoperatorio según el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la valoración global subjetiva (VGS) y la frecuencia de complicaciones postoperatorias en pacientes sometidos a cirugía oncodigestiva electiva. Metodología: Estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a cirugía digestiva entre abril de 2019 y abril de 2020. Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes con enfermedad fuera de alcance terapéutico curativo. Los pacientes fueron categorizados según el tipo de cáncer, la cirugía realizada, el tratamiento neoadyuvante, los parámetros nutricionales (IMC y VGS) y la albumina preoperatoria. Se registraron las complicaciones postoperatorias de acuerdo con la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo (III-V). Resultados: Se incluyeron 201 pacientes sometidos a cirugía digestiva. El 83,6% calificó en la categoría B o C según VGS. Diecinueve pacientes (9,5%) presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias. Tener una VGS de categoría C se asoció con un mayor riesgo de complicaciones postoperatorias. Otras variables significativas para desarrollar complicaciones fueron recibir tratamiento neoadyuvante combinado (QT + RT) y ser intervenido por una cirugía de alto riesgo nutricional. Conclusión: Tener un estado nutricional deteriorado previo a una cirugía oncológica según VGS, someterse a una cirugía de alto riesgo nutricional y/o someterse a un tratamiento neoadyuvante combinado presentan un mayor riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones postoperatorias. Se destaca la importancia de incorporar protocolos de evaluación y soporte nutricional como parte del tratamiento multimodal impartido desde el diagnóstico oncológico.

Introduction: Malnutrition is a frequent condition in cancer patients and may be present in 40-80% of them. In gastrointestinal surgery, the relationship between preoperative malnutrition and complications has been widely studied, due to the increased risk of postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to determine the association between preoperative nutritional status, according to body mass index (BMI), subjective global assessment (SGA) and the frequency of postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective oncological digestive surgery. Methodology: Observational retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing elective surgery between April 2019 and April 2020 were included. Patients with disease outside the curative therapeutic scope were excluded. Patients were categorized by type of cancer, surgery performed, neoadjuvant treatment, nutritional parameters (BMI and SGA) and albumin prior to surgery. Postoperative complications were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (III-V). Results: A total of 201 patients undergoing digestive surgery were included. 83.6% qualified in category B or C according to VGS. Nineteen patients (9.5%) presented postoperative complications. Having a SGA category C is associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications. Other significant variables for developing complications were receiving combined neoadjuvant treatment (CT + RT) and undergoing high nutritional risk surgery. Conclusion: Having a deteriorated nutritional status prior to oncological surgery according to SGA, undergoing high nutritional risk surgery, and/or undergoing combined neoadjuvant treatment significantly increases the risk of developing postoperative complications. The importance of incorporating nutritional assessment and support protocols as part of the multimodal treatment given to the patient from the moment of cancer diagnosis stands out.

Megakaryoblastic Acute Myeloid Leukemia Associated with a Testicular Tumour in a Young Adult: a Case Report / Leucemia Mieloide Aguda Megacarioblástica Associada a Tumor de Testículo em Adulto Jovem: um Relato de Caso

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (M7 AML) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia in adults, the incidence of which is higher in children aged 1 to 3 years, especially in patients with Down Syndrome; and in the age group between 60 and 70 years old, with an adverse prognosis. We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient, with a history of non-seminoma germ cell tumour of the testis, diagnosed with M7 AML. Nine months after performing an orchiectomy to remove the testicular tumour, the patient developed dyspnea, dry cough and asthenia, associated with the presence of erythematous-purple lesions on the skin, ascites and pleural effusion. The myelogram demonstrated medullary hypocellularity, with the presence of 53% of blastic, pleomorphic and bulky cells, with positivity for the markers CD34, CD31 and CD117 in immature cells in immunohistochemistry. Despite undergoing cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin and a BEP regimen (Bleomycin, Etoposide and Cisplatin), the patient presented with chest tomography with the presence of pulmonary nodules and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull and neuraxial with infiltration of the bone marrow in the spine and cranial vault, resulting in with neurological impairment and died. In view of the case presented, we observed agreement with previous reports of the adverse prognosis of M7 AML in young adults and we questioned its relationship with germ cell tumour. (AU)

A leucemia megacarioblástica aguda (LMA M7) é um subtipo raro em adultos de leucemia mielóide aguda, cuja incidência é maior em crianças de 1 a 3 anos, especialmente em pacientes portadores de Síndrome de Down; e na faixa etária entre 60 e 70 anos, com um prognóstico adverso. Relatamos o caso de um paciente, do sexo masculino, 28 anos, com histórico de tumor germinativo não seminoma de testículo, diagnosticado com LMA M7. Nove meses após a realização de uma orquiectomia para a retirada do tumor testicular, o paciente apresentou quadro de dispneia, tosse seca e astenia, associado a presença de lesões eritemato-arroxeadas na pele, ascite e derrame pleural. O mielograma demonstrou hipocelularidade medular, com presença de 53% de células blásticas, pleomórficas e volumosas, com a positividade para os marcadores CD34, CD31 e CD117 em células imaturas na imunohistoquímica. Apesar da realização de ciclos de quimioterapia com cisplatina e esquema BEP (Bleomicina, Etoposídeo e Cisplatina), o paciente apresentou Tomografia de tórax com presença de nódulos pulmonares e ressonância magnética de crânio e neuroeixo com infiltração da medula óssea em coluna vertebral e calota craniana, intercorrendo com comprometimento neurológico e foi a óbito. Diante do caso apresentado observamos a concordância com relatos prévios do prognóstico adverso da LMA M7 em jovens adultos e indagamos a sua relação com o tumor de células germinativas. (AU)

Recommendations from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Psoriasis Working Group on the Management of Patients with Cancer and Psoriasis. / Recomendaciones del Grupo de Psoriasis de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología sobre el manejo de la psoriasis en pacientes oncológicos.

Several studies suggest that patients with psoriasis have a higher incidence of neoplasms, especially of the skin, which could be associated with the use of therapies to treat psoriasis. Furthermore, the evidence available on the safety profile of some treatments in this context, and the management of these patients is scarce, which is why clinical practice guidelines with recommendations on the management of psoriasis in cancer patients are ambiguous. This study provides recommendations on the management and use of the therapies currently available for these patients. They are the result of a Delphi consensus reached by 45 dermatologists of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Psoriasis Working Group, whose goal is to help specialists in the field in their decision-making processes.

Irreversible electroporation: Beyond the limits of tumor ablation.

Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal tumor ablation technique. High-voltage electrical pulses are applied between pairs of electrodes inserted around and/or inside a tumor. The generated electric current induces the creation of nanopores in the cell membrane, triggering apoptosis. As a result, IRE can be safely used in areas near delicate vascular structures where other thermal ablation methods are contraindicated. Currently, IRE has demonstrated to be a successful ablation technique for pancreatic, renal, and liver tumors and is widely used as a focal therapeutic option for prostate cancer. The need for specific anesthetic management and accurate parallel placement of multiple electrodes entails a high level of complexity and great expertise from the interventional team is required. Nevertheless, IRE is a very promising technique with a remarkable systemic immunological capability and may impact on distant metastases (abscopal effect).

Percepción sobre la formación en cuidados paliativos de los estudiantes de las especializaciones de Cirugía general en Colombia / Perception of palliative care training among students of General Surgery specializations in Colombia

Introducción. Los cuidados paliativos responden al sufrimiento de pacientes terminales y requieren personal entrenado para la intervención. Forman parte de la actividad en cirugía, sin embargo, no encontramos información sobre la educación de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos en cuidados paliativos, la calidad de la formación y las estrategias pedagógicas en los residentes. Métodos. Estudio observacional con recolección de la información autodiligenciada por medio electrónico. Resultados. Participaron 228 residentes, 7,8 % mencionaron asistir a rotación en cuidado paliativo y 66,6 % tener contacto con especialistas en cuidados paliativos. El 30,7 % no identificó una estrategia pedagógica clara. El 29,3 % tuvo alto nivel de conocimiento y 21,1 % adecuada calidad de formación. El 83,8 % tuvo un alto nivel en el manejo de obstrucción intestinal. No hubo asociación entre el nivel de conocimiento y las variables evaluadas (p>0,05). Conclusiones. Ni el aprendizaje recibido, ni el año de entrenamiento tuvieron efecto en el nivel percibido de conocimiento. Las competencias en cuidados paliativos, sus métodos y la calidad del aprendizaje son deficientes a nivel de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. Probablemente está en un currículo oculto. Es necesario implementar estrategias pedagógicas en los currículos de estudios de los programas de formación de cirujanos.

Introduction. Palliative care responds to the suffering of terminal patients and requires trained personnel for intervention. They are part of the activity in surgery; however, we did not find information about postgraduate education in surgery in Colombia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge in palliative care, the quality of training and pedagogical strategies in residents. Methods. Observational study with self-completed information collection by electronic means. Results. A total of 228 residents participated, 7.8% mentioned a palliative care rotation and 66.6% mentioned having contact with palliative care specialists; 30.7% did not identify a clear pedagogical strategy; 29.3% had a high level of knowledge and 21.1% had adequate quality of training; 83.8% had a high level in the management of intestinal obstruction. There was no association between the level of knowledge and the variables evaluated (p>0.05). Conclusions. Neither the learning received nor the year of training had an effect on the perceived level of knowledge. Competencies in palliative care, its methods and the quality of learning are deficient at the postgraduate level in surgery in Colombia. It is probably on a hidden resume. It is necessary to implement pedagogical strategies in the study curricula of surgeon training programs.

Emergências em cuidados paliativos ­ variáveis de contexto no ato de paliar / Emergencies in palliative care - contextual variables in the act of palliation

Emergências Clínicas em Cuidados Paliativos, são todas as circunstâncias que colocam a pessoa em necessidade de ser paliado, ou seja, conjunto de procedimentos, inserido no contexto e conceito de ato de enfermagem (Regulamento n.º 613/2022, de 8 de julho), e que diz respeito a todas as interações autónomas ou interdependentes, em contexto de Cuidados Paliativos. A análise da tipologia destas ocorrências, é pertinente para a equipa de saúde em geral, e para a enfermagem em particular, no sentido de reconhecer a profundidade de Cuidados Paliativos necessários, duração de internamentos e necessidade de recursos em geral. Objetivos: Analisar a incidência da tipologia de Emergências em Cuidados Paliativos e conhecer as variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de contexto cuidativo, que determinam esses episódios. Metodologia: Estudo retrospetivo, transversal, quantitativo e descritivo, a partir da recolha de dados em processos clínicos, através do "Inventário das variáveis de contexto no ato de paliar, em Emergências em Cuidados Paliativos" (Rodrigues, M. J. B. & Veiga- Branco, M. A. R., 2023), relativos a uma amostra de 360 episódios de internamento na UCP da ULSNE, na janela temporal entre janeiro a dezembro de 2021. A recolha revela episódios relativos a 286 pessoas internadas, maioritariamente do sexo masculino (N=223), e idade média de 75,3 anos, que devido à recorrência de internamentos equivale a 360 episódios. Residem, geralmente, em domicílio próprio, no concelho de Bragança. Os filhos são, normalmente, a pessoa de referência. Resultados: Relativamente à tipologia de Emergências em CP, verificou-se que as mais incidentes são as exéreses hemorrágicas (n=40) e dellirium (n=17), e o menos incidente é o Síndrome da Veia Cava Superior (n=1). Relativamente às variáveis clínicas ­ diagnose e metastização - verificou-se que são prevalentes, a neoplasia maligna do intestino (n=48), a neoplasia maligna do pâncreas, fígado e vias biliares (n=37) e ainda a neoplasia da próstata (n=33), e, a presença de metástases pulmonares (n=48), hepáticas (n=46) e/ou ganglionares (n=32) foram as mais frequentemente verificadas. As variáveis de contexto cuidativo prevalentes foram: (1) internamentos (+/-10 dias) para controlo sintomático da dor (n=53), e internamentos recorrentes. O Palliative Performance Score (PPS%) aquando da admissão foi, em média, de 30%, e, de 25% aquando da alta. No que respeita à alta clínica, foi verificado que 55,4% (n=93) dos internados, foram para o domicílio e 41 utentes, foram para Unidades de Cuidados Continuados (UCC). Durante a colheita de dados, 19,9% dos casos não tinha falecido. Conclusão: Os episódios hemorrágicos foram a tipologia de Emergência Clínica Paliativa mais frequente. E os refentes com metástases pulmonares/mediastínicas, com presença de traqueostomias ou nefrostomias, ou aqueles em situação de últimos dias de vida têm maior probabilidade de desenvolver situações de Emergências Clínicas Paliativas.

Clinical Emergencies in Palliative Care encompass all circumstances that require palliative care for the patient, meaning a set of procedures within the context and concept of nursing care (Regulation No. 613/2022, July 8), related to all autonomous or interdependent interactions in the context of Palliative Care. Analyzing the typology of these occurrences is essential for the healthcare team in general, and particularly for nursing, to recognize the depth of required Palliative Care, the duration of hospitalizations, and the need for resources in general. Objectives: To analyze the incidence of the typology of Emergencies in Palliative Care and understand the sociodemographic, clinical, and care context variables that determine these episodes. Methodology: A retrospective, cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study was conducted by collecting data from clinical records using the "Inventory of context variables in the act of palliating in Palliative Care Emergencies" (Rodrigues, M. J. B. & Veiga-Branco, M. A. R., 2023). The data were related to a sample of 360 hospitalization episodes in the Palliative Care Unit (UCP) of ULSNE, within the time frame from January to December 2021. The data collection included episodes involving 286 hospitalized patients, mostly male (N=223), with an average age of 75.3 years. Due to the recurrence of hospitalizations, this equates to 360 episodes. These patients generally reside in their own homes in the Bragança municipality, with their children typically being the primary caregivers. Results: Regarding the typology of Emergencies in Palliative Care, the most common were hemorrhagic exeresis (n=40) and dellirium (n=17), while Superior Vena Cava Syndrome was the least common (n=1). Concerning clinical variables, malignant intestinal neoplasia (n=48), malignant pancreatic, hepatic, and biliary neoplasms (n=37), and prostate neoplasia (n=33) were prevalent, along with the presence of pulmonary (n=48), hepatic (n=46), and/or nodal (n=32) metastases. Prevalent care context variables included hospitalizations (+/-10 days) for symptomatic pain control (n=53) and recurrent hospitalizations. The Palliative Performance Score (PPS%) at admission averaged 30% and 25% at discharge. Regarding clinical discharge, it was found that 55.4% (n=93) of the patients were discharged to their homes, and 41 patients were transferred to Units of Continuous Care (UCC). During the data collection, 19.9% of cases had not yet deceased. Conclusion: Hemorrhagic episodes were the most common type of Clinical Palliative Emergency. Patients with pulmonary/mediastinal metastases, tracheostomies or nephrostomies, or those in their last days of life have a higher probability of developing Clinical Palliative Emergencies.

[Translated article] Requirements for Accessing New Dermatology Drugs in Spain: Results of the EQUIDAD Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected at the local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). CONCLUSIONS: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain.

How to create by your own a customized hip cement mega-spacer for a hip megaprosthesis two-stage revision surgery after oncologic limb-salvage surgery - Surgical technique and case report.

Managing chronic periprosthetic infections in patients who have undergone limb-salvage surgery following a malignant bone tumor with megaprosthesis often involves a two-stage revision surgery with the use of a cement-spacer. This paper show details the preparation of a self-made intramedullary metal-stabilized mega-cement spacer for patients needing a two-stage revision surgery due to infection after oncologic bone tumor resection and limb-salvage surgery with megaprosthesis and present two clinical cases treated with this technique. The report provides a practical surgical technique to create a cement hip mega-spacer using readily available tools in most orthopedic surgical settings.

Interventional cardiology in cancer patients: A position paper from the Portuguese Cardiovascular Intervention Association and the Portuguese Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology.

The field of Cardio-Oncology has grown significantly, especially during the last decade. While awareness of cardiotoxicity due to cancer disease and/or therapies has greatly increased, much of the attention has focused on myocardial systolic disfunction and heart failure. However, coronary and structural heart disease are also a common issue in cancer patients and encompass the full spectrum of cardiotoxicity. While invasive percutaneous or surgical intervention, either is often needed or considered in cancer patients, limited evidence or guidelines are available for dealing with coronary or structural heart disease. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions consensus document published in 2016 is the most comprehensive document regarding this particular issue, but relevant evidence has emerged since, which render some of its considerations outdated. In addition to that, the recent 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology only briefly discuss this topic. As a result, the Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and the Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology have partnered to produce a position paper to address the issue of cardiac intervention in cancer patients, focusing on percutaneous techniques. A brief review of available evidence is provided, followed by practical considerations. These are based both on the literature as well as accumulated experience with these types of patients, as the authors are either interventional cardiologists, cardiologists with experience in the field of Cardio-Oncology, or both.

DPYD genotyping and 5-fluoropyrimidine toxicity: An overview of systematic reviews protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The increased risk of severe and life-threatening toxicity in patients with dihydropyridine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency, under treatment with fluoropyrimidines, has been widely studied. An up-to-date overview of systematic reviews summarizing existing literature can add value by highlighting most relevant information and supports decision-making regarding treatment in DPD deficient patients. The main objective of this overview of systematic reviews is to identify published systematic reviews on the association between germline variations in the DPYD gene and fluoropyrimidine toxicity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol was developed following the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) checklist, and the overview of systematic reviews will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library will be searched from inception to 2023. Systematic reviews irrespective of study designs that analyze the association between germline variations in the DPYD and fluoropyrimidine toxicity will be considered. Methodological quality will be assessed using AMSTAR2 checklist (Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2). Two independent investigators will perform the study selection, quality assessment, and data collection. Discrepancies will be solved by a third investigator. REGISTRATION DETAILS: Registration number in PROSPERO: CRD42023401226.

Requirements for Accessing New Dermatology Drugs in Spain: Results of the EQUIDAD Study. / Condicionantes de acceso a nuevos medicamentos dermatológicos en España: resultados del proyecto EQUIDAD.

BACKGROUND: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected at the local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). CONCLUSIONS: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain.

Diastolic function assessment with left atrial strain in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Survivors of childhood cancer might be at increased risk of diastolic dysfunction at follow-up due to exposure to cardiotoxic treatment. Although assessment of diastolic function is challenging in this relatively young population, left atrial strain might provide a novel insight in this evaluation. Our aim was to examine diastolic function in a cohort of long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia by using left atrial strain and conventional echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Long-term survivors who were diagnosed at a single center between 1985 and 2015 and a control group of healthy siblings were recruited. Conventional diastolic function parameters and atrial strain were compared, and the latter was measured during the 3 atrial phases: reservoir (PALS), conduit (LACS) and contraction (PACS). Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to account for differences between the groups. RESULTS: We analyzed 90 survivors (age, 24.6±9.7 years, time since diagnosis 18 [11-26] years) and 58 controls. PALS and LACS were significantly reduced compared with the control group: 46.4±11.2 vs 52.1±11.7; P=.003 and 32.5±8.8 vs 38.2±9.3; P=.003, respectively. Conventional diastolic parameters and PACS were similar between the groups. The reductions in PALS and LACS were associated with exposure to cardiotoxic treatment in age- and sex-adjusted analysis (≥ moderate risk, low risk, controls): 45.4±10.5, 49.5±12.9, 52.1±11.7; Padj=.003, and 31.7±9.0, 35.2±7.5, 38.2±9.3; Padj=.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term childhood leukemia survivors showed a subtle impairment of diastolic function that was detected with atrial strain but not with conventional measurements. This impairment was more pronounced in those with higher exposure to cardiotoxic treatment.