Only 32.3% of Breast Cancer Families with Pathogenic Variants in Cancer Genes Utilized Cascade Genetic Testing.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes are responsible for approximately 5-10% of all diagnosed cancer cases. In order to identify individuals at risk in a cost-efficient manner, family members of individuals carrying pathogenic alterations are tested only for the specific variant that was identified in their carrier relative. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical use and implementation of cascade family testing (CFT) in families of breast cancer patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) in cancer-related predisposition genes. METHODS: Germline sequencing was carried out with NGS technology using a 52-gene panel, and cascade testing was performed by Sanger sequencing or MLPA. RESULTS: In a cohort of 1785 breast cancer patients (families), 20.3% were found to have PVs/LPVs. Specifically, 52.2%, 25.1%, and 22.7% of patients had positive findings in high-, intermediate-, and low-penetrance breast cancer susceptibility genes, respectively. Although CFT was recommended to all families, only 117 families (32.3%) agreed to proceed with genetic testing. Among the first-degree relatives who underwent CFT, 70.3% were female, and 108 of 121 (89.3%) were cancer free. Additionally, 42.7%, 36.7%, and 20.6% were offspring, siblings, and parents of the subject, respectively. Our data suggest that CFT was mostly undertaken (104/117, 88.8%) in families with positive findings in high-risk genes. CONCLUSIONS: Cascade family testing can be a powerful tool for primary cancer prevention by identifying at-risk family members. It is of utmost importance to implement genetic counseling approaches leading to increased awareness and communication of genetic testing results.

Feasibility of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients with Axillary Conversion after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy-A Single-Tertiary Centre Experience and Review of the Literature.

(1) Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is widely used in breast cancer patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), replacing axillary lymph node dissection. While commonly accepted for cN0 patients, its role in cN1/2 patients remains controversial. Our study aims to investigate the role of SLNB in BC patients who underwent prior NAC and compare our results to those of other studies presented in the literature. (2) Materials and methods: Our retrospective study included 102 breast cancer patients who received NAC before 99mTc-albumin Nanocolloid SLN mapping and SLNB was performed, completed or not with axillary dissection. A review based on the PRISMA statement was also carried out, encompassing 20 studies. (3) Results: The lymphoscintigraphy performed after the administration of NAC presented an identification rate (IR) of 93.13%. IR for SLNB was 94.11%, with a false-negative rate (FNR) of 7.4%. After a median follow-up of 31.3 months, we obtained a distant disease-free survival rate of 98%. The results obtained by other groups were similar to those of our study, presenting IR in the range 80.8-96.8%, with FNR varying from 0 to 22%. (4) Conclusions: on conclusion, SLNB can accurately determine the lymph node status, with an acceptable FNR and maintain its expected prognostic role with low recurrence rates, and our results are comparable to those obtained by other studies.

Copy Number Variations (CNVs) Account for 10.8% of Pathogenic Variants in Patients Referred for Hereditary Cancer Testing.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Germline copy number variation (CNV) is a type of genetic variant that predisposes significantly to inherited cancers. Today, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have contributed to multi gene panel analysis in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,163 patients were screened for cancer susceptibility, using a solution-based capture method. A panel of 52 genes was used for targeted NGS. The capture-based approach enables computational analysis of CNVs from NGS data. We studied the performance of the CNV module of the commercial software suite SeqPilot (JSI Medical Systems) and of the non-commercial tool panelcn.MOPS. Additionally, we tested the performance of digital multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (digitalMLPA). RESULTS: Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LP) were identified in 464 samples (21.5%). CNV accounts for 10.8% (50/464) of pathogenic variants, referring to deletion/duplication of one or more exons of a gene. In patients with breast and ovarian cancer, CNVs accounted for 10.2% and 6.8% of pathogenic variants, respectively. In colorectal cancer patients, CNV accounted for 28.6% of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants. CONCLUSION: In silico CNV detection tools provide a viable and cost-effective method to identify CNVs from NGS experiments. CNVs constitute a substantial percentage of P/LP variants, since they represent up to one of every ten P/LP findings identified by NGS multigene analysis; therefore, their evaluation is highly recommended to improve the diagnostic yield of hereditary cancer analysis.

Stories for a sustainable healthcare future: the perspectives of healthcare IoT technologies in surgical oncology.

The rapid spread and continuous development of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have profoundly impacted various aspects of daily life, including healthcare. The aim of this review was to highlight the necessity of adopting healthcare IoT technologies in surgical oncology clinical practice, remote home monitoring of cancer patients, and context awareness facilitation. In addition, we identified different categories of healthcare IoT technologies and the best practice examples of IoT technologies for breast cancer patients. Moreover, discussions were supported by the future opportunities of integrating IoT technologies in surgical oncology.

The complexity of physician-patient communication and its impact in non-medical fields. A surgical oncology approach.

Physician-patient communication is essential for determining high-quality healthcare, as this may influence patients' satisfaction with care, their understanding of medical information, coping skills specific to a disease, and raise treatment adherence. In the field of surgical oncology, most healthcare communication develops around the disease, treatment, and healthcare planning, overlooking psychological functioning and patients' well-being. To address this issue and avoid unmet patient needs, patient-centered communication requires specific skills designed to enable physicians to identify, acknowledge and respond to patients' thoughts and feelings over an extended period. The aim of this study was to investigate the integration of patient-physician communication in a non-medical system made up of patient-physician communication, perceived healthcare quality, and the image of a physician or a healthcare organization with a specific focus on surgical oncology. The sample comprised 157 breast cancer patients who reported highly satisfactory levels of perceived communication skills of physicians and the quality of services. Moreover, patients expressed their willingness to recommend these physicians to their family and friends, which further contributes to the positive image of physicians. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize the ongoing need for continuous attention to the communication skills of surgical oncologists, as each cancer patient's experience is unique and necessitates a personalized form of interaction.

Revisiting the Implications of Positive Germline Testing Results Using Multi-gene Panels in Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The use of multi-gene panels for germline testing in breast cancer enables the estimation of cancer risk and guides risk-reducing management options. The aim of this study was to present data that demonstrate the different levels of actionability for multi-gene panels used in genetic testing of breast cancer patients and their family members. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an analysis in our clinical database to identify breast cancer patients undergoing genetic testing. We reviewed positive results in respect of risk estimation and management, cascade family testing, secondary findings and information for treatment decision-making. RESULTS: A total of 415 positive test reports were identified with 57.1%, 18.1%, 10.8% and 13.5% of individuals having pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in high, moderate, low and with insufficient evidence for breast cancer risk genes, respectively. Six point seven percent of individuals were double heterozygotes. CONCLUSION: Germline findings in 92% of individuals are linked to evidence-based treatment information and risk estimates for predisposition to breast and/or other cancer types. The use of germline findings for treatment decision making expands the indication of genetic testing to include individuals that could benefit from targeted treatments.

COVID-19 or Not, Breast Cancer Treatment Must Go On.

When at the end of last year Professor Traian Patrascu asked me to coordinate an issue of the journal "Chirurgia" dedicated to breast cancer, I was both surprised and intrigued. For two reasons: firstly it seemed to me so little time had passed since the previous issue about this disease and perhaps there weren't many new things to say and secondly I believed that the only topic worth discussing nowadays was the disease that overshadowed anything else: COVID-19. Nevertheless I realized that he was right. More than 3 years had passed since the previous issue and there were many updates related to this subject and COVID-19 or not, the treatment of breast cancer must continue. I am grateful to those who answered to my invitation to write an article. I was amazed by the huge number and the quality of the papers received. They were so numerous that we decided to have a supplement of the journal dedicated to breast cancer edited with the contribution of the Romanian Society of Breast Surgery and Oncology. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire planet in almost every aspect of life, including the medical system. The treatment of other diseases, other than COVID-19, has in some way become secondary, at least for the time being. This had immediate repercussions and will inevitably have a long-term impact as well. Breast cancer patients suffered consequently. Screening, diagnosis, treatments including surgery and post therapeutic follow-ups have been profoundly affected by the pandemic.

A Better Understanding of Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in the Era of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was and still is an important part of breast cancer treatment despite the fact the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has revolutionized breast cancer surgery. SLNB provides the same prognostic information as ALND but with significantly less morbidity. The results of numerous trials conducted over the past 20 years have crowned SLNB as the gold standard for early breast cancer treatment. ALND represents a very standardized intervention with precise landmarks and boundaries. An accurate technique and a good knowledge of axillaâÃÂàanatomy are mandatory for a correct and complete ALND. But even with a meticulous and careful technique of dissection, a comprehensive ALND may be associated with important morbidity. Nowadays ALND indications are continuously evolving, but the procedure has still an indisputable place in breast cancer treatment.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy after Neoadjuvant Treatment for Breast Cancer. The Validation Protocol.

Introduction: The identification and biopsy of the sentinel lymph node (SLNB) in breast cancer patients requiring neoadjuvant cytostatic treatment (NAC), with clinically negative lymph nodes following treatment, may be an effective method of de-escalation of axillary surgery. Materials and methods: This prospective study includes 47 cases of breast cancer stage IIB-IIIA, with NAC treatment and complete axillary clinical and imaging response, surgeries performed at Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu Oncological Institute in Bucharest (IOB) by the same team. In all the cases, SLNB was employed using the radioactive tracer method. The SLNB technique with Tc99 radioactive tracer involves: - injection of the radioactive tracer and preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, - intraoperative identification of the sentinel node/ lymph nodes and their excisional biopsy, - intraoperative histopathological examination, in paraffin blocks, and immunohistochemistry of the lymph node (SLN). Results: SLN was identified in 46 of 47 cases. In 19 cases SLN was positive, and in 2 cases we recorded false negative results. All patients underwent standard axillary lymphadenectomy (back-up lymphadenectomy). The correlation between the intraoperative and paraffin histopathological examination of SLN with the paraffin and immunohistochemical examination of the rest of the axillary nodes (N-SLN) led to the following results: sensitivity 91% (19/ 21), specificity 100% (25/ 25), positive predictive value 100% (19/ 19), negative predictive value 93% (25/ 27). The accuracy of the method was 96% (44/ 46). SLN invasion was more common in patients with residual tumor 2 cm (vs T 2 cm) (p = 0.01), positive N-SLN (vs non-invaded N-SLN) (p = 0.003). N-SLNs were more frequently invaded when there was peritumoral lymphocyte invasion (vs. no invasion) (p = 0.01). Conclusions: SLNB in patients with breast cancer who require NAC, with clinically and imaging negative lymph nodes following treatment, has a high rate of specificity and an acceptable number of false negative results. Node invasion is more common in patients with residual tumors 2 cm, with lymphovascular invasion or with multicenter/ multifocal disease.

Persistent Seroma, a Threat to Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction?

Introduction: Seroma is one of the usual postoperative complications after breast and axillary surgery. It is considered as a consequence of prolonged lymphorrhea. Its persistence means a longer healing process, increased risk of infection and in case of implant-based reconstruction, even implant loss which may result in delaying adjuvant oncologic treatment. Nevertheless the patient's comfort is amplified due to frequent follow-up visits to the hospital for percutaneous drainage and sometimes the seroma might affect the aesthetic result. Materials and Methods: Between 1999 and 2017 a total of 137 patients with mastectomy and implant-based breast reconstruction were included in the study. The risk factors for developing seroma were analyzed and an algorithm for postoperative follow-up and ultrasound-guided needle aspiration was implemented. Results: The seroma rate was 9.49% (13/137 patients). It was associated with skin flap ischemia in 37.5% . Risk factors for developing seroma were: the use of synthetic mesh, smoking and overweight. The rate of implant loss attributed to seroma was 2.18% (3/137). In patients having prolonged lymphorheea, beyond ultrasound-guided needle aspiration, Rifampin solution was used to wash the implant pocket. In these cases, the drainage was reduced by 50% after each visit. Conclusion: Overweight patients and smokers have a higher risk of developing seroma after implant- based breast reconstruction. The use of synthetic meshes for breast reconstruction is also a risk factor for seroma. Rifampin solution for washing the implant pocket might be an option for decreasing the lymphorrhea.

Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Introduction: The rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) increased within the recent years. The main reasons are: genetic testing, availability of breast reconstruction, more often use of preoperative breast MRI, improvement of postoperative aesthetic results and reimbursement of breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the indication of CPM, it's evolution and the surgical techniques used for this type of surgery. Materials and methods: This prospective study enrolled patients with unilateral breast cancer for which conservative treatment was not an option and underwent CPM concomitant with therapeutic mastectomy, using different techniques, followed by immediate breast reconstruction using alloplastic materials. Results: A total of 45 patients with unilateral breast cancer underwent therapeutic mastectomy and CPM followed by immediate breast reconstruction, between January 2015-December 2020. The mean age was 43.5 years, 64,44% patients had stage I and II breast cancer and 22,22% were triplenegative. The indications for CPM were: pathogenic mutation of BRCA or of other genes associated with high risk of breast cancer, strong family history, suspicious findings on breast MRI, extended micro-calcifications, dense breasts, and extreme anxiety. Conclusions: A growing rate of bilateral mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer was observed. Availability of immediate breast reconstruction and reimbursement plays an important role for patients in choosing CPM. Factors associated with CPM include: young age, pathogenic BRCA mutation, significant family history and triple-negative disease. The rate of immediate postoperative complications was low. CPM is a valid option to reduce the risk of contralateral breast cancer and to achieve a good aesthetic outcome for patients with unilateral breast cancer with high risk of contralateral breast cancer.

Use of a Tumor Bed Boost in the Radiotherapy after Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Use of a radiotherapy (RT) tumor bed boost in addition to whole breast irradiation (WBI) after oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OBCS) can be very challenging due to the massive tissue displacements. The aim of our study is to present relevant RT data regarding the use of a boost RT in patients who underwent OBCS and received adjuvant RT at Neolife Medical Center Bucharest. Materials and Methods: 12 patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), after OBCS, using conventional or hypofractionated schedules, between 10/2018 and 12/2020 were included in the study. Pre- and postoperative CT images and surgical clips when available were used for tumor bed (TB) localization and definition of the boost volume. Results: One or more risk factors associated with local recurrence (age under 51 years, high grade tumors, associated ductal carcinoma in situ) were present in 10 patients. Boost RT was delivered in 3 patients. Conclusions: TB localization for the boost RT is difficult without an appropriate marking. Surgical clips and communication between the surgeon and the radiation oncologist are essential for treatment success.

Pathological Response and Survival after Neoadjuvant Therapy for Her-2 Positive Breast Cancer.

Background: Pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant systemic treatment represents a good surrogate marker for the prognosis of Her-2 positive Breast Cancer (BCs). The results improved after adding anti-Her-2 therapy to chemotherapy in neoadjuvant setting. Methods: Our retrospective study enrolled a cohort of 56 invasive Her-2 positive non-metastatic BCs treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy between 2001 and 2018. The patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without anti-Her-2 therapies before surgery and adjuvant endocrine and anti-Her-2 treatment together with adjuvant radiotherapy, based on clinical, pathological and hormonal receptor expression characteristics. The primary end point was pCR rate and disease-free-survival (DFS), defined as the interval between surgery and documented disease recurrence, progression, or death from any cause. Results: The rate of pCR for our patients was 41% independent of type of chemotherapy regimen and the anti-Her-2 therapy used. The results were improved by adding Trastuzumab in the neoadjuvant setting with statistical significance (p = 0.038). Median DFS was 68 months for the entire cohort. The risk of recurrence was higher in the group without pCR after neoadjuvant treatment (52% vs 17%; p = 0.003). 10 patients died (18%), all of them from group without pCR. The prognosis at 36-months was good, with 84% survival chance at 3 years follow-up. Conclusion: Our retrospective study underlines the positive impact of neoadjuvant systemic treatment on pCR rate and on disease-free survival in real-life Her-2 positive breast cancer patients.

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Properties of Punica granatum Phytochemicals: Possible Roles in Breast Cancer.

Background: Pomgranate (Punica granatum) represents a high source of polyphenols with great bioavailability. The role of this fruit in the prevention and treatment of various malignant pathologies has been long time cited in both scientific and non-scientific literature, making thus important to identify its involvement in the pathophysiological processes. The treatment for breast cancer had focused on the inhibition of the mechanisms that governs the estrogen activity. These mechanisms are covered either by the antagonism of the estrogen receptor (ER) or by the inhibition of the estrogen synthesis. Our interest in identifying a bioactive compound rich in polyphenols, which induces both the antagonism of the estrogen receptor, and the inhibition of the estrogen synthesis, revealed us the pomegranate fruit and its derivatives: peel and seeds. Pomegranates' chemical composition include many biological active substances such as flavonols, flavanols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, ellagitannins and gallotannins. Materials and Methods: We performed a review of the scientific literature by using the following keywords: "pomegranate", "breast cancer", "Punica granatum", "pomegranate polyphenols". Our search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and it included only original research written in English from the last 20 years. None of the articles were excluded due to affiliation. A total number of 28 original papers, which mentioned the beneficial activity of pomegranate against breast cancer, were selected. Both clinical and preclinical studies were considered for this review. Results: Recent discoveries pointed out that polyphenols from Punica granatum possess strong anti-cancer activity, exhibited by a variety of mechanisms, such as anti-estrogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic. Pomegranate extracts induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and induced cytotoxicity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, several polyphenols extracted from pomegranate inhibited the invasion potential, migration and viability of breast cancer cells. The effects of pomegranate juice on serum estrogens and other sexual hormones levels were also investigated on two human cohorts. Conclusions: Punica granatum represents a promising area in oncology. The large availability and low cost, associated with the lack of side effects, made from this natural product a great strategy for the management of breast cancer. There are several mechanistic studies in mouse models and in breast cancer cell lines, suggesting the possible pathways through which polyphenols from pomegranate extracts act, but larger and better-controlled studies are necessary in the future. Only two small clinical trials were conducted on humans until now, but their results are contradictory and should be considered preliminary.

Full-Length Genome and Partial Viral Genes Phylogenetic and Geographical Analysis of Dengue Serotype 3 Isolates.

Dengue fever is among the most common vector-borne diseases. Dengue virus (DENV), responsible for dengue fever as well as dengue hemorrhagic fever, belongs to the genus flavivirus and family Flaviviridae. Flaviviruses infect various vertebrate species and arthropods and are also responsible for diseases in birds, wild animals, and primates. DENV consists of a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome ~11 kb in size. Complete genome and partial gene sequences of geographically distinct DENV-3 strains were retrieved from the GenBank database. The evolutionary divergence of the 33 whole-genome and individual gene sequences of the nucleotides and amino acids of DENV-3 strains were generated with the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic study (BEAST) methods using the MEGA 7 software. The genome size varied from 10,484 to 10,724 nucleotides among the strains with distinct geographical backgrounds belonging to Central America, South-Central Asia, and Eastern Asia. A phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of these DENV-3 isolates revealed extensive differences in the topologies due to PrM/M, NS1, NS2B, and NS3 genes. These results suggest substantial variation in the evolutionary pathways of the studied genes and genomes.

Are Bioactive Molecules from Seaweeds a Novel and Challenging Option for the Prevention of HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Therapy?-A Review.

Cervical cancer represents one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in women all over the world. The infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the major risk factors for the development of premalignant lesions, which will progress to cervical cancer. Seaweeds are marine organisms with increased contents of bioactive compounds, which are described as potential anti-HPV and anti-cervical cancer agents. Our study aims to bring together all the results of the previous studies, conducted in order to highlight the potency of bioactive molecules from seaweeds, as anti-HPV and anti-cervical agents. This paper is a review of the English literature published between January 2010 and August 2020. We performed a systematic study in the Google Academic and PubMed databases using the key words "HPV infection", "anticancer", "seaweeds", "cervical cancer" and "carcinogenesis process", aiming to evaluate the effects of different bioactive molecules from marine algae on cervical cancer cell lines and on HPV-infected cells. Only original studies were considered for our research. None of the papers was excluded due to language usage or affiliation. Recent discoveries pointed out that sulfated polysaccharides, such as dextran sulfate heparan or cellulose sulfate, blocked the ability of HPV to infect cells, and inhibited the carcinogenesis process. Carrageenans inhibited the virions of HPV from binding the cellular wall. Fucoidan induced the growth inhibition of HeLa cervical cells in vitro. Heterofucans exhibited antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines. Terpenoids from brown algae are also promising agents with anti-cervical cancer activity. Considering all the results of the previous studies, we observed that great amounts of bioactive molecules from seaweeds could treat both unapparent HPV infection and clinical visible disease. Furthermore, these molecules were very efficient in the treatment of invasive cervical carcinomas. In these conditions, we consider seaweeds extracts as a novel and challenging therapeutic strategy, and we hope that our study paves the way for further clinical trials in the field.

Mind the Gap Between Scientific Literature Recommendations and Effective Implementation. Is There Still a Role for Surgery in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma?

According to evidence accumulated in the last years, many cancer centers recommend a treatment plan based solely on chemo-radiotherapy and exclude surgery from the treatment options in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). In Romania, surgery was at the forefront of therapeutic options. Nevertheless, current data shows that in fact, a large number of patients are still referred to surgery in various stages of diagnosis and treatment. It was noted that recommendations may differ, in spite of the wide dissemination of the literature data.Works published so far, discussing the role of surgery in LACC treatment shows a lack of consensus. A group of experts in oncology (SURCECAN research group - Surgery of Cervical Cancer) met for a session of the Romanian Surgical Society (Bucharest) on April 18, 2018. They found that LACC therapeutic strategy in Romania may differ somewhat from the European recommendations.On top of that, late enrolement to RT and low acces to specialized centers are the problem. Performing surgery not only allows the evaluation of the pathological response to chemo-radiotherapy, but also achieves a better local control. In conclusion, there is still a place for surgery within locally advanced cervical cancer treatment options. More trials need to be carried out in order to confirm the findings and establish high levels of confidence for each piece of information provided.

Management of Breast Cancer Locoregional Recurrence.

Breast cancer recurrence represents a challenge for clinicians because the management is not standardized and usually requires a multidisciplinary approach. This is the key for a good long term disease control and for a management with curative intent. The local recurrence in breast cancer appears after breast conserving treatment (BCT) or after mastectomy, and the regional recurrence involves the ipsilateral axillary, internal mammary or supraclavicular lymph nodes. Local recurrence prognosis after BCT seems to be better than after mastectomy regarding distant metastases occurrence and overall survival. Prognosis of axillary recurrence is better than prognosis of supraclavicular and internal mammary recurrence. Locoregional recurrence in breast cancer represents rather a marker for the appearance of distant metastases than a determinant factor for them. Management options for locoregional recurrence of cancer require multidisciplinary input decision making and for this reason the multidisciplinary tumor-board (MTD) is very important. Each patient should receive the best individualized oncologic treatment.

Results of 1-year Diet and Exercise Interventions for ER+/PR±/HER2- Breast Cancer Patients Correlated with Treatment Type.

PURPOSE: Many breast cancer patients gain weight during chemotherapy and antiestrogenic treatment increasing recurrence, oncologic specific and all-cause mortality risks. Patients and Methods: 165 ER+/PR±/HER2- breast cancer patients under antiestrogenic treatment were randomly assigned to follow an at-home diet based on food naturally high in proteins, calcium, probiotics and prebiotics (D), or this diet and 4' isometric exercises (D+Ex) for 1 year. We measured weight (W), body (BF) and visceral fat (VF) using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance scale on the 6th and 12th month and we correlated results with chemotherapy, surgery and antiestrogenic medication type. Results were analysed using the Friedman Test, then with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests if Friedman Test was significant. Results: Overall, the patients 1-year results show that both D+Ex and D patients obtained statistically significant weight loss and fat loss. D patients lost 3.3 kg, 3.2% BF and 1% visceral fat. D+Ex patients lost 6.5 kg, 3.3% BF and 2% visceral fat. D+Ex patients obtained statistically significance for W, BF and VF regardless of chemotherapy, surgery or antiestrogenic treatment type. D patients with mastectomy or with aromatase inhibitors lost W, BF and VF. D patients with conservatory surgery, adjuvant or both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and those on Tamoxifen only lost W. D patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy also lost VF. CONCLUSION: This diet is effective for ER+/PR±/HER2- breast cancer patients on antiestrogenic medication. Adding at least a minimal exercise protocol improves patients chances of counteracting sarcopenic obesity.

Breast Cancer Surgery in Images.

As a picture speaks more than a thousand words, we tried to reflect, at least in part, on our surgical day-to-day practice on the 2nd Oncological Surgery Department of "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu" Bucharest Institute of Oncology in the field of breast cancer. And how could we not talk about imaging in breast cancer, when one of the reasons for low breast cancer mortality at present is early detection, which is performed through imaging investigations. Mammographic screening is recognized as a success in this area (Fig. 1), but moreover, mammary ultrasound, a newer addition to this domain, also allows the detection of infraclinical cancers (Fig. 2). The localization of these infraclinical lesions can be obtained preoperatively by mammographic technique using a harpoon (Fig. 3). Under ultrasound guidance we can not only puncture cysts (Fig. 4), but also perform mammary biopsies for suspicious lesions.