The use of complementary and alternative medicine and approaches to coping with stress in women with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to reveal the approaches to coping with stress of women with breast cancer and the factors predicting these approaches, to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and to examine the relationship between use of CAM and approaches to coping with stress. METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 women with breast cancer at a training and research hospital in Türkiye. Data were collected with the "Descriptive Information Form" and the "Stress Coping Styles Scale (SCSS)". RESULTS: Women's SCSS score was 47.26 ± 6.39 (effective) and 37.76 ± 6.33 (ineffective). The SCSS score were not significantly different between CAM users and non-CAM users (p > 0.05). The prevalence of CAM use was 36%, the most common types of CAM were herbal products (55.1%) and prayer (33.8%) and the reasons for using CAM were for relaxation (symptomatic) (43.2%). As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis, level of income, working, number of living children, receiving chemotherapy, receiving surgery, having a family history of cancer, and the interest of their partner after the disease were associated with effective coping with stress (p < 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.08, 0.05, and 0.33 respectively). Working, receiving chemotherapy, receiving surgery, stage of cancer, and having a history of cancer in a social environment were associated with ineffective coping with stress (p < 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.14 and 0.11 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: One-third of women were using CAM and had a good level of approaches to coping with stress. Healthcare providers, especially gynecology-oncology nurses, should provide counseling on CAMs and develop strategies for coping with stress for women with breast cancer.

Intra and peritumoral PET radiomics analysis to predict the pathological response in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the contribution of 18Fluorine-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (18F-FDG PET) radiomic data obtained from both the tumoral and peritumoral area in predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). METHODS: Female patients with a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma who received NAC were evaluated retrospectively. The volume of interest (VOI) of the primary tumor (VOI-T) was manually segmented, then a voxel-thick VOI was added around VOI-T to define the peritumoral area (VOI-PT). Morphological, intensity-based, histogram and texture parameters were obtained from VOIs. The patients were divided into two groups as pCR and non-complete pathological response (npCR). A "radiomic model" was created with only radiomic features, and a "patho-radiomic model" was created using radiomic features and immunohistochemical data. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients included in the study, 21 were in the pCR group. The only statistically significant feature from the primary tumor among patients with pCR and npCR was Morphological_Compacity-T (AUC: 0.666). Between response groups, a significant difference was detected in 2 morphological, 1 intensity, 4 texture features from VOI-PT; no correlation was found between Morphological_Compacity-PT and NGTDM_contrast-PT. The obtained radiomic model's sensitivity and accuracy values were calculated as 61.9% and 75.8%, respectively (AUC: 0.786). When HER2 status was added, sensitivity and accuracy values of the patho-radiomic model increased to 85.7% and 81.8%, respectively (AUC: 0.903). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of PET peritumoral radiomic features together with the primary tumor, rather than just the primary tumor, provides a better prediction of the pCR to NAC in patients with breast cancer.

Computational model based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) skin scanning to identify and quantify acute radiation dermatitis (ARD): a prospective diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is the most widely reported radiotherapy-induced adverse event. Currently, there is no objective or reliable method to measure ARD. OBJECTIVE: our main objective was to identify and quantify the effects of radiotherapy with a computational model using optical coherence tomography (OCT) skin scanning. Secondary objectives included determining the ARD impact of different radiotherapeutic schemes and adjuvant topical therapies. METHODS: we conducted a prospective, single-center case series study in a tertiary referral center of patients with breast cancer who were eligible for whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT). RESULTS: a total of 39 women were included and distributed according to the radiotherapeutic schemes (15, 20, and 25 fractions). A computational model was designed to quantitatively analyze OCT findings. After radiotherapy, OCT scanning was more sensitive revealing vascularization changes in 84.6% of the patients (vs 69.2% of the patients with ARD by clinical examination). OCT quantified an increased vascularization at the end of WBRT (P < .05) and a decrease after 3 months (P = .032). Erythematous skin changes by OCT were more pronounced in the 25-fraction regime. CONCLUSION: an OCT computational model allowed for the identification and quantification of vascularization changes on irradiated skin, even in the absence of clinical ARD. This may allow the design of standardized protocols for ARD beyond the skin color of the patients involved.

Difficulties of gender affirming treatment in trans women with BRCA1+ mutation: A case report.

Gender affirming treatment in transgender women is based on a combination of antiandrogens and estrogens, with the latter maintained over the long term. When prescribing these treatments, we must consider the possibility of developing estrogen-dependent breast cancer. In transgender women, a breast cancer incidence of 4.1 per 100,000 has been estimated, which would increase the risk by 46% in relation to cisgender men but decrease it by 70% in relation to cisgender women. It is known that certain gene mutations such as BRCA1 imply an increased risk of breast cancer, but at present the risk in transgender women with BRCA1 treated with estrogens is not well established. We present the case of a transgender woman with a family history of breast cancer and BRCA1 mutation and the therapeutic decisions made in a multidisciplinary team. Following this case, we review and discuss the published literature.

Approach to the care process by nurse case managers in a breast unit.

OBJECTIVE: Breast units led by nurse case managers are being implemented to provide comprehensive care in the detection and treatment of breast cancer. However, their implementation is heterogeneous and the results of the care process with this professional have not been studied. The aim of the study is to describe the management in time and the approach of the process by a nurse case manager in the breast unit of women with suspected breast cancer pathology, derived from the breast cancer screening program. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study carried out in 2021. Women treated in a breast unit managed by a nurse case manager in a hospital in southern Spain were included. Sociodemographic, clinical and care process characteristics were analysed RESULTS: A total of 118 women of Spanish nationality (92%) participated, with a mean age of 59 years. The diagnosis of malignancy was made in 74.6% of them. Seventy-nine percent of the women had their first visit within 3 days. The mean time to diagnosis was 3.98 days (SD: ±3.93), 4.2 weeks (SD: ±1.84) to initiate treatment and a total in-hospital time of 33 days (SD: ±13.45). CONCLUSIONS: The management of nurse case managers in breast units contributes to improving or speeding up times, in accordance with international guidelines, helping this approach in the continuity of the care process for women referred after screening for breast cancer detection.

Mamografía con contraste: nuestra experiencia / Contrast-enhanced digital mammography: our experience

Resumen La mamografía contrastada (CEDM, contrast-enhanced digital mammography) es una herramienta nueva que ha ido implementándose de forma creciente. Aparece como alternativa a la resonancia magnética (RM), y al igual que esta, tiene como principio el uso de contraste endovenoso para explorar la angiogénesis tumoral. Combina la imagen de mamografía convencional (Mx) con la técnica de sustracción con energía dual poscontraste, lo que resulta en un incremento en la detección de cáncer de mama, en un tiempo corto de estudio y a un bajo costo. Es un método prometedor en casos seleccionados y de fácil lectura, siendo útil principalmente en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama para detectar lesiones adicionales y determinar el tamaño tumoral, ayudando en la planificación quirúrgica, así como también en la evaluación de la respuesta a la neoadyuvancia. También en el seguimiento de pacientes operadas, para caracterizar lesiones dudosas en Mx y ecografía, o como alternativa ante contraindicación de la RM. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar la utilidad de la mamografía contrastada en la práctica diaria y determinar sus principales indicaciones. Repasamos con casos propios las utilidades y características del método.

Abstract Contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) is an emerging tool that has been increasingly implemented. It appears as an alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using intravenous contrast to explore tumor angiogenesis. It combines conventional mammography (Mx) with post-contrast dual energy subtraction technique, resulting in increased detection of breast cancer, in a short study time and at a low cost. It is a promising method in selected cases and easy to read, being useful mainly in patients with breast cancer to detect additional lesions and determine the tumor size, that helps surgical planning, as well as in the evaluation of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in the follow-up of patients treated with surgery, to address inconclusive findings in screening mammogram, or as an alternative when MRI is contraindicated. The purpose of this article is to assess the usefulness of contrasted mammography in daily practice and to determine its main indications. We review with our own cases the applications and characteristics of this method.

Concordance between freehand SPECT and conventional scintigraphy for sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Freehand SPECT can be a useful imaging technique for preoperative planning of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as it allows localization of the sentinel node by 3D and real-time tomographic imaging and determines its depth after a few minutes of scanning. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the number of detected SNs between freehand SPECT images and lymphoscintigraphy (LS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 patients with a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer and no clinical evidence of lymph node involvement prospectively underwent SLNB. The preoperative study included freehand SPECT imaging at 15min after injection and LS imaging at 25 and 60-90min after injection (early and late). The observed agreement was analyzed and a concordance study was performed between the number of SNs detected with freehand SPECT and LS. RESULTS: The observed agreement in the detection of SNs between freehand SPECT and early LS was 72%; between freehand SPECT and late LS was 85%; and between early and late LS was 87%. In the concordance study, there was moderate concordance between freehand SPECT and early LS (kappa coefficient: 0.42); moderate-high concordance between freehand SPECT and late LS (kappa coefficient: 0.60); and moderate-high concordance between early and late LS (kappa coefficient: 0.70), with no significant differences between them (p-value=0.16). CONCLUSION: Freehand SPECT showed a moderate-high concordance with conventional imaging studies and could be a valid alternative for the presurgical study of SLNB in breast cancer.

Efectos de la mastectomía en los parámetros baropodométricos de pacientes con cáncer de seno / The effect of mastectomy on baropodometric parameters for breast cancer patients / Efeitos da mastectomia nos parâmetros baropodometricos de pacientes com câncer de mama

Objetivo: la mastectomía posterior al cáncer de seno produce diversas alteraciones posturales y biomecánicas en el plano frontal y sagital. Dichos cambios conducen a una cinemática alterada de la columna vertebral, desequilibrio muscular y alteración del soporte del peso del pie. Este estudio pretende describir las alteraciones de la baropodometría después de la mastectomía, con base en análisis baropodométricos de la presión media y la carga estática. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo correlacional. Las propiedades de carga del pie se identificaron en 17 mujeres mastectomizadas. Se utilizó una placa de presión Ecosanit Foot para medir la carga del pie en posición anatómica y con los pies juntos. Resultados: en el estudio participaron 17 mujeres mastectomizadas con una edad media de 54.16 años. Las pacientes reportaron una presión media significativamente mayor en la posición anatómica del lado dominante mastectomizado en comparación con el lado no dominante mastectomizado (227.2 ± 22.16 vs. 175.6 ± 14.95, p =0.05). No hubo diferencia significativa para la carga estática entre el lado dominante mastectomizado y el lado no dominante mastectomizado en la posición anatómica (52.43±4.069 vs. 49.69 ± 4.094, de forma respectiva). Conclusión: los resultados actuales de nuestro estudio evidenciaron la distribución desequilibrada del peso (vector carga en el pie) en pacientes después de la mastectomía. Por tanto, en este texto se describen las alteraciones posturales, musculares, y el desequilibrio estático y dinámico en pacientes con cáncer de seno.

Objective: mastectomy after breast cancer produces several postural and biomechanical alterations in the frontal and sagittal plane. Such changes lead to disturbed kinematics of the spine, muscle imbalance and altered foot weight bearing. This study aims to describe body balance alterations after mastectomy based on the baropodometric analysis of their mean pressure and static load. Methodology: a descriptive correlational research was carried out. Foot weight-bearing properties were identified in 17 patients who have undergone a mastectomy. An Ecosanit Foot pressure plate was used to measure foot load at anatomical position and keeping the feet together. Results: 17 female patients who had undergo mastectomy with a mean age of 54.16 years took part on the research. Patients who have had a dominant-side mastectomy demonstrated significant greater mean pressure at anatomical position when compared to those patients who have had a non-dominant side mastectomy (227.2 ± 22.16 versus 175.6 ± 14.95, p =0.05). There was no significant difference for static load between the patients who have had a dominant side mastectomy and patients who have had a non dominant side mastectomy at anatomical position (52.43 ± 4.069 versus 49.69 ± 4.094, respectively). Conclusion: the current results of our research showed the unbalanced weight distribution in patients after mastectomy. Consequently, it describes the postural and muscular alterations, and the static and dynamic imbalance in breast cancer patients.

Objetivo: A mastectomia após câncer de mama produz diversas alterações posturais e biomecânicas nos planos frontal e sagital. Tais mudanças levam a alteração da cinemática da coluna, desequilíbrio muscular e alteração do suporte de peso do pé. Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever as alterações baropodométricas após mastectomia, com base em análises baropodométricas de pressão média e carga estática. Metodologia: foi realizado estudo correlacional descritivo. Propriedades de carga nos pés foram identificadas em 17 mulheres mastectomizadas. Uma placa de pressão Ecosanit Foot foi usada para medir a carga do pé em posição anatômica e com os pés juntos. Resultados: participaram do estudo 17 mulheres mastectomizadas com idade média de 54,16 anos. Os pacientes relataram uma pressão média significativamente maior na posição anatômica do lado mastectomizado dominante em comparação ao lado mastectomizado não dominante (227,2 ± 22,16 vs. 175,6 ± 14,95, p =0,05). Não houve diferença significativa para a carga estática entre o lado mastectomizado dominante e o lado mastectomizado não dominante na posição anatômica (52,43 ± 4,069 vs. 49,69 ± 4,094, respectivamente). Conclusão: Os resultados atuais do nosso estudo mostraram distribuição de peso desequilibrada (carga vetorial no pé) em pacientes após mastectomia. Portanto, este texto descreve alterações posturais, musculares e desequilíbrio estático e dinâmico em pacientes com câncer de mama.

Chronic pain after breast surgery: incidence, risk factors and impact on quality of life.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy, and chronic pain after breast surgery (CPBS) is an increasingly recognized therapy-related problem. We evaluated CPBS incidence, characteristics, associated factors, and impact on patient quality of life (QoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six-month observational prospective study conducted in patients undergoing breast surgery in a tertiary university hospital. Data were collected using several questionnaires: Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form, Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and its Breast Cancer Module. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients completed the study. Approximately, one third (34.8%) developed CPBS, and almost all with potentially neuropathic pain. CPBS interfered with patients' daily life and reduced their QoL. Diabetes (p = 0.028), catastrophizing (p = 0.042), and acute postoperative pain severity (p < 0.001) were associated with CPBS. CONCLUSIONS: This study broadens our understanding of CPBS and shows the impact of this syndrome. Healthcare workers need to be aware of CPBS and take steps to prevent and treat it, and provide patients with adequate information.

Quality indicators for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer integrated assistance: A critical appraisal.

INTRODUCTION: Quality indicators (QIs) are essential for adequate control of the health care management process, recognizing areas of improvement and providing solutions. We aimed to evaluate the Integrated Breast Cancer (BC) Care Process QIs. METHODS: We studied 487 consecutive BC cases diagnosed from November 1st, 2013, to November 30th, 2019, in a Spanish healthcare area, and we estimated the associated QIs. RESULTS: Four indicators did not meet the standards and were analysed based on related sociodemographic and clinical variables. The surgical delay after a multidisciplinary team discussion (mean 64%, IQR 59.6-68.5) was lower in elder people (p=0.027), and early histological grades (p=0.019) and stages (p=0.008). The adjuvant treatment delay (mean 55.7%, IQR 51.1-60.3) was lower in advance stages (p=0.002) and when there was no reoperation (p=0.001). The surgical delay after inclusion (mean 83.2%, IQR 79.3-87.2) was lower in early histological grades (p=0.048). The immediate reconstruction (mean 42.3%, IQR 34.0-50.5) reached 72.3% in young women compared to 11.8% in older than 70 years (p=0.001) and it was higher in early stages (45.3% vs 36.2%; p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The study of QIs evaluated their compliance and analysed the variables influencing them to propose improvement measures. Not all the indicators were equally valuable. Some depended on the available resources, and others on the mix of patients or complementary treatments. It would be essential to identify the specific target populations to estimate the indicators or provide standards stratified by the related variables.

Abemaciclib as adjuvant treatment for high-risk early breast cancer. / [Artículo traducido] Abemaciclib en adyuvancia para el tratamiento del cáncer de mama precoz de alto riesgo.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt the GHEMA report of abemaciclib, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6. European Medicines Agency authorisation (April 2022) includes, in combination with endocrine therapy, the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. METHOD: The efficacy and safety of abemaciclib were evaluated in a randomized, open-label and multicenter phase III study. A total of 5,637 patients diagnosed with early breast cancer with hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative, node positive and high risk of recurrence were included. High risk was defined as patients with 4 or more positive axillary lymph nodes, or 1-3positive axillary lymph nodes and at least one of the following: tumor size ≥5 cm, histologic grade 3 or Ki-67 ≥ 20%. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive adjuvant abemaciclib + endocrine therapy (n = 2,808) or endocrine therapy alone (n = 2,829) for 2 years, with endocrine therapy prescribed for at least 5 years. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 15.5 months, abemaciclib + endocrine therapy demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival versus endocrine therapy alone (HR = 0.747 [95% CI 0.598-0.932], p = 0.0096); achieving an absolute improvement of 3.5% invasive disease-free survival rate at 2-years. These results were maintained, with a median follow-up of 27.7 months: absolute improvement of 2.7% and 5.4% in invasive disease-free survival rate at 2 and 3-years, respectively. All-causality grade 3 or 4 adverse events were 45.9% for abemaciclib and 12.9% for endocrine therapy, and included neutropenia (19.6% vs. 0.8%), leukopenia (11.4% vs. 0.4%) and diarrhea (7.8% vs. 0.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the pivotal trial are sufficient to consider abemaciclib as adjuvant treatment for high-risk early breast cancer in highly selected patients. However, in order to the efficacy results present less uncertainty, we must wait for a evaluation later, in which we can have a mature determination at 3 years (with more patients at risk).

Tendência da taxa de mortalidade por câncer de mama em mulheres com 20 anos ou mais no Brasil, 2005-2019 / Trend in breast cancer mortality rate among women aged 20 years or older in Brazil, 2005-2019

Resumo O objetivo é analisar a tendência da taxa de mortalidade por câncer de mama e sua correlação com o status de desenvolvimento socioeconômico no Brasil. Estudo ecológico de séries temporais realizado nos 26 estados, Distrito Federal e regiões do Brasil. As fontes de dados foram o Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (número de óbitos), o Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (população residente) e o estudo da Carga Global de Doenças (socio-demographic index - SDI). Foram usados dados de 2005 a 2019. A tendência foi analisada pelos modelos de regressão de Prais-Winsten. A relação entre a taxa de mortalidade e o SDI foi analisada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. No período do estudo ocorrerem 207.683 óbitos por câncer de mama. A taxa padronizada de mortalidade média foi de 19,95 óbitos por 100.000 mulheres no Brasil. O Brasil e todas as regiões apresentaram tendência crescente da mortalidade. Do total de estados, 22 apresentaram tendência crescente. Verificou-se relação positiva entre a taxa de mortalidade e o SDI. A taxa de mortalidade padronizada por câncer de mama apresentou tendência crescente no Brasil, em todas as regiões e na maioria das unidades da federação. Verificou-se associação direta entre mortalidade e SDI, indicando maior magnitude em regiões mais desenvolvidas.

Abstract The aim is to analyze the trend in breast cancer mortality rates and its correlation with the socioeconomic development status in Brazil. It involved an ecological time series study carried out in the 26 units of the federation, Federal District and regions of Brazil. Data sources included the Mortality Information System (number of deaths), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (resident population) and the study of the Global Burden of Disease (Socio-demographic Index - SDI). Data from 2005 to 2019 were used. The trend was analyzed using Prais-Winsten regression models. The relationship between the mortality rate and the SDI was analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. During the study period, 207,683 deaths from breast cancer occurred. The average standardized mortality rate was 19.95 deaths per 100,000 women in Brazil. All the regions of Brazil showed an increasing trend in mortality. Of the total federative units, 22 showed an increasing trend. There was a positive relationship between the mortality rate and the SDI. The standardized mortality rate for breast cancer showed an increasing trend in Brazil, in all regions and in most states. There was a direct association between mortality and SDI, indicating a greater magnitude in more developed regions.

Percepción bioética de ginecólogos residentes de mastología sobre la interrupción del embarazo en cáncer de seno / Bioethical perception of gynecology specialist mastology residents regarding pregnancy interruption in cases with breast cancer

Objetivo: describir la percepción bioética en un grupo de residentes de mastología frente a la interrupción voluntaria en el primer trimestre del embarazo (IVE,) en casos con cáncer de mama temprano, y las implicaciones de sus conductas médicas en un hospital universitario. Metodología: estudio cualitativo de tipo fenomenológico descriptivo. La técnica de recolección de datos fue la entrevista a profundidad, Para la inclusión de los participantes se utilizó un muestreo intencional. La información se analizó siguiendo el método de Colaizzi que considera la codificación abierta, axial y selectiva. Se elaboraron matrices (microsoft office Excel) para el análisis y comparación de los datos, y para las categorías mediante la consolidación de los descriptores. Para mantener el rigor de la investigación y la validez de sus resultados se tuvieron en cuenta los criterios de credibilidad, auditabilidad y transferibilidad propuestos por Lincoln y Guba, analizando los datos dos investigadores para triangulación de la información. Estudio de riesgo mínimo dado que no se modifican variables en los participantes, se tuvieron en cuenta consideraciones de la Resolución 8430 de 1993 y se obtuvo aprobación del comité de ética de investigación en seres humanos. Resultados: participaron médicos, especialistas en ginecología y obstetricia, residentes de la especialidad de mastología. A partir de la categorización de los significados formulados de las entrevistas, se organizaron en cinco categorías que dan cuenta del dilema de sugerir o no la interrupción de un embarazo en mujeres con cáncer de mama temprano, dudas de los profesionales encargados en la toma de decisiones y sensación de carga de responsabilidad aumentada. Conclusión: la autonomía del médico se ve afectada en casos complejos, en especial cuando considera que no es adecuada la interrupción. Se debería incluir en los programas académicos una formación en bioética no principialista sino centrada en la persona.

Objective: to describe the bioethical perception of a group of mastology residents regarding first trimester voluntary pregnancy interruption (VPI) in cases with early-stage breast cancer, and the implications of their medical behaviors in a university hospital. Methodology: a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews. Purposive sampling was adopted for recruiting participants. Colaizzi ́s method was used for data analysis including open, axial, and selective coding. Analysis and comparison matrices, and for categories by descriptors consolidation, were created in Microsoft Office Excel. The credibility, auditability, and transferability criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba, were used to ensure research rigor and validity of its results. Data triangulation was performed involving two researchers. This is a minimal risk study given no variables are modified in participants, in accordance with Resolution 8430 of 1993. Approval was obtained from the ethics committee for research on human beings. Results: participants included physicians, gynecology, and obstetrics specialists, and mastology residents. They were categorized into five groups based on the categorization of the meanings proposed in the interviews, that account for the dilemma of whether suggesting pregnancy interruption in women with early-stage breast cancer, concerns of physicians who play the decision-making role and a feeling of increased responsibility burden placed on them. Conclusion: physician ́s autonomy is affected in complex cases, especially when he/she considers that pregnancy interruption is not appropriate. Training in bioethics should be provided in academic programs, not based on principles but as a person-centered approach.

[Nutrition in breast cancer genesis]. / El papel de la nutrición en la génesis del cáncer de mama.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most prevalent tumor in women, ranking first in incidence and mortality in many countries. Although the causes of breast cancer are complex and multifactorial, nutritional factors and those related to nutritional status play an important role in the development of the disease. In this way, factors that increase breast cancer risk have been identified, such as weight gain, the amount of adipose tissue, waist circumference, alcohol consumption or the consumption of red meat and processed meat, while other factors have been identified that reduce the risk, such as eating fruits and vegetables. Nutritional factors or factors that depend on the state of nutrition are modifiable and preventable, so they must be considered when designing effective prevention programs.

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es el tumor más prevalente en las mujeres y ocupa el primer lugar en incidencia y en mortalidad en muchos países. Si bien las causas del cáncer de mama son complejas y multifactoriales, los factores nutricionales y aquellos relacionados con el estado nutricional juegan un papel importante en el desarrollo de la enfermedad. De esta forma, se han identificado algunos factores que aumentan su riesgo, como el aumento de peso, la cantidad de tejido adiposo, la circunferencia de cintura, el consumo de alcohol, etc., o bien, que lo reducen, como el consumo de frutas y verduras. Los factores nutricionales o que dependen del estado de nutrición son modificables y prevenibles, por lo que deben tenerse en cuenta al diseñar programas de prevención eficaces.

Association between reproductive history, breast cancer subtype, and survival in premenopausal women. / Asociación entre la historia reproductiva, el subtipo de cáncer de mama y la supervivencia de mujeres premenopáusicas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reproductive history influences breast cancer risk. We analysed its association with tumour subtype and survival in premenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational study of premenopausal women with stage I-III breast carcinoma in the last 20 years. Review of reproductive history, clinical data, and treatments in health records. RESULTS: In 661 premenopausal women (32.40% of 1377 total cases), median age was 47 years (19-53), menarche 12 (7-17), first delivery 28 (16-41) and number of deliveries 2 (0-9). One hundred and eleven (18.20%) were nulliparous. Three hundred and fifty-nine (58.80%) used natural lactation, with a median duration of 6 months. Anovulatory drugs were used by 271 (44.40%), with a median duration of 36 months. Associations were found between menarche <10 years and lower risk of luminal subtype (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.94; P=.03), between menarche >11 years and lower risk of HER2 subtype (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26-0.97; P=.04) and between first birth >30 years and lower risk of triple negative subtype (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.93; P=.03). The 20-year overall and disease-free survival probabilities were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71-0.90) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.64-0.79) respectively. Patients with ≥1 delivery had better overall survival than nulliparous patients (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.96, P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest an association between age at menarche and age at first delivery and breast cancer subtype. Nulliparity is associated with worse survival.

Adaptation to the disease, resilience and optimism in woman with breast cancer.

This research aims to determine the relationship between the variables adaptation to the disease, resilience and dispositional optimism in women with breast cancer in Montería (Colombia). This study is a descriptive-correlational type, evaluating 116 participants. The instruments applied were the Font Quality of Life Questionnaire, to assess the Index of Adaptation to Disease, Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale (RS) and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). The statistical program SPSS 25.0 was used for the analysis of the data. A normality test was performed which led to the application of the Spearman correlation coefficient. Findings indicated the presence of adaptation in the participants and resilient and optimistic characteristics, however, there is no significant relationship between these variables and adaptation to the disease.

Detection of internal mammary chain infiltration in breast cancer patients by [18F]FDG PET/MRI. Therapy implications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the detection rate and therapeutic implication of the infiltration of the internal mammary chain (IMCI) by [18F]FDG PET/MRI for staging of patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Prospective study including 41 women with breast cancer (stage ≥ IIB) staged by [18F]FDG PET/MR. Two-phase exam: breast imaging (prone), whole-body (supine). Tumor node metastases (TNM) stage assessed by peer consensus with Nuclear Medicine and Radiology specialists. Study of the afferent vessel (AV) to IMC by breast MRI. IMCI was correlated with age, AV-IMC, T stage, breast quadrants, axillary and distant infiltration. Therapeutic re-evaluation by a multidisciplinary committee. RESULTS: IMCI detection rate of 34% (14/41), with 8/14 patients under 55 years of age. All 14 patients with IMCI showed AV-IMC, 6 of them (43.9%) without VA-axillary. Of 27/41 patients without IMCI, in 13 (48.1%) only AV-axillary was found, in the remaining 14 (51.9%), AV-axillary and AV-IMC was found. In 57% (8/14) tumours were multicentric and 42% (6/14) focal, in inner quadrants in 4/6 (66.7%). In 1/14 patient (7.1%) only IMCI was found, in 9/14 (64.3%) axillary and IMC, in 4/14 patients (28.6%) distant lesions were detected. Committee re-evaluation: no further treatment in 27/41 patients (65.8%), thoracic radiotherapy in 10/41 patients (24.4%), systemic therapy in 4/41 patients (9.7%). CONCLUSION: Our detection rate of IMCI in breast cancer staging by [18F]FDG PET/MR was 34%. Related factors were age, multicentric tumours, inner quadrants, detection of AV-IMC, NM staging. The evidence of IMCI allowed tailored therapy, with thoracic radiotherapy implementation in 24.4% of patients.

Tendencias de la mortalidad femenina por cáncer de mama en Argentina, 2005-2020 / Female breast cancer mortality trends in Argentina, 2005-2020

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es una causa de muerte evitable en las mujeres de hasta 74 años de edad. Sin embargo, es el cáncer más frecuente y la primera causa de muerte por tumores en esa población. Objetivo: Analizar las tendencias de la mortalidad por cáncer de mama en las mujeres de Argentina entre 2005 y 2020, considerando el grupo de edad y la región geográfica. Método: Estudio cuantitativo y descriptivo con perspectiva sociodemográfica. Se calcularon tasas específicas de mortalidad a partir de datos oficiales y se aplicaron modelos de regresión joinpoint para evaluar su tendencia temporal. Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad ajustada por cáncer de mama disminuyó significativamente (PPCA: −1,5%; IC95%: −1,3% a −0,7%); sin embargo, aumentó en las mujeres de 25 a 34 años (PPCA: 2,3%; IC95%: 1,4% a 3,2%). El descenso registrado se trasladó mayormente a las regiones Centro, Cuyo y Noroeste, mientras que las tasas de mortalidad de las regiones Noreste y Patagónica no variaron significativamente. Conclusiones: No obstante los progresos documentados, se evidencian desafíos para reducir la mortalidad por cáncer de mama en las poblaciones más jóvenes. Asimismo, persisten las desigualdades regionales, lo que destaca la importancia de adaptar las acciones a las necesidades del territorio.

Background: Breast cancer is a preventable cause of death among women up to 74 years of age. However, it is the most common cause of cancer death among this population. Objective: To analyze female breast cancer mortality trends in Argentina between 2005 and 2020, taking into account age groups and geographical regions. Method: Quantitative and descriptive study carried out from a socio-demographic perspective. Specific mortality rates were calculated based on official data, and joinpoint regression models were applied to evaluate time trends in mortality. Results: The adjusted mortality rate attributed to breast cancer decreased significantly (AAPC: −1,5%; CI95%: −1,3% to −0,7%); however, it increased among women aged 25-34 (AAPC: 2,3%; CI95%: 1,4% to 3,2%). Besides, the decreasing of mortality took place mainly in Central, Cuyo and Northwest regions meanwhile the mortality rates from Northeast and Patagonia regions didnt vary significantly. Conclusions: Although progress has been made, there are still some challenges regarding the reduction of breast cancer mortality in young women. In addition, regional disparities remain, highlighting the importance to adapt actions to territorial needs.

Differential Effect of ITE on the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer Tissue: A Histopathological Study / Efecto Diferencial de ITE en la Señalización del Receptor de Hidrocarburo de Arilo en Tejido de Cáncer de Mama: Un Estudio Histopatológico

SUMMARY: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is highly expressed in various types of cancers including breast cancer. However, the role of AhR with its endogenous ligand 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) on the progression of breast cancer remains poorly understood. We aimed to investigate cell proliferation and migration states in breast cancer after activating AhR with the endogenous ligand ITE. Breast cancer tissue was evaluated by cell lines, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, cell proliferation, flow cytometry, migration assays and western blot techniques. We found that AhR was widely expressed in breast cancer tissues and metastasis lymph node tissues, but not in normal tissues. The expression AhR was independent between the age, grades and TNM classifications for breast cancer tissues. ITE treatment significantly induced the activation of AhR in a time-dependent manner in both MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, ITE did not affect the cell migration but significantly suppressed the cell proliferation in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MCF-7 andT47D cells, which probably attribute to the induction of cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and shortened S phase. Further mechanism study showed that ERK1/2 and AKT signaling were required for the activation of AhR in MCF-7 cells. These data suggest that AhR is a potential new target for treating patients with breast cancer. ITE may be more potentially used for therapeutic intervention for breast cancer with the kind of ER(+).

El receptor de hidrocarburo de arilo (AhR) es un factor de transcripción activado por ligando que se expresa en gran medida en varios tipos de cáncer, incluido el cáncer de mama. Sin embargo, el papel de AhR con su ligando endógeno 2- (1'H-indol-3'-carbonil)-tiazol-4-ácido carboxílico metil éster (ITE) en la progresión del cáncer de mama sigue siendo poco conocido. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la proliferación celular y los estados de migración en el cáncer de mama después de activar AhR con el ligando endógeno ITE. El tejido de cáncer de mama se evaluó mediante líneas celulares, inmunohistoquímica, reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa, proliferación celular, citometría de flujo, ensayos de migración y técnicas de transferencia Western. Descubrimos que AhR se expresó ampliamente en tejidos de cáncer de mama y en linfonodos con metástasis, pero no en tejidos normales. La expresión AhR fue independiente entre la edad, grados y clasificaciones TNM para tejidos de cáncer de mama. El tratamiento con ITE indujo significativamente la activación de AhR de manera dependiente del tiempo en las líneas celulares de cancer de mama MCF-7 y T47D. Mientras tanto, ITE no afectó la migración celular, pero suprimió significativamente la proliferación celular en células MCF-7 y T47D con receptor de estrógeno positivo (ER+), lo que probablemente se atribuye a la inducción de la detención del ciclo celular en la fase G1 y la fase S acortada. Un estudio adicional del mecanismo mostró que las señales de ERK1/2 y AKT eran necesarias para la activación de AhR en las células MCF-7. Estos datos sugieren que AhR es un nuevo objetivo potencial para el tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de mama. ITE puede ser utilizado más potencialmente en la intervención terapéutica para el cáncer de mama con el tipo de ER (+).

Alternativas de reconstrucción mamaria inmediata

La mastectomía total por cáncer de mama produce una deformidad importante en las pacientes, con alteraciones severas de su autoestima, imagen corporal, sexualidad, y calidad de vida en general. El gold estándar en los países desarrollados es la reconstrucción mamaria inmediata y, actualmente existen pocas contraindicaciones absolutas para realizar alguna técnica de reconstrucción. Este artículo se describen las opciones reconstructivas (colgajos e implantes), tiempos de reconstrucción, ventajas y desventajas de ambas técnicas, potenciales complicaciones, y se propone un algoritmo de tratamiento. La elección de la técnica de reconstrucción debería ser decidida entre la paciente y su cirujano/a, considerando características físicas, factores relacionados con la enfermedad y tratamiento oncológico, y preferencias de las pacientes.

Total mastectomy for breast cancer treatment can be a cause of deformity and distress for patients, with severe impairment of self-esteem, body image, sexuality, and quality of life. In developing countries, immediate breast reconstruction is the gold standard, and there are only a few absolut contraindications for some technique of breast reconstruction. This article describes reconstructive options (flaps and allo-plastic material), reconstructive timing, pros and cons of both techniques, potential complications, and an algorithm of treatment is proposed. Choice of the reconstructive technique should be decided by the patient and her surgeon, considering physical characteristics, factors related with the disease and oncologic treatments, and patients' preferences.