Recommendations on the pharmacological treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer in Mexico.

Ovarian cancer is the third most frequent gynaecological malignancy worldwide and in Mexico, with a high mortality rate, due to that in many cases its diagnosis is made in advanced stages. Prognosis is important for determining the subtype and the degree of evolution. During lasts years, the management of ovarian cancer has undergone an important evolution with the incorporation of new therapeutic options, which in turn represent an increase in the survival of these patients. We present recommendations for the management of ovarian cancer developed by an expert panel Mexican based on available evidence so far and the characteristics of health care in the country.

El cáncer de ovario es la tercera neoplasia maligna ginecológica más frecuente globalmente y también en México, con una elevada tasa de mortalidad debido a que en muchos casos su diagnóstico se realiza en etapas avanzadas. Para establecer su pronóstico es importante la determinación del subtipo y del grado de evolución. En los últimos años, el manejo del cáncer de ovario ha sufrido una importante evolución con la incorporación de nuevas opciones terapéuticas, que a su vez representan un incremento en la supervivencia de estas pacientes. Se presentan las recomendaciones para el manejo del cáncer de ovario elaboradas por un panel de expertos mexicanos basadas en la evidencia disponible hasta el momento y en las características de la atención sanitaria del país.

Recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento farmacológico del cáncer de ovario epitelial en México / Recommendations on the pharmacological treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer in Mexico

Resumen El cáncer de ovario es la tercera neoplasia maligna ginecológica más frecuente globalmente y también en México, con una elevada tasa de mortalidad debido a que en muchos casos su diagnóstico se realiza en etapas avanzadas. Para establecer su pronóstico es importante la determinación del subtipo y del grado de evolución. En los últimos años, el manejo del cáncer de ovario ha sufrido una importante evolución con la incorporación de nuevas opciones terapéuticas, que a su vez representan un incremento en la supervivencia de estas pacientes. Se presentan las recomendaciones para el manejo del cáncer de ovario elaboradas por un panel de expertos mexicanos basadas en la evidencia disponible hasta el momento y en las características de la atención sanitaria del país.

Abstract Ovarian cancer is the third most frequent gynaecological malignancy worldwide and in Mexico, with a high mortality rate, due to that in many cases its diagnosis is made in advanced stages. Prognosis is important for determining the subtype and the degree of evolution. During lasts years, the management of ovarian cancer has undergone an important evolution with the incorporation of new therapeutic options, which in turn represent an increase in the survival of these patients. We present recommendations for the management of ovarian cancer developed by an expert panel Mexican based on available evidence so far and the characteristics of health care in the country.

Preservación de la fertilidad: opinión de grupo de expertos en México / Fertility preservation: an expert taskforce opinion

La preservación de la fertilidad es la aplicación de estrategias médicas y de laboratorio para preservar la descendencia genética parental en adultos o niños en riesgo de esterilidad. El cáncer es la principal indicación de preservación de fertilidad en pacientes en edad reproductiva. En las últimas décadas ha incrementado la incidencia de cáncer en adolescentes. Los tratamientos oncológicos también han mejorado significativamente, por lo que hoy es posible la curación en un amplio porcentaje de pacientes. La mayoría de los niños y adolescentes con cáncer se convierten en sobrevivientes a largo plazo, lo que aumenta el interés en los efectos del tratamiento del cáncer sobre la fertilidad. Las condiciones sociales, económicas y culturales también son determinantes para decidir el momento que una pareja busque promover su fertilidad. Además, otras patologías o incluso fármacos para prevención del rechazo de órganos trasplantados pueden afectar la fertilidad y, por tanto, tales pacientes son susceptibles de orientación sobre preservación de la fertilidad. El éxito en los programas de reproducción asistida y en los tratamientos oncológicos brindan alternativas para preservar la fertilidad. En esta primera Opinión de Grupo de Expertos Mexicanos en Preservación de la Fertilidad hemos evaluado pacientes oncológicas que son candidatas a preservación de fertilidad: jóvenes con riesgo de compromiso de su fertilidad por el tratamiento oncológico, pero con reserva ovárica suficiente y pronóstico vital aceptable. También se consideraron casos especiales como la preservación social, en casos de conceptualización sexual diferente, así como los aspectos legales y éticos básicos

Fertility preservation is the application of medical and laboratory strategies to preserve parental genetic offspring in adults or children at risk of sterility. Cancer is the main indication of fertility preservation in patients of reproductive age. In recent decades, the incidence of cancer in adolescents has increased. Cancer treatments have also improved significantly, making cure possible today in a large percentage of patients. Most children and adolescents with cancer become long-term survivors, increasing interest in the effects of cancer treatment on fertility. Social, economic and cultural conditions are also decisive in deciding when a couple seeks to promote their fertility. Furthermore, other pathologies or even drugs for the prevention of rejection of transplanted organs can affect fertility and, therefore, such patients are susceptible to guidance on fertility preservation. Success in assisted reproduction programs and cancer treatments provide alternatives to preserve fertility. In this first Opinion of the Group of Mexican Experts on Fertility Preservation, we have evaluated oncological patients who are candidates for fertility preservation: young people at risk of compromising their fertility due to oncological treatment, but with sufficient ovarian reserve and acceptable vital prognosis. Special cases such as social preservation were also considered, in cases of different sexual conceptualization, as well as the basic legal and ethical aspects

STANDARD TREATMENT WITH BEVACIZUMAB AS TARGETED THERAPY IN CERVICAL CANCER.

Metastatic, recurrent, or persistent disease in cervical cancer has a poor prognosis. Historically, this group of patients has had limited treatment options, even with the best cytotoxic treatments (platinum-based chemotherapy [CT] doublets). Therefore, investigating new medications that help improve the patient's quality of life and survival has been essential. Angiogenesis has been shown to play a critical role in tumor cell growth and survival. Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal G1 immunoglobulin targeted against vascular endothelial growth factor. The combination of CT and bevacizumab is associated with an increase in overall survival as well as in progression-free survival and response rates.

Controversies on the treatment of ovarian cancer with dose-dense chemotherapy.

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy with an estimated 295,414 new cases and 184,799 deaths around the world. Cytoreductive surgery and combination chemotherapy have remained a standard therapy for decades. The majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will receive systemic chemotherapy for recurrent or advanced diseased. In recent years, therapies such as anti-angiogenics, PARP inhibitors, and dose-dense chemotherapy have emerged as novel strategies against ovarian cancer. Dose-dense chemotherapy, usually with a carboplatin and paclitaxel regimen, has been proposed as an alternative to conventional chemotherapy for these patients. However, the results for different trails are inconsistent and dose-dense chemotherapy remains controversial. Results from the JGOG 3016 study showed a progression free survival and overall survival benefit, with increased neurotoxicity and anaemia. While the GOG 262, MITO-7, GOG 252 and ICON8 studies found no benefit on progression free survival, with a recent meta-analysis concluding that three weekly chemotherapy remains the standard of care. Ovarian cancer molecular subtypes and differences in pharmacogenetics between populations may explain the differences in response to dose dense chemotherapy, however our understanding of this factors is still lacking. Here, we reviewed the evidence for and against dose-dense chemotherapy and the possible factors for the different results among trials.

Standard treatment with bevacizumab as targeted therapy in cervical cancer

ABSTRACT Metastatic, recurrent, or persistent disease in cervical cancer has a poor prognosis. Historically, this group of patients has had limited treatment options, even with the best cytotoxic treatments (platinum-based chemotherapy [CT] doublets). Therefore, investigating new medications that help improve the patient's quality of life and survival has been essential. Angiogenesis has been shown to play a critical role in tumor cell growth and survival. Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal G1 immunoglobulin targeted against vascular endothelial growth factor. The combination of CT and bevacizumab is associated with an increase in overall survival as well as in progression-free survival and response rates.

Standard Treatment with Bevacizumab as Targeted Therapy in Cervical Cancer.

Metastatic, recurrent, or persistent disease in cervical cancer has a poor prognosis. Historically, this group of patients has had limited treatment options, even with the best cytotoxic treatments (platinum-based chemotherapy [CT] doublets). Therefore, investigating new medications that help improve the patient's quality of life and survival has been essential. Angiogenesis has been shown to play a critical role in tumor cell growth and survival. Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal G1 immunoglobulin targeted against vascular endothelial growth factor. The combination of CT and bevacizumab is associated with an increase in overall survival as well as in progression-free survival and response rates.

Biopsychosocial Assessment of Pain with Thermal Imaging of Emotional Facial Expression in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Background: Recent research has evaluated psychological and biological characteristics associated with pain in survivors of breast cancer (BC). Few studies consider their relationship with inflammatory activity. Voluntary facial expressions modify the autonomic activity and this may be useful in the hospital environment for clinical biopsychosocial assessment of pain. Methods: This research compared a BC survivors group under integral treatment (Oncology, Psychology, Nutrition) with a control group to assess the intensity of pain, behavioral interference, anxiety, depression, temperament-expression, anger control, social isolation, emotional regulation, and alexithymia and inflammatory activity, with salivary interleukin 6 (IL-6). Then, a psychophysiological evaluation through repeated measures of facial infrared thermal imaging (IRT) and hands in baseline-positive facial expression (joy)-negative facial expression (pain)-relaxation (diaphragmatic breathing). Results: The results showed changes in the IRT (p < 0.05) during the execution of facial expressions in the chin, perinasal, periorbital, frontal, nose, and fingers areas in both groups. No differences were found in the IL-6 level among the aforementioned groups, but an association with baseline nasal temperature (p < 0.001) was observable. The BC group had higher alexithymia score (p < 0.01) but lower social isolation (p < 0.05), in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: In the low- and medium-concentration groups of IL-6, the psychophysiological intervention proposed in this study has a greater effect than on the high concentration group of IL-6. This will be considered in the design of psychological and psychosocial interventions for the treatment of pain.

[National guidelines of diagnosis and treatment of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma]. / Guías nacionales de diagnóstico y tratamiento de linfoma no Hodgkin.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprises a heterogeneous group of haematological malignancies, classified according to their clinic, anatomic-pathological features and, lately, to their molecular biomarkers. Despite the therapeutic advances, nearly half of the patients will die because of this disease. The new diagnostic tools have been the cornerstone to design recent therapy targets, which must be included in the current treatment guidelines of this sort of neoplasms by means of clinical trials and evidence-based medicine. In the face of poor diagnoses devices in most of the Mexican hospitals, we recommend the present diagnose stratification, and treatment guidelines for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, based on evidence. They include the latest and most innovative therapeutic approaches, as well as specific recommendations for hospitals with limited framework and therapy resources.

[Third National Ovarian Consensus. 2011. Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer de Ovario y Tumores Ginecológicos de México "GICOM"]. / Tercer Consenso Nacional de Cáncer de Ovario 2011. Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer de Ovario y Tumores Ginecológicos de México "GICOM".

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Most of cases it is of epithelial origin. At the present time there is not a standardized screening method, which makes difficult the early diagnosis. The 5-year survival is 90% for early stages, however most cases present at advanced stages, which have a 5-year survival of only 5-20%. GICOM collaborative group, under the auspice of different institutions, have made the following consensus in order to make recommendations for the diagnosis and management regarding to this neoplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following recommendations were made by independent professionals in the field of Gynecologic Oncology, questions and statements were based on a comprehensive and systematic review of literature. It took place in the context of a meeting of two days in which a debate was held. These statements are the conclusions reached by agreement of the participant members. RESULTS: No screening method is recommended at the time for the detection of early lesions of ovarian cancer in general population. Staging is surgical, according to FIGO. In regards to the pre-surgery evaluation of the patient, it is recommended to perform chest radiography and CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast. According to the histopathology of the tumor, in order to consider it as borderline, the minimum percentage of proliferative component must be 10% of tumor's surface. The recommended standardized treatment includes primary surgery for diagnosis, staging and cytoreduction, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy Surgery must be performed by an Oncologist Gynecologist or an Oncologist Surgeon because inadequate surgery performed by another specialist has been reported in 75% of cases. In regards to surgery it is recommended to perform total omentectomy since subclinic metastasis have been documented in 10-30% of all cases, and systematic limphadenectomy, necessary to be able to obtain an adequate surgical staging. Fertility-sparing surgery will be performed in certain cases, the procedure should include a detailed inspection of the contralateral ovary and also negative for malignancy omentum and ovary biopsy. Until now, laparoscopy for diagnostic-staging surgery is not well known as a recommended method. The recommended chemotherapy is based on platin and taxanes for 6 cycles, except in Stage IA, IB and grade 1, which have a good prognosis. In advanced stages, primary cytoreduction is recommended as initial treatment. Minimal invasion surgery is not a recommended procedure for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Radiotherapy can be used to palliate symptoms. Follow up of the patients every 2-4 months for 2 years, every 3-6 months for 3 years and anually after the 5th year is recommended. Evaluation of quality of life of the patient must be done periodically. CONCLUSIONS: In the present, there is not a standardized screening method. Diagnosis in early stages means a better survival. Standardized treatment includes primary surgery with the objective to perform an optimal cytoreduction followed by chemotherapy Treatment must be individualized according to each patient. Radiotherapy can be indicated to palliate symptoms.

[The first Mexican consensus of endometrial cancer. Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer de Ovario y Tumores Ginecológicos de México]. / Primer consenso Mexicano de cancer de endometrio.

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the second most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide in the peri and postmenopausal period. Most often for the endometrioid variety. In early clinical stages long-term survival is greater than 80%, while in advanced stages it is less than 50%. In our country there is not a standard management between institutions. GICOM collaborative group under the auspice of different institutions have made the following consensus in order to make recommendations for the management of patients with this type of neoplasm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following recommendations were made by independent professionals in the field of Gynecologic Oncology, questions and statements were based on a comprehensive and systematic review of literature. It took place in the context of a meeting of four days in which a debate was held. These statements are the conclusions reached by agreement of the participant members. RESULTS: Screening should be performed women at high risk (diabetics, family history of inherited colon cancer, Lynch S. type II). Endometrial thickness in postmenopausal patients is best evaluated by transvaginal US, a thickness greater than or equal to 5 mm must be evaluated. Women taking tamoxifen should be monitored using this method. Abnormal bleeding in the usual main symptom, all post menopausal women with vaginal bleeding should be evaluated. Diagnosis is made by histerescopy-guided biopsy. Magnetic resonance is the best image method as preoperative evaluation. Frozen section evaluates histologic grade, myometrial invasion, cervical and adnexal involvement. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be performed except in endometrial histology grades 1 and 2, less than 50% invasion of the myometrium without evidence of disease out of the uterus. Omentectomy should be done in histologies other than endometriod. Surgery should be always performed by a Gynecologic Oncologist or Surgical Oncologist, laparoscopy is an alternative, especially in patients with hypertension and diabetes for being less morbid. Adjuvant treatment after surgery includes radiation therapy to the pelvis, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy. Patients with Stages III and IV should have surgery with intention to achieve optimal cytoreduction because of the impact on survival (51 m vs. 14 m), the treatment of recurrence can be with surgery depending on the pattern of relapse, systemic chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Follow-up of patients is basically clinical in a regular basis. CONCLUSIONS: Screening programme is only for high risk patients. Multidisciplinary treatment impacts on survival and local control of the disease, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, hormonal treatment is reserved to selected cases of recurrence. This is the first attempt of a Mexican Collaborative Group in Gynecology to give recommendations is a special type of neoplasm.

Parámetros de práctica para el manejo del dolor en cáncer: Grupo de Consenso para el Manejo del Dolor en Cáncer / Practice guidelines for cancer pain management: Task Force for Cancer Pain Management

El dolor por cáncer es un problema frecuente en nuestro medio, se presenta en 80 a 90 % de los pacientes y en aproximadamente 90 % de ellos se resuelve con medidas relativamente sencillas. No obstante, aproximadamente 40 % de los pacientes se encuentra insatisfecho con el médico o la enfermera respecto al manejo de su dolor. Por tal motivo, se convocó a un grupo de consenso con la finalidad de generar parámetros de práctica clínica fundamentados en la evidencia publicada y en la opinión de los expertos. Este grupo estuvo integrado por 31 médicos líderes de opinión es este campo, quienes con base en 599 documentos emitieron esta serie de recomendaciones, identificadas cada una según su nivel de evidencia.

Cancer pain is a frequent medical problem in our society. This syndrome affects from 80 to 90% of cancer patients and can be solved with relatively simple measures in 90% of the cases. Approximately 40% of cancer patients reported to be unsatisfied with the physician or nurse about their pain management. For these reasons, we gathered a task force in order to generate practice guidelines based on medical evidence and on the opinion of experts in this area. These guidelines were generated by a task force of 31 physicians who were leaders in this field and based on 599 papers selected by a previous literature search. This group evaluated the results of this search in three work sessions, during which a level of evidence was assigned to each recommendation.