Foot health and quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used therapies for breast cancer, triggering important repercussions on people's quality of life. However, little research has been undertaken about podiatric adverse effects. This study aimed was to determine the prevalence of podiatric pathology developed in people with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oncology service of the A Coruña University Hospital (northwest Spain). People with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment of legal age (≥ 18), who signed the informed consent (n = 117) were included. Sociodemographic, comorbidity, disease and foot health variables, as well as two self-administered questionnaires (Foot Health Status Questionnaire and Foot Function Index) were studied. The current ethical-legal aspects were followed. RESULTS: Foot health problems were highly prevalent, highlighting nail color changes (59.8%), onychocryptosis (39.7%), xerosis (62.4%), plantar fasciitis (12.8%), and neuropathic symptoms (75.2%). Some foot pain was presented in 77.8% of the sample, predominantly at nail level (15.4%) or sole of the foot and nail (14.5%). Most participants described their foot health as fair or poor (56.4%) and felt limited in walking (65.8%). The lowest score for the Foot Health Status Questionnaire was footwear (30.6(33.5)). CONCLUSIONS: Foot health adverse effects represent worrisome problems in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, due to their high prevalence and negative implications on quality of life. These problems are critical as they may have implications for stopping or reducing chemotherapy. All these results call for the development of more research to contribute to the care and wellbeing of people with cancer who receive treatments such as chemotherapy. Thus, this line of research is a new path to be developed by the podiatry community.

Wellbeing and Complementary Therapies in Breast Cancer Peripheral Neuropathy Care: A Scoping Review Focused on Foot Health.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a multidimensional health problem. Up to now, little evidence has been found concerning its impact on quality of life and foot health. Evaluation tools and prevention and treatment strategies must be reported. This study aimed to map the literature on the impact of this side effect on the wellbeing and foot health of people with breast cancer and to describe their main assessment strategies and complementary therapies. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out while following the PRISMA-ScR and Arksey and O'Malley guidelines. Different databases (Cochrane Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed) were used. A total of 221 results were identified. Sixteen articles were included. RESULTS: The thematic analysis obtained the following categories: the impact of peripheral neuropathy on quality of life and foot health, complementary therapies as a path for new strategies, and the need for clinicians and researchers to get involved in researching this side effect. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral neuropathy has a negative impact on people's quality of life. Implications for foot health and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle have not been previously reported. Complementary therapies are recommended by scientific evidence, highlighting exercise. However, there is a need to develop more research that will help to incorporate them into evidence-based practice.

[Single prostatic metastasis of a small cell lung carcinoma]. / Metástasis única en próstata de carcinoma microcítico pulmonar.

BACKGROUND: To make the difference between two uncommon entities, small cell prostate carcinoma and prostatic metastasis of small cell lung cancer. METHODS: We describe a case of single extrapulmonar metastasis in the prostate from small lung carcinoma. RESULTS: We describe a case of single extrapulmonar metastasis in the prostate from small lung carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiographic findings and inmunohistochemistry allow differential diagnosis.

Role of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx) in the treatment of relapsing ovarian cancer.

The most significant factor predicting response to second-line chemotherapy is the time interval elapsed from the end of chemotherapy to relapse occurrence. Two types of situations may be considered: patients with platinum-sensitive relapse (relapse-free interval longer than 6 months) and patients with platinum-refractory relapse (progression during treatment or relapse-free interval under 6 months). Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is a doxorubicin formulation. Encapsulation in liposomes confers it different pharmacokinetic characteristics and a more favorable toxicity profile. The following review examines the efficacy and safety of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for the treatment of relapsing epithelial ovarian cancer.