What Is the Impact of the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak on Cancer Management in Guinea?

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak (EVDO) on cancer management at the surgical oncology unit of Donka National Hospital. METHODS: This was a retrospective and comparative analysis of cancer consultation and care data before (2012-2013), during (2014-2015), and after (2016-2017) the EVDO. The number of cancer occurrences, referral mode, origin, main activities (consultations, surgery, chemotherapy), and access of radiotherapy were analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U test with independent samples used was considered as significant if P was ≤ .05. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2017, 4,977 patients were admitted, including 2,254 with cancer. The variations observed were a decrease in consultations by 2.3% during the EVDO versus an increase by 46.9% after the outbreak (P < .001). We found decreases of 0.7% and 12.5% during and increases of 253.8% and 15.4% after the EVDO from level 1 and 2 and from level 3 health facilities, respectively (P < .001). A total of 251 surgeries were performed, and 1,463 received chemotherapy. There was 5.2% more chemotherapy use during and 33.7% more after the EVDO (P < .001). The number of surgeries increased by 35.8% and decreased by 40.0% during and after the EVDO, respectively (P < .001). We evacuated 36 patients for radiotherapy, which reflected a decrease of 42.1% and 45.5% during and after the EVDO (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Cancer management slowed down during the EVDO. This change requires organization of the fight against cancer through the institutionalization and decentralization of its management.

Molecular profile of breast cancers in Guinean oncological settings.

Breast cancer is a complex disease characterized by the accumulation of multiple molecular alterations giving each tumor phenotype and an own evolutionary potential. This study aimed to describe the distribution of the profile and molecular subtypes of breast cancers followed at Surgical Oncology Unit of Donka National Hospital. This was retrospective and descriptive study on cases of breast cancer in which the hormone receptor status and expression of the Her2 oncogene have been performed from 2007 to 2016. We recorded 58 cases including 56 (96.6%) women and 2 (3.4%) men. The average age was 48.2 ± 10.9. Invasive ductal carcinoma accounted for 50 (86.2%) cases. The SBR grade was II in 31(53.4%) cases, III in 21 (36.2%) cases and I in 6 (10.3%) cases. The tumor was classified as T4 in 36 (62.1%) cases; it was metastatic in 11(19.0%) cases. Estrogen receptors were positive in 29 (50.0%) cases, progesterone receptors positive in 25 (43.1%) cases, the Her2 oncogene was positive in 22 (39.3%) cases. The distribution of molecular sub-types was: 20 (34.5%) luminal A, 15 (25.9%) triple negative, 13 (22.4%) Her2 overexpressed, 8 (13.8%) luminal B and 2 (3.2%) undetermined. This preliminary study showed the poor accessibility of immunohistochemistry for the molecular diagnosis of breast cancer in our country. Luminal A subtypes and triple negatives were more common. The determination of molecular subtypes is a rational basis for hormone therapy and targeted therapy, thus personalizing the treatment of breast cancer.

An Exceptional Adenocarcinoma in a Girl.

Anal adenocarcinoma is very rare and usually occurs in the elderly. We present a case of a 12-year-old girl with an anal margin painful tumor infiltrating the lower rectum, with perineal and vulvar permeation nodules and bilateral fixed inguinal and iliac lymph nodes. Histology showed anal adenocarcinoma with mucosecreting component and independent cells. She had no extra pelvic metastasis on CT scan. She underwent a colostomy and palliative care. This exceptional case challenges us on the diversity of forms of anal cancers that require a multidisciplinary approach. The precarious social context and the age of onset make it difficult to manage this rare cancer.