The use of telemedicine to maintain breast cancer follow-up and surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result from restricted economic activities and social distancing due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we observed a 49.4% decrease in outpatient appointments at our Institution. to minimize this impact on screening and oncological follow-up of breast cancer patients, telemedicine appointments were established. The authors demonstrate how a cancer center in the largest city in Brazil has managed outpatient appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a retrospective study of patients who had their appointments through telemedicine at the AC Camargo Cancer Center between June 2020 and October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 77 patients who had telemedicine appointments, 36 (46.8%) accounted for breast cancer follow-up, 20 (26%) for breast cancer screening, 10 (13%) for benign breast disease evaluation, 7 (9%) for a second opinion, and 4 (5.2%) for general orientations. Routine surveillance/follow-up exams were requested for 45 (58.4%) patients and breast image exams and a request to return for a personal appointment for 30 (39%) patients. Two (2.6%) patients were requested to schedule a personal appointment immediately for a physical exam. In conclusion, telemedicine may be a feasible alternative to reduce personal outpatient appointments for cancer follow-up and breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cowden Syndrome: a single institution case series and literature review / Síndrome de Cowden: serie de casos de una única institución y revisión de la literatura

OBJECTIVE: Cowden Syndrome belongs to a group of disorders that are associated with germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The prevalence has been estimated to be 1 in 200,000-250,000. However, this prevalence may be underestimated due to many factors. Better understand Cowden Syndrome among our local population to provide genetic counseling and appropriate screening for different types of neoplasms associated to Cowden Syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case series analysis based on data maintained by the Breast Cancer and Hereditary Cancer Departments of the AC Camargo Cancer Center, a large specialized hospital in Brazil. RESULTS: Five cases are presented according to their diagnostic criteria, cancer rates, and outcomes for Cowden Syndrome. CONCLUSION: These cases highlight the need for a multi-institutional evaluation of Cowden Syndrome cases in order to better comprehend its prevalence in Brazil. To improve the outcome of patients with CS, a greater understanding of this syndrome is needed, as well as recognition of the value of periodic screening

OBJETIVO: El síndrome de Cowden (SC) pertenece a un grupo de trastornos asociados a las mutaciones germinales en el gen supresor del tumor, homólogo de fosfatasa y tensina (PTEN). La prevalencia ha sido estimada en uno por cada 200.000-250.000 sujetos. Sin embargo, esta prevalencia puede subestimarse debido a muchos factores. Nuestro objetivo es hacer que nuestra población local comprenda mejor el SC para proporcionar asesoramiento genético, así como un cribado adecuado para los diferentes tipos de neoplasias asociadas a dicho síndrome. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis de una serie de casos basado en los datos mantenidos por los Departamentos de Cáncer de Mama y Cáncer Hereditario del Centro para el Cáncer AC Camargo, un gran hospital especializado de Brasil. RESULTADOS: Se presentan 5 casos con arreglo a sus criterios diagnósticos, tasas de cáncer y resultados para el SC. CONCLUSIÓN: Estos casos subrayan la necesidad de realizar una evaluación multi-institucional de los casos del SC, a fin de comprender mejor su prevalencia en Brasil. Para mejorar el resultado de los pacientes con SC se necesita una mayor comprensión del mismo, así como el reconocimiento del valor del cribado periódico