Breast Cancer (BC) Is a Window of Opportunity for Smoking Cessation: Results of a Retrospective Analysis of 1234 BC Survivors in Follow-Up Consultation.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Smoking is the principal modifiable risk factor for cancers and has a negative influence on long-term survival. We conducted a retrospective study on consecutive BC survivors seen at follow-up consultations between 3 June and 30 October 2019 at Institut Curie, Paris, France. Smoking behaviors were evaluated prospectively via interviewer-administered questionnaires. The aim of this study was to describe smoking-related patient care at diagnosis and smoking cessation patterns in women with a history of BC. A total of 1234 patients were included in the study. Smoking status at diagnosis was missing from electronic health records in 32% of cases, including 13% of patients who smoke. Only 20% of the 197 patients currently smoking at diagnosis recalled having a discussion about smoking with a healthcare professional. Radiotherapists and surgeons were more likely to talk about complications than other practitioners. The main type of information provided was general advice to stop smoking (n = 110), followed by treatment complications (n = 48), while only five patients were referred to tobaccologists. Since diagnosis, 33% (n = 65) of the patients currently smoking had quit. Patients who quit had a lower alcohol consumption, but no other factor was associated with smoking cessation. The main motivation for tobacco withdrawal was the fear of BC relapse (63%). This study highlights room for improvement in the assessment of smoking behavior. Our data raise important perspectives for considering BC treatment and follow-up as a window of opportunity for smoking cessation.

Subcutaneous implantable pleural port catheter in the management of malignant pleural effusions in young patients with solid tumors: A new option in the armamentarium of symptomatic treatment.

The contribution of subcutaneous implantable pleural port catheter (SIPP) for malignant pleural effusions (MPE) management in young patients with cancer, in a palliative care setting is not well explored. This monocentric series analyzed 38 patients, median age 18 years (range 3-25) with significant pleural effusion. SIPP were considered efficient for eight of 12 evaluable patients (67%) and allowed MPE outpatient management in five cases. SIPPs are safe and efficient device to manage MPE patients with solid tumors, in the palliative care setting. This original tool could help health care providers for thoracic symptom management in alternative to iterative pleural punctures.

[COVID-19 and patients with cancer: Experiment of a French comprehensive cancer center]. / Première vague COVID-19 : expérience d'un centre de lutte contre le cancer.

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused profound upset in health systems around the world. As cancer patients seem to be at greater risk, the organization of oncological care had to be adapted. We first report the progress of the "first wave" of COVID-19 at the Institut Curie, a French comprehensive cancer center, by describing the measures implemented to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19 while ensuring as much as possible the continuation of anticancer treatments. Then, we present the results of a prospective institutional database in which the characteristics and outcome of our patients with cancer and suffering from COVID-19 were collected. From March 13 to April 25, 2020, 141 patients followed at Institut Curie for cancer developed COVID-19, of which 26 (18%) died from it. The minimum incidence of COVID-19 in Institut Curie is estimated at 1.4% over this period. No risk factors for developing a severe form of COVID-19 related to cancer have been identified. Cancer patients do not appear to be at greater risk of developing COVID-19, nor of having a more severe form than the general population. With the current increase of COVID-19 cases, it seems essential to share the experience already acquired to minimize the impact of this crisis on the long-term outcome of patients followed for cancer.

Characteristics and Outcome of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have emerged about the higher risk of fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in cancer patients. In this article, we review the experience of a comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: A prospective registry was set up at Institut Curie at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. All cancer patients with suspected or proven COVID-19 were entered and actively followed for 28 days. RESULTS: Among 9842 patients treated at Institut Curie between March 13 and May 1, 2020, 141 (1.4%) were diagnosed with COVID-19, based on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing and/or computerized tomography scan. In line with our case mix, breast cancer (40.4%) was the most common tumor type, followed by hematological and lung malignancies. Patients with active cancer therapy or/and advanced cancer accounted for 87.9% and 68.9% of patients, respectively. At diagnosis, 78.7% of patients had COVID-19-related symptoms, with an extent of lung parenchyma involvement inferior to 50% in 95.8% of patients. Blood count variations and C-reactive protein elevation were the most common laboratory abnormalities. Antibiotics and antiviral agents were administered in 48.2% and 6.4% of patients, respectively. At the time of analysis, 26 patients (18.4%) have died from COVID-19, and 100 (70.9%) were cured. Independent prognostic factors at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis associated with death or intensive care unit admission were extent of COVID-19 pneumonia and decreased O2 saturation. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 incidence and presentation in cancer patients appear to be very similar to those in the general population. The outcome of COVID-19 is primarily driven by the initial severity of infection rather than patient or cancer characteristics.

Frequency and Management of Hemorrhagic Malignant Wounds: A Retrospective, Single-Center, Observational Study.

CONTEXT: The prevalence of bleeding episodes in malignant wounds (MW) is poorly documented, with no distinction between minor and potentially severe bleedings. This affects the quality of care. OBJECTIVES: Assessing the frequency and management of hemorrhagic malignant wounds at Institut Curie hospital, an anti cancer center. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted from the medical records of patients followed up by the Research and Wound Care Unit from Curie Institute (Paris, France), between 2017 and 2018. Patients >18 years of age, seen at least once by the Unit, and with an MW > 10 cm2 were included. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included, 74.4% female and 25.6% male, with a median age of 64 years (32-92). The most frequent etiologies were breast cancer (52.2%), sarcomas (12.2%), squamous cell carcinoma ear, nose and throat (11%), and pelvic cancer (8.9%). The median survival of patients after their first consultation was 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.6-8.4). Minor bleedings were observed in 38.9% of situations. Bleedings were significantly higher in malignant fungating wounds (P < 0.01). They were treated by the application of alginate or nonadherent dressings. The presence of at least one minor bleeding significantly increased the risk of more severe bleedings (P < 0.001). Hemorrhagic episodes were reported in 18.9% of patients, and 2.2% of patients died as a result of these bleeding episodes. Hemorrhages were fully controlled by hemostatic dressings in 70.6% of cases. The appearance of bleeding (minor or hemorrhagic) was significantly associated with survival (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MWs with bleedings appear to be associated with a poor prognosis and could be a reason for early palliative care even if the patient's general condition is preserved. Palliative care must incorporate wound care skills to provide the most appropriate solutions to this anxiety-provoking symptom.

A New Transcutaneous Method for Breast Cancer Detection with Dogs.

We developed a new transcutaneous method for breast cancer detection with dogs: 2 dogs were trained to sniff skin secretion samples on compresses that had been worn overnight by women on their breast, and to recognize a breast cancer sample among 4 samples. During the test, the dogs recognized 90.3% of skin secretion breast cancer samples. This proof-of-concept study opens new avenues for the development of a reliable cancer diagnostic tool integrating olfactory abilities of dogs.

Comparative Analysis of Bacterial Community Composition and Structure in Clinically Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Central Venous Catheters.

Totally implanted venous access ports (TIVAPs) are commonly used catheters for the management of acute or chronic pathologies. Although these devices improve health care, repeated use of this type of device for venous access over long periods of time is also associated with risk of colonization and infection by pathogenic bacteria, often originating from skin. However, although the skin microbiota is composed of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, the extent and the consequences of TIVAP colonization by nonpathogenic bacteria have rarely been studied. Here, we used culture-dependent and 16S rRNA gene-based culture-independent approaches to identify differences in bacterial colonization of TIVAPs obtained from two French hospitals. To explore the relationships between nonpathogenic organisms colonizing TIVAPs and the potential risk of infection, we analyzed the bacterial community parameters between TIVAPs suspected (symptomatic) or not (asymptomatic) of infection. Although we did not find a particular species assemblage or community marker to distinguish infection risk on an individual sample level, we identified differences in bacterial community composition, diversity, and structure between clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic TIVAPs that could be explored further. This study therefore provides a new view of bacterial communities and colonization patterns in intravascular TIVAPs and suggests that microbial ecology approaches could improve our understanding of device-associated infections and could be a prognostic tool to monitor the evolution of bacterial communities in implants and their potential susceptibility to infections. IMPORTANCE Totally implanted venous access ports (TIVAPs) are commonly used implants for the management of acute or chronic pathologies. Although their use improves the patient's health care and quality of life, they are associated with a risk of infection and subsequent clinical complications, often leading to implant removal. While all TIVAPs appear to be colonized, only a fraction become infected, and the relationship between nonpathogenic organisms colonizing TIVAPs and the potential risk of infection is unknown. We explored bacteria present on TIVAPs implanted in patients with or without signs of TIVAP infection and identified differences in phylum composition and community structure. Our data suggest that the microbial ecology of intravascular devices could be predictive of TIVAP infection status and that ultimately a microbial ecological signature could be identified as a tool to predict TIVAP infection susceptibility and improve clinical management.

[Long-term intravenous devices, continuity of care from the specialist doctor to the nurse]. / Gestion des risques des dispositifs intraveineux de longue durée.

Long-term intravenous devices have become an essential tool in the treatment of patients requiring the administration of medication over more than one month. The choice of device must be established through consultation between the nursing team and the patient. Several types of complications can be observed immediately after the insertion of the device and during treatment. Protocols in the community and at hospital are therefore necessary in order that doctors, nurses, specialists and experts work together. Clinical and translational research should enable the incidence of certain complications, notably infections and thrombosis, to be further reduced.

[Feasibility and accuracy of day surgery: Review of 396 operated breast cancer patients]. / La chirurgie du cancer du sein en ambulatoire est faisable et fiable de nos jours : étude portant sur 396 patientes.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer surgery is suitable for outpatient practice. Indeed, this is a planned surgery with short operative time. Objective was to evaluate the recognized success indicators in day surgery: rate of conversion into conventional hospitalization, rate of complications and re-hospitalizations the month following surgery. METHODS: Consecutive cases of breast cancer patients operated in day surgery were prospectively entered into the Day Surgery database between 25 November 2012 and 31 December 2013. Patient characteristics and tumor pathology, preoperative procedures and type of surgery were collected. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-six consecutive patients were included. The mean age was 54 years [25-84], we performed 382 conservative breast surgery (98.2%), 238 sentinel node (60.1%) and 40 axillary lymphadenectomy (10.1%). Thirty-nine scheduled for outpatient surgery were hospitalized in conventional surgery being a conversion rate of 9.8%, 95% CI [6.9-12.7] with 24 patients because of a drainage (61.5%). We have observed 15 complications in the month after the surgery (3.7%, 95% CI [1.8-5.6]), and 5 rehospitalization in the month following surgery (1.2%, IC 95% [0.1-2.3]). CONCLUSION: Postoperative complication and readmissions are very low (<5%) after breast ambulatory surgery. This confirms its feasibility and safety in a breast cancer center. Adaptating anaesthetic methods to ambulatory care and preparing patient going home with an axillary drain are necessary to reduce rate of conversion to hospitalisation.

[First outpatient satisfaction questionnaire with day-surgery in a French comprehensive cancer center]. / Première enquête de satisfaction dans une unité de chirurgie ambulatoire dédiée à la cancérologie.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the patient's satisfaction in a day-surgery unit in oncology for a surgical diagnosis or therapeutic act. METHODS: Between October 2013 and February 2014, we conducted a satisfaction survey from the validated questionnaire COPS-D. This questionnaire analyse the patient's stages in the care system, from the preoperative consultation to the return home: 9 stages with 23 items rated 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent). It was sent by postmail 3 weeks after their hospitalization. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-seven questionnaires were mailed, with a response's rate to 38% (172/467). Participant's characteristics: 88% are women, 45% are full time workers, 54% of senology. Two-third of the assessments were rated 4 or 5. Five percent were rated 1 or 2. The patient's exit is the least preferred step. The operating room's assessment is the most preferred by patients. Sixty-one percent of participants have written a free comment, 31% are positives, 36% are negatives, and 32% are mixed. The wait was the negative recurrent comment (21%). DISCUSSION: Most participants are very satisfied. Improving the wait before the operation and output is already underway. Studies are now needed to assess the care's safety and the economic aspect of day-surgery.

[Dressings for malodorous wounds]. / Les pansements des plaies malodorantes.

While sensitivity to odours varies from one individual to another, bad smells can instinctively and uncontrollably induce nausea and revulsion. Different treatment strategies can be implemented. They consist in neutralising the odours, adding more pleasant smells and/or targeting the bacteria. The management of odours remains a complex problem without any universal or single solution. Odour control must not be used as a replacement for adapted hygiene and wound care.

[Malignant wounds in palliative care]. / Les plaies tumorales en soins palliatifs.

In the alsence of effective cancer treatment, malignant wounds evolve. The decisions taken by the multi-disciplinary team with regard to their care vary depending on whether the patient is in the initial, advanced or terminal phase of palliative care. Modern dressings can be used to control bleeding, odours and drainage. The aim is to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life, until its end.

A prospective, descriptive cohort study of malignant wound characteristics and wound care strategies in patients with breast cancer.

Few studies have addressed the effects of dressings on malignant wounds. A 20-month (May 2010 to January 2011) descriptive, prospective cohort study was conducted by the Wound Care Unit of Institute Curie, Paris, France to evaluate the use of various local care procedures and characteristics of malignant wounds. Symptoms and wound management methods were observed over a period of 42 days in 32 patients (all women, mean age 60 years, range 30-96 years, most with infiltrating ductal carcinoma). After cleansing (with either sterile saline or water), a variety of wound treatments were used based on specific wound characteristics, including calcium alginate, hydrocellular, interface, and active charcoal and superabsorbent dressings. Wound size, color (red, pink, black, yellow), periwound condition, surface wound organisms (number of species and quantity), and signs of infection, along with wound-related pain (rated on a verbal rating scale), odor, bleeding (spontaneous or induced), and exudate (rated on a four-level scale as none, slight, moderate, intense) were assessed at baseline and on days 21 and 42 of treatment. The degree to which each symptom was managed was scored as controlled, partly controlled, or not controlled. Mean initial wound size did not change over the evaluation period; most (74%) wounds were characterized as being inflamed. No infectious episodes were observed during the duration of the evaluation. Exudate and bleeding were generally controlled with hemostatic dressings, calcium alginate dressings, or absorbent pads. Odor was not completely controlled with charcoal dressing and was noted to be significantly greater in patients with >105/g bacterial counts and/or with one or more anaerobic bacteria (P = 0.05). At day 0, 13 out of 25 patients (50%) had uncontrolled pain; pain ratings did not change over the course of the study. Clinical research on specific clinical practice (eg, topical morphine for pain) and to assess the comparative efficacy of different care approaches on controlling the local symptoms of malignant wounds is warranted to improve the quality of care, which may affect patient quality of life.

Preventing biofilm formation and associated occlusion by biomimetic glycocalyxlike polymer in central venous catheters.

The use of catheters and other implanted devices is constantly increasing in modern medicine. Although catheters improve patients' healthcare, the hydrophobic nature of their surface material promotes protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Catheters are therefore prone to complications, such as colonization by bacterial and fungal biofilms, associated infections, and thrombosis. Here we describe the in vivo efficacy of biologically inspired glycocalyxlike antiadhesive coatings to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization on commercial totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) in a clinically relevant rat model of biofilm infection. Although noncoated TIVAPs implanted in rats were heavily colonized by the 2 biofilm-forming pathogens with a high percentage of occlusion, coating TIVAPs reduced their initial adherence and subsequently led to 4-log reduction in biofilm formation and reduced occlusion. Our antiadhesive approach is a simple and generalizable strategy that could be used to minimize clinical complications associated with the use of implantable medical devices.

Bacterial floras and biofilms of malignant wounds associated with breast cancers.

The risk of infections and the appearance of symptoms (e.g., odors) represent the main troubles resulting from malignant wounds. The aim of this study was to characterize the balance of bacterial floras and the relationships between biofilms and bacteria and the emergence of symptoms. Experimental research was carried out for 42 days on malignant wounds associated with breast cancer. Investigations of bacterial floras (aerobes, aero-anaerobes, and anaerobes), detection of the presence of biofilms by microscopic epifluorescence, and clinical assessment were performed. We characterized biofilms in 32 malignant wounds associated with breast cancer and bacterial floras in 25 such wounds. A mixed group of floras, composed of 54 different bacterial types, was identified, with an average number per patient of 3.6 aerobic species and 1.7 anaerobic species; the presence of strict anaerobic bacterial strains was evidenced in 70% of the wounds; biofilm was observed in 35% of the cases. Odor was a reliable indicator of colonization by anaerobes, even when this symptom was not directly linked to any of the identified anaerobic bacteria. Bacteria are more likely to be present during myelosuppression and significantly increase the emergence of odors and pain when present at amounts of >10(5) · g(-1). The presence of biofilms was not associated with clinical signs or with precise types of bacteria. No infections occurred during the 42-day evaluation period. This study provides a dynamic description of the bacterial floras of tumoral wounds. The study results highlight the absolute need for new therapeutic options that are effective for use on circulating bacteria as well as on bacteria organized in biofilm.

A rat model of central venous catheter to study establishment of long-term bacterial biofilm and related acute and chronic infections.

Formation of resilient biofilms on medical devices colonized by pathogenic microorganisms is a major cause of health-care associated infection. While in vitro biofilm analyses led to promising anti-biofilm approaches, little is known about their translation to in vivo situations and on host contribution to the in vivo dynamics of infections on medical devices. Here we have developed an in vivo model of long-term bacterial biofilm infections in a pediatric totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) surgically placed in adult rats. Using non-invasive and quantitative bioluminescence, we studied TIVAP contamination by clinically relevant pathogens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and we demonstrated that TIVAP bacterial populations display typical biofilm phenotypes. In our study, we showed that immunocompetent rats were able to control the colonization and clear the bloodstream infection except for up to 30% that suffered systemic infection and death whereas none of the immunosuppressed rats survived the infection. Besides, we mimicked some clinically relevant TIVAP associated complications such as port-pocket infection and hematogenous route of colonization. Finally, by assessing an optimized antibiotic lock therapy, we established that our in vivo model enables to assess innovative therapeutic strategies against bacterial biofilm infections.

Wound healing and catheter thrombosis after implantable venous access device placement in 266 breast cancers treated with bevacizumab therapy.

The aim of this study was to determine, in a population with metastatic breast cancer treated with bevacizumab therapy, the incidence of wound dehiscence after placement of an implantable venous access device (VAD) and to study the risk of catheter thrombosis. This study enrolled all VADs placed by 14 anesthetists between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009: 273 VADs in patients treated with bevacizumab therapy and 4196 VADs in patients not treated with bevacizumab therapy. In the bevacizumab therapy group, 13 cases of wound dehiscence occurred in 12 patients requiring removal of the VAD (4.76%). All cases of dehiscence occurred when bevacizumab therapy was initiated less than 7 days after VAD placement. Bevacizumab therapy was initiated less than 7 days after VAD placement in 150 cases (13 of 150: 8.6%). The risk of dehiscence was the same from 0 to 7 days. In parallel, the VAD wound dehiscence rate in patients not receiving bevacizumab therapy was eight of 4197 cases (0.19%) (Fisher's test significant, P<0.001). No risk factors of dehiscence were identified: anesthetists, learning curves, and irradiated patients. VAD thrombosis occurred in four patients (1.5%). In parallel, VAD thrombosis occurred in 51 of 4197 patients (1.2%) not receiving bevacizumab therapy (Fisher's test not significant; P=0.43). Bevacizumab therapy was permanently discontinued in five patients related to wound dehiscence and in one patient due to extensive skin necrosis. These data suggest the need to observe an interval of at least 7 days between VAD placement and initiation of bevacizumab therapy to avoid the risk of a wound dehiscence requiring chest wall port explant. The risk of VAD thrombosis does not require any particular primary prevention.

Use of a subcutaneous implantable pleural port in the management of recurrent malignant pleurisy: five-year experience based on 168 subcutaneous implantable pleural ports.

INTRODUCTION: The authors report their experience in the use of subcutaneous implantable pleural port (SIPP) catheters for the treatment of symptomatic recurrent malignant pleurisy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center, prospective follow-up of 137 patients (168 SIPPs). RESULTS: No SIPP placement failures were observed. All but 3 of the 125 evaluable patients obtained complete or partial relief of their dyspnea. Seventy-six patients (60.3%) were receiving chemotherapy. Spontaneous pleurodesis was observed within 2 months in 46 patients (36.8%). Twenty-six patients (20.8%) died during the month following SIPP placement. Forty-one patients (32%) survived for more than 6 months. The overall median survival time was 344 days. Three infectious complications (1 empyema, 2 cellulitis) and 3 mechanical complications were observed. The role of pleurodesis as prognostic factor was assessed. Seventy-one patients survived for more than 2 months, 36 with pleurodesis, 35 without pleurodesis, requiring repeated pleural aspiration. The difference observed between the two groups by the 120th day was no longer significant when chemotherapy was taken into account. CONCLUSION: SIPP is a safe and effective option for the outpatient management of recurrent malignant effusions and could be considered as first-line treatment in all patients with bilateral, compressive pleural effusion or poor lung reexpansion.