Criteria for selection and classification of studies in medical events

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of study methodology and evaluation type on the selection of studies during the presentation of scientific events. METHODS: A prospective, observational, transversal approach was applied to a cohort of studies that were submitted for presentation at the 2021 Brazilian Breast Cancer Symposium. Three forms of criteria (CR) were presented. CR1 was based on six criteria (method, ethics, design, originality, promotion, and social contribution); CR2 graded the studies from 0 to 10 for each study, and CR3 was based on five criteria (presentation, method, originality, scientific knowledge, and social contribution). To evaluate the item correlation, Cronbach's alpha and factorial analysis were performed. For the evaluation of differences between the tests, we used the Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn tests. To determine the differences in the study classifications, we used the Friedman test and Namenyi's all-pairs comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 122 studies were evaluated. There was also a good correlation with the items concerning criterion 1 (α=0.730) and 3 (α=0.937). Evaluating CR1 methodology, study design and social contribution (p=0.741) represents the main factor and CR3 methodology, and the scientific contribution (p=0.994) represents the main factor. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences in the results (p<0.001) for all the criteria that were used [CR1-CR2 (p<0.001), CR1-CR3 (p<0.001), and CR2-CR3 (p=0.004)]. The Friedman test showed differences in the ranking of the studies (p<0.001) for all studies (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Methodologies that use multiple criteria show good correlation and should be taken into account when ranking the best studies.

Molecular subtypes as a prognostic breast cancer factor in women users of the São Paulo public health system, Brazil / Subtipos moleculares como fator prognóstico do câncer de mama em mulheres usuárias do sistema público de saúde de São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prognosis of women with breast cancer by molecular subtypes, sociodemographic variables, and clinical and treatment characteristics. Methods: This hospital-based retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,654 women over 18 years of age diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2000 to 2018. Data were extracted from Brazil's Oncocenter Foundation of São Paulo. The variables analyzed were age, histology, molecular subtypes, clinical staging, treatment type, and diagnosis-to-treatment time. Cox regression analysis was applied to estimate death risk. Results: Women with HER-2-positive (nonluminal) and triple-negative molecular subtypes were more than twice more likely to be at risk of death, with adjusted hazard ratio — HRadj=2.30 (95% confidence interval — 95%CI 1.34-3.94) and HRadj=2.51 (95%CI 1.61-3.92), respectively. A delayed treatment associated with an advanced clinical stage at diagnosis increased fourfold the risk of death (HRadj=4.20 (95%CI 2.36-7.49). Conclusion: In summary, besides that interaction between advanced clinical stage and longer time between diagnosis and treatment, HER-2-positive (nonluminal) and triple-negative phenotypes were associated with a worse prognosis. Therefore, actions to reduce barriers in diagnosis and treatment can provide better outcome, even in aggressive phenotypes.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o prognóstico de mulheres com câncer de mama de acordo com os subtipos moleculares, variáveis sociodemográficas, características clínicas e de tratamento. Métodos: Este foi um estudo de coorte retrospectivo de base hospitalar. Foram analisadas 1.654 mulheres maiores de 18 anos diagnosticadas com câncer de mama invasivo entre 2000 a 2018. Os dados foram extraídos da Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo, Brasil. As variáveis analisadas foram idade, histologia, subtipo moleculares, estadiamento clínico, tipo de tratamento e tempo entre o diagnóstico e tratamento. A análise de regressão de Cox foi aplicada para estimar o risco de morte. Resultados: As mulheres que apresentaram os subtipos moleculares HER-2-positivo (não luminal) e triplo negativo tiveram risco de morte quase duas vezes maior respectivamente, com razão de risco ajustada — HRaj=2,30 (intervalo de confiança de 95% — 95%IC 1,34-3,94) e HRaj=2,51 (95%IC 1,61-3,92). O atraso no tratamento associado ao avanço do estadiamento clínico ao diagnóstico aumentou em quatro vezes o risco de morte (HRaj=4,20 (IC95% 2,36-7,49). Conclusão: Os fenótipos HER-2-positivo (não luminal) e triplo negativo, além da interação entre estágio clínico avançado e maior tempo entre o diagnóstico e o tratamento, associaram-se a pior prognóstico. Assim, ações para reduzir as barreiras no diagnóstico e tratamento podem proporcionar melhores resultados, mesmo em fenótipos agressivos.

Ancestry and self-reported race in Brazilian breast cancer women

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported race/color and ancestry in Brazilian patients with breast cancer. METHODS: This was an observational, transversal, epidemiological study, evaluating race and ancestry in 1,127 patients with breast cancer. For genetic ancestry, a 46-AIM-INDEL panel was used. The ancestral profile was evaluated with the Structure v.2.3.3 software. Descriptive statistics were performed. To assess differences between race and ancestry, an analysis of variance with Bonferoni adjustment was used. RESULTS: The race distribution was 77.7% white, 17.6% brown, 4.1% black, 0.4% yellow, and 0.3% cafuse. The African ancestry proportion was significantly (p<0.001) more evident in black [0.63±0.21 (0.17-0.96)], followed by brown [0.25±0.16 (0.02-0.70)], and less frequent in white skin color. The European ancestry proportion was significantly (p<0.001) higher in white [0.72±0.17 (0.02-0.97)], followed by brown [0.57±0.19 (0.12-0.92)], yellow [0.27±0.31 (0.12-0.620], and black [0.24±0.19 (0.02-0.72)]. The Asiatic ancestry proportion is significantly (p<0.001) higher in yellow [0.48±0.51 (0.04-0.93)]. The Amerindian ancestry proportion frequency was the least frequent in all groups, and cafuse patients did not express differences between all race groups. The brown race group presented differences in African and European ancestry. CONCLUSION: Although we found many similarities between white European ancestry, black African ancestry, and yellow Asian ancestry, there is great miscegenation between patients. Although they can be labeled as having one race, they do present many ancestral genes that would allow their inclusion in another race group.

Sequels associated with breast cancer treatment: what is important to measure in a report

Breast cancer treatment is associated with functional sequelae that limit patients in their daily activities or work, impacting their quality of life. This fact becomes more noticeable in the Public System, the tumors are more advanced, leading to more aggressive treatments. Women with low education generally perform menial activities, playing an important role in family income. After cancer treatment, many are unable to carry out their usual activities, having difficulties with their work activities, requiring rehabilitation. These dysfunctions make it difficult or unfeasible to return to work, limiting family income. Knowledge of the Laws, the main sequelae and evaluation methodologies facilitates a more accurate diagnosis of functional conditions, determining the need for rehabilitation. Social Security provides economic support, but to have access to the benefit, a good report is necessary. This, well directed, helps the social security expert and the patients, who are generally so fragile by the disease and the treatment. In this article we discuss the main functional sequelae, how to evaluate them, and how to make a good report to be sent to an expert (AU)

Lymphedema secondary to bartonellosis as a differential diagnosis of breast cancer

In the presence of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy associated with a breast radiological finding, breast cancer should constitute the main differential diagnosis. This fact is intensified when there is associated lymphedema. We present a case of a patient in these conditions, for whom breast cancer was not confirmed, and a subsequent evaluation showed that it was cat-scratch disease. This report constitutes the second case of association between lymphedema and bartollenosis.

Breast-conserving treatment in oncoplastic times: indications, cosmesis, and quality of life

Breast-conserving treatment was established as an oncologically safe procedure for breast cancer. However, the cosmetic outcomes of breast-conserving treatments are often unsatisfactory. In this scenario, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery incorporated plastic surgery concepts and techniques into the oncological treatment in order to ensure better cosmesis, thus increasing the indications for breast-conserving treatment. At the same time, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery is usually presented as a generic term, which should be evaluated taking many aspects into account: indication, patient selection, the surgery itself, cosmetic quality, and quality of life ­ data that are still scarce in the literature.

VRAM flap for locally advanced breast cancer

The authors presented a case of a patient with locally advanced breast cancer, with mammary and axillary localization, initially considered non-resectable, with good response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Due to the location of the lesion and the need for extensive resection, radical mastectomy was performed, associated with reconstruction with myocutaneous flap of the vertical rectus abdominis muscle. Different therapeutic options, the reasons that determine this choice, and local long-term control were discussed.

New criteria for breast symmetry evaluation after breast conserving surgery for cancer / Novos critérios para avaliação da simetria da mama após cirurgia conservadora de câncer

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate symmetry after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for cancer. Methods: a prospective study of patients undergoing BCS. These patients were photographed using the same criteria of evaluation. The references points used were the nipple height difference (NH), the nipple-manubrium distances (NM), nipple-sternum distances (NS) and the angle between the intramammary fold and the nipple (nipple angle; NA). ImageJ software was used. Three breast symmetry models were evaluated: excellent/others (model 1), excellent-good/others (model 2) and others/poor (model 3). The ROC curve was used to select acceptable criteria for the evaluation of symmetry. Decision tree model analysis was performed. Results: a total of 274 women were evaluated. The BCCT.core result was excellent in 5.8% (16), good in 24.1% (66), fair in 46.4% (127) and poor in 23.7% (65). The difference in NH was associated with good breast area (0.837-0.846); acceptable differences were below 3.1 cm, while unacceptable values were greater than 6.4 cm. Differences in the NM were associated with average breast area (0.709-0.789); a difference in value of less than 4.5 cm was acceptable, while values greater than 6.3 cm were unacceptable. In the decision tree combined model, a good-excellent outcome for patients with differential (d) dNH = 1 (0 to 5.30 cm) and dNM ≠ 3 (<6.28 cm); and for a poor/poor result, values dNM = 3 (> 6.35). Conclusions: the results presented here are simple tools that can assist the surgeon for breast symmetry evaluation.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar simetria após a cirurgia conservadora da mama (CCM) para câncer. Métodos: estudo prospectivo de pacientes submetidos à CCM, as quais foram fotografadas segundo os mesmos critérios de avaliação. Os pontos de referência utilizados foram a diferença de altura do mamilo (AM), a distância mamilo-manúbrio (MM), a distância mamilo-esterno (ME) e o ângulo entre o sulco intramamário e o mamilo (ângulo mamilo; AnM). Foi usado o programa ImageJ. Avaliamos três modelos de simetria mamária: excelente/outros (modelo 1), excelente-bom/outros (modelo 2) e outros/ruim (modelo 3). Aplicamos a curva ROC para selecionar os critérios aceitáveis para a avaliação da simetria. Realizamos análise com o modelo de árvore de decisão. Resultados: foram avaliadas 274 mulheres. Os resultados do BCCT.core foram excelentes em 5,8% (16), bons em 24,1% (66), regulares em 46,4% (127) e ruins em 23,7% (65). A diferença de AM (dAM) foi associada a boa área mamária (0,837-0,846); diferenças aceitáveis foram inferiores a 3,1 cm, enquanto os valores inaceitáveis foram superiores a 6,4 cm. As diferenças MM (dMM) foram associadas à área regular das mamas (0,709-0,789); diferença de valor inferior a 4,5 cm foi aceitável, enquanto valores superiores a 6,3 cm foram inaceitáveis. O modelo combinado de árvore de decisão demonstrou resultado bom-excelente para pacientes com diferencial (d) dAM = 1 (0 a 5,30 cm) e dMM ≠ 3 (< 6,28 cm), e resultado ruim/ruim com dMM = 3 (> 6,35 cm). Conclusões: os resultados aqui apresentados são ferramentas simples que podem auxiliar o cirurgião na avaliação da simetria mamária.

Factors related to non-mammographic visualization in locally advanced breast carcinoma

Objective: To determine the rate and factors related to non-visualization of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) by mammography. Method: Prospective, cross-sectional study, conducted in a cohort of consecutive patients with LABC treated at a tertiary cancer hospital. All patients were systematically examined and underwent high-resolution mammography (conventional equipment) in two views (craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique). A blind study was performed in which mammograms were mixed with routine and where radiologists were unaware of the clinical data. Three radiologists evaluated the examinations. In the patients in whom the findings were negative, the possible causes responsible for not identifying the tumor on mammography were evaluated. After the radiological report, the examinations were reviewed, and the radiological data were added to the standard form, making up the database of the present study. Descriptive statistics were used to compare factors related to non-visualization of tumors, namely the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney test. Result: Eighty-five patients were evaluated. The average size of the tumors was 6.96 cm, and 20% of cases were not identified on mammography. Among the causes, 76.4% had dense parenchyma, 17.6% were not visible on examination, and in 5.8%, the lesion was not noticed by the radiologist (false negative examination). The only factor found when LABC was not identified was the type of breast parenchyma (p=0.04). Conclusion: Clinical history and changes in physical examination should be considered in the report to the radiologist. High breast density was the major obstacle to mammography diagnosis.

Plagiarism in scientific publications

Plagiarism in scientific publications is a topic of fundamental importance and rarely addressed in the literature. It is associated with ethical issues that go beyond research itself, a fact that values the discussion on the topic. The concept, the main types of plagiarism, ethical relationships, preventive methodologies aiming to minimize their occurrence, diagnostic methodologies, and potential penalties involved are discussed. Every researcher and team involved in publishing articles should be aware of the importance and relevance of not plagiarizing, since being cautious about it is essential to build a solid curriculum on the part of the researcher, and credibility on the part of scientific journals.

Criteria for evaluating studies at scientific medical events

Medical journals value the quality of studies. Scientific events are spaces for discussion in the face of scientific advances, innovation and consensus. In them, space is opened for the presentation of clinical studies, translational studies, experience reports and videos, with the best-designed studies being selected and awarded. The lack of clear criteria allows for differences in assessments, making it difficult to place value on situations associated with research. In order to improve quality, it is necessary to evaluate ethics, the hierarchy of scientific evidence (methodology), the study design, the originality, the relevance, and the linearity of the material presented. The present study aims to discuss these points, presenting proposals to be used in the evaluation of clinical studies, translational studies, case reports and videos in scientific medical events.

Multidisciplinary approach in the clinical and laboratory investigation of a suspected case for anaplastic lymphoma associated with breast prosthesis

Introduction: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare subtype of CD30-positive and ALKnegative (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) T cell lymphoma, which can develop in the pericapsular fibrous tissue and the late seromas around breast implants. If BIA-ALCL is suspected, an adequate diagnostic flow is essential. Materials and methods: A flowchart of the procedures performed in the diagnostic investigation is discussed, associating a clinical case, and conducting a review on the topic. Results: In the assessment of late and recurrent periprosthetic seromas, prior communication from the surgeon and the pathologist is essential, aiming at the adequate collection and storage of the aspirated material. The material must be promptly fractionated for microbiological assessment by culture, immediate or transoperative cytologic assessment, immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (10 mL), direct cytopathological examination, and obtaining cell block material (50 mL). For flow cytometry, the material must be sent fresh, 70% alcohol or 10% buffered formalin can be added for the other procedures. If it is impossible to send the aspirated fluid to the laboratory in less than six hours, it can be temporarily stored in a refrigerator at 4°C. Immunophenotyping should be extensive, always assessing the expression of CD30 and ALK, regardless of cytological aspects. In cases of late and recurrent seromas in which BIA-ALCL is considered, even if initially discarded, it is suggested to perform capsulectomy with the removal of the prosthesis or careful clinical and laboratory monitoring. Conclusion: The diagnostic flowchart is essential, aiming at false-negative tests.

Forequarter amputation in a patient with locally advanced recurrent breast carcinoma

Forequarter amputation (FQA) involves the removal of the upper limb, clavicle, and scapula and is indicated for the resection of primary or metastatic tumors invading the axillary neurovascular bundle. Reports on breast cancer have associated FQA with the primary resection of a locally advanced tumor, resection of recurrent disease, brachial plexus injury, Stewart-Treves syndrome, or sarcoma secondary to breast cancer irradiation. We described a case of recurrent breast carcinoma with curative-intent surgery. The surgery aimed at locoregional control and improvement in the quality of life. The literature is scarce on the topic, discussing the multiple aspects related to the indication of FQA for breast cancer patients. This report presents the first case described in Latin American literature.

IS THERE A SAFE TUMOR SIZE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF BREAST CARCINOMA WITHOUT AXILLARY NODE METASTASIS? / Há um tamanho seguro para a identificação do carcinoma mamário sem metástase linfonodal?

Objective: To evaluate the rate of absence of axillary pathological involvement in patients with clinically negative axilla, submitted to axillary lymphadenectomy (AL). Method: Retrospective longitudinal study, which clinically evaluated patients without axillary metastasis (cN0), who underwent oncologic treatment from 1998 to 2001. Patients were selected at clinical stage I to III. The axillary pathological impairment ratio was correlated with tumor size and clinical stage T and TNM. We also evaluated the locoregional and axillary (local) recurrences. Results: 519 clinically cN0 patients were selected. All were submitted to AL, with a mean of 18 lymph nodes dissected and 3.2 compromised. The axillary metastatic rate was 47.2%. Tumor size and clinical stage were associated with the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis (p<0.001). The axillary involvement was of 78.6% for tumors between 6.1 to 8 cm, and of 100% for tumors larger than 8.1 cm. Forty patients were T4- TNM, where the impairment rate was 57.5%. The specific survival at 120 months was 71.1%, with locoregional recurrence rate of 6.9% (n=36) and local rate of 0.4% (n=2). Conclusion: In patients submitted to axillary lymphadenectomy, the axillary recurrence was extremely low. There are patients with tumors greater than 5 cm, smaller than 8 cm, and selected T4-TNM without metastasis in axilla. Further studies are necessary to evaluate sentinel lymph node dissection in this selected group, but it is unacceptable for tumors larger than 8.1 cm

Objetivo: Avaliar a taxa de ausência de comprometimento anatomopatológico axilar em pacientes com axila clinicamente negativa, submetidas à linfadenectomia axilar (LA). Método: Estudo retrospectivo longitudinal que avaliou pacientes clinicamente com ausência de metástase axilar (N0), submetidas a tratamento oncológico no período de 1998 a 2001. Selecionaram-se pacientes no estádio clínico de I a III. Avaliou-se a relação entre a taxa de comprometimento anatomopatológico axilar, o tamanho do tumor e o estádio clínico T e TNM. Avaliou-se também o risco de recidiva locorregional (RLR) e de recidiva local axilar (RLA). Resultados: 519 pacientes clinicamente N0 foram selecionadas. Todas foram submetidas à LA, com o número médio de 18 linfonodos dissecados e 3,2 comprometidos. A taxa de doença metastática axilar foi de 47,2%. O tamanho do tumor e o estádio clínico estiveram associados à presença de metástase linfonodal axilar (p<0.001). Tumores de 6,1 a 8 cm apresentaram 78,6% de comprometimento, e em tumores maiores que 8,1 cm essa taxa foi de 100%. Quarenta pacientes eram T4-TNM, nos quais a taxa de comprometimento foi de 57,5%. A sobrevida específica aos 120 meses foi de 71,1%, a taxa de RLR foi de 6,9% (n=36) e a RLA de 0,4% (n=2). Conclusão: Em pacientes submetidas à linfadenectomia axilar, a taxa de recorrência axilar foi extremamente baixa. Há pacientes com tumores maiores que 5 cm e menores que 8 cm, T4-TNM, em que a axila se mostrou sem doença metastática axilar. Fazem-se necessários mais estudos prospectivos para avaliar a dissecção do linfonodo sentinela em casos selecionados de tumores T3 e T4 clínico, sendo a dissecção inaceitável para tumores com tamanho superior a 8,1 cm.

É o carcinoma colônico localmente avançado não metastático uma variante biológica distinta? Estudo baseado na avaliação histológica, painel imuno-histoquímico e sobrevida / Is the non-metastatic, locally advanced colon adenocarinoma a distinct biological tumor variant? A study based on pathological evaluation, immunohistochemical panel and survival

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar diferenças clínicas e patológicas entre os adenocarcinomas colônicos localmente avançados com aderências entre órgãos ou estruturas adjacentes (LACA) e adenocarcinomas colônicos com outras apresentações clínicas. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo a partir de amostra de conveniência de pacientes com adenocarcinoma colônico, estádio patológico pT3, distribuídos de acordo com características clínicas e patológicas em três grupos: tumores localmente avançados (LACA), tumores pT3 sem aderências ou metástases à distância (SF), e tumores com doença metastática (M1). Foram avaliadas as características clínicas e patológicas, e a expressão de sete marcadores imuno-histoquímicos relacionados à proliferação/apoptose, invasão celular/migração e metástase. Resultados: foram avaliados 101 pacientes: 30 LACA, 44 SF e 27 M1. Tumores localmente avançados apresentaram dimensões maiores e estiveram associados a aumento das taxas de infiltração linfocitária, menores níveis de expressão de bax e de CD 44v6 quando comparados aos grupos SF e M1. Diferenças significantes foram observadas em relação aos LACA e M1 em relação à localização colônica, histologia, estado linfonodal e expressão bax e CD44v6. Diferenças foram observadas em relação aos três grupos frente ao tamanho do tumor e infiltrado linfocítico. A sobrevida foi similar entre os grupos LACA e SF (p=0,66) e foi inferior no grupo M1 (p<0,001). Conclusão: os dados sugerem que os adenocarcinomas colônicos localmente avançados com aderências entre órgãos ou estruturas adjacentes representam uma entidade distinta.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the clinical and pathological differences between locally advanced colonic adenocarcinomas (LACA) with adhesions between adjacent organs or structures, and colonic adenocarcinomas with other clinical presentations. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study from a convenience sample of patients with colonic adenocarcinoma, pathological stage pT3, distributed according to clinical and pathological characteristics in three groups: locally advanced tumors (LACA), pT3 tumors without adhesions or distant metastases (SF) and tumors with metastatic disease (M1). We evaluated clinical and pathological characteristics and the expression of seven immunohistochemical markers related to proliferation/apoptosis, cell invasion/migration and metastasis. Results: we studied 101 patients: 30 LACA, 44 SF and 27 M1. Locally advanced tumors presented larger dimensions and were associated with increased lymphocyte infiltration rates, lower levels of bax expression, and CD 44v6 when compared with SF and M1 groups. We observed significant differences between LACA and M1 in relation to colonic location, histology, lymph node status and bax and CD44v6 expression. We found differences were observed between the three groups for tumor size and lymphocytic infiltrate. Survival was similar in the LACA and SF groups (p=0.66) and was lower in the M1 group (p<0.001). Conclusion: the data suggest that locally advanced colonic adenocarcinomas with adhesions between adjacent organs or structures represent a distinct entity.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS) into Brazilian Portuguese

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Breast conservative treatment (BCT) is safe when it is performed in association with radiotherapy. The number of referral for BCT has increased, and it has become an important treatment modality. Patients who undergo BCT present some characteristics that are associated with better quality of life compared with patients who undergo mastectomy without reconstruction. Instruments that measure the quality of life specifically used in cases of BCT are limited. One of these instruments is the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS), which has not yet been translated into Brazilian Portuguese. It contains 22 questions and four domains (functional, aesthetic, breast sensitivity and oedema). METHODS: We performed the translation and cultural adaptation process using Beaton's and EORTC translations process. In summary, the translation process is based on Portuguese translation, translation summary, reverse translation into English, expert committee, pre-test (10 patients), questionnaire review and test of the final version (6 patients). RESULTS: All 16 patients were submitted to quadrantectomy and mammary radiotherapy. Lymphedema was present in 4, altered strength in 5, and altered shoulder mobility in 6 patients. Considering the questionnaire, the reconciled version determined change in 2 items. Pre-test evaluation showed difficulties in 3 patients, but the questionnaire did not change. Test evaluation showed no problems. CONCLUSION: The translation of BCTOS into Portuguese will help us to evaluate the quality of life in BCT patients evaluating treatment-related sequelae and may be useful for oncoplastic surgery evaluation.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento conservador da mama (TCM), desde que associado à radioterapia, é seguro. As indicações inicialmente utilizadas para o TCM se elevaram, sendo importante modalidade de tratamento. Novas modalidades, como a oncoplastia associada ao TCM, tornam-se cada vez mais presentes no cotidiano. Pacientes submetidas ao TCM apresentam alguns parâmetros associados a uma melhor qualidade de vida em relação às pacientes mastectomizadas sem reconstrução. Há limitados instrumentos de qualidade de vida a serem utilizados específicamente no TCM, sendo um deles o Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS), questionário este não traduzido e adaptado para a língua portuguesa/Brasil. O BCTOS contém 22 perguntas e quatro domínios (funcional, estético, sensibilidade mamária e oedema). MÉTODOS: Realizamos a tradução e adaptação cultural utilizando a metodologia proposta por Beaton e pelo EORTC. Em resumo, consiste de tradução para o português, resumo da tradução, tradução reversa para o inglês, comitê de especialistas, pré-teste (dez pacientes), revisão do questionário e teste da versão final (seis pacientes). RESULTADOS: As 16 pacientes foram submetidas a quadrantectomia e radioterapia. Linfedema esteve presente em quatro, alteração da força em cinco e alteração da mobilidade em seis pacientes. Avaliando o questionário, a versão de conciliação modificou dois itens. O pré-teste mostrou dificuldades em três pacientes, mas o questionário não se alterou, fato que não se observou no teste final. CONCLUSÃO: A tradução do BCTOS para o português nos ajudará a avaliar a qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidas a tratamento conservador da mama, avaliando as sequelas relacionadas ao tratamento, podendo ser útil na avaliação da cirurgia oncoplástica.

Expression of tumor suppressors miR-195 and let-7a as potential biomarkers of invasive breast cancer

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Some miRNAs, including let-7a and miR-195, have been described as tumor suppressors. However, the roles of these microRNAs in breast cancer progression remain controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate miR-195 and let-7a expression as potential biomarkers of invasive breast cancer. METHODS: In the present study, 200 individuals were separated into three groups: (i) 72 women constituting the control group who were selected according to rigorous and well-established criteria; (ii) 56 patients with benign breast tumors; and (iii) 72 patients with malignant breast cancers of different clinical stages. The miR-195 and let-7a expression levels in serum were evaluated by real-time PCR. The results were assessed alone and in combination, and the analysis included an estimation of sensitivity and specificity in ROC curves. RESULTS: Compared with the benign and control groups, both microRNAs were downregulated in the malignant breast cancer patient group. Compared with the malignant group, the combination of both biomarkers in the control and benign groups showed good sensitivity and specificity in the serum with AUCs of 0.75 and 0.72, respectively. The biomarker combination for the control group versus the malignant group exhibited a better sensitivity and specificity than for the benign group versus the malignant group. CONCLUSION: These findings support the evidence that the analysis of miR-195 and let-7a can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for breast cancer detection.

ATYPICAL STERNAL PAIN IN A BREAST CANCER PATIENT MIMICKING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION / Dor esternal atípica no câncer de mama mimetizando infarto agudo do miocárdio

Radiation therapy on the left side of the chest, some chemotherapy drugs, and trastuzumab raise the risk of cardiac events. Acute chest pain associated with breast cancer is not common, but it is possible. Electrocardiogram, which can result normal in up to 80% of cases of infarction, and serial dosing of myocardial necrosis markers are fundamental for differential diagnosis. Total creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB fraction (CK-MB), and troponins are frequently used. We present the case of a patient with atypical chest pain associated with elevation of CK and CK-MB, whose evolution and complementary exams showed to be a thoracic tumor recurrence. We discuss the use of these markers for acute chest pain; possible differential diagnoses, the use of CKMB relative index and, particularly, the presence of macro CK in some breast cancer patients ­ which in the case herein presented was a marker of tumor progression.

A radioterapia do lado esquerdo do tórax, alguns quimioterápicos e o trastuzumabe elevam o risco de eventos cardíacos. A dor torácica aguda associada ao câncer de mama não é um evento frequente, mas é possível. No diagnóstico diferencial, faz-se necessário o eletrocardiograma, que pode ser normal em até 80% dos infartos, e a dosagem seriada de marcadores de necrose miocárdica, sendo frequentemente utilizados a creatinoquinase (CK) total, a creatinnoquinase fração MB (CK-MB) e as troponinas. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com dor torácica atípica associada à elevação sérica da CK e da CK-MB, sendo que a evolução e os exames complementares mostraram tratar-se de uma recorrência tumoral torácica. Discutem-se a utilização desses marcadores na dor torácica aguda, os diagnósticos diferenciais possíveis, a utilização do índice relativo CK-MB e, em especial, as macro CK presentes em algumas portadoras de câncer de mama, o que, nessa paciente, foi um marcador de progressão tumoral.

Breast cancer screening in Brazil. Barriers related to the health system / Rastreamento do câncer de mama no Brasil. Barreiras relacionadas ao sistema de saúde

Summary Objective: Identify factors related to the health system that lead to a late diagnosis of breast cancer in Brazil. Method: We performed a systematic review in the PubMed and LILACS databases using as keywords "Breast cancer," "system of health" and "Brazil or Brasil." We evaluated the content of the articles using the PRISMA methodology based on PICTOS. The final date was 12/16/2015. We were able to identify 94 publications in PubMed and 43 publications in LILACS. After assessing the title and summary, and excluding 21 repeated publications, we selected 51 publications for full evaluation. At this stage, we excluded 21 articles, with 30 publications remaining for study. Results: The population coverage is low, and there are problems related to the quality of mammography. Patients with lower income, nonwhite and less educated are more vulnerable. We observed punctual and initial experiences in breast cancer screening. Diagnosis and treatment flows must be improved. The inequality in mortality reflects the differences related to screening structure and treatment. Better results are observed in well-structured services. Conclusion: There are several barriers in the health system leading to advanced stage at diagnosis and limiting the survival outcomes. The establishment of a rapid and effective order for diagnosis and treatment, based on hierarchical flow, are important steps to be improved in the public health context.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar fatores relacionados ao sistema de saúde que determinam atraso no diagnóstico do câncer de mama no Brasil. Método: Utilizou-se metodologia de revisão sistemática nas bases de dados PubMed e LILACS, pesquisando os termos "Breast cancer", "system of health" e "Brazil or Brasil". Não se avaliou a qualidade da publicação, mas seu conteúdo, sendo ele categorizado em função da metodologia PRISMA baseada no PICTOS. Na data limite de 16/12/2015, foi possível identificar 94 publicações na PubMed e 43 publicações na LILACS. Avaliando o título e resumo, e excluindo-se 21 publicações repetidas, foi possível identificar 51 publicações para avaliação completa, na qual foram excluídos 21 artigos, restando 30 publicações. Resultados: Observou-se que a base de mamógrafos é limitada, o tempo até o diagnóstico é elevado, e o estadio ao diagnóstico é avançado. A cobertura populacional é baixa, havendo problemas na qualidade da mamografia. As pacientes de menor renda, menor escolaridade e etnia não branca são as mais vulneráveis. Observam-se exemplos de mutirões e experiências iniciais de rastreamento. Necessita-se de aprimoramento do fluxo de diagnóstico e tratamento. A desigualdade na mortalidade é reflexo da estrutura para rastreamento e tratamento, observando-se melhores resultados em serviços públicos bem estruturados. Conclusão: Há diversas barreiras relacionadas ao sistema de saúde que refletem no estádio avançado ao diagnóstico e limitam os resultados na sobrevida. O estabelecimento de um fluxo de diagnóstico e tratamento rápidos e efetivos, dentro de um contexto hierarquizado, são importantes etapas a serem aprimoradas dentro do contexto da saúde pública.