Towards precision medicine in breast imaging: A novel open mammography database with tailor-made 3D image retrieval for AI and teaching.

This project addresses the global challenge of breast cancer, particularly in low-resource settings, by creating a pioneering mammography database. Breast cancer, identified by the World Health Organization as a leading cause of cancer death among women, often faces diagnostic and treatment resource constraints in low- and middle-income countries. To enhance early diagnosis and address educational setbacks, the project focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through a comprehensive database. Developed in collaboration with Ambra Health, a cloud-based medical image management software, the database comprises 941 mammography images from 100 anonymized cases, with 62 % including 3D images. Accessible through http://mamografia.unifesp.br, the platform facilitates a simple registration process and an advanced search system based on 169 clinical and imaging variables. The website, customizable to the user's native language, ensures data security through an automatic anonymization system. By providing high-resolution, 3D digital images and supplementary clinical information, the platform aims to promote education and research in breast cancer diagnosis, representing a significant advancement in resource-constrained healthcare environments.

Construction of Low-Cost Simulators for Training in Minimally Invasive Breast Procedures.

Objective: The aim of this work was to describe a technique for building low-cost simulators for training in minimally invasive breast procedures guided by ultrasound (US) and stereotactic mammography (MMG), focusing mainly on training medical professionals studying related areas. Materials and Methods: Low-cost phantoms were developed using organic structures that mimic breast tissue, such as chicken breast and eggplant, and materials that simulate breast lesions. A step-by-step description of the preparation and use of these simulators was made, enabling the reproducibility of the technique by the physicians in training themselves. Results: The low-cost phantoms showed a high degree of echogenic and radiological similarity with human breast tissue, allowing adequate training in minimally invasive procedures. Conclusion: It was possible to build low-cost phantoms that allow training in US- and stereotactic MMG-guided minimally invasive breast procedures.

Ultrasound Measurement of the Distance between the Breast Tumor and the Skin: A Cut-Off Value for Safe Skin Preservation - Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

Background: In superficial tumors of the breast, it is necessary to plan the thickness of surgical skin flaps, and whether skin can be preserved for esthetics results. This study aimed to find an ultrasound-measured cut-off distance between tumor and skin (TSD) that allows patients to have the skin over the tumor spared. Methods: This is a diagnostic accuracy study comparing preoperative ultrasound TSD with pathological TSD and the thickness of the skin flaps. We recruited all consecutive women diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2017 and December 2019 whose surgical planning allowed to have the tumor and overlying skin to be removed in bloc (reconstruction procedures, situations where skin removal would not lead to esthetic problems, and superficially located tumors). Measurements were made: preoperatively (by ultrasound), during surgery (using a metal caliper to obtain the thickness of surgical skin flap), and after surgery (pathological). A pathological tumor-skin distance greater than surgical skin flap thickness would indicate preservation of skin above the tumor. Results: We evaluated 95 consecutive patients with 102 lesions. The average surgical flap thickness was 5.5 mm (3-10 mm). The ultrasound-measured cut-off TSD of 2.1 mm obtained 96.0% accuracy in predicting free anterior margin, considering a 5-mm-thick surgical flap. Conclusion: In breast superficial tumors, a cut-off distance of 2.1 mm or more measured preoperatively by ultrasound allows safe preservation of the skin above the tumor. Future studies need to follow up for longer the women submitted to skin preservation surgeries, especially those not undergoing radiotherapy.

Effect of acupuncture in myelosuppression and quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on myelosuppression and quality of life in women with breast cancer during treatment with anthracyclines (ANT). METHODS: Women with indication for ANT chemotherapy were randomized into two groups: acupuncture group (AG) and control group (CG). A quality of life questionnaire (FACT-G) and peripheral blood levels of the participants were evaluated before and at the end of treatment. The AG was submitted to an acupuncture intervention, starting before the first chemotherapy infusion, and continuing throughout the treatment. RESULTS: A total of 26 women were randomized into 2 groups: AG (10) and CG (16). Of these, 26.9% had a dense dose indication according to the service's protocol for the administration of granulocyte-stimulating factor (G-CSF) from the first cycle, not participating in the analysis. The need for secondary prophylaxis with G-CSF occurred in 72.7% in the control group versus 12% in the acupuncture group. Regarding quality of life (QoL), it was observed that the groups did not initially differ from each other. At the end of the treatment, there was a significant difference in the AG for the physical (GP) (p-value=0.011), social/family (GS) (p-value=0.018), and functional (GF) (p-value=0.010) domains, regarding the initial and final FACT-G showed a difference between the groups, where the GA average at the end rose from 80.68 to 90.12 (p-value = 0.004) and in the CG the average dropped from 81.95 to 70.59 (p-value=0.003). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was efficient in the secondary prophylaxis of myelosuppression during chemotherapy and the quality of life of women during treatment has increased. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - Rebec on 06/28/2018, registration number U1111-1216-3921, Rebec Trial RBR-7BWJ6R.

Plano de cuidados para sobreviventes de câncer de mama: tradução e validação / Plan de cuidados para sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama: traducción y validación / Care plan for breast cancer survivors: translation and validation

Resumo Objetivo Traduzir, adaptar transculturalmente e validar o conteúdo do Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan (TSSCP-S) para sobreviventes brasileiras de câncer de mama. Métodos Estudo metodológico, quantitativo, executado de acordo com as etapas de tradução, compatibilização e retrotradução, construção de consenso de opiniões de um grupo de especialistas para a validação de conteúdo, de acordo com a Técnica Delphi e avaliação do usuário. Resultados O plano traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente foi avaliado por 10 profissionais, entre estes, enfermeiros, médicos, psicológos, nutricionista e fisioterapeuta, possuidores de titulação, produção científica, conhecimento e tempo de atuação na temática e o consenso foi obtido em duas rodadas. O instrumento apresentou coeficiente de validade de conteúdo de 83,3% na segunda rodada da Delphi. Na avaliação dos domínios conteúdo, clareza, utilidade, responsividade cultural e socioecológica, a concordância foi de 93,3%. O perfil sóciodemográfico e clínico das usuárias foi heterogêneo, contribuindo para os ajustes culturais necessários, com consenso final de 93,9%. Conclusão O plano de cuidados foi traduzido para o português do Brasil, adaptado transculturalmente e seus conteúdos foram validados, considerando as políticas de saúde nacionais.

Resumen Objetivo Traducir, adaptar transculturalmente y validar el contenido del Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan (TSSCP-S) para sobrevivientes brasileñas de cáncer de mama. Métodos Estudio metodológico, cuantitativo, ejecutado de acuerdo con las etapas de traducción, compatibilización y retrotraducción, construcción de consenso de opiniones de un grupo de especialistas para la validación de contenido, de acuerdo con el método Delphi y evaluación del usuario. Resultados El plan traducido y adaptado transculturalmente fue evaluado por diez profesionales, entre ellos enfermeros, médicos, psicólogos, nutricionista y fisioterapeuta, con titulación académica, producción científica, conocimiento y tiempo de actuación en la temática, y el consenso se obtuvo en dos rondas. El instrumento presentó un coeficiente de validez de contenido del 83,3 % en la segunda ronda de Delphi. En la evaluación de los dominios contenido, claridad, utilidad, responsividad cultural y socioecológica, la concordancia fue del 93,3 %. El perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de las usuarias fue heterogéneo, lo que contribuye a los ajustes culturales necesarios, con consenso final del 93,9 %. Conclusión El plan de cuidados fue traducido al portugués de Brasil, adaptado transculturalmente y sus contenidos fueron validados, considerando las políticas sanitarias nacionales.

Abstract Objective To translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate the content of the Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan (TSSCP-S) for Brazilian breast cancer survivors. Methods Methodological, quantitative study performed according to the steps of translation, compatibility and back-translation, construction of consensus of opinions in a group of experts for content validation, according to the Delphi technique and user evaluation. Results The translated and cross-culturally adapted plan was evaluated by ten professionals, including nurses, physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists with a degree, scientific production, knowledge and time working on the subject. Consensus was obtained in two rounds. The instrument presented a content validity coefficient of 83.3% in the second round of Delphi. In the evaluation of content, clarity, usefulness, cultural and socioecological responsiveness domains, agreement was 93.3%. The sociodemographic and clinical profile of users was heterogeneous, contributing to the necessary cultural adjustments, with a final consensus of 93.9%. Conclusion The care plan was translated into Brazilian Portuguese, cross-culturally adapted and its contents were validated considering national health policies.

Awareness of Self-Examination, Screening, and Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Among Women Awaiting Care at the Outpatient Clinic of a Mastology Unit.

This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and the awareness of screening and risk factors for breast cancer among patients from a mastology clinic and to associate such findings with sociodemographic factors of that population. A total of 202 randomly selected patients from the outpatient clinic of the Mastology Unit of São Paulo School of Medicine were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used and included questions regarding sociodemographic variables, questions to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE, and knowledge of mammographic screening and risk factors for breast cancer. The vast majority of patients were aware of the existence of BSE (93.1%). BSE was performed by most patients (64.9%), although only 20.3% performed it adequately. Only 21.8% of respondents showed awareness of the best screening method for breast cancer. Furthermore, 17.3% of patients showed adequate awareness of risk factors for breast cancer. The analysis of sociodemographic variables showed that older, postmenopausal, and less-educated women showed better practice of BSE. Overall, the patients had no adequate awareness of BSE, mammographic screening, and risk factors for breast cancer, and the majority failed to practice BSE adequately, particularly the group of patients with the higher level of education. These data show that educational measures regarding the practice of BSE and, especially, mammograms should be emphasized, regardless of education level or family income of the patient.

Avaliação de Prejuízo Cognitivo em Sobreviventes de Câncer de Mama: Estudo Transversal / Assessment of Cognitive Impairment in Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Cross-sectional Study

Resumo Estudo prospectivo e transversal, para determinar a prevalência de prejuízo cognitivo decorrente da quimioterapia e explorar fatores preditores e mediadores em sobreviventes de câncer de mama. Utilizou-se o Termômetro de Distress, Escala de Ansiedade e Depressão, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General e Cognitive Function. As sobreviventes (N = 62) reportaram uma alta prevalência de distress (46,8%) e de ansiedade (24,2%), com baixos escores nas subescalas déficit cognitivo e habilidades cognitivas percebidos. O funcionamento cognitivo esteve associado à idade (β = 1,42; p = 0,002), atuação profissional (β = -23,12; p = 0,004), depressão (β = -5,43; p = 0,001) e qualidade de vida (β = 1,24; p = 0,001). Prejuízo cognitivo deve ser considerado no serviço de Psico-Oncologia.

Abstract Prospective and cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment resulting from chemotherapy, and to explore predictors and mediators in survivors of breast cancer. We used the Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function. Survivors (N = 62) reported a high prevalence of distress (46.8%) and anxiety (24.2%), with low scores on cognitive deficit and cognitive skills perceived subscales. Cognitive functioning was associated with age (β = 1.42; p = 0.002), professional performance (β = -23.12; p = 0.004), depression (β = -5.43; p = 0.001), and quality of life (β = 1.24; p = 0.001). Cognitive impairment must be considered in Psycho-Oncology service.

Micropigmentação Dérmica na Reconstrução do Complexo Aréolo-papilar: Revisão Integrativa da Literatura / Dermal Micropigmentation for the Nipple-areolar Complex Reconstruction: Integrative Literature Review / Micropigmentación Dérmica en la Reconstrucción del Complejo Areola-papilar: Revisión Integradora de la Literatura

Introdução: A micropigmentação dérmica comumente conhecida como tatuagem é uma técnica de reconstrução do complexo aréolo- -papilar desde 1986. Objetivo: Identificar na literatura científica evidências sobre a prática de micropigmentação dérmica à reconstrução do complexo aréolo-papilar em mulheres tratadas por câncer de mama. Método: Revisão integrativa com busca nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e LILACS. A partir dos critérios de elegibilidade, foram selecionados 14 artigos. A revisão foi relatada segundo os critérios do PRISMA e o nível de evidência classificado segundo o Centro para Medicina Baseada em Evidências de Oxford. Resultados: Na literatura consultada, 71,4% dos estudos são de nível quatro de evidência. Foram sintetizados os achados em quatro categorias: 1) micropigmentação dérmica como método de escolha; 2) período recomendado para realização da micropigmentação; 3) etapas da micropigmentação dérmica; 4) reações esperadas e adversas da micropigmentação. Conclusão: A micropigmentação dérmica é uma técnica que tem proporcionado benefícios psicossociais para as mulheres e oferece à paciente uma aréola com aspecto próximo ao natural, por meio de um procedimento seguro, rápido, raramente doloroso e com baixo risco de complicações, quando garantidas as medidas de biossegurança. As decisões no processo devem ser baseadas por evidências e tomadas em conjunto com as pacientes, respeitando desejos e informando riscos e benefícios

Introduction: Since 1986, dermal micropigmentation commonly known as tattooing has been a technique for reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex. Objective: To identify scientific evidence in the literature on the practice of dermal micropigmentation for reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex in women treated for breast cancer. Method: Integrative review upon search in the databases PubMed, SciELO and LILACS resulting in 14 articles selected according to the eligibility criteria. The review was reported according to PRISMA criteria, and the level of evidence classified according to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. Results: 71.4% of the studies presented level four of evidence. The findings were synthesized in four categories: 1) dermal micropigmentation as the method of choice; 2) recommended period for micropigmentation; 3) steps of dermal micropigmentation; 4) expected and adverse reactions from micropigmentation. Conclusion: Dermal micropigmentation is a technique that has provided psychosocial benefits for women and offers the patient an areola with a natural appearance through a safe, fast, rarely painful procedure with low risk of complications, if biosafety measures are in place. Decisions in the process should be evidence-based and taken together with patients, respecting their wishes and sharing risks and benefits

Introducción: La micropigmentación dérmica comúnmente conocida como tatuaje ha sido una técnica para reconstruir el complejo areola-pezón desde 1986. Objetivo: Identificar evidencia en la literatura científica sobre la práctica de la micropigmentación dérmica para la reconstrucción del complejo areola-pezón en mujeres tratadas por cáncer de mama. Método: Revisión integrativa con búsqueda en bases de datos PubMed, SciELO y LILACS. Con base en los criterios de elegibilidad, se seleccionaron 14 artículos. La revisión se informó de acuerdo con los criterios PRISMA y el nivel de evidencia clasificado de acuerdo con el Centro de Medicina basada en la evidencia de Oxford. Resultados: En la literatura consultada, el 71,4% de los estudios tienen nivel de evidencia cuatro. Fueron sintetizados los hallazgos en cuatro categorías: 1) micropigmentación dérmica como método de elección; 2) período recomendado de micropigmentación; 3) pasos de micropigmentación dérmica; 4) reacciones adversas y esperadas por micropigmentación. Conclusión: La micropigmentación dérmica es una técnica que ha brindado beneficios psicosociales para la mujer y ofrece a la paciente una areola con apariencia natural, a través de un procedimiento seguro, rápido, rara vez doloroso y con bajo riesgo de complicaciones, cuando las medidas de bioseguridad están garantizadas. Las decisiones en el proceso deben basarse en pruebas y tomarse junto con los pacientes, respetando los deseos e informando los riesgos y beneficios

Survival and recurrence with or without axillary dissection in patients with invasive breast cancer and sentinel node metastasis.

To evaluate overall survival and locoregional recurrence between patients with invasive breast tumours and sentinel node metastasis undergoing sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) alone and those undergoing complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with invasive breast carcinoma who underwent lumpectomy at a public university hospital in Brazil between 2008 and 2018. We evaluated the overall survival and the locoregional recurrence using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Overall, 97 participants who underwent lumpectomy were enroled; 41 in the ALND group, and 56 in the SLND group, according to Z0011 criteria. Only 17% of the patients in the ALND group had an additional biopsy-proven axillary disease, and 83% were treated with complete dissection unnecessarily. The 5-year survival rates were 80.1% and 87.5% for SLND and ALND, respectively (p = 0.376). Locoregional recurrence was rare (1.7% and 7.3% in the SLND and ALND, respectively; p = 0.3075). Overall survival and locoregional recurrence were similar between the two groups. The de-escalation of ALND to SLND in women with metastasis in the sentinel lymph node treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy that meet the Z0011 criteria is feasible even in developing countries.

Ductal Carcinoma in situ: Underestimation of Percutaneous Biopsy and Positivity of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in a Brazilian Public Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Mammography screening has become widely spread and provided a marked increase in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis. In DCIS, the ductal epithelium proliferates without invasion through the basal cell membrane. However, histologic underestimation can happen in some cases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rate of histologic underestimation (histopathologic results upgraded to invasive carcinoma after surgery) and the rate of positive results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients diagnosed with DCIS in a Brazilian public hospital. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of all consecutive patients admitted between 2009 and 2013 whose initial diagnosis was DCIS through core needle biopsy. DCIS cases with a high risk of invasion underwent SLNB. We excluded cases with invasion or micro-invasion components in the first biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 86 women were included, most with microcalcifications as the primary radiological lesion (73.2%), and underwent preoperative biopsy, with an invasive component in 21 (24.4%) in the final pathology report. Most had invasive carcinoma of no special type (NST): 52.3% (n = 11) and microinvasive tumors (7 cases, 33.3%). The main factors associated with histologic underestimation were nodular lesion (61.9%, p<0.001) and an ultra-sonography-guided biopsy (71.4%, p=0.0005). The positivity rate of SLNB was 4.3%. All these patients underwent mastectomy, and the initial histologic pattern was solid DCIS. CONCLUSION: The "histologic underestimation" rate among patients with DCIS was not low, and less than 5% of patients who underwent SLNB had axillary positivity. This result suggests that patients who have DCIS and a high risk of invasion and undergoing mastectomy should have SLNB. As to the patients who will undergo lumpectomy, SLNB could be omitted and could be performed if patients have upgraded to invasive breast cancer.

Exercise Protocol With Limited Shoulder Range of Motion for 15 or 30 Days After Conservative Surgery for Breast Cancer With Oncoplastic Technique: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate the effect of limiting shoulder range of motion (ROM) for 15 or 30 days on surgical complications and on shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function of breast cancer patients following conservative oncoplastic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 women with breast cancer who underwent conservative oncoplastic surgery. The day after surgery, all patients started an exercise protocol with shoulder exercises limited to 90 degrees. Two weeks after surgery they were randomized into Free ROM Group (n=30) or Limited ROM Group (n=30). The Free ROM Group was allowed to perform shoulder exercises with unlimited ROM; the Limited ROM Group continued with shoulder movement restricted at 90 degrees until 30 days after surgery, at which time they were also allowed free ROM. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications (dehiscence, seroma, infection, and necrosis) and secondary outcomes were shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function. RESULTS: No difference in the incidence of postoperative scar complications between groups was noted. There was no difference between the groups in shoulder joint amplitude, pain, or upper limb function. CONCLUSIONS: The free ROM exercise protocol 15 days post surgery was safe concerning cicatricial complications.

Xerostomia e câncer de mama / Xerostomia and breast cancer / Xerostomía y cáncer de mama

Objetivo: Identificar os estudos que descrevem a prevalência de xerostomia em pacientes com câncer de mama e em quimioterapia. Método: Revisão integrativa, partindo da questão norteadora << Quais as evidências científicas sobre a prevalência de xerostomia em pacientes com câncer de mama e em quimioterapia? >>. Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados: US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde e Scientific Electronic Library Online por meio dos Descritores em Ciências da Saúde. Foram encontrados 63 artigos, analisados por dois pesquisadores seguindo os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados: A prevalência de xerostomia foi descrita em 10 artigos que utilizaram como método de avaliação escalas, questionários com respostas dicotômicas e sialometria. Conclusão: Identificou-se uma prevalência de 47% a 77,3% de xerostomia durante a quimioterapia

Objective: To identify studies describing the prevalence of xerostomia in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method: Integrative review based on the guiding question << What is the scientific evidence on the prevalence of xerostomia in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy? >>. We searched the US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases using the Health Sciences Descriptors. We found 63 articles, which were analyzed by two researchers, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The prevalence of xerostomia was described in 10 articles that used scales, questionnaires with dichotomous answers, and sialometry as evaluation methods. Conclusion: A prevalence of 47% to 77.3% of xerostomia during chemotherapy was identified

Objetivo: Identificar estudios que describen la prevalencia de xerostomía en pacientes con cáncer de mama y quimioterapia. Método: Revisión integradora, basada en la pregunta guía << ¿Cuál es la evidencia científica sobre la prevalencia de xerostomía en pacientes con cáncer de mama y quimioterapia? >>. Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health, Literatura Latino-Americana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud y Scientific Electronic Library Online utilizando los Descriptores de Ciencias de la Salud. Encontramos 63 artículos, que fueron analizados por dos investigadores siguiendo los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: La prevalencia de xerostomía se describió en 10 artículos que utilizaron escalas, cuestionarios con respuestas dicotómicas y sialometría como método de evaluación. Conclusión: Se identificó una prevalencia de xerostomía del 47% al 77,3% durante la quimioterapia

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. METHOD: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. RESULTS: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. CONCLUSION: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Early Free Range-of-Motion Upper Limb Exercises After Mastectomy and Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction Are Safe and Beneficial: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the impact that free range-of-motion (ROM) upper limb exercises 15 or 30 days after mastectomy and immediate implant-based reconstruction has on surgical complications and kinetic-functional recovery. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 60 women who had breast cancer treated with mastectomy and immediate implant or tissue expander reconstruction. The patients initiated the exercises with shoulder ROM limited to 90° the day after surgery. After 2 weeks, the patients were randomized into two groups of 30 patients each: the "free-range group," which permitted shoulder range exercises until limited by pain or wound dehiscence, and the "limited-range group," which maintained shoulder movement restriction at 90° until 30 days after surgery, at which time they also were allowed to perform free-range exercises. The patients underwent evaluations preoperatively, then 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery. The primary outcomes were incidence and prevalence of dehiscence and seroma and incidence of infection and necrosis. The secondary outcomes were shoulder ROM, pain, and upper limb function. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in terms of incidence and prevalence of postoperative complications. The patients with free upper limb exercise 15 days after surgery had less pain, greater shoulder amplitude, and better upper limb function than those who had movement restricted to 90° for 30 days. CONCLUSION: The postoperative protocol with free shoulder ROM on the 15th day after surgery is safe and beneficial in terms of kinetic-functional recovery and pain control for patients after mastectomy and immediate implant-based reconstruction. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER: NCT02480842.

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy / Prevalencia de la xerostomía en mujeres durante la quimioterapia por cáncer de mama / Prevalência da xerostomia em mulheres durante a quimioterapia por câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. Results: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de la xerostomía en las mujeres en tratamiento quimioterápico por cáncer de mama. Método: Cohorte prospectiva con 27 mujeres que realizaron hasta 16 sesiones de quimioterapia endovenosa. La recogida de datos ha sido realizada en el ambulatorio de un hospital universitario en la ciudad São Paulo, donde han sido aplicados dos formularios antes del inicio del tratamiento y el Xerostomia Inventory antes y después de cada sesión de quimioterapia. Resultados: La queja de boca seca estuvo presente en 48,1% de las mujeres antes de la quimioterapia, y ellas tuvieron aproximadamente 28 veces más chance de desarrollar la xerostomía durante el tratamiento. Se observó que el uso de antieméticos contribuyó para la ocurrencia de xerostomía, y los antiulcerosos se presentaron como factor de protección. Conclusión: El estudio identificó tanto una alta prevalencia de xerostomía independientemente de la quimioterapia empleada cuanto la necesidad de la creación de protocolos visando a la mejoría de la calidad de vida de esas pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência da xerostomia nas mulheres em tratamento quimioterápico por câncer de mama. Método: Coorte prospectiva com 27 mulheres que realizaram até 16 sessões de quimioterapia endovenosa. A coleta de dados foi realizada no ambulatório de um hospital universitário na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram aplicados dois formulários antes do início do tratamento e o Xerostomia Inventory antes e após cada sessão de quimioterapia. Resultados: A queixa de boca seca esteve presente em 48,1% das mulheres antes da quimioterapia, e elas tiveram aproximadamente 28 vezes mais chance de desenvolver a xerostomia durante o tratamento. Observou-se que o uso de antieméticos contribuiu para a ocorrência de xerostomia, e os antiulcerosos se apresentaram como fator de proteção. Conclusão: O estudo identificou tanto uma alta prevalência de xerostomia independentemente da quimioterapia empregada quanto a necessidade da criação de protocolos visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida dessas pacientes.

Prevalence of xerostomia in women during breast cancer chemotherapy / Prevalencia de la xerostomía en mujeres durante la quimioterapia por cáncer de mama / Prevalência da xerostomia em mulheres durante a quimioterapia por câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence of xerostomia in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method: Prospective cohort with 27 women who underwent up to 16 sessions of intravenous chemotherapy. Data collection was performed at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, where two forms were applied before the start of treatment and the Xerostomia Inventory before and after each chemotherapy session. Results: Complaints of dry mouth were present in 48.1% of women before chemotherapy, and they were approximately 28 times more likely to develop dry mouth during treatment. It was observed that the use of antiemetics contributed to the occurrence of xerostomia, and the anti-ulcerous were presented as a protective factor. Conclusion: The study identified both a high prevalence of xerostomia regardless of the chemotherapy used and the need to create protocols to improve the quality of life of these patients.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de la xerostomía en las mujeres en tratamiento quimioterápico por cáncer de mama. Método: Cohorte prospectiva con 27 mujeres que realizaron hasta 16 sesiones de quimioterapia endovenosa. La recogida de datos ha sido realizada en el ambulatorio de un hospital universitario en la ciudad São Paulo, donde han sido aplicados dos formularios antes del inicio del tratamiento y el Xerostomia Inventory antes y después de cada sesión de quimioterapia. Resultados: La queja de boca seca estuvo presente en 48,1% de las mujeres antes de la quimioterapia, y ellas tuvieron aproximadamente 28 veces más chance de desarrollar la xerostomía durante el tratamiento. Se observó que el uso de antieméticos contribuyó para la ocurrencia de xerostomía, y los antiulcerosos se presentaron como factor de protección. Conclusión: El estudio identificó tanto una alta prevalencia de xerostomía independientemente de la quimioterapia empleada cuanto la necesidad de la creación de protocolos visando a la mejoría de la calidad de vida de esas pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência da xerostomia nas mulheres em tratamento quimioterápico por câncer de mama. Método: Coorte prospectiva com 27 mulheres que realizaram até 16 sessões de quimioterapia endovenosa. A coleta de dados foi realizada no ambulatório de um hospital universitário na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram aplicados dois formulários antes do início do tratamento e o Xerostomia Inventory antes e após cada sessão de quimioterapia. Resultados: A queixa de boca seca esteve presente em 48,1% das mulheres antes da quimioterapia, e elas tiveram aproximadamente 28 vezes mais chance de desenvolver a xerostomia durante o tratamento. Observou-se que o uso de antieméticos contribuiu para a ocorrência de xerostomia, e os antiulcerosos se apresentaram como fator de proteção. Conclusão: O estudo identificou tanto uma alta prevalência de xerostomia independentemente da quimioterapia empregada quanto a necessidade da criação de protocolos visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida dessas pacientes.

Impact of breast cancer and quality of life of women survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of breast cancer and the quality of life of women survivors and to identify associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study conducted with women receiving outpatient post-treatment care at a public institution of the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Instruments: sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires; Impact of Cancer scale; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer scale. Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: One hundred women were included in the study with a mean age of 60 years (SD = 11.3); most with less than 5 years of follow-up, low purchasing power, and low education levels. Negative Impact of Cancer: Health Worry, Body Changes, Feelings, and Meaning of Cancer. Quality of life: 81.9 (18.3), specific: 105.6 (24.6). The following subscales of the impact of cancer scale predicted lower quality of life scores: Body Changes, Negative Self-Evaluation, and Concerns about Cancer (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Although they presented high scores for quality of life, patients reported negative impacts of cancer, enhanced by vulnerabilities.

Impact of breast cancer and quality of life of women survivors / Impacto del cáncer de mama y calidad de vida de mujeres sobrevivientes / Impacto do câncer de mama e qualidade de vida de mulheres sobreviventes

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of breast cancer and the quality of life of women survivors and to identify associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables. Method: This was a cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study conducted with women receiving outpatient post-treatment care at a public institution of the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Instruments: sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires; Impact of Cancer scale; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer scale. Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis were performed. Results: One hundred women were included in the study with a mean age of 60 years (SD = 11.3); most with less than 5 years of follow-up, low purchasing power, and low education levels. Negative Impact of Cancer: Health Worry, Body Changes, Feelings, and Meaning of Cancer. Quality of life: 81.9 (18.3), specific: 105.6 (24.6). The following subscales of the impact of cancer scale predicted lower quality of life scores: Body Changes, Negative Self-Evaluation, and Concerns about Cancer (p <0.05). Conclusion: Although they presented high scores for quality of life, patients reported negative impacts of cancer, enhanced by vulnerabilities.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del cáncer de mama y la calidad de vida de mujeres sobrevivientes, identificar asociación de variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Método: Transversal, analítico, cuantitativo, con mujeres post-tratamiento ambulatorio de cáncer de mama en institución pública del municipio de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Instrumentos: Sociodemográfico y clínico; Escala Impacto del Cáncer; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer. Análisis estadístico descriptivo y analítico. Resultados: Cien mujeres, media etaria de 60 años (SD=11,3), mayoría en seguimiento inferior a 5 años, bajos recursos y escolarización. Impacto del Cáncer negativo: Preocupación por la Salud, Cambios Corporales, Sentimientos y Significado del Cáncer. Calidad de Vida: 81,9 (18,3), específico: 105,6 (24,6). Subescalas del impacto del cáncer predictoras de peores puntajes de calidad de vida: Cambios Corporales, Autoevaluación Negativa y Preocupación por el Cáncer (ps<0,05). Conclusión: Aun presentando buenos puntajes de calidad de vida las pacientes informaron impacto negativo del cáncer, agravado por sus vulnerabilidades.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do câncer de mama e a qualidade de vida de mulheres sobreviventes e identificar associação de variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas. Método: Transversal, analítico, quantitativo, com mulheres pós-tratamento ambulatorial de câncer de mama em instituição pública do município de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Instrumentos: sociodemográfico e clínico; escala Impacto do Câncer; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer. Análise estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados: 100 mulheres, média de 60 anos (DP=11,3); maioria em seguimento inferior há 5 anos, baixo poder econômico e escolaridade. Impacto do Câncer negativo: Preocupação com a Saúde, Mudanças Corporais, Sentimentos e Significado do Câncer. Qualidade de Vida: 81,9 (18,3), específico: 105,6 (24,6). Subescalas do impacto do câncer que predisseram piores escores de qualidade de vida : Mudanças Corporais, Autoavaliação Negativa e Preocupação com o Câncer (ps<0,05). Conclusão: Apesar de apresentarem um bom escore de qualidade de vida, pacientes reportaram impacto negativo do câncer, agravado por vulnerabilidades.

Advanced Stage Breast Sarcoma Treatment in a Third World Country Public Hospital.

The case reports a 49-year-old patient, drug-addicted, undernourished, and homeless, who was referred to our service presenting a diagnostic of breast sarcoma and ulcerating tumor which extended from the right breast to the right flank. She underwent hygienic mastectomy and, as it developed, she presented a range of complications, culminating in the recurrence of the tumor and pulmonary metastasis few months after her initial treatment. There is relevance in our study not only because it reports the development of the breast sarcoma, rare neoplasm, and its aggressiveness with fast recurrence, but also because it exposes the impact of biopsychosocial behavior of this patient in her clinical outcome.

Cardiac autonomic modulation impairments in advanced breast cancer patients.

AIM: To compare cardiac autonomic modulation in early- versus advanced-stage breast cancer patients before any type of cancer treatment and investigate associated factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included women (30-69 years old) with primary diagnosis of breast cancer and women with benign breast tumors. We evaluated cardiac modulation by heart rate variability and assessed factors of anxiety, depression, physical activity, and other relevant medical variables. Patients were divided into three groups based on TNM staging of cancer severity: early-stage cancer (n = 42), advanced-stage cancer (n = 37), or benign breast tumors to serve as a control (n = 37). We analyzed heart rate variability in time and frequency domains. The advanced-stage cancer group had lower vagal modulation than early-stage and benign groups; also, the advance-stage group had lower overall heart rate variability when compared to benign conditions. Heart rate variability was influenced by age, menopausal status, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate variability seems to be a promising, non-invasive tool for early diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction in breast cancer and detection of cardiovascular impairments at cancer diagnosis. Cardiac autonomic modulation is inversely associated with breast cancer staging.