Hormone receptor-negative as a predictive factor for pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer / Receptor hormonal negativo como fator preditivo para resposta patológica completa ao tratamento neoadjuvante de câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective To define a predictive factor for pathologic complete response, compare the oncologic outcomes associated with the degree of pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to analyze pathologic complete response as a prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival. Methods A retrospective study of patients admitted to Hospital Estadual Mário Covas and Hospital Anchieta from 2008 to 2012, with locally advanced breast cancer. Hormone receptor status, HER2 status, histologic and nuclear grade, age upon diagnosis and histological type of the tumor were analyzed. Pathologic evaluation of the tumor was subdivided into pathologic complete response, defined by the absence of tumor; intermediate response, considered as a favorable stage; and poor response, considering low-responder patients. Data obtained were submitted to statistical analysis. Results The study included 243 patients. There was an association of pathologic complete response with HER-2 negative, histological grade 3, stage III, hormone receptor negative, positive lymph node, older age and more advanced tumors. However, after multivariate analysis the only predictor of pathologic complete response was the presence of negative hormone receptor. By analyzing the prognostic factors, hormone receptor negative was considered as an independent risk factor, and pathologic complete response was considered as an independent protective factor. Conclusion Hormone receptor negative is predictive of pathologic complete response and is an isolated risk factor for lower progression-free survival and overall survival. Pathologic complete response is a protective factor for these same survival analyses.

RESUMO Objetivo Definir um fator preditivo para resposta patológica completa, comparar os resultados oncológicos associados com o grau de resposta patológica, após quimioterapia neoadjuvante, e analisar a resposta patológica completa como fator prognóstico para sobrevivência global e livre de progressão de doença. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes admitidas no Hospital Estadual Mário Covas e Hospital Anchieta, no período de 2008 a 2012, com câncer de mama localmente avançado. Foram utilizados status dos receptores hormonais, proteína HER2, grau histológico e nuclear, idade do paciente ao diagnóstico e tipo histológico do tumor. A avaliação patológica do tumor foi subdividida em resposta patológica completa, definida com ausência de tumor; resposta intermediária, considerada como um estádio favorável; e resposta ruim, considerando os pacientes pouco respondedores. As informações obtidas foram submetidas à análise estatística. Resultados Foram incluídas 243 pacientes. Verificou-se associação de resposta patológica completa entre HER-2 negativo, grau histológico 3, estadiamento III, receptor hormonal negativo, linfonodo positivo, maior idade e tumores mais avançados. Porém, após análise multivariada, o único fator preditivo de resposta patológica completa foi presença de receptor hormonal negativo. Ao analisar fatores prognósticos, receptor hormonal negativo permaneceu como variável independente de risco, e resposta patológica completa, como variável independente de proteção. Conclusão O receptor hormonal negativo é fator preditivo isolado de resposta patológica completa e fator de risco para menor sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global. Já a resposta patológica completa é fator protetor para estas mesmas análises de sobrevivência.

Supervivencia en cáncer de mama por subtipo mediante inmunohistoquímica: Un estudio retrospectivo / Survival in breast cancer by subtype by immunohistochemistry: A retrospective study

Resumen Antecedentes: La clasificación del cáncer de mama en subtipos mediante la expresión de receptores hormonales (RH) y del receptor 2 del factor de crecimiento epidérmico humano (HER2) por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) es una práctica estándar para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. Objetivo: Conocer las características y supervivencia de cada subtipo de pacientes, que es indispensable para poder diseñar futuros estudios. Método: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo evaluando las características clinicopatológicas y la supervivencia por subtipo mediante IHQ en mujeres con cáncer de mama. Resultados: 211 mujeres con cáncer de mama RH(+)/HER2(-), 53 con RH(+)/HER2(+), 16 con HER2(+) y 23 con RH(-)/HER2(-), con una mediana de supervivencia global en meses de 39 (20.5-62.7), 42 (25.5-65), 42 (13.7-67.7) y 26 (11-78), respectivamente, para un cociente de riesgo (HR por sus siglas en inglés, Hazard Ratio): 3.7 (IC 95%: 1.3-10.3) en el grupo triple negativo comparado con RH(+)/HER2(-) (p = 0.01). Conclusión: Los subtipos con RH positivos por IHQ son los más frecuentes y este grupo de pacientes tienen una mejor supervivencia global comparada con las pacientes triple negativo.

Abstract Background: Breast cancer subtype classification according to hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) using immunohistochemistry is the standard practice for therapeutic decision making. Objective: To design future studies information on characteristics and survival of each subtype is essential. Method: We conducted a retrospective study to analyze clinical and pathologic features as well as survival data according to breast cancer immunohistochemistry subtype. Results: There were 211 women with a RH(+)/HER2(-) breast cancer subtype, 53 HR(+)/HER2(+), 16 HER2(+) and 23 HR(-)/HER2(-), with a median overall survival in months of 39 (20.5-62.7), 42 (25.5-65), 42 (13.7-67.7) and 26 (11-78), respectively, for a 3.7 hazard ratio of death (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.3-10.3) for the triple negative group as compared to the HR(+)/HER2(-) group (p = 0.01). Conclusions: HR positive subtypes by immunohistochemistry where most frequent and showed a greater overall survival compared to the triple negative subtype.

Características clínicas y pronóstico de pacientes con cáncer de mama HER2 positivo avanzado, en la era antes y después de terapias anti-HER2 / Survival of patients with advanced HER2+ breast cancer. Analysis of a cancer center database

Background: HER2+ breast cancer (BC) subtype overexpresses the Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor type-2 (HER2) and is characterized by its aggressiveness and its high sensitivity to monoclonal antibody-based HER2-targeted therapies. Aim: To assess the prognosis and evaluate the impact of novel anti-HER2 therapies on advanced HER2+ BC patients treated at our institution over the last decades. Material and Methods: Analysis of the patient database at a cancer center of a university hospital. Information about the subtype of cancer was obtained in 2,149 of 2,724 patients in the database. Eighteen percent of the latter were HER2+. We analyzed data of 83 of these patients with advanced disease. Results: Median overall survival (OS) was 24 months. For patients treated between 1997-2006 median OS was 17 months and for those treated in the period 2007-2017 median OS was 32 months (p = 0.09). Conclusions: A non-significant trend towards better survival in the last decade was observed. HER2+ BC overall survival has improved in our center. This can be probably attributed to the use of novel more effective anti-HER2 therapies.

Identification of a subtype of poorly differentiated invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast based on vimentin and e-cadherin expression / Identificação de um subtipo pouco diferenciado de carcinoma ductal invasivo de mama, baseado na expressão da vimentina e E-caderina

Abstract Objective The use of molecular markers can identify a subgroup of tumors with distinct recurrence patterns. The present study aimed to characterize the immunohistochemical expression of vimentin (VIM), of E-cadherin (CDH1), and of cytokeratin 5 (CK5) in patients with invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs). Methods We have constructed a tissuemicroarray (TMA) from87 patients with IDC of the breast. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to study the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PgR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), VIM, CDH1, CK5, and Ki67. The tumors were classified as luminal A and B (n = 39), HER2 enriched (n = 25), and triple-negative (TNBC) (n = 23), based on the IHC expression. Results We have observed that luminal A and B tumors lack the VIM+/CDH1-/low phenotype. This phenotype was observed in 16.5% of the HER2+ tumors and in 60% of the TNBC tumors (p = 0.0001). Out of a total of 20 TNBC tumors, the CK5 (basal-like marker) was positive in 11 of them. The VIM+/CDH1-/low phenotype was observed in 5 CK5+ TNBC tumors (45%) and in 7 out of 9 CK5- TNBC tumors (78%) (p = 0.02). The median Ki67 index in the VIM+/CDH1-/low tumors was 13.6 (range: 17.8-45.4) compared with 9.8 (range: 4.1-38.1) in other tumors (p = 0.0007). The presence of lymph nodemetastasis was less frequent in patients with VIM+/CDH1-/low tumors (23% versus 61%; X2 test; p = 0.01). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the expression of VIM and CDH1 can identify a subset of IDCs of the breast with a mesenchymal phenotype associated with poor prognosis, high-grade lesion, and high mitotic index.

Resumo Objetivo O uso de marcadores moleculares pode identificar subtipos tumorais com diferentes taxas de recidiva. O objetivo do presente estudo é caracterizar a expressão imunohistoquímica da vimentina (VIM), da E-caderina (CDH1) e de CK5 em pacientes com carcinoma ductal invasivo (CDI) da mama. Métodos Utilizamos uma matriz de amostras teciduais (TMA, na sigla em inglês) de 87 pacientes com CDI da mama. Para avaliar a expressão dos receptores de estrogênio (RE) e receptores de progesterona (RP), HER2, VIM, CDH1, CK5 e Ki67, utilizamos imunohistoquímica. Os tumores foram classificados como luminal A e B (n = 39), HER2+ (n = 25) e triplo negativo (TNBC) (n = 23). Resultados Foi observado que tumores luminais A e B não expressaram o fenótipo VIM+/CDH1-/low. Este fenótipo foi observado em 16,5% dos tumores HER2+ e em 60% dos tumores TNBC (p = 0,0001). Dos 20 tumores TNBC, a CK5 (marcador de tumor basalóide) foi super expressa em 11 amostras. O fenótipo VIM+/CDH1-/low foi observado em 5 tumores CK5+ TNBC (45%) e em 7 dos 9 tumores CK5- TNBC (78%) (p = 0,02). A expressão média de Ki67 nos tumores VIM+/CDH1-/low foi 13.6 (amplitude de 17,8 a 45,4) comparado com 9,8 (amplitude de 4,1 a 38,1) nos outros tumores (p = 0,0007). A presença demetástase linfonodal foimenor em tumores com fenótipo VIM+/CDH1-/low (23% contra 61%; teste X2; p = 0,01). Conclusão Nossos achados sugerem que a expressão de VIM e CDH1 pode identificar um subtipo de CDI da mama com fenótipo mesenquimal associado a pior prognóstico, lesões de alto grau e alto índice mitótico.

Assessment of HER-2 status in invasive breast cancer in Brazil / Avaliação de HER-2 no câncer de mama invasivo no Brasil

Summary Objective: To characterize the frequency of HER-2-positive breast cancer in Brazil. Method: In this prospective observational study, we first ascertained the HER-2 status of invasive breast cancer specimens by automated immunohistochemistry (IHC). For specimens classified as 2+ by IHC, we performed in situ hybridization (ISH). Results: From February, 2011 to December, 2012, 1,495 breast specimens were registered, and 1,310 samples collected at 24 centers were analyzed. Median patient age was 54 years, and the majority of samples were obtained from segmental (46.9%) or radical mastectomy (34.4%). The predominant histological type was invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (85%), 64.3% had tubule formation (grade 3), and estrogen/progesterone receptors (ER/PR) were positive in 77.4/67.8% of the specimens analyzed, respectively. Using IHC, we found a negative HER-2 status (0 or 1+) in 72.2% of specimens, and 3+ in 18.5%; the 9.3% scored as 2+ were further analyzed by ISH, of which 15.7% were positive (thus, 20.0% of samples were HER-2- -positive by either method). We found no association between HER-2 scores and menopausal status or histological type. Tumors classified as 3+ came from younger patients, and had higher histological grade and less frequent expression of ER/PR. In the North region of Brazil, 34.7% of samples were 3+, with lower frequencies in the other four regions of the country. Conclusion: Our findings provide estimates for the frequency of HER-2 positivity in Brazil and raise the hypothesis that biological differences may underlie the different distribution of breast-cancer phenotypes among different Brazilian regions.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a frequência de câncer de mama positivo para HER-2 no Brasil. Método: Neste estudo observacional e prospectivo, verificamos o escore de HER-2 de espécimes de câncer de mama invasivo por imuno-histoquímica automatizada (IHQ). Para amostras classificadas como 2+ por IHQ, fizemos hibridização in situ (HIS). Resultados: De fevereiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2012, 1.495 espécimes de mama foram registrados, e 1.310 amostras coletadas por 24 centros foram analisadas. A idade mediana das pacientes foi 54 anos, e a maioria das amostras foram obtidas a partir de mastectomia segmentar (46,9%) ou radical (34,4%). O tipo histológico predominante foi o carcinoma invasivo da mama, sem tipo especial (85%); 64,3% tinham formação de túbulos (grau 3); e os receptores de estrógeno (RE)/progesterona (RP) foram positivos em 77,4%/67,8% das amostras analisadas. Por IHQ, encontramos HER-2 negativo (0 ou 1+) em 72,2% das amostras, e 3+ em 18,5%; os 9,3% de casos classificados como 2+ foram analisados por HIS, e 15,7% deles foram positivos (assim, 20,0% das amostras foram positivas para HER-2 por qualquer método). Não encontramos associação entre escores de HER-2 e estado menopausal ou tipo histológico. Tumores classificados como 3+ vieram de pacientes mais jovens, tinham maior grau histológico e foi menos frequente a expressão de RE/RP. Na região Norte do Brasil, 34,7% das amostras foram 3+, com frequências mais baixas nas outras quatro regiões do país. Conclusão: Nossos resultados permitem estimar a frequência de positividade do HER-2 no Brasil, gerando a hipótese de que pode haver diferenças biológicas subjacentes à distribuição dos fenótipos de câncer de mama entre as diferentes regiões brasileiras.

Expresión de BRCA1 en lesiones benignas y malignas de la mama / BRCA1 expression in benign and malignant breast lesions

La mayor parte de los carcinomas de mama son cánceres esporádicos; sin embargo, existe una proporción, estimada entre el 5 y el 10%, en la cual aparece una predisposición hereditaria al cáncer, asociado principalmente a mutaciones germinales en los genes BRCA1 y BRCA2; tales mutaciones incrementan la predisposición para el desarrollo de la enfermedad durante el transcurso de la vida. El objetivo general de este trabajo fue valorar la expresión del gen BRCA1 por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ). El estudio se realizó en mujeres diagnosticadas con lesiones benignas o con carcinoma ductal infiltrante de mama en seguimiento en el Instituto de Oncología “Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño” de Valencia, Venezuela. Se analizó la expresión de la proteína BRCA1 y los resultados obtenidos se compararon con la clasificación de las lesiones benignas propuesta por Dupont y Page y los subtipos moleculares intrínsecos definidos por IHQ. De este análisis se obtuvo que tanto en las lesiones no infiltrantes (proliferativas y carcinoma in situ), así como en los carcinomas infiltrantes, predominaron los casos con un marcaje nuclear de BRCA1 por IHQ ≤10%. Además, la relación de la expresión de BRCA1 con la media de la supervivencia global, obtuvo valor pronóstico desfavorable, cuando la expresión nuclear y citoplasmática de BRCA1 fue ≤10%, con p<0,05. Finalmente, en base a los resultados, se sugiere que en el algoritmo de abordaje de mujeres con riesgo de padecer cáncer de mama, se incluya la valoración de la expresión de BRCA1 por IHQ.

The majority of breast cancers are sporadic cancers; however, there is an estima¬ted proportion of 5% to 10%, where a hereditary predisposition appears, mainly associated with germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Such mutations increase the predis-position to develop the disease during the course of life. The overall objective of this work was to evaluate the expression of the BRCA1 gene by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The study was conducted in women diagnosed with benign lesions or invasive breast ductal carcinoma in follow-up care at the Institute of Oncology “Dr. Miguel Perez Carreño” in Valencia, Venezuela. Expression of the BRCA1 protein was analyzed and the results were compared with the benign lesions classification given by DuPont and Page and the intrinsic molecular subtypes defined by IHC. From this analysis it was found that in both, non-infiltrative lesions (proliferative and carcinoma in situ), as well as in infiltrating carcinomas, predominated the cases with BRCA1 nuclear labeling by IHC (≤10 %). Furthermore, the relationship of expression of BRCA1 with the average overall survival, showed a poor prognostic value obtained when the nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of BRCA1 was ≤10%, with p<0.05. Finally, based on the results, it is suggested that the assessment of BRCA1 expression by IHC should be included in the approach algorithm of women at risk of developing breast cancer.

Worse prognosis in breast cancer patients can be predicted by immunohistochemical analysis of positive MMP-2 and negative estrogen and progesterone receptors / Pacientes com câncer de mama de pior prognóstico podem ser estimadas por análise imuno-histoquímica de MMP-2 positiva e receptores de estrógeno e progesterona negativos

Summary Introduction: Breast cancer is the most cause of death, and approximately 90% of these deaths are due to metastases. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gelatinase activity is able to degrade a major constituent of the tumor microenvironment, type IV collagen. Two well-established proteins used as markers in clinical practice for breast cancer are the receptors for estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR). Although the presence of these receptors has been associated with a better prognosis, loss of these proteins can occur during tumor progression, with subsequent resistance to hormone therapy. Objective: To study the correlation among MMP-2, ER, and PR, as well as the establishment of the metastatic process in primary breast tumors. Method: Breast cancer samples (n=44) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for MMP-2, ER, and PR. Results: We observed that 90% of patients who had metastases and died showed positive staining for MMP-2 (p=0.0082 for both). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, we found that negative ER patients who were also positive for MMP-2 had even worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p= 0.012 and p=0.005, respectively). Similar results were found in PR-negative patients for DFS (a trend p=0.077) and OS (p=0.038). Conclusion: Regardless of our small sample size (n=44), the data obtained strongly suggest that MMP-2 in combination with already well-established markers could help to predict the emergence of metastases and death in patients with breast cancer.

Resumo Introdução: o câncer de mama é a segunda causa de morte no mundo, sendo 90% dessas mortes decorrentes de metástases. A metaloprotease de matriz 2 (MMP-2) possui atividade de gelatinase capaz de degradar o principal constituinte do microambiente tumoral, o colágeno do tipo IV. Há duas proteínas bem estabelecidas utilizadas como marcadores na prática clínica para o câncer de mama, os receptores de estrógeno (RE) e de progesterona (RP). Embora a presença desses receptores tenha sido associada a um melhor prognóstico, a perda delas pode ocorrer durante a progressão do tumor, com subsequente resistência à terapia hormonal. Objetivo: analisar a correlação entre as proteínas MMP-2, RE e RP por imuno-histoquímica e estabelecer o processo metastático em tumores de mama primários. Método: amostras de tumor de mama (n=44) foram analisadas por imuno-histoquímica para MMP-2, receptor de estrógeno e progesterona. Resultados: observou-se que 90% das pacientes que tinham metástases e morreram apresentaram coloração positiva para a MMP-2 (p=0,0082 para ambos). Usando a análise de Kaplan-Meier, verificou-se que as pacientes RE negativas, também positivas para MMP-2, apresentaram sobrevida livre de doença (SLD) e sobrevida global (SG) (p=0,012 e p=0,005, respectivamente) piores quando comparadas às pacientes MMP-2 negativas. Resultados semelhantes foram encontrados em pacientes RP negativas para SLD (p=0,077) e SG (p=0,038). Conclusão: embora o número de amostras avaliadas tenha sido baixo (n=44), esses dados iniciais permitem inferir que a MMP-2 em combinação com os marcadores já bem estabelecidos poderia ajudar na previsão do surgimento de metástase e morte em pacientes com câncer de mama.

Análisis de las variables clinicopatológicas e inmunohistoquímicas del cáncer de mama / Analysis of the clinicopathological and inmunohistochemical variables of breast cancer

Los carcinomas de mama representan un grupo heterogéneo de tumores tanto en comportamiento clínico como en pronóstico, estableciéndose su diversidad a nivel molecular al expresar distintos genes que le confieren variabilidad biológica.Objetivos: Clasificar los carcinomas de mama en subtipos moleculares mediante marcadores inmunohistoquímicos y analizar las características clinicopatológicas.Material y método: Se analizaron retrospectivamente 303 pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama invasivo derivadas a la Unidad Integral De Oncología Gral. Roca (Río Negro), entre los años 2008-2013. Las pacientes se clasificaron en cuatro subtipos tumorales: Luminal A, Luminal B HER2 Positivo, Triple Negativo y HER2. Resultados: La distribución por inmunofenotipos fue: Luminal A: 72,93%, Luminal B HER2 Positivo: 9,57%, Triple Negativo: 12,22% y HER2: 5,28 %. Los carcinomas Luminal A expresaron tumores más pequeños, diferenciados, con ganglios axilares negativos y estadio precoz de la enfermedad respecto de los subtipos Luminal B HER2 Positivo, Triple Negativo y HER2. Conclusiones: La clasificación del cáncer de mama basada en parámetros inmunohistoquímicos permite una mejor definición pronóstica. Los tumores Luminal A presentaron características clinicopatológicas más favorables que los inmunofenotipos Luminales B HER2 Positivos, Triple Negativo y HER2...

Inmunohistoquímica convencional como predictor de respuesta y sobrevida en pacientes con cáncer de mama tratadas con quimioterapia preoperatoria: Experiencia de un centro / Predictive value of conventional immuno-histochemical biomarkers in breast cancer

Background: Pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in breast cancer (BC) identifies patients with good prognosis. Aim: To assess if the clinico-pathological subtype, determined by classic immunohistochemical (IHC) markers, is able to predict pCR and prognosis in BC patients treated with NCT. Material and Methods: One hundred thirty three BC patients aged 24-80 years, were treated with NCT. Clinico-pathological subtype was defined based on classic IHC markers. pCR was defined as the absence of invasive neoplastic cells in the breast and lymph nodes, on final breast surgery. Results: pCR was achieved in 8.2% of patients, 3.5 and 19.5% in luminal and hormonal receptor (HR) negative tumors respectively (p < 0.01). Median follow-up was 72.6 months (3.5-190). Patients who achieved pCR had higher overall survival (OS) (p = 0.04). A univariate analysis revealed that size of the tumor, ratio of metastatic to examined lymph nodes and absence of HR were significant predictors of pCR. These findings were not replicated in the multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Clinico-pathological subtypes were independent prognostic factors for pCR and OS in BC patients in our cohort. These findings support using classic and cheap biomarkers as a predictive tool for NCT in BC.

Beneficial effects montelukast, cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist, on renal damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats

Introductıon Ureteral obstruction is a common pathology and caused kidney fibrosis and dysfunction at late period. In this present, we investigated the antifibrotic and antiinflammatory effects of montelukast which is cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, on kidney damage after unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) in rats. Mateirıals and Methods 32 rats divided four groups. Group 1 was control, group 2 was sham, group 3 was rats with UUO and group 4 was rats with UUO which were given montelukast sodium (oral 10 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, rats were killed and their kidneys were taken and blood analysis was performed. Tubular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis scoring were determined histopathologically in a part of kidneys; nitric oxide(NO), malondialdehyde(MDA) and reduced glutathione(GSH) levels were determined in the other part of kidneys. Urea-creatinine levels were investigated at blood analysis. Statistical analyses were made by the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results There was no difference significantly for urea-creatinine levels between groups. Pathologically, there was serious tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 3 and there was significantly decreasing for tubular necrosis and fibrosis in group 4(p<0.005). Also, there was significantly increasing for NO and MDA levels; decreasing for GSH levels in group 3 compared the other groups(p<0.005). Conclusıon We can say that montelukast prevent kidney damage with antioxidant effect, independently of NO. .

The Juscelino Kubitschek government and the Brazilian Malaria Control and Eradication Working Group: collaboration and conflicts in Brazilian and international health agenda, 1958-1961 / O governo JK e o Grupo de Trabalho de Controle e Erradicação da Malária no Brasil: encontros e desencontros nas agendas brasileira e internacional de saúde, 1958-1961

Malaria, a disease which was under control in the beginning of Juscelino Kubitschek government, became the most important endemic disease in 1958, when Brazil made a commitment with the World Health Organization to convert its control programs into eradication programs. For this purpose a Malaria Control and Eradication Group was set up under the leadership of the malaria specialist Mário Pinotti. Malaria would become an important bargaining chip in the context of the development policies of Kubitschek. This article focuses on path of the Malaria Control and Eradication Working Group in Brazil, in its varying relationships with the arguments and guidelines established at international level.

A malária, doença que estava controlada no início do governo de Juscelino Kubitschek, torna-se a mais importante endemia em 1958, quando o Brasil assumiu o compromisso com a Organização Mundial da Saúde de converter seus programas de controle em programas de erradicação. Para isso foi instalado um Grupo de Controle e Erradicação da Malária sob a direção do malariologista Mário Pinotti. A malária seria uma importante moeda de negociação no contexto da política de desenvolvimento de Kubitschek. Este artigo tem como foco a trajetória do Grupo de Trabalho de Controle e Erradicação da Malária no Brasil, em suas diferentes relações com as discussões e normativas travadas e estabelecidas em âmbito internacional.

Increased Expression of Forkhead Box M1 Is Associated with Aggressive Phenotype and Poor Prognosis in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Fox transcription factors play a critical role in the regulation of a variety of biological processes. While FoxM1 behaves like the oncogenic transcription factor, FoxO3a is known as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting FoxM1. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological significance of FoxM1 and FoxO3a expression in breast cancer. Expression of FoxM1 and FoxO3a were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining on tissue microarray sections from 236 breast cancer patients, and correlated with various clinicopathological characteristics. Overexpression of FoxM1 correlated with adverse clinicopathological features, such as larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage, and lymphovascular invasion. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed no prognostic significance of FoxM1 expression. However, in subgroup analyses with patients of estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancers, FoxM1 overexpression associated with poor disease free and overall survival. No association was found between FoxO3a and FoxM1 expression. Regarding clinicopathological variables, the only association between histologic grade and FoxO3a was observed. In conclusion, FoxM1 overexpression was significantly associated with aggressive phenotypes and poor prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer. These findings suggest the possible role of FoxM1 as a prognostic biomarker and putative target of anti-cancer therapy.

Cáncer de mama metastásico: Caracterización de una cohorte según subtipos / Survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer according to pathological types of tumors

Background: The prognosis of breast cancer (BC) is in part determined by the stage at diagnosis and its pathological characteristics. Aim: To evaluate the association between survival of women with metastatic breast cancer and pathological features of the tumor. Patients and Methods: We obtained clinical and pathological data from patients diagnosed with a metastatic BC between 1999 and 2013. The expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological subtypes were defined as: Luminal A: ER or PR positive, HER2 negative, histological grade (HG) 1 or 2; Luminal B: ER or PR positive, HER2 negative or positive or HG 3; triple negative (TN): ER, PR and HER2 negative, independent of the HG, positive HER2: ER, PR negative and HER2 positive, independent of HG. We analyzed survival based on these subtypes. Results: We identified 54 patients aged 24 to 85 years, with metastatic BC at diagnosis. Seventy five percent had luminal tumors; 19.6% HER2 positive and 7.8% were TN. In 61% of evaluable tumors, HG was classified as 3. The frequency of HER2 positive and high HG tumors was greater in these patients with metastatic BC than in a non-metastatic local BC cohort. Survival was higher among patients with Luminal tumors than in women with non-Luminal cancer (56.4 and 11.4 months, respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Patients with metastatic BC at diagnosis often had HER2 positive tumors and high HG. As in other studies, ER positive tumors had a better survival.

Trastuzumab-Conjugated Liposome-Coated Fluorescent Magnetic Nanoparticles to Target Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize mesoporous silica-core-shell magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) encapsulated by liposomes (Lipo [MNP@m-SiO2]) in order to enhance their stability, allow them to be used in any buffer solution, and to produce trastuzumab-conjugated (Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2]-Her2Ab) nanoparticles to be utilized in vitro for the targeting of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The physiochemical characteristics of Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] were assessed in terms of size, morphological features, and in vitro safety. The multimodal imaging properties of the organic dye incorporated into Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] were assessed with both in vitro fluorescence and MR imaging. The specific targeting ability of trastuzumab (Her2/neu antibody, Herceptin(R))-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] for Her2/neu-positive breast cancer cells was also evaluated with fluorescence and MR imaging. RESULTS: We obtained uniformly-sized and evenly distributed Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] that demonstrated biological stability, while not disrupting cell viability. Her2/neu-positive breast cancer cell targeting by trastuzumab-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] was observed by in vitro fluorescence and MR imaging. CONCLUSION: Trastuzumab-conjugated Lipo[MNP@m-SiO2] is a potential treatment tool for targeted drug delivery in Her2/neu-positive breast cancer.

CDX-2, MUC-2 and B-catenin as intestinal markers in pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast

BACKGROUND: Pure mucinous adenocarcinoma of the breast is a rare entity characterized by the production of variable amounts of mucin comprising 1% to 6% of breast carcinomas. Some mucinous adenocarcinomas have shown expression of intestinal differentiation markers such as MUC-2. This study examines the expression of intestinal differentiation markers in this type of breast carcinoma. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases of pure mucinous adenocarcinoma of the breast were assessed. Immunochemistry was performed for beta-catenin, CDX-2 and MUC-2. All cases were positive for B-catenin. MUC-2 positivity was observed in all cases; 63. 6% were 3 plus positive. All cases were negative for CDX-2. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that mucinous breast carcinomas express some markers of intestinal differentiation, such as MUC-2 and beta-catenin; however, future studies with a larger series of cases and using molecular techniques that help affirm these results are needed.

An economic evaluation of trastuzumab as adjuvant treatment of early HER2-positive breast cancer patients in Colombia / Evaluación económica del trastuzumab como tratamiento adyuvante en cáncer de mama HER2- positivo en Colombia

Objective: Trastuzumab (Herceptin®), a recombinant, humanized, monoclonal antibody targeting HER2 is well established as an effective treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. Evidence from developed countries showed that trastuzumab was cost-effective; but there are few evidences in developing countries. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of adjuvant trastuzumab treatment in Colombia. Methods: A Markov health-state transition model was built to estimate clinical and economic outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer with or without 12 months trastuzumab adjuvant chemotherapy over a lifetime perspective with annual transition cycles. The model incorporated five health states (diseasefree, local recurrence, distant recurrence, cardiac failure, and death). Baseline event rates and 3-year hazard ratio (HR=0.51, IC 95% 0.44-0.59; p<0.0001) were derived from 4-year follow up of the N9831 and NSABP B-31 trial. Costs and utility weights were obtained from the literature and were discounted by 5% annually. Results: The model showed that the utilization of adjuvant trastuzumab treatment in early breast cancer can prolong 0.80 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), compared with standard chemotherapy, an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$ 71,491 per QALY gained. Conclusion: The results suggest that 1-year adjuvant Trastuzumab treatment is not cost-effective in Colombia, using the definition of WHO cost-effectiveness threshold of 3 times GDP per capita.

Introducción. El trastuzumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal de reconocida efectividad para el tratamiento en mujeres con cáncer de mama positivo para HER2. Sin embargo, la mayoría de estudios de costo-efectividad se han llevado a cabo en países desarrollados. Objetivo. Determinar el costo-efectividad del tratamiento adyuvante con trastuzumab en mujeres con cáncer de mama HER2+ en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se construyó un modelo de Markov, con ciclos de transición anuales y desde la perspectiva del pagador, para estimar los resultados clínicos y económicos derivados de la administración de trastuzumab en mujeres con HER2 positivo. El modelo incorpora cinco estados de transición: libre de enfermedad, recurrencia local, metástasis, falla cardiaca y muerte. La tasa de eventos y la razón de tazas instantáneas (0,51; IC 95% 0,44-0,59; p<0,0001) se derivaron del reporte a cuatro años de los ensayos clínicos controlados N9831 y NSABP B-31. Los costos y las utilidades se estimados a partir de la literatura científica, utilizando una tasa de descuento del 5 % anual. Resultados. El modelo revela que la utilización de trastuzumab como tratamiento adyuvante prolonga la expectativa de vida ajustada por calidad en 0,8 años, en comparación con la quimioterapia sin trastuzumab; a una razón de costo efectividad incremental (sic.) de US$ 71.491 por año de vida ganado ajustado por calidad de vida. Conclusión. El tratamiento con trastuzumab durante un año no es costo-efectivo en Colombia, utilizando la definición de costo-efectividad de la OMS de menos de dos a tres veces el PIB per cápita por año de vida ganado ajustado por calidad de vida.

Comportamiento de las Dislipidemias en pacientes bajo tratamiento por Carcinoma Mamario / Dyslipidemia behavior in patients under treatment for Breast Carcinoma

Los cambios en el perfil lipídico han sido asociados con cáncer porque los lípidos juegan un papel clave en el mantenimiento de la integridad celular. Los pacientes con malignidades pueden necesitar terapia hormonal, la cual puede modificar los valores del perfil lipídico. Por estos motivos, se ha diseñado este estudio, observacional descriptivo longitudinal, realizado en 35 mujeres de entre 29 y 70 años, con diagnóstico de carcinoma mamario. El mismo fue llevado a cabo entre junio y diciembre del 2011. Respecto al tipo histológico de carcinoma mamario (n=35), el 88,6% correspondió a carcinoma ductal, 5,4% lobulillar, 2,9% medular y 2,9% mal diferenciado. El 97,1% había sido diagnosticado en los últimos 12 meses. El 94,3% de las pacientes inició el estudio con clase funcional I, a los 6 meses el porcentaje de pacientes con clase funcional I descendió al 84%. En la primera consulta los valores de colesterol total estuvieron entre 130 y 314 mg/dL; HDL de 30 a 62 mg/dL; LDL 76 a 224 mg/dL; triglicéridos 80 a 422 mg/dL. Los tratamientos realizados para las dislipidemias fueron: medidas higiénicodietéticas y fármacos 54,3%, medidas higiénicodietéticas 31,4%, estatinas 11,4%, estatinas y fibratos 2,9%. Al cabo de 6 meses de seguimiento, los valores obtenidos fueron: colesterol total: 150-300 mg/dL; HDL: 32-47 mg/dL; LDL: 85-215 mg/ dL; triglicéridos 64-198 mg/dL. Se puede por lo tanto observar en estas pacientes que el colesterol total no registró variaciones, un incremento no significativo en las HDL, se mantuvieron los niveles de LDL y un descenso significativo en los triglicéridos (p<0,05). Los oncólogos deberían considerar cambios en el estilo de vida de los pacientes y si fuera necesario, tratamientos para la dislipidemia. Palabras clave: dislipidemia, carcinoma mamario, colesterol, triglicéridos

Changes in lipid profile have been associated with cancer because lipids play a key role in the maintenance of cellular integrity . Patients with malignancies may need hormone therapy, which can modify their lipid profile. In order to evaluate this, we designed this observational, longitudinal, descriptive study, which was conducted on 35 women between 29 and 70 years of age, and who was diagnosed with breast carcinoma. The study was carried out between June and December 2011. Regarding the histologic type of breast carcinoma ( n = 35 ), 88.6 % were ductal carcinoma, 5.4% were lobular, and 2.9 % were poorly differentiated medullary carcinomas. 97.1% of patients had been diagnosed in the past 12 months. 94.3 % of patients began the study with a functional class I. At 6 months, the percentage of patients with functional class I dropped to 84%. At their first visit, the total cholesterol values were between 130 and 314 mg / dL, HDL 30 to 62 mg / dL, LDL 76-224 mg / dL, and triglycerides 80-422 mg / dL. The treatments that were used for dyslipidemia: lifestyle changes and medications, 54.3 %; 31.4 % lifestyle changes only; 11.4% statin treatment; fibrates and statins, 2.9%. At the 6-month follow-up , the values were : total cholesterol 150-300 mg / dL, HDL : 32-47 mg / dL , LDL : 85-215 mg / dL, triglycerides 64-198 mg / dL. We therefore observed that in these patients, the total cholesterol levels remained unchanged: we noted no significant increase in HDL or LDL levels. We did note a significant decrease in triglycerides ( p <0.05 ) levels. Oncologists should consider recommending lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication treatment for cancer patients with dyslipidemias. Keywords: dyslipidemia, breast cancer, cholesterol, triglycerides

Expression of claudin, paxillin and FRA-1 in non-nodular breast lesions in association with microcalcifications / Expressão de claudina, paxilina e FRA-1 em lesões mamárias não nodulares associadas a microcalcificações

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE The possible role of adhesion molecules in early breast carcinogenesis has been shown in the literature. We aimed to analyze early adhesion imbalances in non-nodular breast lesions and their association with precursor lesions, in order to ascertain whether these alterations exist and contribute towards early carcinogenesis. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective cross-sectional study based on medical records at a private radiological clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all consecutive women attended between August 2006 and July 2007 who presented mammographic evidence of breast microcalcifications classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Atlas (BI-RADS) type 4. These women underwent stereotaxic biopsy. Clinical, radiological and pathological data were collected, and immunohistochemical assays searched for claudin, paxillin, FRA-1 and HER-2. RESULTS Over this period, 127 patients were evaluated. Previous BI-RADS diagnoses showed that 69 cases were in category 4A, 47 in 4B and 11 in 4C. Morphological assessment showed benign entities in 86.5%. Most of the benign lesions showed preserved claudin expression, associated with paxillin (P < 0.001). Paxillin and HER-2 expressions were correlated. FRA-1 expression was also strongly associated with HER-2 expression (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although already present in smaller amounts, imbalance of adhesion molecules is not necessarily prevalent in non-nodular breast lesions. Since FRA-1 expression reached statistically significant correlations with radiological and morphological diagnoses and HER-2 status, it may have a predictive role in this setting. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO A literatura tem mostrado a importância de moléculas de adesão na carcinogênese precoce de mama. Objetivamos analisar desequilíbrios precoces de adesão em lesões não nodulares da mama e associação com lesões precursoras, a fim de verificar se essas alterações existem e contribuem com a carcinogênese. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo retrospectivo baseado em prontuários médicos, numa clínica radiológica privada em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS Revisamos retrospectivamente prontuários de todas as mulheres consecutivamente atendidas com evidência mamográfica de microcalcificações mamárias, classificadas como tipo 4 do Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Atlas (BI-RADS) entre agosto de 2006 e julho de 2007. Elas foram submetidas a biópsia estereotáxica. Dados clínicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos foram coletados e ensaios de imunoistoquímica procuraram por claudina, paxilina, HER-2 e FRA-1. RESULTADOS No período, 127 pacientes foram avaliadas. Diagnósticos de BI-RADS anteriores tinham 69 casos na categoria 4A, 47 em 4B, e 11 em 4C. A avaliação morfológica mostrou entidades benignas em 86,5%. A maioria das lesões benignas mostrou expressão preservada de claudina, associada a paxilina (P < 0,001). Expressões de paxilina e HER-2 foram correlacionadas. Expressão de FRA-1 associou-se à de HER-2 (P < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES Embora já presente em menor quantidade, o desequilíbrio de moléculas de adesão não é necessariamente prevalente em lesões mamárias nodulares e talvez a expressão de FRA-1 possa ter um papel preditivo neste cenário, uma vez que atingiu correlações ...

Terapia endocrina neoadyuvante en cáncer de mama, una alternativa de tratamiento e investigación / Neoadyuvant endocrine therapy in breast cancer

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an accepted strategyforpatients with locally advanced breast cáncer. This approach increases the possibilities ofconservative treatment and improves the resectability rates ofinitially unresectable tumors. In addition, preoperative systemic therapy allows the evaluation of prognostic and predictive factors, dynamically and in vivo. Since over 80% ofthese tumors express estrogen receptors (ER), endocrine therapy seems a logical treatment to employ in the neoadjuvant setting. The advent ofnew drugs that regúlate the ERfunction, along with the results of severa! clinical studies with the use of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, support the feasibility and safety of utilizing this strategy before surgery. We herein analyze the available clinical evidence about the use of neoadjuvant therapy aiming to regúlate the activity ofthe ER. We also discuss the valué of predictive factors that could help the oncologist to select those patients most likely to benefit from this approach and the role of endocrine therapy as a research instrument.