Reflexión sobre las ventajas y desventajas de trabajar en un servicio oncológico identificadas por estudiantes de posgrado en oncología, Facultad de Enfermería - Udelar

Desde el año 2017, la Facultad de Enfermería de la Universidad de la República forma licenciados especialistas en enfermería oncológica. Profesionales con competencias específicas para brindar cuidados en relación a la enfermedad asociada a la segunda causa de muerte en Uruguay. Cómo parte del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje es necesario conocer el perfil de los estudiantes, a través de un sondeo diagnóstico aplicado a la generación en curso (2023/2024) se obtuvo información que da origen a la reflexión desarrollada en el manuscrito a continuación. La percepción de los estudiantes sobre las ventajas y desventajas que implican el ejercicio profesional de enfermería dentro de un servicio de oncología identificadas por los estudiantes. Ventajas que incluyen: aumento de los ingresos económicos, mejor régimen laboral y satisfacción personal. Desventajas que incluyen: desgaste emocional, riesgo ante la exposición a drogas antineoplásicas y riesgo ante el escaso marco normativo frente a la exposición a dichas drogas. Cómo conclusión se considera que la enfermería oncológica es un área que demanda compromiso interpersonal entre los profesionales y el usuario, este compromiso implica esfuerzo pero a su vez empodera los roles y conlleva a la satisfacción personal. A sí mismo, se identifica que es un área poco desarrollada a nivel de reglamentación en relación a la salud ocupacional. El equipo docente además de guiar y acompañar durante el proceso de aprendizaje busca formar profesionales con conciencia crítica capaces de identificar debilidades y amenazas del ejercicio, con la capacidad de generar cambios en pro del avance la de profesión y con ello, el avance de la calidad de atención.

Since 2017, the Faculty of Nursing of the University of the Republic has been training graduates specializing in oncology nursing. Professionals with specific skills to provide care in relation to the disease associated with the second cause of death in Uruguay. As part of the teaching-learning process, it is necessary to know the profile of the students; through a diagnostic survey applied to the current generation (2023/2024), information was obtained that gives rise to the reflection developed in the manuscript below. Students' perception of the advantages and disadvantages of professional nursing practice within an oncology service identified by students. Advantages that include: increased economic income, better work regime and personal satisfaction. Disadvantages that include: emotional exhaustion, risk from exposure to antineoplastic drugs and risk from the scarce regulatory framework against exposure to these drugs. In conclusion, it is considered that oncology nursing is an area that demands interpersonal commitment between professionals and the user. This commitment implies effort but at the same time empowers roles and leads to personal satisfaction. In itself, it is identified that it is an underdeveloped area at the level of regulation in relation to occupational health. The teaching team, in addition to guiding and accompanying during the learning process, seeks to train professionals with critical awareness capable of identifying weaknesses and threats in the practice, with the ability to generate changes in favor of the advancement of the profession and with it, the advancement of quality. of attention.

Desde 2017, a Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade da República forma licenciados especializados em enfermagem oncológica. Profissionais com competências específicas para prestar cuidados em relação à doença associada à segunda causa de morte no Uruguai. Como parte do processo de ensino-aprendizagem é necessário conhecer o perfil dos alunos através de um inquérito diagnóstico aplicado à geração atual (2023/2024), foram obtidas informações que dão origem à reflexão desenvolvida no manuscrito abaixo. Percepção dos estudantes sobre as vantagens e desvantagens da prática profissional de enfermagem dentro de um serviço de oncologia identificadas pelos estudantes. Vantagens que incluem: aumento do rendimento económico, melhor regime de trabalho e satisfação pessoal. Desvantagens que incluem: exaustão emocional, risco de exposição a medicamentos antineoplásicos e risco do escasso marco regulatório contra a exposição a esses medicamentos. Concluindo, considera-se que a enfermagem oncológica é uma área que exige comprometimento interpessoal entre profissionais e usuário. Esse comprometimento implica esforço, mas ao mesmo tempo potencializa papéis e leva à satisfação pessoal. Por si só, identifica-se que se trata de uma área subdesenvolvida ao nível da regulação em relação à saúde ocupacional. A equipe docente, além de orientar e acompanhar durante o processo de aprendizagem, busca formar profissionais com consciência crítica capaz de identificar fragilidades e ameaças na prática, com capacidade de gerar mudanças em favor do avanço da profissão e com ela, o avanço da qualidade da atenção.

Clinical efficacy of tirellizumab combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of tirellizumab combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer and its effect on immune function and quality of life in patients.Methods:In this retrospective case-control study, we analyzed the clinical data of 104 patients with advanced (stages III and IV) non-small cell lung cancer who received treatment at Zhoushan Hospital between May 2021 and June 2022. These patients were divided into two groups: group A ( n = 52) and group B ( n = 52), based on the treatment methods utilized. Patients in group A received chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus cisplatin or pemetrexed plus cisplatin. Meanwhile, patients in group B were treated with tirellizumab combined with chemotherapy regimens of gemcitabine plus cisplatin or pemetrexed plus cisplatin, with 21 days as a treatment cycle. Both groups of patients received three cycles of treatment. The short-term efficacy was compared between the two groups. Additionally, serum levels of tumor markers, immune function indexes, quality of life score, and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results:The short-term response rate in group B was significantly higher than that in group A [51.92% (27/52) vs. 32.69% (17/52), Z = 4.11, P < 0.001]. When compared with pretreatment levels, serum levels of tumor markers and the percentage of CD8 + cells decreased in both groups after treatment. Notably, the serum levels of tumor markers and the percentage of CD8 + cells were significantly lower in group B compared with group A (all P < 0.05). Moreover, after treatment, the percentage of CD4 + cells, the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + cells, functional subscale, symptom subscale, and total score increased significantly compared with pretreatment levels (all P < 0.05) and were significantly higher in group B compared with those in group A (all P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse events in group B was significantly higher than that in group A [44.23% (23/52) vs. 21.15% (11/52), χ2 = 6.29, P = 0.012]. Conclusion:Tirelizumab combined with chemotherapy is effective for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The combined therapy can lower serum levels of tumor markers, restore immune function, and improve overall quality of life.

Root cause analysis of safety incidents in antineoplastic use in children / Análisis de causa raíz de incidentes de seguridad en el uso de antineoplásicos en niños / Análise de causa raiz de incidentes de segurança na utilização de antineoplásicos em crianças

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify and analyze the factors that contribute to safety incident occurrence in the processes of prescribing, preparing and dispensing antineoplastic medications in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: a quality improvement study focused on oncopediatric pharmaceutical care processes that identified and analyzed incidents between 2019-2020. A multidisciplinary group performed root cause analysis (RCA), identifying main contributing factors. Results: in 2019, seven incidents were recorded, 57% of which were prescription-related. In 2020, through active search, 34 incidents were identified, 65% relating to prescription, 29% to preparation and 6% to dispensing. The main contributing factors were interruptions, lack of electronic alert, work overload, training and staff shortages. Conclusions: the results showed that adequate recording and application of RCA to identified incidents can provide improvements in the quality of pediatric oncology care, mapping contributing factors and enabling managers to develop an effective action plan to mitigate risks associated with the process.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar y analizar los factores que contribuyen a la ocurrencia de incidentes de seguridad en los procesos de prescripción, preparación y dispensación de medicamentos antineoplásicos en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer. Métodos: estudio de mejora de la calidad centrado en los procesos de atención farmacéutica oncopediátrica que identificó y analizó incidencias entre 2019-2020. Un grupo multidisciplinario realizó un análisis de causa raíz (ACR), identificando los factores contribuyentes clave. Resultados: en 2019 se registraron siete incidentes, el 57% relacionados con la prescripción. En 2020, mediante búsqueda activa se identificaron 34 incidencias, el 65% relacionadas con la prescripción, el 29% con la preparación y el 6% con la dispensación. Los principales factores contribuyentes fueron las interrupciones, la falta de alerta electrónica, la sobrecarga de trabajo, la capacitación y la escasez de personal. Conclusiones: los resultados mostraron que el registro adecuado y la aplicación del ACR a los incidentes identificados pueden proporcionar mejora de la calidad de la atención del cáncer pediátrico mediante el mapeo de los factores contribuyentes y permitiendo a los administradores desarrollar un plan de acción eficaz para mitigar los riesgos asociados con el proceso.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar e analisar os fatores contribuintes para ocorrência de incidentes de segurança nos processos de prescrição, preparo e dispensação de medicamentos antineoplásicos em pacientes oncopediátricos. Métodos: estudo de melhoria da qualidade focado nos processos de assistência farmacêutica oncopediátrica que identificou e analisou incidentes entre 2019-2020. Um grupo multidisciplinar realizou análise de causa raiz (ACR), identificando principais fatores contribuintes. Resultados: em 2019, registraram-se sete incidentes, sendo 57% relacionados à prescrição. Em 2020, através de busca ativa, identificaram-se 34 incidentes, sendo 65% relativos à prescrição, 29% ao preparo e 6% à dispensação. Os principais fatores contribuintes foram interrupções, ausência de alerta eletrônico, sobrecarga de trabalho, treinamento e déficit de funcionários. Conclusões: os resultados mostraram que registro adequado e aplicação da ACR aos incidentes identificados podem proporcionar melhoria na qualidade do cuidado oncopediátrico mapeando os fatores contribuintes e possibilitando aos gestores desenvolverem plano de ação efetivo para mitigar riscos associados ao processo.

The additional benefit of computed tomography in cancer patients: impacts of sarcopenia and cachexia on quality of life during chemotherapy / O benefício adicional da tomografia computadorizada no paciente oncológico: impactos da sarcopenia e caquexia na qualidade de vida durante a quimioterapia

Abstract Objective: This study evaluates the effects of sarcopenia and cachexia on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with gastrointestinal cancer during their initial cycle of chemotherapy, emphasizing the significance of computed tomography (CT) in assessing muscle mass. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated 60 adult patients with gastrointestinal cancer who started chemotherapy between January and December of 2017. Sarcopenia was diagnosed on the basis of CT findings, and QoL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30. Results: The mean age was 60.9 years, and 33 (55.0%) of the patients were men. Of the 60 patients, 33 (55.0%) had cachexia and 14 (23.3%) had sarcopenia. Chemotherapy significantly reduced QoL, particularly in the physical, role functioning, and social domains, with no differences between the cachexia and sarcopenia groups. Conclusion: Among patients with gastrointestinal cancer submitted to chemotherapy, the chemotherapy-induced decline in QoL does not seem to differ significantly between those with cachexia or sarcopenia, as classified by CT-measured muscle mass, and those without. However, CT-based muscle mass evaluation remains crucial for guiding customized intervention strategies. Integrating this evaluation in radiological reports can provide valuable insights for planning specific care, thus improving patient QoL during treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo avalia os efeitos da sarcopenia e da caquexia na qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer gastrointestinal durante o ciclo inicial de quimioterapia, enfatizando a importância da tomografia computadorizada (TC) na avaliação da massa muscular. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo prospectivo com 60 pacientes adultos com câncer gastrointestinal que iniciaram quimioterapia de janeiro a dezembro de 2017. A TC foi utilizada para o diagnóstico de sarcopenia e o Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 da European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer foi utilizado para avaliar a qualidade de vida. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi 60,9 anos e 33 (55%) eram homens. Entre os pacientes, 33 (55%) eram caquéticos e 14 (24%) eram sarcopênicos. A quimioterapia reduziu significativamente a qualidade de vida, especialmente nos domínios físico, de desempenho de papéis e social, sem diferenças entre os grupos caquéticos e sarcopênicos. Conclusão: A diminuição da qualidade de vida não difere significativamente entre pacientes caquéticos/sarcopênicos e não caquéticos/não sarcopênicos com câncer gastrointestinal submetidos a quimioterapia, conforme classificado pela massa muscular medida por TC. No entanto, a avaliação da massa muscular por TC continua crucial para orientar estratégias de intervenção personalizadas. A integração dessa avaliação nos laudos radiológicos pode fornecer informações valiosas para o planejamento de cuidados específicos, melhorando a qualidade de vida dos pacientes durante o tratamento.

Actividad citotóxica y antiproliferativa de un extracto rico en fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata sobre células de adenocarcinoma mamario murino 4T1

Introducción. Los tumores neoplásicos se caracterizan por su invasividad y metástasis. Las células neoplásicas tienen heterogeneidad genética, por lo cual pueden desarrollar resistencia a los quimioterápicos. Por esta razón, las plantas continúan siendo una fuente importante de nuevos productos anticancerígenos. Objetivo. Evaluar la actividad citotóxica y antiproliferativa de un extracto rico en fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata nativa (EFLt) sobre la línea celular de adenocarcinoma mamario murino, triple negativo 4T1. Métodos. La citotoxicidad y la IC50 se determinaron en monocapas de 4T1 empleando el reactivo MTT. Para demostrar la actividad antiproliferativa se aplicaron los métodos de cierre de herida y anticlonogénico utilizando las IC50 del EFLt y Dox (doxorubicina). El cierre de herida fue evaluado mediante barrido de tiempos discretos; el efecto anticlonogénico fue evaluado 7 días postratamiento mediante el conteo de colonias y se determinó la fracción de sobrevivencia. Adicionalmente, se evaluaron la citotoxicidad y actividad antiproliferativa combinando las IC50 de EFLt y Dox. El porcentaje de migración y conteo de colonias se realizó con el programa ImageJ. Resultados. La IC50 del EFLt (950 μg/mL) produjo 56% de citotoxicidad, 80,3% de inhibición de la migración celular, 68% de inhibición en la formación de colonias. La IC50 de Dox fue 0,5 μg/mL. Conclusiones. El EFLt ejerce citotoxicidad dependiente de la concentración y tiene efecto antiproliferativo sobre 4T1. Se requiere continuar los ensayos en modelos de mayor complejidad que permitan esclarecer el potencial antitumoral del EFLt.

Introduction. Neoplastic tumors are characterized by invasiveness and metastasis. Neoplastic cells are genetically heterogeneous and can develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. For this reason, plants continue to be an important source of new anticancer products. Objective. To determine the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of a fucoidan-rich extract of native Lessonia trabeculata (EFLt) on the tripe negative murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line 4T1. Methods. Cytotoxicity and IC50 were determined in 4T1 monolayers using the MTT reagent. To demonstrate antiproliferative activity, "wound" closure and anticlonogenic methods were applied using the IC50 of EFLt and Doc (doxorubicin). "Wound" closure was evaluated by discrete times sweep to determine percentage inhibition of cell migration; the anticlonogenic effect was evaluated by colony counting 7 days after treatment and the survival fraction was determined. In addition, cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity were evaluated by combining the IC50 of EFLt and Dox. Percent migration and colony counts were performed using ImageJ software. Results. The IC50 (950 μg/mL) of EFLt was 56% cytotoxicity, 80,3% inhibition of cell migration, 68% inhibition of colony formation.The ICof Dox was 0,5 μg/mL. Conclusions. EFLt exerts concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effect on 4T1. Further studies in more complex models are needed to elucidate the anti-tumor potential of EFLt.

A logarithmic model for hormone receptor-positive and breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive importance of the previously validated log(ER)*log(PgR)/Ki-67 predictive model in a larger patient population. METHODS: Patients with hormone receptor positive/HER-2 negative and clinical node positive before chemotherapy were included. Log(ER)*log(PgR)/Ki-67 values of the patients were determined, and the ideal cutoff value was calculated using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. It was analyzed with a logistic regression model along with other clinical and pathological characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients were included in the study. The ideal cutoff value for pathological response was 0.12 (area under the curve=0.585, p=0.032). In the univariate analysis, no statistical correlation was observed between luminal subtype (p=0.294), histological type (p=0.238), clinical t-stage (p=0.927), progesterone receptor level (p=0.261), Ki-67 cutoff value (p=0.425), and pathological complete response. There was a positive relationship between numerical increase in age and residual disease. As the grade of the patients increased, the probability of residual disease decreased. Patients with log(ER)*log(PgR)/Ki-67 above 0.12 had an approximately threefold increased risk of residual disease when compared to patients with 0.12 and below (odds ratio: 3.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.48-6.75, p=0.003). When age, grade, and logarithmic formula were assessed together, the logarithmic formula maintained its statistical significance (odds ratio: 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-5.69, p=0.034). CONCLUSION: In hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the logarithmic model has been shown in a larger patient population to be an inexpensive, easy, and rapidly applicable predictive marker that can be used to predict response.

Avaliação de sintomas climatéricos em mulheres jovens submetidas à quimioterapia / Assessment of climacteric symptoms in young women undergoing chemotherapy / Evaluación de síntomas climatéricos en mujeres jóvenes sometidas a quimioterapia

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência de sintomas climatéricos em mulheres submetidas a tratamento oncológico e analisar sua relação com a quantidade de ciclos quimioterápicos. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 47 mulheres submetidas à quimioterapia em dois hospitais de referência oncológica de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, entre março de 2019 e julho de 2020. Utilizou-se questionário estruturado contendo variáveis sociodemográficas e informações sobre função menstrual e sintomas. Foram realizadas análise bivariada e regressão logística binária para avaliar a relação entre as variáveis previsoras e quantidade de ciclos quimioterápicos. Resultados: Média de idade de 31,71 anos, amenorreia e fogacho, foram os sintomas mais frequentes, porém, sem relação com o número de ciclos quimioterápicos. Não houve associação entre a presença de efeitos climatéricos com o tipo de quimioterapia (p=0,15). Conclusão: Reafirma-se que quimioterápicos podem causar sintomas climatéricos enfatizando a necessidade de medidas para amenizar os sintomas nas pacientes que enfrentam essa problemática.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the prevalence of climacteric symptoms in women undergoing cancer treatment and to analyze its relationship with the number of chemotherapy cycles. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 47 women undergoing chemotherapy in two cancer reference hospitals in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, between March 2019 and July 2020. A structured questionnaire was used containing sociodemographic variables and information on menstrual function and symptoms. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to assess the relationship between predictor variables and number of chemotherapy cycles. Results: Mean age was 31.71 years, and amenorrhea and hot flushes were the most frequent symptoms, however, unrelated to the number of chemotherapy cycles. There was no association between the presence of climacteric effects and the type of chemotherapy (p=0.15). Conclusion: The results reaffirmed that chemotherapy can cause climacteric symptoms, thus emphasizing the need for measures to alleviate symptoms in patients facing this problem.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de síntomas climatéricos en mujeres sometidas a tratamiento oncológico y analizar su relación con la cantidad de ciclos quimioterápicos. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 47 mujeres sometidas a quimioterapia en dos hospitales oncológicos de referencia de São Luis, Maranhão, entre marzo de 2019 y julio de 2020. Se utilizó cuestionario estructurado incluyendo variables sociodemográficas e información sobre función menstrual y síntomas. Fueron practicados análisis bivariado y regresión logística binaria para evaluar la relación entre las variables de previsión y la cantidad de ciclos quimioterápicos. Resultados: Media etaria de 31,71 años, los síntomas más frecuentes fueron amenorrea y sofocos, aunque sin relación con la cantidad de ciclos quimioterápicos. No hubo asociación entre presencia de efectos climatéricos y tipo de quimioterapia (p=0,15). Conclusión: Se reafirma que los quimioterápicos pueden causar síntomas climatéricos, enfatizándose la necesidad de medidas para aliviar los síntomas en las pacientes que enfrentan esta problemática.

In vitro and in vivo anticancer potential and molecular targets of the new colchicine analog IIIM-067 / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The current study evaluated various new colchicine analogs for their anticancer activity and to study the primary mechanism of apoptosis and in vivo antitumor activity of the analogs with selective anticancer properties and minimal toxicity to normal cells.@*METHODS@#Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used to screen various colchicine analogs for their in vitro cytotoxicity. The effect of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-trimethoxy-9-oxo-10-(pyrrolidine-1-yl)5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a] heptalene-7-yl] acetamide (IIIM-067) on clonogenicity, apoptotic induction, and invasiveness of A549 cells was determined using a clonogenic assay, scratch assay, and staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and annexin V/propidium iodide. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were observed using fluorescence microscopy. Western blot analysis was used to quantify expression of proteins involved in apoptosis, cell cycle, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Pharmacokinetic and in vivo efficacy studies against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Ehrlich solid tumor models were conducted using Swiss albino mice.@*RESULTS@#IIIM-067 showed potent cytotoxicity and better selectivity than all other colchicine analogs screened in this study. The selective activity of IIIM-067 toward A549 cells was higher among other cancer cell lines, with a selectivity index (SI) value of 2.28. IIIM-067 demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity against A549 cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.207, 0.150 and 0.106 μmol/L at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. It also had reduced toxicity to normal cells (SI > 1) than the parent compound colchicine (SI = 1). IIIM-067 reduced the clonogenic ability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. IIIM-067 enhanced ROS production from 24.6% at 0.05 μmol/L to 82.1% at 0.4 μmol/L and substantially decreased the MMP (100% in control to 5.6% at 0.4 μmol/L). The annexin V-FITC assay demonstrated 78% apoptosis at 0.4 μmol/L. IIIM-067 significantly (P < 0.5) induced the expression of various intrinsic apoptotic pathway proteins, and it differentially regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, IIIM-067 exhibited remarkable in vivo anticancer activity against the murine EAC model, with tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 67.0% at a dose of 6 mg/kg (i.p.) and a reduced mortality compared to colchicine. IIIM-067 also effectively inhibited the tumor growth in the murine solid tumor model with TGI rates of 48.10%, 55.68% and 44.00% at doses of 5 mg/kg (i.p.), 6 mg/kg (i.p.) and 7 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#IIIM-067 exhibited significant anticancer activity with reduced toxicity both in vitro and in vivo and is a promising anticancer candidate. However, further studies are required in clinical settings to fully understand its potential.

Pathological complete remission after conversion therapy with XELOX regimen for stage IV gastric cancer: a report of 2 cases and literature review / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of conversion therapy with XELOX regimen in the treatment of stage IV advanced gastric cancer.Methods:The diagnosis and treatment process of two patients with stage IV gastric cancer who were diagnosed and treated in Southern Central Hospital of Yunnan Province (The First People's Hospital of Honghe State) in September 2018 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The performance of conversion therapy with XELOX regimen in the treatment of stage IV gastric cancer was analyzed based on relevant literature.Results:Pathological complete remission of stage IV gastric cancer was achieved in both patients after conversion therapy with XELOX regimen.Conclusion:Conversion therapy with XELOX regimen is effective on stage IV gastric cancer and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Renal injury induced by lenvatinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with multi- drug combination: a case report and literature review / 中华肾脏病杂志

The article reported one case of renal damage caused by lenvatinib in the treatment of advanced primary liver cancer. The patient was a 63-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital due to "liver cancer for 4 years, blood pressure elevation for nearly 2 years, and edema for 7 months". During the treatment of liver tumors with atezolizumab combined with lenvatinib, blood pressure increased and renal insufficiency aggravated progressively. Pathological light microscopy of renal biopsy showed endothelial cell lesion and tubulointerstitial damage, and electron microscopy showed moderate proliferation of mesangial cells and deposition of mesangial matrix. There were many agglomerated low-electron density deposits in the mesangial area, and a small amount of electron dense deposits in the subendothelium. The pathological diagnosis was endothelial cell disease (thrombotic microangiopathy) and secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Renal injury was considered as secondary to lenvatinib. After discontinuing lenvatinib and giving angiotensin receptor antagonist treatment, blood pressure was normal, urine protein turned negative, and renal function improved significantly after 8 months of outpatient follow-up.

Uso do dispositivo Pegfilgrastim OBI para prevenção de neutropenia: revisão de escopo / Uso del dispositivo Pegfilgrastim OBI para prevenir la neutropenia: revisión de alcance / Pegfilgrastim OBI device use for neutropenia prevention: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear os cuidados em saúde do dispositivo Pegfilgrastim on-body injector na prevenção de neutropenia em adultos com câncer em assistência domiciliar após quimioterapia ambulatorial. Métodos Revisão de escopo baseada na metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute . Foram incluídos somente estudos com adultos com câncer submetidos à quimioterapia ambulatorial. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS , PubMed, Scopus, LIVIVO e Web of Science, além da literatura cinzenta ProQuest, Scielo, Banco de Dados em Enfermagem, Google Scholar, Open Grey, bula do medicamento e websites . Foram esgotadas as buscas nas referências dos estudos elegidos. Todos os estudos identificados foram exportados para o gerenciador de referências EndNote para organização e remoção das duplicadas. Utilizou-se o aplicativo web Rayyan para seleção das evidências. Os estudos foram selecionados por pares e de forma independente, sendo os conflitos solucionados por um terceiro pesquisador. Resultados Foram incluídos 10 artigos cujos resultados foram subdivididos nas categorias: adesão do paciente, opinião da equipe de saúde, carga de trabalho do paciente em tratamento do câncer e uso do dispositivo na prática clínica. O dispositivo apresenta poucas falhas e foi aceito pelas equipes de saúde e pacientes na maioria dos estudos. Conclusão Os principais cuidados em saúde para o uso do dispositivo Pegfilgrastim on-body injector estão relacionados à técnica de preparo da pele onde o dispositivo será aplicado, o preparo e a administração do dispositivo. Além disso, salienta-se a importância da avaliação do conhecimento do paciente e seu familiar sobre o dispositivo, o fornecimento de todas as orientações necessárias, verbalmente e por escrito, de forma clara e objetiva, e a validação dessas informações, certificando-se que o paciente compreendeu todas elas e está seguro.

Resumen Objetivo Mapear los cuidados de la salud al utilizar el dispositivo Pegfilgrastim on-body injector para prevenir la neutropenia en adultos con cáncer en atención domiciliaria después de quimioterapia ambulatoria. Métodos Revisión de alcance basada en la metodología del Joanna Briggs Institute . Se incluyeron solamente estudios con adultos con cáncer sometidos a quimioterapia ambulatoria. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS , PubMed, Scopus, LIVIVO y Web of Science, además de la literatura gris ProQuest, Scielo, Banco de Datos de Enfermería, Google Scholar, Open Grey, prospecto del medicamento y sitios web. Se concluyeron las búsquedas en las referencias de los estudios seleccionados. Todos los estudios identificados se exportaron al programa de gestión de referencias EndNote para organizarlas y remover las duplicadas. Se utilizó la aplicación web Rayyan para seleccionar las evidencias. Se seleccionaron los estudios por pares y de forma independiente, y los conflictos se solucionaron mediante un tercer investigador. Resultados Se incluyeron diez artículos cuyos resultados fueron subdivididos en las siguientes categorías: adhesión del paciente, opinión del equipo de salud, carga de trabajo del paciente en tratamiento de cáncer y uso del dispositivo en la práctica clínica. El dispositivo presenta pocas fallas y fue aceptado por los equipos de salud y por los pacientes en la mayoría de los estudios. Conclusión Los principales cuidados de la salud para el uso del dispositivo Pegfilgrastim on-body injector se relacionan con la técnica de preparación de la piel donde se aplicará el dispositivo, la preparación y la administración del dispositivo. Además, se destaca la importancia de la evaluación de conocimientos del paciente y su familiar sobre el dispositivo, la entrega de todas las instrucciones necesarias, verbalmente y por escrito, de forma clara y objetiva, la validación de la información y la verificación de que el paciente haya comprendido todo y esté seguro.

Abstract Objective To map the health care of Pegfilgrastim On-body Injector in neutropenia prevention in adults with cancer in home care after outpatient chemotherapy. Methods This is a scoping review based on the JBI methodology. Only studies with adults with cancer undergoing outpatient chemotherapy were included. The search was carried out in the Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, LIVIVO and Web of Science databases, in addition to gray literature ProQuest, SciELO, Database in Nursing, Google Scholar, Open Grey, drug leaflet and websites. The searches in the references of selected studies were exhausted. All identified studies were exported to the EndNote reference manager for organization and removal of duplicates. The Rayyan web application was used for evidence selection. The studies were selected by pairs independently, with conflicts resolved by a third researcher. Results A total of 10 articles were included, whose results were subdivided into categories: patient compliance, health team opinion, patient workload in cancer treatment and device use in clinical practice. The device has few flaws and was accepted by health care teams and patients in most studies. Conclusion The main health care for Pegfilgrastim On-body Injector use is related to the skin preparation technique where the device will be applied, in addition to device preparation and administration. Moreover, the importance of assessing the knowledge of patients and their family about the device is highlighted, providing all the necessary guidelines, verbally and in writing, clearly and objectively, and validating this information, making sure that patients have understood all of them and are safe.

Carcinogenic drug exposure among health-sector workers: the need for exposure assessment and surveillance / Exposición a medicamentos cancerígenos en trabajadores del sector de la salud: necesidad de evaluación y vigilancia de la exposición / Exposição a fármacos carcinogênicos entre profissionais de saúde: necessidade de avaliação e vigilância da exposição

ABSTRACT Antineoplastic drugs (ANDs) used for chemotherapy can cause secondary cancers in treated patients and can pose carcinogenic risks to health-sector workers anywhere along these drugs' life cycle in a facility, from production to patient administration. Several PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centers (CCs) have experience addressing these hazards in the health sector. The objectives of this report are four-fold: 1) Provide an overview of longstanding research and prevention efforts, led by PAHO/WHO and its Occupational Health CCs, aimed at reducing the burden of occupational cancer in the Americas; 2) Discuss how robust AND exposure assessment and educational/outreach work by PAHO CCs can form the basis of exposure mitigation efforts among health-sector workers; 3) Through the presentation of original AND exposure assessment data from a pharmaceutical compounding facility in Chile, highlight relatively inexpensive methods by which such data can be generated; and 4) Discuss how effective, periodic environmental surveillance in healthcare facilities results in the identification of AND contamination in the work environment and enables the implementation of low-cost, high-impact interventions to reduce the risk of occupational cancer in health-sector workers, including in limited-resource settings. The risk of health-sector worker exposure to ANDs and other hazardous drugs is an important issue for inclusion within PAHO/WHO's broader efforts at reducing the impact of occupational cancer in the Americas. This report demonstrates that a wide range of accessible AND-exposure mitigation strategies are feasible at both a facility and a national policy level across the hemisphere.

RESUMEN Los medicamentos antineoplásicos empleados en quimioterapia pueden causar distintos tipos de tumores secundarios en pacientes tratados y presentar riesgos cancerígenos para los trabajadores del sector de la salud en cualquier momento del ciclo de vida de estos medicamentos en las instalaciones, desde su producción hasta su administración al paciente. Varios centros colaboradores de la OPS/OMS tienen experiencia en cuanto a cómo abordar estos peligros en el sector de la salud. Este informe persigue cuatro objetivos: 1) ofrecer una visión general de la labor de investigación y prevención de larga data, liderada por la OPS/OMS y sus centros colaboradores de salud ocupacional, encaminada a reducir la carga del cáncer ocupacional en la Región de las Américas; 2) abordar cómo una evaluación sólida de la exposición a los medicamentos antineoplásicos y la labor educativa y divulgativa de los centros colaboradores de la OPS pueden sentar las bases de los esfuerzos de mitigación de la exposición en los trabajadores del sector de la salud; 3) mediante la presentación de datos originales sobre la evaluación de la exposición a los medicamentos antineoplásicos en una instalación de compuestos farmacéuticos en Chile, destacar métodos relativamente asequibles gracias a los cuales se pueden recopilar dichos datos; y 4) examinar cómo la vigilancia ambiental efectiva y periódica en los centros de salud permite detectar casos de contaminación de medicamentos antineoplásicos en el entorno de trabajo y facilita la ejecución de intervenciones de bajo costo y alto impacto para reducir el riesgo de cáncer ocupacional en los trabajadores del sector de la salud, incluso en entornos de recursos limitados. El riesgo de exposición de los trabajadores del sector de la salud a los medicamentos antineoplásicos y otros medicamentos peligrosos es una cuestión importante para su inclusión en los esfuerzos más amplios de la OPS/OMS para reducir los efectos del cáncer ocupacional en la Región de las Américas. En este informe se demuestra que una amplia gama de estrategias accesibles de mitigación de la exposición a los medicamentos antineoplásicos es factible tanto a nivel de las instalaciones como de las políticas nacionales en toda la Región.

RESUMO Os medicamentos antineoplásicos usados para quimioterapia podem causar cânceres secundários em pacientes tratados e apresentar riscos carcinogênicos aos profissionais de saúde em qualquer momento do ciclo de vida desses fármacos dentro de um estabelecimento, desde sua produção até a administração ao paciente. Vários centros colaboradores da OPAS/OMS têm experiência em lidar com esses riscos no setor de saúde. Este relatório tem quatro objetivos: 1) fornecer uma visão geral dos esforços de longa data em pesquisa e prevenção liderados pela OPAS/OMS e por seus centros colaboradores de saúde ocupacional, cuja meta é reduzir a carga do câncer ocupacional nas Américas; 2) discutir como uma avaliação robusta da exposição aos antineoplásicos e o trabalho de extensão/educacional dos centros colaboradores da OPAS/OMS podem embasar os esforços de mitigação da exposição entre os profissionais de saúde; 3) por meio da apresentação de dados originais de avaliação da exposição a antineoplásicos obtidos de uma central de manipulação de medicamentos no Chile, destacar métodos relativamente econômicos para gerar esse tipo de dados; e 4) discutir como a vigilância ambiental eficaz e periódica em estabelecimentos de saúde resulta na identificação de contaminação por antineoplásicos no ambiente de trabalho e permite a implementação de intervenções de baixo custo e alto impacto para reduzir o risco de câncer ocupacional em profissionais de saúde, inclusive em contextos de recursos limitados. O risco de exposição dos profissionais de saúde aos medicamentos antineoplásicos e outros fármacos perigosos é uma questão importante a ser incluída nos esforços mais amplos da OPAS/OMS de reduzir o impacto do câncer ocupacional nas Américas. Este relatório demonstra a viabilidade de uma ampla gama de estratégias acessíveis de mitigação da exposição aos antineoplásicos, tanto no nível das instituições quanto no âmbito de políticas nacionais em todo o hemisfério.

Oral mucositis and microbial status in acute lymphoblastic leukemia subjects undergoing high-dose chemotherapy

Aim: To assess oral microbial status in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and to unravel possible associations between nosocomial pathogens and the establishment of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (CIOM). Methods: Oral mucosa, saliva, and peripheral blood samples were collected from 46 ALL subjects one day prior to chemotherapy (D0) and 2 weeks after treatment initiation (D14). Clinical intraoral inspection was performed by a single practitioner, with mucositis classification performed according to the WHO oral toxicity scale. Blood components were quantified by automatic flow cytometry, while oral Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction with species-specific primers. Associations among bacteria and clinical findings were determined by Fisher's Exact test, longitudinal bacterial changes by paired Macnemar, and correlations among blood parameters and mucositis status or bacteria via Mann-Whitney. Results: S. aureus displayed higher detection rates at D14 (p < 0.05) and was positively associated with mucositis, adoption of a non-solid diet (all p < 0.001), nausea and fever (all p < 0.05). Conversely, P. aeruginosa did not correlate to CIOM clinical parameters. At the systemic standpoint, lower hemoglobin levels associated with CIOM and fever events (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study evidences S. aureus as a potential pathogen in ALL-CIOM, reaffirming microbial control as an important preventive measure during high-dose immunosuppressive therapy. The weight of non-white-blood-cell parameters should be validated as novel CIOM biomarkers in prospective research

Osimertinibe comparado a Erlotinibe Gefitinibe ou quimioterapia para tratamento de carcinoma pulmonar de células não pequenas com mutação do gene do receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EFGR): revisão rápida / Osimertinib compared to erlotinib, gefitinib or chemotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell pumonary carcinoma with epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) gene mutation: rapid review

Mesilato de osimertinibe, gefitinibe, erlotinibe, quimioterapia padrão. Indicação: Câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas com mutação do receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGFR). Pergunta: Mesilato de osimertinibe é mais eficaz e seguro que gefitinibe, erlotinibe ou quimioterapia para os desfechos de sobrevida global, sobrevida livre de progressão e de segurança no tratamento de carcinoma pulmonar de células não pequenas com mutação do EGFR? Métodos: Levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado na base de dados PUBMED e EPISTEMONIKOS, seguindo estratégias de buscas predefinidas. Foi feita avaliação da qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas com a ferramenta AMSTAR-2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Version 2). Resultados: Foram selecionadas duas revisões sistemáticas que atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade. Conclusão: Mesilato de osimertinibe é mais eficaz do que gefitinibe ou erlotinibe na melhora da sobrevida global e da sobrevida livre de progressão em pacientes virgens de tratamento. Em pacientes previamente tratados, o mesilato de osimertinibe não é superior à quimioterapia padrão à base de platina no prolongamento da sobrevida global, mas é mais eficaz no aumento da sobrevida livre de progressão. Para câncer avançado, mesilato de osimertinibe não é mais eficaz do que a quimioterapia com ou sem pemetrexede para prolongar a sobrevida global, mas é mais eficaz em melhorar a sobrevida livre de progressão. Gefitinibe combinado com quimioterapia à base de pemetrexede foi superior à quimioterapia com ou sem pemetrexede na melhora da sobrevida global e da sobrevida livre de progressão

Osimertinib mesylate, gefitinib, erlotinib, standard chemotherapy. Indication: Non-small cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Question: Is osimertinib mesylate more effective and safer than gefitinib, erlotinib or chemotherapy for overall survival, progression-free survival and safety outcomes in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutation? Methods: A bibliographic search was done in the PUBMED and EPISTEMONIKOS database, following predefined search strategies. The methodological quality of systematic reviews was evaluated using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Version 2 tool. Results: Two systematic reviews were selected because they met the eligibility criteria. Conclusion: Osimertinib mesylate is more effective than gefitinib or erlotinib in improving overall survival and progression-free survival in treatment-naive patients. In previously treated patients, osimertinib mesylate is not superior to standard platinum-based chemotherapy in prolonging overall survival, but it is more effective in increasing progression-free survival. For advanced cancer, osimertinib mesylate is not more effective than chemotherapy with or without pemetrexed in prolonging overall survival, but it is more effective in improving progression-free survival. Gefitinib combined with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy was superior to chemotherapy with or without pemetrexed in improving overall survival and progression-free survival

Evaluation of acupuncture and auriculotherapy in the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a Pilot Study / Evaluación de la acupuntura y la auriculoterapia en el control de las náuseas y vómitos inducidos por la quimioterapia: Estudio piloto / Avaliação da acupuntura e auriculoterapia no controle de náuseas e vômitos induzidos por quimioterapia: Estudo Piloto

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and auriculotherapy protocol in relieving chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients compared to the antiemetic protocol. Method: Pilot study of a pragmatic two-arm clinical trial: an acupuncture group received systemic acupuncture, auriculotherapy, and antiemetic protocol; a control group used antiemetic protocol. The sample consisted of 42 patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal system or multiple myeloma. The outcome was assessed using the Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Assessment Tool and the patient's diary. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to the assessment of the patient's diary and the Assessment Tool of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The patients were 60 years old on average and the groups were homogeneous, except for marital status. In the diary, there was no statistical difference between groups and sessions for days of nausea (p = 0.873) and vomiting episodes (p = 0.993). Conclusion: The protocol of acupuncture and auriculotherapy as a complementary treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting was ineffective, considering the limitations of the study.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del protocolo de acupuntura y auriculoterapia para aliviar las náuseas y los vómitos inducidos por la quimioterapia en pacientes con cáncer en comparación con el protocolo antiemético. Método: Estudio piloto tipo ensayo clínico pragmático con dos brazos: el grupo de acupuntura recibió acupuntura sistémica, auriculoterapia y protocolo antiemético, el grupo control utilizó un protocolo antiemético. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 42 pacientes con cáncer del sistema gastrointestinal o mieloma múltiple. El resultado se evaluó mediante el Instrumento de Evaluación de Náuseas y Vómitos inducidos por quimioterapia y el diario del paciente. Resultados: No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos según la evaluación del diario del paciente y el Instrumento de Evaluación de náuseas y vómitos inducidos por quimioterapia. Los pacientes tenían en promedio 60 años y los grupos eran homogéneos, excepto por el estado civil. En el diario no hubo diferencia estadística entre los grupos y sesiones para los días de náuseas (p = 0,873) y episodios de vómitos (p = 0,993). Conclusión: El protocolo de acupuntura y auriculoterapia como tratamiento complementario de las náuseas y vómitos inducidos por la quimioterapia resultó ineficaz, considerando las limitaciones del estudio.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade do protocolo de acupuntura e auriculoterapia no alívio de náuseas e vômitos induzidos por quimioterapia em pacientes oncológicos em comparação ao protocolo antiemético. Método: Estudo piloto tipo ensaio clínico pragmático de dois braços: grupo acupuntura recebeu acupuntura sistêmica, auriculoterapia e protocolo antiemético, o grupo controle utilizou protocolo antiemético. A amostra foi composta por 42 pacientes com câncer do sistema gastrointestinal ou mieloma múltiplo. O desfecho foi avaliado pelo Instrumento de Avaliação de náuseas e vômitos induzidos por quimioterapia e diário do paciente. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos pela avaliação do diário do paciente e Instrumento de Avaliação de náuseas e vômitos induzidos por quimioterapia. Os pacientes apresentavam em média 60 anos e os grupos foram homogêneos, exceto para o estado civil. No diário, não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos e as sessões para os dias de náuseas (p = 0,873) e episódios de vômitos (p = 0,993). Conclusão: O protocolo de acupuntura e auriculoterapia como tratamento complementar de náuseas e vômitos induzidos por quimioterapia foi inefetivo, considerando as limitações do estudo.

Construction and validation of an instrument to assess the comfort of adolescents undergoing chemotherapy / Construcción y validación de un instrumento para evaluar el confort de adolescentes en quimioterapia / Construção e validação de um instrumento para avaliação do conforto de adolescentes em tratamento quimioterápico

ABSTRACT Objective: To build and validate a self-report instrument to assess the comfort of adolescents with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This methodological study was developed in five stages: scoping review; qualitative study to characterize comfort from the perspective of adolescents with cancer undergoing chemotherapy; instrument construction; instrument content validation by experts; pre-test with a group of adolescents. Results: In the scoping review, 20 comfort changes were identified; regarding the perspective of comfort for adolescents, it was possible to identify the effects on their daily lives and the impact on chemotherapy; in content validation, the index was 0.96 and Cronbach's Alpha 0.87. In the pre-test, the instrument obtained the final version with 37 items and Cronbach's Alpha 0.94. Conclusions: The constructed and validated self-report instrument showed good reliability related to satisfactory psychometric parameters and can be used by nurses in clinical practice to assess and evidence comfort changes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Construir y validar un instrumento de autoinforme para evaluar el confort de adolescentes con cáncer en quimioterapia. Métodos: Estudio metodológico desarrollado en cinco etapas: revisión de alcance; estudio cualitativo para caracterizar el confort en la perspectiva de adolescentes con cáncer en quimioterapia; construcción de instrumentos; validación del contenido del instrumento por expertos; prueba previa con un grupo de adolescentes. Resultados: En la revisión del alcance, se identificaron 20 cambios en la comodidad; en cuanto a la perspectiva de la comodidad de los adolescentes, fue posible identificar los efectos en su vida cotidiana y el impacto en el tratamiento de quimioterapia; en la validación de contenido el índice fue de 0,96 y el Alfa de Cronbach de 0,87. En el pretest, el instrumento obtuvo la versión final con 37 ítems y Alpha de Cronbach 0,94. Conclusiones: El instrumento de autoinforme construido y validado mostró buena confiabilidad relacionada con parámetros psicométricos satisfactorios, y puede ser utilizado por enfermeros en la práctica clínica para evaluar el confort y evidenciar modificaciones.

RESUMO Objetivo: Construir e validar um instrumento de autorrelato para avaliação do conforto de adolescentes com câncer em tratamento quimioterápico. Métodos: Estudo metodológico desenvolvido em cinco etapas: revisão de escopo; estudo qualitativo para caracterização do conforto na perspectiva do adolescente com câncer em tratamento quimioterápico; construção do instrumento; validação de conteúdo do instrumento por experts; pré-teste com grupo de adolescentes. Resultados: Na revisão de escopo, identificaram-se 20 alterações de conforto; quanto à perspectiva do conforto para o adolescente, foi possível identificar os efeitos em seu cotidiano e o impacto no tratamento quimioterápico; na validação de conteúdo, o índice foi de 0,96 e Alfa de Cronbach 0,87. No pré-teste, o instrumento obteve a versão final com 37 itens e Alfa de Cronbach 0,94. Conclusões: O instrumento de autorrelato construído e validado apresentou boa confiabilidade relacionado aos parâmetros psicométricos satisfatórios, podendo ser utilizado pelo enfermeiro na prática clínica, para avaliação do conforto e evidenciar alterações.

Epidemiological profile of COVID-19 in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy at a Brazilian Cancer Center

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 in patients with prostate cancer who received androgen deprivation therapy and those who did not. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and those who did not undergo androgen deprivation therapy. These patients were treated at the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center between March 2020 and March 2021. Results Of the 78 patients with prostate cancer and positive RT-PCR test results, 50% were undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, and 49% were experiencing a non-metastatic biochemical relapse. Of these, 80.6% were symptomatic on the day of examination compared to 97.2% in the Control Group. A total of 82.1% of the patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy required hospitalization, with 30.8% admitted to the intensive care unit compared to 21.6% in the Control Group. There was no statistically significant difference in the use of a high-flow oxygen cannula, the need for orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, the need for dialysis, multiple organ failure, or death. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the average length of stay in the intensive care unit. Conclusion Androgen deprivation therapy was not associated with protective factors or potential treatments in patients with prostate cancer and COVID-19. Although the number of patients analyzed was limited, and there may have been a selection bias, this is a unique study that cannot be expanded or replicated in similar (unvaccinated) populations.

Follow up of utility and value of totally implantable chemotherapy catheter in 233 brazilian patients receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer / Acompanhamento da utilidade e valor do cateter de quimioterapia totalmente implantável em 233 pacientes brasileiros que receberam quimioterapia para tratar o câncer

ABSTRACT Objectives: the present study aims to evaluate cancer patients related to the catheter flow and the general satisfaction of these patients. Methods: we studied 233 individuals diagnosed with cancer who underwent chemotherapy treatment through venous access through portocath between January 2015 and December 2019. Results: 97% of the patients consulted had palliative chemotherapy, and 99.1% of patients reported satisfaction with the implantation process and treatment method. Regarding catheter flow according to venous return and drip during drug infusion, 98.7% of individuals presented good flow. Conclusions: the results show that catheter flow was satisfactory in all implant sites observed and emphasize the advantages of using a totally implanted catheter. This benefice happens due to the reduction of emotional factors that cause stress in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, as well as the reduction of trauma and discomfort experienced by patients during the infusion of peripheral chemotherapy.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar pacientes com câncer em relação ao fluxo do cateter e a satisfação geral desses pacientes. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo avaliando prontuários de 233 indivíduos com diagnóstico de câncer que realizaram tratamento quimioterápico por acesso venoso por portocath entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2019. Resultados: 97% dos pacientes realizaram quimioterapia paliativa, e 99,1% dos pacientes relataram satisfação com o processo de implantação e método de tratamento. Em relação ao fluxo do cateter de acordo com o retorno venoso e gotejamento durante a infusão da droga, 98,7% dos indivíduos apresentaram bom fluxo. Conclusões: os resultados mostram que o fluxo do cateter foi satisfatório em todos os locais de implante observados e enfatizam as vantagens do uso de um cateter totalmente implantado. Esse benefício acontece devido à redução de fatores emocionais que causam estresse em pacientes oncológicos em tratamento quimioterápico, bem como a redução de traumas e desconfortos vivenciados pelos pacientes durante a infusão de quimioterápicos periféricos.

Hormone therapy in the treatment of breast cancer and main outcomes in sexuality

Hormone-dependent breast cancer has growth factors that respond positively to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Thus, adjuvant endocrine therapy causes decreased or undetectable serum levels of these hormones. However, this treatment can have side effects that compromise the sexual health of patients, such as dyspareunia, vaginal dryness and decreased libido. In this scenario, the objective of this work was to document the main outcomes in sexuality in women after treatment for hormonepositive breast cancer. Thus, this is an integrative literature review, in which the following databases were used: U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Virtual Health Library (BVS), SCOPUS and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), using the descriptors: "sexuality", "antineoplastic agents, hormonal" and "breast neoplasms", joined by the Boolean operator "AND". Full articles published in the last 5 years (2017-2022) were included; written in Portuguese or English. Articles dealing with non-hormone-dependent or metastatic breast cancer, or with patients younger than 18 years, or articles that did not answer the research question were excluded. In total, 26 articles were identified, of which 7 comprised the final sample of this review. A total of 3,850 women participated in the included studies. The main sexual dysfunctions found were: dyspareunia, hot flashes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, self-image concerns and hair loss. The symptom vaginal dryness was the most prevalent, mentioned in 71.4% of the articles included. In view of the adverse effects listed in this review, there is a need to carry out more studies on this topic, since the diagnosis of this comorbidity brings clinical, psychological, emotional, sociocultural and economic outcomes for the patient. Thus, a multidisciplinary team must assertively address these complaints to improve the overall quality of life of these women (AU)