Impacto del Score de Recurrencia de 21 genes (Oncotype DX®) sobre la toma de decisión en tratamiento adyuvante: un estudio multicéntrico y colaborativo / Impact of the 21-gene Recurrence Score (Oncotype DX®) on decision-making in adjuvant treatment: a multicenter and collaborative study

En la actualidad, más de la mitad de las pacientes con cáncer de mama receptor hormonal positivo recibe algún esquema de quimioterapia adyuvante. Sin embargo, sólo algunas de ellas obtendrían un beneficio real en términos de sobrevida. Las plataformas genómicas permiten un mejor entendimiento de la heterogeneidad tumoral entre carcinomas con receptores hormonales positivos, Her2 negativos, habiendo sido validadas como herramientas para identificar aquellas. pacientes que obtendrían un beneficio claro con el tratamiento quimioterápico. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es describir el uso de la plataforma genómica Oncotype Dx® y evaluar su impacto sobre la indicación del tratamiento adyuvante, evaluado principalmente a través del cambio de conducta en relación con la indicación final del tratamiento adyuvante. Material y método: Estudio multicéntrico observacional de cohorte llevado a cabo en distintas Unidades de Mastología de la República Argentina que utilizaran el Oncotype Dx* para esclarecer la indicación del tratamiento adyuvante en pacientes luminales Her2neu negativas en estadio inicial. Se registraron las decisiones relacionadas con el tratamiento antes y luego de realizar la prueba genómica. El objetivo secundario consistió en describir los eventos en aquellas pacientes en quiénes se solicitó dicho estudio. Resultados: Entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2018, 211 pacientes con carcinomas luminales A o B, Her2neu negativas realizaron el Oncotype Dx* y fueron incluidas en el estudio. Según nuestros registros, 40% de las pacientes experimentó un cambio en la indicación del tratamiento adyuvante luego de realizada la plataforma genómica. De aquellas pacientes que tenían indicación inicial de hormonoterapia según parámetros tradicionales clínico-patológicos, 24% recibió adicionalmente quimioterapia. En relación con las pacientes que tenían indicación inicial de quimio y hormonoterapia, 49% experimentó un cambio en la indicación de su adyuvancia pudiendo realizar únicamente hormonoterapia. En relación a los eventos descriptos en las pacientes participantes del trabajo, se registraron 4 muertes específicas por la enfermedad, una muerte por otra causa, 2 recaídas a distancia y un cáncer de mama contralateral. Conclusiones: En nuestra población de estudio el uso del Score de Recurrencia (RS) resultó clínicamente significativo en relación al cambio de conducta en la toma de decisión para adyuvancia. En consecuencia, para este grupo de investigadores, ha demostrado ser una herramienta de significativa importancia en la decisión del tratamiento adyuvante de pacientes con cáncer de mama temprano, luminal, Her2neu negativo(AU)

Objetive: Currently, over half of all patients diagnosed with hormone-receptor positive early stage breast cancer will receive some type of adjuvant chemotherapy (CHT), but only a few of them will actually benefit in terms of survival. Genomic platforms allow a better understanding of the heterogeneity among the different types of hormone receptor positive, her2 negative breast cancer, and have proven their validity as tools for identifying those patients who will obtain a clear benefit from CHT. The aim of our study was to analyze the use of the genomic platform Oncotype Dx® in our population and describe its impact on the decision of adjuvant treatment assessed through change in treatment decision. Material and method: this was a real world collaborative observational study, which was performed across several Breast Units in Argentina. Patients who underwent Oncotype Dx® testing to determine adjuvant treatment were included. Decisions regarding treatment were settled before and after the oncotype was performed by the tumor boards of each Breast Unit. Results: From January 2013 to December 2018, 211 patients with luminal A or B, her 2 negative breast cancer who underwent Oncotype Dx" testing were included. We found that treatment decisions were modified after Oncotype DX in approximately 40% of patients. In 24% percent of cases, chemotherapy was added to the initial treatment plan although endocrine therapy alone had initially been considered (potential subtreatment); and on the other hand, 49% of all patients were able to receive endocrine therapy only when, due to traditional prognostic factors, they would have received chemotherapy (potential overtreatment). Conclusions: In our population, we found that the use of the Recurrence Score was associated with a significant change in treatment recommendation We therefore consider it to be a very important tool and a decisive factor for the selection of adjuvant treatment in patients with hormone receptor positive, her2neu negative early breast cancer(AU)

Management of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer and attitudes towards HER2DX test in Spain: insights from a nationwide survey.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the current therapeutic management of patients with early-stage HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer in Spain, while also exploring the perceptions surrounding HER2DX in terms of its credibility, clinical relevance, and impact on therapeutic decision-making. Understanding these aspects is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and enhancing patient outcomes in the context of HER2+ breast cancer. METHODS: An online questionnaire was conducted by an independent third-party between April and May 2022 across 70 medical oncologists highly specialized in breast cancer management in Spain. The survey included 37 questions regarding treatment decision making in HER2+ early breast cancer. RESULTS: The management of patients with HER2+ early breast cancer exhibited a high degree of heterogeneity. Among the interviewed oncologists, 53% would recommend upfront surgery for node negative tumors measuring 1 cm or less. Interestingly, 69% and 56% of interviewers were open to deescalate the duration of adjuvant trastuzumab in pT1a and pT1b N0 tumors, respectively. Certain clinicopathological characteristics, such as high grade, high Ki-67, and young age, influenced the decision to prescribe neoadjuvant treatment for patients with clinical stage 1 disease. In cases where neoadjuvant treatment was prescribed for cT1-2 N0 tumors, there was a wide variation in the choice of chemotherapeutic and anti-HER2 regimens. Regarding the use of adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy, there was diversity in practice, and a common concern emerged that T-DM1 might be overtreating some patients. HER2DX, as a diagnostic tool, was deemed trustworthy, and the reported scores were considered clinically useful. However, 86% of interviewees believed that a prospective trial was necessary before fully integrating the test into routine clinical practice. CONCLUSION: In the context of early-stage HER2+ breast cancer in Spain, a notable diversity in therapeutic approaches was observed. The majority of interviewed medical oncologists acknowledged HER2DX as a clinically valuable test for specific patients, in line with the 2022 SEOM-GEICAM-SOLTI clinical guidelines for early-stage breast cancer. To facilitate the full integration of HER2DX into clinical guidelines, conducting prospective studies to further validate its efficacy and utility was recommended.

Structural and torque changes in implant components of different diameters subjected to mechanical fatigue.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate torque maintenance and structural damage in implant components of different diameters subjected to a fatigue challenge. METHODS: Thirty 10-mm-long, morse taper connection, titanium dental implants and their corresponding one-piece abutments were divided into three groups (n = 10) according to implant diameter: 4.3 mm (I4.3), 3.5 mm (I3.5), and 2.9 mm (I2.9). The implants were placed into a load-bearing fixture simulating bone tissue (modified G10), and the abutments were screwed into the implants to a final torque of 20 Ncm for the I4.3 and I3.5 and 15 Ncm for I2.9. The torque was secured by a digital torque meter. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired and post-processed (e-Vol DX software) for all implant/abutment sets before and after subjecting them to fatigue in 37 °C distilled water (2 million cycles, constant load and frequency). The removal torque was measured using the same digital torque meter to calculate the difference in torque before and after fatigue. RESULTS: I2.9 showed substantial structural deformation compared with the other implant diameters (I3.5 and I4.3). However, the experimental groups did not show statistical differences for abutment loosening. SIGNIFICANCE: Implants smaller than 3.5 mm in diameter have a higher probability of structural deformation than standard-diameter implants. The association between tomographic scans and e-Vol DX software showed satisfactory consistency with the direct assessment using the digital torque meter, offering an additional tool to evaluate implant component loosening and structural deformations.

The incidence of unfilled second mesiobuccal canals and periapical lesions in maxillary molars by cone-beam computed tomography E-VOL DX software

This study evaluated the incidence of unfilled second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals and periapical lesions in first maxillary molars using CBCT e-Vol DX software. Hence, 326 CBCT images of first maxillary molars of patients undergoing endodontic treatment were selected. The e-Vol DX software performed a retrospective review of these images, recording the presence or absence of MB2 canals, filling, and periapical lesions in first maxillary molars. Specific statistical analysis was performed at a 5% significance level. Unfilled MB2 canals were highly frequent in first maxillary molars and significantly associated with periapical lesions in the mesiobuccal root of these teeth (p<0.05). The CBCT e-Vol DX software effectively detected MB2 canals, and unfilled canals may be associated with periapical lesions.

A computational modeling method for root canal endoscopy using a specific CBCT filter: A new era in the metaverse of endodontics begins

Abstract A contemporary technological revolution has started a new era in the metaverse of Endodontics, a world of virtual operational possibilities that use an exact replica of the natural structures of the maxillofacial complex. This study describes a modeling method for root canal endoscopy using modern cone-beam CT (CBCT) software in a series of clinical cases. The method consists in acquiring thin CBCT slices (0.10mm) in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. A specific 3D volume filter, the pulp cavity filter of the e-Vol DX CBCT software, was used to navigate anatomical root canal microstructures, and to scan them using root canal endoscopy. The pulp cavity filter should be set to synchronize CBCT scans from 2D mode - multiplanar reformations (MPR) - to 3D mode - volumetric reconstruction. This filter, when adopting the option of volumetric reconstruction, the developed algorithm leaves the dentin density in transparent mode so that the pulp cavity may be visualized. The algorithm applied performs the suppression (visual) of areas with dentin density. This ensures 3D visualization of the slices and the microanatomy of the root canal, as well as a dynamic navigation throughout the pulp cavity. This computational modeling method adds new resources to Endodontics, which may impact the predictability of root canal treatments positively. The virtual visualization of the internal anatomy of an exact replica of the canal ensures better communications, reliability, and clinical operationalization. Root canal endoscopy using this novel CBCT filter may be used for clinical applications together with innovative digital and virtual-reality resources that will be naturally incorporated into the principles of Endodontics.

Resumo Uma revolução tecnológica contemporânea deu início a uma nova era no metaverso da Endodontia, um mundo de possibilidades operacionais virtuais que utilizam uma réplica exata das estruturas naturais do complexo dentomaxilofacial. Este estudo descreve um método de modelagem computacional para a endoscopia do canal radicular, usando um moderno software de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), em uma série de casos clínicos. O método consiste na aquisição de finos slices de TCFC (0,10mm) nos planos coronal, sagital e axial. Um filtro específico de TCFC (filtro cavidade pulpar do software e-Vol DX) foi usado para navegar nas microestruturas anatômicas do canal radicular, e escanear para a aplicação da endoscopia do canal radicular. Este filtro foi configurado para sincronizar as imagens de TCFC em modo 2D - reformações multiplanares (MPR) para o modo 3D - reconstrução volumétrica. O filtro Pulp Cavity ao adotar a opção de reconstrução volumétrica, um algoritmo desenvolvido deixa a densidade dentinária em modo transparente, para que a cavidade pulpar possa ser melhor visualizada. O algoritmo aplicado realiza a supressão (visual) das áreas com densidade dentinária. Este modo de aplicação garante a visualização 3D da microanatomia do canal radicular, bem como permite uma navegação dinâmica por toda a cavidade pulpar. O método de modelagem computacional agrega novos recursos à Endodontia, o que pode impactar positivamente na previsibilidade dos tratamentos endodônticos. A visualização virtual da anatomia interna de uma réplica exata do canal radicular garante melhor comunicação, confiabilidade e operacionalização clínica. O exame de endoscopia do canal radicular com este novo filtro (Pulp cavity) pode ser usada para aplicações clínicas juntamente com recursos digitais e de realidade virtual inovadores que serão naturalmente incorporados aos princípios da Endodontia.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of Oncotype DX from a Brazilian private medicine perspective: a GBECAM multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Oncotype DX (ODX) is a validated assay for the prediction of risk of recurrence and benefit of chemotherapy (CT) in both node negative (N0) and 1-3 positive nodes (N1), hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) early breast cancer (eBC). Due to limited access to genomic assays in Brazil, treatment decisions remain largely driven by traditional clinicopathologic risk factors. ODX has been reported to be cost-effective in different health system, but limited data are available considering the reality of middle-income countries such as Brazil. We aim to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ODX across strata of clinical risk groups using data from a dataset of patients from Brazilian institutions. Methods: Clinicopathologic and ODX information were analyzed for patients with T1-T3, N0-N1, HR+/HER2- eBC who had an ODX performed between 2005 and 2020. Projections of CT indication by clinicopathologic criteria were based on binary clinical risk categorization based on the Adjuvant! Algorithm. The ODX score was correlated with the indication of CT according to TAILORx and RxPONDER data. Two decision-tree models were developed. In the first model, low and high clinical risk patients were included while in the second, only high clinical risk patients were included. The cost for ODX and CT was based on the Brazilian private medicine perspective. Results: In all, 645 patients were analyzed; 411 patients (63.7%) had low clinical risk and 234 patients (36.3%) had high clinical risk disease. The ODX indicated low (<11), intermediate (11-25), and high (>25) risk in 119 (18.4%), 415 (64.3%), and 111 (17.2%) patients, respectively. Among 645 patients analyzed in the first model, ODX was effective (5.6% reduction in CT indication) though with an incremental cost of United States Dollar (US$) 2288.87 per patient. Among 234 patients analyzed in the second model (high clinical risk only), ODX led to a 57.7% reduction in CT indication and reduced costs by US$ 4350.66 per patient. Conclusions: Our study suggests that ODX is cost-saving for patients with high clinical risk HR+/HER2- eBC and cost-attractive for the overall population in the Brazilian private medicine perspective. Its incorporation into routine practice should be strongly considered by healthcare providers.

Root Canal Shape of Human Permanent Teeth Determined by New Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Software.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine root canal cross-sectional shapes (RCCSSs) of human permanent teeth using new cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) software. METHODS: RCCSS was determined on CBCT scans of 1400 teeth (422 patients) as follows: (1) circular, (2) conical/pyramidal, (3) oval/long oval, (4) flat/ribbonlike, (5) 8 shaped, (6) C shaped, (7) calcified, (8) trapezoidal, (9) drop shaped, and (10) other shapes. Root canal shapes were evaluated in the coronal and middle thirds, 2 mm below their beginning, and in the apical third, 1 and 2 mm short of the apical foramen. Categoric variables were described as frequencies and percentages and analyzed using the chi-square test. The level of significance was set at P = .05. RESULTS: Maxillary anterior teeth and maxillary first and second premolars had a circular RCCSS at 1 and 2 mm from the apical foramen in more than 45% of the cases. The most frequent RCCSS in the buccal canal of maxillary first premolars at 1 mm from the apical foramen was circular (71%) followed by flat/ribbonlike (10%) and oval/long oval (6%). In mesiobuccal roots of maxillary and mandibular first molars at 1 mm from the apical foramen, the circular shape was found in 52% and 49%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The RCCSSs in human permanent teeth are variable according to the tooth group and root thirds. The highest frequency of the circular-shaped canal at 1 and 2 mm from the apical foramen was found in maxillary central incisors and mandibular first and second premolars. Oval-shaped canals were detected in practically all tooth groups and root thirds.

Pelvic radiation therapy with volumetric modulated arc therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy after renal transplant: A report of 3 cases.

AIM: Describe characteristics and outcomes of three patients treated with pelvic radiation therapy after kidney transplant. BACKGROUND: The incidence of pelvic cancers in kidney transplant (KT) recipients is rising. Currently it is the leading cause of death. Moreover, treatment is challenging because anatomical variants, comorbidities, and associated treatments, which raises the concern of using radiotherapy (RT). RT has been discouraged due to the increased risk of urethral/ureteral stricture and KT dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the electronic health records and digital planning system of patients treated with pelvic RT between December 2013 and December 2018 to identify patients with previous KT. CASES DESCRIPTION: We describe three successful cases of KT patients in which modern techniques allowed full standard RT for pelvic malignances (2 prostate and 1 vaginal cancer) with or without elective pelvic nodal RT, without allograft toxicity at short and long follow-up (up to 60 months). CONCLUSION: When needed, RT modern techniques remain a valid option with excellent oncologic results and acceptable toxicity. Physicians should give special considerations to accomplish all OAR dose constraints in the patient's specific setting. Recent publications recommend KT mean dose <4 Gy, but graft proximity to CTV makes this unfeasible. We present 2 cases where dose constraint was not achieved, and to a short follow-up of 20 months renal toxicity has not been documented. We recommend the lowest possible mean dose to the KT, but never compromising the CTV coverage, since morbimortality from recurrent or progressive cancer disease outweighs the risk of graft injury.

Cost analysis of using Magee scores as a surrogate of Oncotype DX for adjuvant treatment decisions in women with early breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Most current guidelines recommend using multigene profiling assays to aid the decision on the addition of chemotherapy to adjuvant hormone therapy for women who present with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative disease. One of these assays is the Oncotype DX, which predicts the disease recurrence risk and adjuvant chemotherapy benefits. Given its high cost, there is an economic incentive to evaluate its surrogates, such as the Magee equations. We assessed health system costs associated with the use of the Magee scores. A probabilistic decision tree was used to calculate the difference in mean health system costs based on data obtained from a randomized trial and the published literature. Costs were calculated from a perspective of Canada's publicly funded health care system. A series of sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the study findings. The Magee equations were associated with a total cost savings of C$100 per patient (95% CI, -C$3068 to C$5022) compared with standard of care. The difference in costs was highly sensitive to the extent that the Magee scores could reduce the frequency of adjuvant chemotherapy and Oncotype DX requests.

Impacto de um novo software de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico nas tomadas de decisões clínicas em Endodontia / Impact of a new cone beam computed tomography software on clinical decision-making in Endodontics

As conquistas incorporadas à Endodontia em decorrência das novas tecnologias de informação permitiram avanços que impactaram no êxito clínico e no prognóstico. Essas novas aquisições influenciaram o mundo contemporâneo, que presencia uma profunda mudança proporcionada pela velocidade e qualidade das informações, economia de investimento e tempo, assim beneficiando a área da saúde. Uma revolução do pensamento e modo de viver contemporâneo que se experimenta nos dias atuais é a biotecnologia. O impacto da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico na Endodontia foi capaz de superar várias limitações das radiografias periapicais, como a eliminação das sobreposições, a extraordinária possibilidade de navegação pela imagem, a qualidade das imagens em alta resolução e contraste, entre outras. Esse estudo objetiva apresentar algumas características de um novo software de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico chamado de e-Vol DX, capaz de impactar nas tomadas de decisões clínicas em Endodontia. O software de TCFC e-Vol DX se constitui em um recurso imprescindível na obtenção de imagens de alta qualidade. Vários filtros, com diferentes propriedades, foram desenvolvidos e incorporados, como o filtro BAR, que permite a redução de artefatos de contraste do branco, entre outros. Essa ferramenta é efetiva em tomadas de decisões clínicas para a execução do protocolo terapêutico de casos endodônticos complexos.

The achievements incorporated into endodontics, resulting from new information technologies allowed advances that impacted prognosis and clinical success. These new acquisitions have influenced the contemporary world, that is witnessing a profound change brought about by the speed and quality of information, investment savings and time, thus benefiting the health areas. A revolution in contemporary thinking and living that is being experienced today is biotechnology. The impact of cone beam computed tomography on endodontics was able to overcome several limitations of periapical radiography, such as the removal of overlaps, the extraordinary possibility of image navigation, the quality of high resolution and contrast images, among others. This study aims to present some characteristics of a new cone beam computed tomography software named e-Vol DX which may impact the clinical decision-making in endodontics. The e-Vol DX CBCT software is an indispensable resource for high quality images. Various filters with different properties have been developed and incorporated, such as the Blooming Artifact Reduction (BAR) filter that allows the reduction of white contrast artifacts, among others. This tool is effective in clinical decision-making for the implementation of the therapeutic protocol of complex endodontic cases.

Method to determine the root canal anatomic dimension by using a new cone-beam computed tomography software

Abstract This study discusses a method to determine the root canal anatomic dimension by using e-Vol DX software. The methodology consists in initially establishes the correct positions which will be measured, define the point on the edge of the anatomical structure, and next adjust the intermediate position in the grayscale of CBCT image. Afterward, thin sections (0.10 mm) are obtained from 3D reconstructed slices in the filter for the measurements, in order to determine the edge of the anatomical surface in the axial plane. A replication of positions in 3D mode is done in multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) of CBCT images, where the correct position is established with the aid of a positioning guide. The 3D density is adjusted so that it is in the same dimension as the 2D image, and a dimension calibration occurs to the point where there is a coincidence between 3D and 2D. This calibration is done only at the beginning of the measurement. Next, the intermediate position of the division between the grayscale is verified in the CBCT scan. Once one side has been completed, it is moved to the other side and follows the same guidelines described above. When setting the position of the courses in the other margin, being that 2D mode is used as reference. Thus, one obtains the required measure, being checked in the two points. The creation of this filter in the e-Vol DX software for measurement, and its appropriate management, allows more effective applications when it is desired to obtain diameters of anatomical structures.

Resumo Este estudo discute um método para determinar a dimensão anatômica do canal radicular usando o software e-Vol DX. A metodologia consiste em inicialmente estabelecer as posições corretas que serão medidas, definir o ponto na borda da estrutura anatômica e ajustar a posição intermediária na escala de cinza na imagem em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). A seguir, slices finos (0,10mm) são obtidos a partir de cortes 3D reconstruídos no filtro para as medidas, a fim de determinar a borda da superfície anatômica no plano axial. Uma replicação de posições no modo 3D é feita em reconstrução multiplanar (MPR) em imagens de TCFC, onde a posição correta é estabelecida com o auxílio de um guia de posicionamento. A densidade 3D é ajustada de modo a ficar na mesma dimensão da imagem 2D, e então realiza-se uma calibração de dimensão até o ponto em que há uma coincidência entre o modo 3D e 2D. Essa calibração é feita apenas no início da medição. Posteriormente, a posição intermediária da divisão entre a escala de cinza é verificada na TCFC. Uma vez que um lado tenha sido concluído, o guia é movido para o outro lado, e segue-se as mesmas diretrizes descritas. Define-se a posição do marcador na outra margem, sendo que o modo 2D usado como referência. Assim, obtém-se a medida necessária, sendo verificado nas duas margens do canal radicular. A criação deste filtro no software e-Vol DX para medição e seu uso apropriado permite aplicações eficazes quando se deseja obter diâmetros de estruturas anatômicas.

Influencia del score de recurrencia Oncotype Dx en la decisión del tratamiento adyuvante del cáncer de mama / Influence of Oncotype Dx recurrence score in the decision of the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer

Objetivos El objetivo primario del presente estudio es analizar cómo la utilización del ensayo Oncotype Dx modifica y condiciona la elección del tratamiento adyuvante. En segundo lugar, nos propusimos evaluar la evolución de aquellas pacientes con score de recurrencia menor a 10, las cuales han sido clasificadas en el ensayo clínico TailorX como pacientes de bajo riesgo pasibles de ser tratadas solo con terapia hormonal adyuvante Por último, buscamos evaluar si existe correlación entre el valor de Ki 67, la invasión linfovascular (ILV) y el score del Oncotype Dx. Material y método Analizamos retrospectivamente 62 pacientes con cáncer de mama con receptores hormonales positivos, her2 Neu negativo y ganglios negativos, a las cuales se les solicitó el score de recurrencia Oncotype Dx, y comparamos con las indicaciones de terapia adyuvante surgidas previamente de factores de riesgo clínicos y anátomo-patológicos. Resultados Treinta pacientes (48,4%) presentaron score de bajo riesgo, 25 (40,3%) score de riesgo intermedio y las 7 restantes (11,3%) score de alto riesgo de recurrencia. Analizando el cambio de conducta, una vez obtenido el resultado del Oncotype Dx, encontramos un cambio de decisión en 16 pacientes (26%). Según la indicación de los factores de riesgo clínicos y anátomo-patológicos, de las 62 pacientes incluidas en este estudio, se había indicado adyuvancia con quimioterapia y hormonoterapia a 26 pacientes y hormonoterapia solamente a las 36 pacientes restantes. Posterior a la realización del Oncotype Dx, de las 26 pacientes a las cuales se les había indicado quimioterapia, en 12 se modificó el tratamiento a adyuvancia hormonal solamente (46,15% de reducción de la indicación en este grupo). Por otra parte, en aquellas 36 pacientes respecto de las cuales nuestra indicación previa había sido solamente adyuvancia hormonal, el resultado del Oncotype Dx determinó la realización de quimioterapia en 4 (11,1%). Cotejando la correlación entre Oncotype Dx y factores anátomo-patológicos, encontramos como dato interesante que todas aquellas pacientes con score de alto riesgo presentaban Ki 67 elevado, pero no a la inversa, mientras que no hallamos relación entre invasión linfovascular (ilv) presente y Oncotype Dx elevado. Conclusiones Consideramos que la utilización de plataformas genómicas como el Oncotype Dx es un elemento útil a la hora de tomar decisiones sobre el tratamiento adyuvante del carcinoma de mama Luminal con ganglios negativos, donde la indicación de la quimioterapia adyuvante debe ser cuidadosamente evaluada.

Objectives The primary objective is to analyze how the use of Oncotype Dx modifies and conditions the choice of adjuvant treatment. Second, to evaluate the evolution of those patients with score of recurrence <10 ­of low risk in TailorX Clinical Trial­, treatable with hormonal adjuvancy only. Finally, compare correlation between lymphovascular invasion (ilv), Ki 67 and Oncotype High Dx. Materials and method We retrospectively analyzed 62 breast cancer patients with hormone receptor positive, hers Neu negative and negative lymph nodes, who were asked for the Oncotype Dx recurrence score and compared with the indications for adjuvant therapy that had previously arisen from clinical and anatomic risk factors pathological. Results Thirty patients (48.4%) presented a low risk score, 25 patients (40.3%) intermediate risk and the remaining 7 patients (11.3%), a high risk score for recurrence. Once the Oncotype Dx result was obtained, we found a decision change in 16 patients (26%). According to the indication of the clinical and anatomopathological risk factors, of the 62 patients included in this study, adjuvancy had been indicated with chemotherapy and hormone therapy to 26 patients and only hormone therapy to the remaining 36 patients. After the Oncotype Dx, of the 26 patients to whom chemotherapy had been indicated, in 12 of them the treatment was modified to hormonal adjuvancy only (46.15% reduction of the indication in this group). On the other hand, in those 36 patients that our previous indication had been only hormonal adjuvancy, the result of the Oncotype Dx determined the accomplishment of chemotherapy in 4 of them (11.1%). Comparing the correlation between Oncotype Dx and anatomopathological factors, we found that all those patients with a high risk score had elevated Ki 67, but not inversely, whereas we did not find a relation between present lymphovascular invasion (ilv) and Oncotype High Dx. Conclusions We believe that the use of genomic platforms such as Oncotype Dx is a useful element when making decisions about the adjuvant treatment of Luminal breast cancer with negative ganglia, where the indication of adjuvant chemotherapy should be carefully evaluated.

Impacto del Score de Recurrencia de 21 genes en la indicación de tratamiento sistémico adyuvante: nuestra experiencia en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires / Impact of the Recurrence Score on clinical decision-making about chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting: our experience at Hospital Italiano of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Introducción Las plataformas genómicas han tomado gran relevancia como factores pronósticos y predictivos para definir tratamiento adyuvante en pacientes con cáncer de mama. Su uso permitiría discriminar un subgrupo de pacientes en quienes la indicación de quimioterapia podría ofrecer más morbilidad que verdadero beneficio. Objetivos Describir las características de las pacientes en quienes se utilizó la plataforma Oncotype DX® y evaluar el impacto del Score de Recurrencia (Recurrence Score) como herramienta de decisión para la indicación de adyuvancia. Material y método Se consideraron pacientes operadas entre 2013 y 2017 en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina, con diagnóstico de carcinoma invasor primario de mama de subtipo Luminal A o B, her2neu negativas. Se seleccionaron los casos en los que se solicitó Oncotype DX® y se describieron sus características clínicas e histológicas. Resultados Se utilizó Oncotype DX® en 47 pacientes con cáncer de mama invasor. En el 48,9% se obtuvo un Recurrence Score de riesgo bajo, en el 40,4% de riesgo intermedio y en el 10,6% de riesgo alto. En 22 casos (46,8%) consideramos que hubo un cambio de conducta en la indicación de adyuvancia. Conclusiones En nuestra experiencia, hemos visto que la plataforma genómica Oncotype DX® sería una herramienta útil para definir tratamiento adyuvante en tumores de tipo Luminal, her2neu negativo.

Introduction Over the past decade, gene expression assays have become relevant prognostic factors for guiding clinical decision-making in patients with breast cancer. Their use allows to discriminate which patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting, avoiding unnecessary toxicity. Objectives To describe the clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients in whom Oncotype DX® was used as a prognostic factor and assess the impact of the Recurrence Score on clinical decision-making. Materials and method Patients who underwent surgery at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2013 and 2017 for Estrogen-Receptor positive (er+), her2neu negative primary breast cancer were considered eligible. We evaluated the cases in which Oncotype DX® was ordered and described the clinical and pathologic characteristics, as well as whether Recurrence Score (rs) modified the prescription of adjuvant therapy. Results Oncotype DX® was performed in 47 patients. The distribution of patients according to rs was as follows: low risk rs 48,9%, intermediate risk 40,4% and high risk 10,6%. We considered that adjuvant therapy decision was modified after rs in 22 patients (46,8%). Conclusions Oncotype DX® and its resulting Recurrence Score appear to be a clinically useful tool for decision-making in the adjuvant setting for patients with er+, her2neu negative breast cancer.

Serological detection of antibodies to Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis and of Dirofilaria immitis antigen in dogs from Costa Rica.

In a study in Costa Rica 314 serum samples from dogs throughout all seven provinces were tested using a commercial kit for the detection of circulating antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis, and of circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. A total of 6.4% (20/314) and 38.2% (120/314) were positive for Anaplasma spp. (An) and E. canis (Ec) antibodies. Overall, 8.0% (25/314) were positive for D. immitis (Di) antigen. One single dog reacted positive with B. burgdorferi s.l. (Bb) antigen (0.3%, 1/314). E. canis positive dogs were detected in all provinces (highest percentages in Guanacaste, Puntarenas [both significantly different compared to the overall] and Limón). Guanacaste and Puntarenas also showed the highest prevalences of Anaplasma spp. (both significantly different compared to the overall). The highest prevalence of D. immitis was detected in Puntarenas (significantly different compared to the overall). Double pathogen exposure (Ec plus An; Ec plus Di; Ec plus Bb) were recorded in 8.9% (28/314). Two dogs showed a triple pathogen exposure (0.6%, 2/314; An, Ec and Di). There was a significant difference between male (11.5%, 18/156) and female (4.4%, 7/158) animals for D. immitis positive results. There was also a significant difference between breed and no breed dogs regarding the characteristics of a general positive test, as well as seropositivity to the single pathogens of Anaplasma spp., E. canis and D. immitis. Finally there was a significant difference in the presence of clinical signs again regarding the characteristics of a general positive test, as well as seropositivity to Anaplasma spp., E. canis and D. immitis. Practitioners in Costa Rica should be aware of the canine vector-borne diseases mentioned as dogs are at risk of becoming infected. Concerning the positive B. burgdorferi s.l. dog, an autochthonous occurrence cannot be confirmed due to a history of adoption and an unusual tattoo number. Veterinary advice to protect dogs and limit transmission of vector-borne pathogens, also to humans, by using prophylactic measures is strongly recommended.

Programas de gestión de enfermedades en el siglo XXI / Disease management programs in the 21st century

Resumen La gestión de enfermedades inició en EE. UU. durante los años 70 y tuvo el fin de reducir la variabilidad de los procesos asistenciales y administrativos, controlar el gasto y mejorar la calidad de la atención. En lo corrido del presente siglo, se cuenta con una documentación amplia que permite realizar un balance sobre conceptos, componentes, metodologías y retos de los programas de gestión de enfermedades. Estos programas constituyen una práctica integradora e innovadora que permite involucrar a los distintos grupos de interés en su implementación y desarrollo. Tales grupos también se relacionan con los procesos de gestión y manejo de las enfermedades crónicas.

Abstract Disease management started in the U.S. during the 1970s in order to decrease variability in clinical and managerial processes, control costs, and improve the quality of attention. Throughout the 21st century, a growing body of literature has emerged allowing the assessment of concepts, components, methodologies and challenges of management disease programs. These programs have become into a unifying and innovative practice that allows involvement and coordination of different interest groups during implementation and development phases; such groups are also related to the management processes of chronic diseases.

Malaria Hyperendemicity and Risk for Artemisinin Resistance among Illegal Gold Miners, French Guiana.

To assess the prevalence of malaria among illegal gold miners in the French Guiana rainforest, we screened 205 miners during May-June 2014. Malaria prevalence was 48.3%; 48.5% of cases were asymptomatic. Patients reported self-medication with artemisinin-based combination therapy. Risk for emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance among gold miners in the rainforest is high.

A study of the impact of the 21-gene breast cancer assay on the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer in a Mexican public hospital.

BACKGROUND: The majority of breast cancer patients in Mexico are treated through the public health system and >80% receive adjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the impact of the Oncotype DX assay on adjuvant therapy decision making and the confidence in those decisions amongst public sector physicians in Mexico. METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive patients with ER+, HER2-, stage I-IIIa, N0/N1-3 node-positive breast cancer from the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología were eligible for the study. The primary endpoint was the overall change in treatment recommendations after receiving the assay results. RESULTS: Of 96 patients, 48% received a chemohormonal therapy recommendation prior to testing. Following receipt of results, treatment decisions changed for 31/96 (32%) patients, including 17/62 (27%) node-negative patients and 14/34 (41%) node-positive patients. The proportion of patients with a chemotherapy-based recommendation decreased from 48% pre- to 34% post-assay (P=0.024). 92% of physicians agreed that they were more confident in their treatment recommendation after ordering the assay. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that use of the 21-gene assay in the Mexican public health system has a meaningful impact on adjuvant treatment recommendations that may reduce the overall use of chemotherapy.