Efficacy of First-Line Treatment With Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab in Advanced Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer in Routine Clinical Practice.

Background: The first-line treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) involves a combination of trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and a taxane (TPH). This study assessed the efficacy of trastuzumab and pertuzumab (PH) in routine practice, following the treatment protocols of Uruguay's National Resources Fund (FNR), akin to clinical trials. Methods: Patients with advanced MBC treated with PH between 2008 and 2022 per FNR protocols were evaluated. The Kaplan-Meyer method and log-rank test were utilized for analyzing overall survival (OS). Demographic and clinical variables, including age, menopausal status, and hormone receptors (HR), were analyzed. Results: The study included 318 PH-treated patients. The median age was 56 years, with 63.2% being postmenopausal and 60.4% HR and HER-2 positive. With a median follow-up of 17.2 months, the median OS was 29 months. OS varied based on HR status and the presence of metastases at different sites, significantly lower in patients with brain, cutaneous/subcutaneous, and pulmonary metastases. Additionally, OS was higher in patients treated at private institutions compared to public ones. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the disparity in oncological treatment efficacy between clinical trials and clinical reality in Uruguay, emphasizing the importance of authentic environment research for more representative and effective medicine in Latin America.

Arthralgia and myalgia associated with aromatase inhibitors: frequency and characterization in real-life patients.

Introduction: Adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AI) in oestrogen receptor-positive and/or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer (BC) has been shown to increase overall survival. However, arthralgias and myalgias are common adverse effects in patients treated with AI. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and characteristics of arthralgias and myalgias in patients with early BC-treated adjuvantly with AI in the Mastology Unit of the Oncology Service of the Hospital de Clínicas and the Departmental Hospital of Soriano. Materials and methods: A prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed. A questionnaire was administered to patients to assess the presence and characteristics of arthralgias and myalgias associated with AI. Statistical analysis: 'Age' was described with measures of central tendency and dispersion. Qualitative variables were presented in absolute and relative frequencies. Logistic models were used to evaluate the association between patient characteristics, tumour characteristics, treatment characteristics and the presence of pain. Results were presented by odds ratio and p-value, using R software (version 4.1.2) with a significance threshold of 5%. Results: 83 patients were included, with a median age of 69 years. 75.9% presented arthralgias and/or myalgias related to treatment, with an average intensity of 5-7. 80.9% received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), achieving satisfactory analgesia. The presence of arthralgias and myalgias was significantly associated with age and time since the last menstrual period (LMP), being more frequent in patients older than 50 years and those with more than 5 years since the LMP. Conclusion: Approximately 70% of the patients presented arthralgias or myalgias. These findings suggest a possible role of oestrogen withdrawal in its mechanism of development. Multidisciplinary and translational research is crucial to evaluate the ethology and therapeutic options for patients with AI-related arthralgia.

Características clínico- patológicas y evolución del cáncer de mama en pacientes asistidas en la Unidad de Mastología del Hospital de Clínicas

Introducción: En Uruguay el cáncer de mama (CM) ocupa el primer lugar en incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en la mujer, se trata de una enfermedad multifactorial que guarda relación con la herencia genética, historial hormonal estrogénico, estilo de vida, factores ambientales y culturales. Objetivos: investigar las características clínico-patológicas de pacientes con CM diagnosticadas en el Hospital de Clínicas y evaluar la sobrevida global total (SVG) y de acuerdo al subtipo biológico. Metodología: se recolectaron datos relacionados con las características clínico-patológicas y la evolución de pacientes tratadas por CM en el período comprendido entre el 1º de enero del 2011 y 31 de diciembre de 2020 asistidas en la Unidad de Mastología del Hospital de Clínicas. Se calculó la SVG para todas las pacientes, globalmente, y según el subtipo biológico. Resultados: se incluyeron 390 pacientes. Las características clínico-patológicas fueron: carcinoma ductal: 83%, estadio: in situ (1.8 %), I (27.7 %), II (29.7 %), III (23.6%), IV (12.6 %). Con respecto al perfil biológico: 235 tumores (60.3%) fueron RRHH+ HER 2−, 88 tumores (22.6%) fueron HER2 +, mientras que otros 41 tumores (10.5%) fueron clasificados como triple negativos (TN). La SVG para la totalidad de las pacientes tuvo una mediana de 92 meses. Las tasas de SVG a 2 y 5 años fueron para las luminales de 92% y 64%; en las TN la tasa de SVG a 24 meses fue de 69%, siendo a 5 años de 53.3% y en las HER2 + 76.6% y 67.3% respectivamente. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los tumores fueron diagnosticados en estadios precoces, siendo estos datos son concordantes con los reportados en estudios realizados a nivel nacional. La frecuencia de tumores RE/RP+ algo inferior a la reportada en estudios previos (70%) a nivel nacional, mientras que la de tumores HER 2 + TN fue similar a la reportada en estudios europeos, norteamericanos y en Latinoamérica donde se la prevalencia encontrada es del 20%

Introduction: In Uruguay, breast cancer (BC) ranks first in incidence and mortality from cancer in women. It is a multifactorial disease that is related to genetic inheritance, estrogenic hormonal history, lifestyle, environmental and cultural factors. Objectives: to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with BC diagnosed at the Hospital de Clínicas and to evaluate the overall overall survival (SVG) and according to the biological subtype. Metodology: data related to the clinicopathological characteristics and the evolution of patients treated for BC in the period between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2020 assisted in the Mastology Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas were collected. Overall survival (SVG) was calculated for all patients, globally, and according to biological subtype. Results: 390 patients were included. The clinicopathological characteristics were: ductal carcinoma: 83%, stage: in situ (1.8%), I (27.7%), II (29.7%), III (23.6%), IV (12.6%). Regarding the biological profile: 235 tumors (60.3%) were HR+ HER 2−, 88 tumors (22.6%) were HER2 +, while another 41 tumors (10.5%) were classified as triple negative (TN). The SVG for all the patients had a median of 92 months. SVG rates at 2 and 5 years were 92% and 64% for luminals; in TN the 24-month survival rate was 69%, being 53.3% at 5 years and in HER2 + 76.6% and 67.3% respectively. Conclusions: Most of the tumors were diagnosed in early stages, these data being consistent with those reported in studies carried out at the national level. The frequency of ER/RP+ tumors was somewhat lower than that reported in previous studies (70%) at the national level, while that of HER 2 + TN tumors was similar to that reported in European, North American and Latin American studies where the prevalence found is 20%

Introdução: No Uruguai, o câncer de mama (CM) ocupa o primeiro lugar em incidência e mortalidade por câncer em mulheres. É uma doença multifatorial que está relacionada à herança genética, história hormonal estrogênica, estilo de vida, fatores ambientais e culturais. Objetivos: investigar as características clinicopatológicas dos pacientes com CM diagnosticados no Hospital de Clínicas e avaliar a sobrevida global (OSV) e segundo o subtipo biológico. Material e método: foram coletados dados referentes às características clínico-patológicas e à evolução dos pacientes atendidos por CM no período de 1º de janeiro de 2011 a 31 de dezembro de 2020 atendidos na Unidade de Mastologia do Hospital de Clínicas. A sobrevida global (SVG) foi calculada para todos os pacientes, globalmente e de acordo com o subtipo biológico. Resultados: 390 pacientes foram incluídos. As características clínico-patológicas foram: carcinoma ductal: 83%, estádio: in situ (1,8%), I (27,7%), II (29,7%), III (23,6%), IV (12,6%). Quanto ao perfil biológico: 235 tumores (60,3%) eram HR+ HER 2−, 88 tumores (22,6%) eram HER2+, enquanto outros 41 tumores (10,5%) foram classificados como triplo negativo (TN). O SVG para todos os pacientes teve uma mediana de 92 meses. As taxas de SVG aos 2 e 5 anos foram de 92% e 64% para luminais; em TN a sobrevida em 24 meses foi de 69%, sendo 53,3% em 5 anos e em HER2 + 76,6% e 67,3%, respectivamente. Conclusões: A maioria dos tumores foi diagnosticada em estágios iniciais, sendo esses dados consistentes com os relatados em estudos realizados em nível nacional. A frequência de tumores ER/RP+ foi um pouco menor do que a relatada em estudos anteriores (70%) em nível nacional, enquanto a de tumores HER 2 + TN foi semelhante à relatada em estudos europeus, norte-americanos e latino-americanos, onde a prevalência encontrado é 20%

Repercusión de la pandemia COVID-19 en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de mama en pacientes asistidas en la Unidad de Mastología del Hospital de Clínicas

Introducción: la crisis sanitaria por COVID-19 impactó en la atención de diversas patologías, entre ellas, el cáncer. Con el fin de disminuir el riesgo de contraer SARS-CoV-2 se redujo el número de consultas, lo que determinó un aumento en la tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad para otras patologías, lo que se ha denominado la "segunda pandemia". Objetivo: describir la actividad asistencial de la Unidad de Mastología (UM) en el período marzo 2020 - marzo 2022 y compararla con la del período marzo 2019 - marzo 2021. Objetivo: describir la actividad asistencial de la Unidad de Mastología (UM) en el período marzo 2020 - marzo 2022 y compararla con la del período marzo 2019 - marzo 2021. Material y método: estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes asistidas por cáncer de mama (CM) en el período marzo 2019 - marzo 2022. Resultados: durante el año previo a la pandemia se asistieron 30 nuevas pacientes. En cuanto al tiempo entre el diagnóstico anatomopatológico y el primer tratamiento, en 73,3% fue ≤ 2 meses, 16,6% > 2 meses y ≤ 4 meses y en 10% fue > 4 meses. Durante la pandemia se asistieron 50 pacientes nuevas, lo que se traduce en un descenso de 16,6%. En cuanto al tiempo entre el diagnóstico anatomopatológico y el primer tratamiento: en 41% fue ≤ 2 meses, 33% > 2 meses y ≤ 4 meses y en 25% fue > 4 meses. Conclusiones: si bien se logró mantener la actividad asistencial y dar continuidad a la mayoría de los tratamientos, durante la pandemia COVID-19 se redujo el número de pacientes derivadas al servicio en aproximadamente 16,6% y se produjo un aumento en el tiempo transcurrido entre el diagnóstico y el primer tratamiento.

Introduction: the COVID-19 health crisis had a significant impact on the management of various pathologies, including cancer. To reduce the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, the number of consultations was reduced, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates for other pathologies, which has been referred to as the "second pandemic." Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical activity of the Breast Unit (BU) during the period March 2020-2022 and compare it with the activity during the period March 2019-2021. Objective: the aim of this study is to describe the clinical activity of the Breast Unit (BU) during the period March 2020-2022 and compare it with the activity during the period March 2019-2021. Method: retrospective observational study including patients attending the BU during the period March 2019-2022. Results: in the year before the pandemic, 30 new patients were assisted. Regarding the time between anatomopathological diagnosis and the initiation of the first treatment: in 73.3% of cases, it was ≤ 2 months, 16.6% > 2 months and ≤ 4 months, and in 10%, it was > 4 months. During the pandemic, 50 new patients were assisted, representing a decrease of approximately 16.6% in the number of new patients attended. Regarding the time between anatomopathological diagnosis and the initiation of the first treatment: in 41% of cases, it was ≤ 2 months, 33% > 2 months and ≤ 4 months, and in 25%, it was > 4 months. Conclusion: although the BU managed to maintain its clinical activity and continuity of most treatments during the COVID pandemic, there was a reduction in the number of patients referred to the service by approximately 16.6% and an increase in the time elapsed between diagnosis and the initiation of the first treatment.

Introdução: a crise sanitária causada pela COVID-19 impactou o atendimento de diversas patologias, inclusive o câncer. Para diminuir o risco de contrair SARS-CoV-2, reduziu-se o número de consultas, o que determinou um aumento da taxa de morbimortalidade por outras patologias, o que tem sido chamado de "segunda pandemia". Objetivo: descrever a atividade assistencial da Unidade de Mastologia (UM) no período março de 2020 - março de 2022 e compará-la com a do período março de 2019 - março de 2020. Material e método: estudo observacional retrospectivo que incluiu pacientes atendidos pelo CM no período março de 2019 - março de 2022. Resultados: no ano anterior à pandemia foram atendidos 30 novos pacientes. Em relação ao tempo entre o diagnóstico patológico e o primeiro tratamento: em 73,3% foi ≤2 meses, 16,6% >2 meses e ≤4 meses e em 10% foi >4 meses. Durante a pandemia, foram atendidos 50 novos pacientes, o que se traduz em uma queda de 16,6%no número de novos pacientes atendidos. Quanto ao tempo entre o diagnóstico patológico e o primeiro tratamento: em 41% foi ≤2 meses, 33% >2 meses e ≤4 meses e em 25% foi >4 meses. Conclusão: embora tenha conseguido manter a atividade assistencial e dar continuidade à maioria dos tratamentos, durante a pandemia de COVID-19 o número de pacientes encaminhados para o Serviço diminuiu cerca de 16,6% e houve um aumento do tempo decorrido entre o diagnóstico e o primeiro tratamento.

Assessing Adherence to Adjuvant Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients in Routine Clinical Practice.

Background: Adjuvant hormone therapy (HT) in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (BC) increases overall survival (OS). A lack of adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy is common, 31.0-73.0% of women discontinue endocrine treatment before 5 years. The aim of the study was to assess adherence to HT in routine clinical practice in patients assisted at the Clinical Oncology Department of the Hospital de Clinicas - Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay. Methods: Patients treated with HT for stage 0-III BC between 2017 and 2019 were included. The medication possession (MPR) rate was calculated using pharmacy records, and the Morisky-Green Scale was applied to assess adherence. Adherent patients were those with MPR ≥ 0.80 and who correctly answered the Morisky-Green treatment adherence questionnaire. The association of adherence with polypharmacy, treatment, and patient characteristics was assessed using simple logistic models. The associations between qualitative variables and adherence were assessed using simple logistic regression model or Fisher's exact test. The association between quantitative variables and adherence was assessed using the Student's t-test. The odds ratio (OR) for non-adherence to treatment and its 95% confidence interval were estimated. Results: Totally, 118 patients were included; 65.2% were treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), 36.0% presenting polypharmacy. The adherence rate at the end of 2 years was 81.0 %; and it was associated with age (P = 0.03, OR = 0.96 for non-adherence), with adherent and non-adherent patients having a mean age of 65.0 and 60.3 years, respectively; however, adherence was not associated with polypharmacy, territory of origin, marital status, living alone, level of education, occupation, or stage. The adherence profile was similar for both drugs, but homemakers and retired women showed greater adherence to AI. Conclusions: Adherence to HT was assessed in real life, with 19.0% of the patients not adhering to the treatment, despite the known benefit for OS, being a well-tolerated treatment, and being provided free of charge. Older patients were associated with being more adherent. The results show the need of the Pharmacy Service and Department of Clinical Oncology Medical Oncology combining efforts to develop coordinated strategies and interventions to increase adherence, given the impact that this may have on patients' OS.

Controversias en radioterapia adyuvante en cáncer de próstata localizado

La elección del momento más adecuado para realizar radioterapia en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata es controversial ya que puede ser realizada inmediatamente posterior a la prostatectomía o como tratamiento de rescate ante una recaída. En este artículo, se realiza una búsqueda del tema, se seleccionan los ensayos clínicos con mayor evidencia y se analizan los resultados. Si bien existe beneficio en la radioterapia adyuvante, este resultado no se encuentra en todos los pacientes y sí se asocia a mayor toxicidad genitourinaria tardía, por lo tanto, la clave está en la selección del tratamiento según el paciente específico.

The choice of the most appropriate time to perform radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer is controversial since it can be performed immediately after prostatectomy or as rescue treatment in case of relapse. In this article, a search for the topic is carried out, the clinical trials with the greatest evidence are selected and the results are analyzed. Although there is benefit in adjuvant radiotherapy, this result is not found in all patients and it is associated with greater late genitoutinary toxicity, therefore, the key is in the selection of treatment according to the specific patient.

Conocimiento y uso de las distintas herramientas de tamizaje del cáncer de mama entre médicos del primer nivel de atención: un estudio transversal / Knowledge and use of different breast cancer screening tools among primary care physicians: a cross-sectional study / Conhecimento e uso de diferentes ferramentas de rastreamento do câncer de mama entre médicos da atenção primária: um estudo transversal

Resumen: Introducción: en Uruguay el cáncer de mama (CM) ocupa el primer lugar en incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en la mujer. Objetivo: conocer la implementación del tamizaje del CM en la práctica clínica habitual y el grado de adhesión a las recomendaciones planteadas en el año 2015 por el Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP) para la detección temprana del CM entre los médicos del primer nivel de atención. Material y métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal. Se aplicó una encuesta dirigida a médicos del primer nivel de atención, de carácter anónimo. Resultados: se incluyeron 169 médicos, 89,4% (151) considera que el uso de la mamografía de tamizaje disminuye la mortalidad por CM, 54,4% (92) indica la mamografía a partir de los 40 años de edad y 38,5% (65) a partir de los 50 años. El 56,8% (96) indica la mamografía cada 2 años en la población de mujeres que se encuentran entre 50 y 69 años. El 65,7% de los encuestados (111) conoce la guía nacional y 47,9% (81) la utiliza, mientras que el 18,9% (32) utiliza recomendaciones de otras sociedades científicas. Conclusión: el presente estudio evidenció que los médicos del primer nivel de atención hacen un uso correcto de las distintas herramientas de tamizaje del CM. Se necesitan medidas activas para desarrollar programas educativos para el personal de salud, que podrían permitirles difundir conocimientos e influir positivamente en las actitudes de los pacientes.

Summary: Introduction: in Uruguay, breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in women. Objective: to understand the implementation of BC screening among primary care physicians in routine clinical practice and the degree of adherence to the recommendations put forward in 2015 by the Ministry of Public Health (MPH) for the early detection of BC. Materials and methods: this was a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study. An anonymous survey was administered to physicians working in primary care. Results: 169 physicians were included, 89.4% (151) consider the use of screening mammography decreases mortality from BC, 54.4% (92) indicate mammography from 40 years of age and 38.5% (65) from 50 years of age. The majority (56.8%, 96) indicate mammography every 2 years in the population of women aged 50-69 years. Of the respondents, 65.7% (111) were aware of the national guidelines and 47.9% (81) followed them, while 18.9% (32) followed recommendations from other scientific bodies. Conclusion: this study showed that primary care physicians make correct use of the different BC screening tools. Active measures are needed to develop educational programs for healthcare personnel, which may enable them to disseminate knowledge and positively influence patients' attitudes.

Resumo: Introdução: o câncer de mama (CM) ocupa o primeiro lugar em incidência e mortalidade por câncer em mulheres no Uruguai. Objetivo: conhecer a implementação do rastreamento do CM na prática clínica de rotina e o grau de adesão às recomendações de 2015 do Ministério da Saúde Pública para detecção precoce do CM entre os médicos do primeiro nível de atenção. Material e métodos: trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo e transversal. Foi aplicada uma pesquisa anônima destinada aos médicos do primeiro nível de atenção. Resultados: foram incluídos 169 médicos; 89,4% (151) consideram que o uso da mamografia de rastreamento diminui a mortalidade por CM, 54,4% (92) indicam mamografia a partir dos 40 anos e 38,5% (65) a partir dos 50 anos; 56,8% (96) indicam mamografia a cada 2 anos na população de mulheres entre 50 e 69 anos. 65,7% dos respondentes (111) conhecem o guia nacional e 47,9% (81) o utilizam, enquanto 18,9% (32) utilizam recomendações de outras sociedades científicas. Conclusão: este estudo mostrou que os médicos do primeiro nível de atenção fazem uso correto das diferentes ferramentas de rastreamento do CM. São necessárias medidas ativas para desenvolver programas educacionais para os profissionais de saúde, que possam permitir que eles disseminem o conhecimento e influenciem positivamente as atitudes dos pacientes.

Population-based screening of Uruguayan Ashkenazi Jews for recurrent BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic sequence variants.

In Ashkenazi Jews (AJ) three recurring pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) are detected in ~2.5% of the general population in the BRCA1 (c.68_69del = 185delAG, c.5266dup = 5382insC), and BRCA2 (c.5946del = 6174delT). Population-based screening for these PSVs in AJ women is part of the health basket in Israel. To assess the feasibility and outcome of BRCA genotyping in the Jewish population of Uruguay, AJ in the greater Montevideo area were recruited using ethically approved protocol and without pretest counseling were genotyped for the three predominant AJ PSVs in the BRCA genes. Independently confirmed PSV carriers were counseled, and genetic testing was offered to additional family members. Overall, 327 participants were enrolled: 312 (95%) female, 261 (80%) had all four grandparents AJ, and 14 (4%) women were breast cancer survivors with a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) 50 ± 11.5 years. The BRCA1 c.68_69del PSV was detected in three cancer free participants (0.92%, CI 95% 0.31-2.6), all with a suggestive family history. No carriers of the other two recurrent PSVs were detected. Online oncogenetic counseling was provided for all carriers. In conclusion, the rate of the BRCA1 c.68_69del PSV was similar with the rate in other AJ communities. AJ population BRCA genotyping screens in Uruguay seem feasible and should be promoted.

Survival and Time to Initiation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Among Breast Cancer Patients in Uruguay.

INTRODUCTION: Increases in disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer (BC) are widely known; however, the optimal time to initiate treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the time elapsed between surgery and the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy and its possible impact on OS in patients diagnosed with BC stages I-III. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 112 patients diagnosed with BC stages I-III who received adjuvant chemotherapy at the Mastology Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas in Uruguay from 2009 to 2019. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: No statistically significant association was found between the time from surgery to the initiation of chemotherapy and the described variables. OS was worse for patients initiating chemotherapy more than 90 days after breast surgery (n = 19) (HR 7.63; p = 0.004) and between 61 and 90 days after surgery (n = 46) (HR 4.58; p = 0.040) compared to those who started before 30 days (n = 23). Controlling by type of surgery and stage, the prognosis of patients who started chemotherapy between 61 and 90 days after surgery was similar to that of patients who underwent chemotherapy within the first 30 days, controlling for surgery (HR 4.10; p = 0.056) and controlling for stage (HR 3.76; p = 0.075). Prognosis was worse for patients with stage III disease (p = 0.022) who underwent a mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node dissection (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Patients who started chemotherapy more than 90 days following surgery and those with stage III disease or underwent mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node dissection who initiated it between 61 and 90 days had a worse OS. Multiple factors are involved in the time between surgery and the initiation of chemotherapy, and further studies are needed to evaluate which of these factors influence the delay of chemotherapy in order to design strategies to avoid such delays and their negative impact on survival.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care activities at a Uruguayan mastology unit.

PURPOSE: Health emergency due to COVID-19 started in Uruguay on March 13, 2020; our mastology unit tried to ensure adequate oncological care, and protect patients from the virus infection and complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the health care activities in the "peak" of the pandemic during 3 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: we collected data from the electronic health record. RESULTS: There were a total of 293 medical appointments from 131 patients (221 face-to-face), that decreased by 16.7% compared to the same period in 2019 (352 appointments). The medical appointments were scheduled to evaluate the continuity of systemic treatment or modifications (95 patients; 72.5%), follow-up (17; 12.9%), first-time consultation (12; 9.1%), and assess paraclinical studies (7; 5.3%). The patients were on hormone therapy (81 patients; 74%), chemotherapy (CT) (21; 19%), and anti-HER2 therapies (9; 8%). New twenty treatments were initiated. Of the 14 patients that were on adjuvant/neoadjuvant CT, 9 (64.3%) continued with the same regimen with the addition of prophylactic granulocyte-colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF), and 5 (35.7%), who were receiving weekly paclitaxel, continued the treatment with no changes. Of the seven patients that were on palliative CT, 2 (28.5%) continued the treatment with the addition of G-CSF, 3 (42.8%) continued with weekly capecitabine or paclitaxel with no treatment changes, and 2 (28.5%) changed their treatment regimen (a less myelosuppressive regimen was selected for one and due to progression of the disease in the other patient). The ninety patients who were receiving adjuvant, neoadjuvant, or palliative criteria hormone therapy and/or anti-HER2 therapies, continued the treatment with no changes. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that, although medical appointments decreased by approximately 17%, we could maintain healthcare activities, continued most of the treatments while the most modified was CT with G-CSF to avoid myelosuppression.

Melanoma cutáneo en Uruguay: características clínico-epidemiológicas y sobrevida en cohorte de pacientes de dos centros de referencia en el período 2008-2017 / Cutaneous melanoma in Uruguay: clinical and epidemiological survival in a cohort of patients assisted intwo reference centers between 2008-2017 / Melanoma cutâneo no Uruguai: características clínico-epidemiológicas e sobrevida em uma coorte de pacientes de dois centros de referência no período 2008-2017

Resumen: El melanoma cutáneo es el tumor que más ha aumentado en incidencia en los últimos años. Presenta alta letalidad en estadios avanzados. En nuestro país el promedio anual de casos sería de 129 en hombres, 117 en mujeres, con 50 y 30 muertes anuales respectivamente. Objetivo: describir y analizar el perfil clínico-epidemiológico y sobrevida de una cohorte de pacientes portadores de melanoma cutáneo asistidos en dos centros de referencia en Montevideo en el período comprendido entre 2008 y 2017. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, observacional de cohortes históricas en base a revisión de historias clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de melanoma cutáneo asistidos en el Servicio de Oncología del Hospital de Clínicas y en la Unidad de Oncología cutánea del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer en el período comprendido entre 2008 y 2017, con un seguimiento de los casos hasta el 31 de julio de 2018. Resultados: se analizaron 173 pacientes, mediana de edad 61,2 años (14-89), 50,3% de sexo masculino y 49,7% de sexo femenino. La forma anátomo-clínica nodular fue la más frecuente (32,7%), seguida de la extensiva superficial (28,9%), siendo el resto menos frecuentes. No fue alcanzada la mediana de sobrevida global (SVG), siendo la tasa de SVG a cinco años de 68,5% y a diez años de 54,5%. La mediana de SVG en EIV fue de 12 meses (IC 95% 8,5-21,5). Conclusiones: los resultados de nuestra serie en SVG son similares a los reportados a nivel mundial, al igual que en la mayoría de las características clínico-epidemiológicas. Se trata del primer trabajo con reporte de sobrevida en melanoma cutáneo en nuestro país.

Summary: Cutaneous melanoma is the tumour whose incidence has increased the most in recent years. This condition is highly lethal in advanced stages. In our country the annual average of cases adds up to 129 in men and 117 in women, there being 50 and 30 respectively, every year. Objective: to describe and analyse the clinical and epidemiological profile and survival in a cohort of patients who are carriers of cutaneous melanoma and were assisted in two reference centers in Montevideo between 2008 and 2017. Methods: we conducted a descriptive, retrospective, observational study of historical cohorts, based on a review of the medical records in patients with a diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma assisted in the Oncology Service of the University Hospital and the Skin Oncology Unit of the National Cancer Institute between 2008 and 2017, with a follow-up until March 31, 2018. Results: 173 pacientes were analysed, median age was 61.2 years old (14-89), 50.3% were men and 49.7% were women. Nodular anatomo-clinical presentation was the most frequent form (32.7%), followed by superficial spreading (28.9%), other forms being less frequent. Median global survival was not achieved, global survival after 5 years being 68.5% and 54.5% after 10 years. Median global survival in Stage 4 was 12 months (IC 95% 8.5-21.5). Conclusions: the results in our series are similar to those reported internationally, in terms of global survival, the same as in most of the clinical an epidemiological characteristics. This is the first study with a cutaneous melanoma survival report in our country.

Resumo: O melanoma cutâneo é o tumor cuja incidência mostrou o maior incremento nos últimos anos. Nos estádios avançados apresenta alta letalidade. No Uruguai a média anual de casos seria de 129 em homens, 117 em mulheres, com 50 e 30 casos anuais respectivamente. Objetivo: descrever e analisar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico e a sobrevida de uma coorte de pacientes portadores de melanoma cutâneo atendidos em dois centros de referência em Montevidéu no período 2008- 2017. Métodos: um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, observacional de coortes históricas foi realizado baseado na revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes com diagnóstico de melanoma cutâneo atendidos no Serviço de Oncologia do Hospital de Clínicas e na Unidade de Oncologia cutânea do Instituto Nacional del Cáncer no período 2008-2017, com um seguimento até 31/07/2018. Resultados: foram analisados 173 pacientes, com mediana de idade 61,2 anos (14-89), sendo 50,3% do sexo masculino e 49,7% feminino. A forma anátomo-clínica nodular foi a mais frequente (32,7%) seguido pela extensiva superficial (28,9%), as demais formas foram menos frequentes. Não foi possível alcançar a mediana de sobrevida global, sendo a taxa de SVG a 5 anos 68,5% e a 10 anos 54,5%. A mediana de SVG em EIV foi de 12 meses (IC 95% 8,5-21,5). Conclusões: os resultados da série estudada em sobrevida global são similares aos descritos internacionalmente, assim como a maioria das características clínico-epidemiológicas. Este é o primeiro trabalho que informa sobre a sobrevida em melanoma cutâneo no Uruguai.

Cardiotoxicidad inducida por Trastuzumab en pacientes uruguayas portadoras de cáncer de mama HER positivo / Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity in uruguayan patients with HER positive breast cancer

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Valorar la frecuencia y severidad de la cardiotoxicidad inducida por Trastuzumab (TTZ) en pacientes portadoras de cáncer de mama (CM) HER 2 positivo, asistidas en los Servicios de Oncología del Hospital de Clínicas y de la Asociación Española Primera en Salud. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, que incluyó pacientes del Hospital de Clínicas y de la Asociación Española diagnosticadas de CM HER 2 positivo, que recibieron tratamiento con TTZ entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2013. Resultados: Se incluyeron 69 pacientes, la mayoría de las cuales tuvieron CM localizado, y cuya media de edad fue 50,1 años. 27% de las pacientes presentó cardiotoxicidad, y el 26% de éstas desarrolló insuficiencia cardíaca sintomática; todas recibieron tratamiento médico adecuado, siendo la insuficiencia cardíaca reversible en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de cardiotoxicidad observada en el estudio fue del 27 % (IC 95 %: 16,27; 38,8). Con las limitaciones propias del estudio, éste permite verificar similitudes con otras poblaciones reportadas, variando la frecuencia entre 3,7 y 34 %. Sin embargo, la proporción de pacientes que presentaron insuficiencia cardíaca sintomática (7%) fue algo superior a la reportada en la literatura, que es del 4%. La cardiotoxicidad fue reversible en la mayoría de las pacientes.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the frequency and severity of Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity in HER2 positive breast cancer (BC) patients assisted in Oncologic Services of the Hospital de Clínicas and Asociación Española Primera en Salud. Methods: Retrospective observational study of HER2 positive BC patients from Hospital de Clínicas and Asociación Española under systemic therapy with Trastuzumab (TTZ) from January 2007 to December 2013. Results: The study included 69 patients, most were early BC, mean age was 50,1 years . 27% of the patients developed cardiotoxicity and 26 % of them developed symptomatic heart failure. All patients received adequate medical treatment and the most instances were reversible Conclusions: The frequency of cardiotoxicity observed in the study was 27% (IC 95 %: 16,27; 38,8). With the limitations of the study, it can verify reported similarities with other populations, oscillating frequency between 3.7 and 34%. However, the proportion of patients who had symptomatic heart failure (7%) was higher than that reported in the literatura wich is 4%. Cardiotoxicity was reversible in most patients.

Breast cancer management in middle-resource countries (MRCs): consensus statement from the Breast Health Global Initiative.

In middle resource countries (MRCs), cancer control programs are becoming a priority as the pattern of disease shifts from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases such as breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in MRCs. The Middle Resource Scenarios Working Group of the BHGI 2010 Global Summit met to identify common issues and obstacles to breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment in MRCs. They concluded that breast cancer early detection programs continue to be important, should include clinical breast examination (CBE) with or without mammography, and should be coupled with active awareness programs. Mammographic screening is usually opportunistic and early detection programs are often hampered by logistical and financial problems, as well as socio-cultural barriers, despite improved public educational efforts. Although multidisciplinary services for treatment are available, geographical and economic limitations to these services can lead to an inequity in health care access. Without adequate health insurance coverage, limited personal finances can be a significant barrier to care for many patients. Despite the improved availability of services (surgery, pathology, radiology and radiotherapy), quality assurance programs remain a challenge. Better access to anticancer drugs is needed to improve outcomes, as are rehabilitation programs for survivors. Focused and sustained government health care financing in MRCs is needed to improve early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Gastrointestinal bleeding as the first manifestation of a burned-out tumour of the testis.

We discuss the clinical presentation and course of the disease of a 25-year-old male who had gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms secondary to retroperitoneal lymph node proliferation of a germ-cell tumour of the testis. The pathology evaluation of the orchiectomy specimen classified it as a burned-out tumour of the testis, given the lack of tumour elements and the presence of typical scarring tissue. Biological is-sues leading to tumour regression are discussed, as well.

Análisis de sobrevida de una población con cáncer de mama y su relación con factores pronósticos: estudio de 1.311 pacientes seguidas durante 230 meses: trabajo de equipo multidisciplinario / Survival analysis i a population with breast cancer and its pronostic factors: 230 months-follow up in 1.311 women

A partir de una población de 1.311 mujeres con cáncer de mama diagnosticadas, tratadas y seguidas en un mismo centro de patología mamaria, el Centro de Diagnóstico Mamario (CENDIMA), durante un lapso de 230 meses, se realiza el análisis descriptivo, el análisis de sobrevida y el de sobrevida libre de enfermedad correlacionándolo con factores pronósticos conocidos para dicha enfermedad. Los dos parámetros de mayor peso pronóstico con valor estadístico para esta población en relación con el intervalo libre de enfermedad fueron el estatus ganglionar y el estadio; el estatus ganglionar y el score histológico final se constituyeron, asimismo, en las variables principales en lo que hace a la sobreviva global. Los datos finales obtenidos son comparables a los encontrados en la literatura internacional.

Neoplasias asociadas al SIDA / Neoplasias associated to AIDS

El sarcoma de Kaposi (SK) y los linfomas no-hodgkin (LNH) son indicadores del estadio IV de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), mientras que otras neoplasias son también observables en este grupo de infectados pero sin ser considerados como parámetros de estadificación. De 353 pacientes VIH positivos asistidos en un período de 5 años, 15 presentaron cáncer. En este trabajo se analizan los tipos de neoplasias comprobadas, la frecuencia de las infecciones oportunistas asociadas y se discuten las modalidades terapéuticas específicas. La mortalidad en la población estudiada (73.3 por ciento ) se relacionó al síndrome de desgaste y a las infecciones oportunistas, siendo el tumor, responsable directo de mortalidad, en dos pacientes