Clinicopathological and Genomic Identification of Breast Cancers with No Impact on Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Implementing mammogram screening means that clinicians are seeing many breast cancers that will never develop metastases. The purpose of this study was to identify subgroups of breast cancer patients who did not present events related to long-term breast cancer mortality, taking into account diagnosis at breast screening, absence of palpability and axillary involvement, and genomic analysis with PAM50. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To identify them, a retrospective observational study was carried out selecting patients without any palpable tumor and without axillary involvement, and a genomic analysis was performed with PAM50. RESULTS: The probability of distant metastasis-free interval (DMFI) of 337 patients was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90-0.93) at 20 years and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.92-1.00) in 95 patients (28%) with available PAM50 tests. In 22 (23.15%) luminal A tumors and in 9 (9.47%) luminal B tumors smaller than 1 cm, and in HER2 and basal type tumors, there were no metastatic events (20-year DMFI of 1.00). CONCLUSION: Patients with nonpalpable breast cancer found at screening with negative nodes are at very low risk. It is possible to identify subgroups without metastatic events by determining the intrinsic subtype and tumor size less than 1 cm. Therefore, de-escalation of treatment should be considered.

Asociación entre la historia reproductiva, el subtipo de cáncer de mama y la supervivencia de mujeres premenopáusicas / Association between reproductive history, breast cancer subtype, and survival in premenopausal women

Antecedentes y objetivo: La historia reproductiva influye en el riesgo de cáncer de mama. Hemos analizado su asociación con el subtipo tumoral y la supervivencia en mujeres premenopáusicas. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de mujeres premenopáusicas con carcinoma de mama, estadios I-III, en los últimos 20 años. Revisión de la historia reproductiva, de los datos clínicos y de los tratamientos en las historias de salud. Resultados: En 661 mujeres premenopáusicas (32,40% de 1.377 totales), la mediana de edad fue de 47 años (19-53), de la menarquia 12 (7-17), del primer parto 28 (16-41) y de número de partos 2 (0-9). Fueron nulíparas 111 (18,20%). Emplearon lactancia natural 359 (58,80%) con mediana de duración de 6 meses. Consumieron anovulatorios 271 (44,40%), con mediana de 36 meses. Se halló asociación entre menarquia <10 años y menos riesgo de subtipo luminal (OR: 0,52; IC 95%: 0,28-0,94; p=0,03), entre menarquia >11 años y menos riesgo de subtipo HER2 (OR: 0,50; IC 95%: 0,26-0,97; p=0,04) y entre primer parto >30 años y menos riesgo de subtipo triple negativo (OR: 0,40; IC 95%: 0,17-0,93; p=0,03). La probabilidad de supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad a 20 años fue de 0,80 (IC 95%: 0,71-0,90) y 0,72 (IC 95%: 0,64-0,79), respectivamente. Las pacientes con uno o más de un parto presentaron mejor supervivencia global que las nulíparas (HR: 0,51; IC 95%: 0,27-0,96, p=0,04). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren que existe asociación entre edad de la menarquia y del primer parto y subtipo de cáncer de mama. La nuliparidad está asociada con peor supervivencia.(AU)

Background and objective: Reproductive history influences breast cancer risk. We analysed its association with tumour subtype and survival in premenopausal women. Patients and methods: Retrospective, observational study of premenopausal women with stage I-III breast carcinoma in the last 20 years. Review of reproductive history, clinical data, and treatments in health records.Results: In 661 premenopausal women (32.40% of 1377 total cases), median age was 47 years (19-53), menarche 12 (7-17), first delivery 28 (16-41) and number of deliveries 2 (0-9). One hundred and eleven (18.20%) were nulliparous. Three hundred and fifty-nine (58.80%) used natural lactation, with a median duration of 6 months. Anovulatory drugs were used by 271 (44.40%), with a median duration of 36 months. Associations were found between menarche <10 years and lower risk of luminal subtype (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.94; P=.03), between menarche >11 years and lower risk of HER2 subtype (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26-0.97; P=.04) and between first birth >30 years and lower risk of triple negative subtype (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.93; P=.03). The 20-year overall and disease-free survival probabilities were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.90) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.64-0.79) respectively. Patients with ≥1 delivery had better overall survival than nulliparous patients (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.96, P=.04). Conclusions: The findings suggest an association between age at menarche and age at first delivery and breast cancer subtype. Nulliparity is associated with worse survival.(AU)

Association between reproductive history, breast cancer subtype, and survival in premenopausal women. / Asociación entre la historia reproductiva, el subtipo de cáncer de mama y la supervivencia de mujeres premenopáusicas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reproductive history influences breast cancer risk. We analysed its association with tumour subtype and survival in premenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational study of premenopausal women with stage I-III breast carcinoma in the last 20 years. Review of reproductive history, clinical data, and treatments in health records. RESULTS: In 661 premenopausal women (32.40% of 1377 total cases), median age was 47 years (19-53), menarche 12 (7-17), first delivery 28 (16-41) and number of deliveries 2 (0-9). One hundred and eleven (18.20%) were nulliparous. Three hundred and fifty-nine (58.80%) used natural lactation, with a median duration of 6 months. Anovulatory drugs were used by 271 (44.40%), with a median duration of 36 months. Associations were found between menarche <10 years and lower risk of luminal subtype (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.94; P=.03), between menarche >11 years and lower risk of HER2 subtype (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26-0.97; P=.04) and between first birth >30 years and lower risk of triple negative subtype (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.93; P=.03). The 20-year overall and disease-free survival probabilities were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71-0.90) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.64-0.79) respectively. Patients with ≥1 delivery had better overall survival than nulliparous patients (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.96, P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest an association between age at menarche and age at first delivery and breast cancer subtype. Nulliparity is associated with worse survival.

Age-period-cohort analysis of lung cancer mortality inequalities in Southern Spain: missed opportunities for implementing equitable tobacco control policies.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer mortality in European countries shows different epidemiological patterns according to sex and socioeconomic variables. Some countries show decreasing rates in both sexes, while others show a delayed profile, with increasing mortality in women, inconsistently influenced by socioeconomic status. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of age, period and birth cohort on lung cancer mortality inequalities in men and women in Andalusia, the southernmost region in Spain. METHODS: We used the Longitudinal Database of the Andalusian Population, which collects demographic and mortality data from the 2001 census cohort of more than 7.35 million Andalusians, followed up between 2002 and 2016. Mortality rates were calculated for men and women by educational level, and small-area deprivation. Poisson models were used to assess trends in socioeconomic inequalities in men and women. Finally, age-period-cohort (APC) models were used separately for each educational level and gender. RESULTS: There were 39,408 lung cancer deaths in men and 5,511 in women, yielding crude mortality rates of 78.1 and 11.4 × 105 person-years, respectively. In men higher mortality was found in less educated groups and inequalities increased during the study period: i.e. the rate ratio for primary studies compared to university studies increased from 1.30 (CI95:1.18-1.44) to 1.57 (CI95:1.43-1.73). For women, educational inequalities in favour of the less educated tended to decrease moderately. In APC analysis, a decreasing period effect in men and an increasing one in women were observed. Cohort effect differed significantly by educational level. In men, the lower the educational level, the earlier the peak effect was reached, with a 25-year difference between the least-educated and college-educated. Conversely, college-educated women reached the peak effect with a 12-year earlier cohort than the least-educated women. The decline of mortality followed the same pattern both in men and women, with the best-educated groups experiencing declining rates with earlier birth cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that APC analysis by education helps to uncover changes in trends occurring in different socioeconomic and gender groups, which, combined with data on smoking prevalence, provide important clues for action. Despite its limitations, this approach to the study of lung cancer inequalities allows for the assessment of gaps in historical and current tobacco policies and the identification of population groups that need to be prioritised for public health interventions.

Clinicopathological characteristics and survival results of patients with ultralow risk breast cancer. / Características clínico-patológicas y supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer de mama de riesgo muy bajo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To identify subgroups with good progress over an extended period, we used diagnostic screening, tumour palpability, tumour phenotype, and node involvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified patients with good progress by means of a descriptive, observational and retrospective study. RESULTS: Of 746 patients diagnosed with node-negative breast cancer between 2001 and 2015: 110 (14.75%) had non-palpable screening-diagnosed tumours; 88 (80%) were endocrine-sensitive, 10 (9.10%) were triple-negative and 11 (10%) were HER2. Only 3 patients developed metastases, and there were 4 deaths: 2 from breast cancer and 2 from other causes. The distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI) was 95.60%: 100% in 34 endocrine-sensitive histological grade 1 (equivalent to luminal A) tumours, and 94.40% (95% CI 86.76-102.04) in 54 grade 2-3 (luminal B) tumours. In triple-negative and HER2 cases, it was 100%. In tumours <1 cm it was 100%, and >1 cm it was 95.50% (95% CI 79.42-100.98). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-palpable tumours detected by mammogram screening have ultralow risk. The good progress in the luminal A, triple-negative, HER2, and less than 1 cm subgroups may explain the efficacy of the treatment but it also makes them candidates to de-escalation of their treatment.

Experiences with Prescribing Large Quantities of Systemic Anticancer Therapy Near Death.

Background: The most important decision after diagnosing terminal cancer is whether to provide active therapy or withhold treatment. Objective: To analyze the aggressiveness of care by evaluating systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) given near to death, describing this care and identifying factors that determine its use. Design: This involves retrospective observational cohorts study. Setting/Subjects: This involves patients with metastatic tumors who died at a University Hospital in Spain between 2015 and 2016. Measurements: Data obtained from prescribing oncologists and patients' clinical records, type of cancer, and information on treatment. The dependent variable used was the interval between the date of the last dose and date of death. Results: Ninety-four (32.60%) of 288 patients received SACT in the last month of life. This cohort had a higher frequency of lung cancer (OR: 1.58; CI 95%: 1.14-2.18), received more care from oncologist 2 (OR: 1.50; CI 95%: 1.08-2.08), had fewer last-line treatment cycles (OR: 1.28; CI 95%: 1.13-1.45), a lower subjective response (OR: 3.13; CI 95%: 1.34-7.29), less clinical benefit (OR: 2.38; CI 95%: 1.04-5.55), more visits to the Emergency Department (OR: 1.59; CI 95%: 1.06-2.38), and less care from the Palliative Care Unit (OR: 4.55; CI 95%: 2.69-7.70). In multivariate analysis, the predictors of having received SACT close to death remained: receiving fewer cycles of treatment (OR: 1.28; CI 95%: 1.12-1.47) and less palliative care (OR: 4.54; CI 95%: 2.56-7.69). Conclusions: A third of cancer patients received SACT in the last month of life with less efficacy and poorer quality of care than patients not receiving it.

Evaluación del riesgo clínico, no genómico y resultados de supervivencia en el carcinoma de mama hormonosensible, HER-2 negativo, con ganglios negativos / Evaluation of non-genomic, clinical risk and survival results in endocrine-sensitive, HER-2 negative, lymph node negative breast cancer

Antecedentes y objetivos: En el cáncer de mama hormonosensible, HER-2 negativo, con ganglios negativos, la presencia de un riesgo genómico bajo permite tratar solo con hormonoterapia adyuvante, obteniendo unas excelentes tasas de supervivencia. La justificación de este estudio es demostrar que también se obtienen unas excelentes tasas de supervivencia tratando solo con hormonoterapia adyuvante mediante la evaluación del riesgo clínico. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo entre 2006 y 2016 de la cohorte de cáncer de mama hormonosensible, HER-2 negativo, con ganglios negativos, tamaño del tumor mayor de 1cm o entre 0,6 y 1cm con características desfavorables. Revisión retrospectiva de los registros de salud. Datos de mortalidad del Registro Nacional de Defunciones. Resultados: Un total de 203 pacientes fueron evaluables para la supervivencia. Ciento veintitrés (60,50%) fueron tratadas solo con hormonoterapia adyuvante, 77 (37,90%) con quimioterapia-hormonoterapia, una (0.50%) solo con quimioterapia y 2 (1%) no recibieron ningún tratamiento. La tasa de supervivencia global a los 5 años fue del 97% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95% 94-100). La tasa de intervalo libre de metástasis a distancia fue del 94% (IC 95% 90-98). En el subgrupo de pacientes tratadas solo con hormonoterapia la tasa de supervivencia global y del intervalo libre de metástasis a distancia a los 5 años fue del 98% (IC 95% 95-100) y 97% (IC 95% 93-100), respectivamente. Conclusiones: Las pacientes con cáncer de mama hormonosensible, HER-2-negativo, con ganglios negativos, tratadas solo con hormonoterapia según su riesgo clínico, obtienen resultados de supervivencia similares a los descritos cuando son tratadas solo con hormonoterapia según su riesgo genómico

Background and objectives: In endocrine-sensitive, HER-2 negative, node negative breast cancer, the presence of a low genomic risk allows treatment with adjuvant endocrine therapy alone, obtaining excellent survival rates. The justification for this study is to show that excellent survival rates are also obtained by treating with adjuvant hormone therapy alone, based on clinical risk assessment. Patients and methods: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was performed between 2006 and 2016 with endocrine-sensitive, HER-2 negative, node negative breast cancer, greater than 1cm or between 0.6 and 1cm with unfavourable features. Retrospective review of health records. Mortality data of the National Registry of Deaths. Results: A total of 203 patients were evaluable for survival. One hundred and twenty-three (60.50%) were treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy alone, 77 (37.90%) with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, one (0.50%) with chemotherapy alone and 2 (1%) were not treated. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 94-100). Distant recurrence-free interval was 94% (95% CI 90-98). In the subgroup of patients treated with endocrine therapy alone, overall survival and distant recurrence-free interval rates at 5 years were 98% (95% CI 95-100) and 97% (95% CI 93-100), respectively. Conclusions: Patients with endocrine-sensitive, HER-2-negative, node negative breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy alone according to their clinical risk have similar survival outcomes as those treated with endocrine therapy according to their genomic risk

How a deliberative approach includes women in the decisions of screening mammography: a citizens' jury feasibility study in Andalusia, Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To verify whether a citizens' jury study is feasible to the Andalusian population and to know if women, when better informed, are able to answer the research question of whether the Andalusian Public Health System must continue offering screening mammography to women aged 50-69. The reasons for the pertinent decision and recommendations to the political authorities will be stated. DESIGN: Qualitative research study with the methodology of citizens' jury. SETTING: Breast cancer screening programme in Andalusia (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen women aged 50-69 with secondary school or higher education accepted to participate as a jury. Two epidemiologists were the expert witnesses. The main researcher was the neutral moderator. INTERVENTIONS: Jury met on Monday, 15 February 2016. The moderator indicated to the jury that it had to assess the screening programme's key benefits and main harm. On Tuesday, 16 February, the expert witnesses positioned for and against the programme. On Thursday, 18 February, the jury deliberated, reached final conclusions, submitted its vote and stated its recommendations to politicians. The deliberation session was transcribed and analysed with the support of ATLAS.ti.5.2 software. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility in the Andalusian population, women's vote and opinion, reasons for votes and recommendations to political authorities. RESULTS: Eleven participants voted yes and two voted no. There are three reasons to vote 'yes': health, the test nature, and individual freedom. Some women invoke the lack of efficacy and the cost to justify their negative vote, at least in universal terms. On completion, they made suggestions to be submitted to the pertinent authorities for the improvement of information, psychology services and research. CONCLUSIONS: The deliberative strategy is feasible and causes a favourable positioning regarding screening mammography, although information changes the opinion of some women, who desire informed decision making and to keep or increase medicalisation in their lives.

Evaluation of non-genomic, clinical risk and survival results in endocrine-sensitive, HER-2 negative, lymph node negative breast cancer. / Evaluación del riesgo clínico, no genómico y resultados de supervivencia en el carcinoma de mama hormonosensible, HER-2 negativo, con ganglios negativos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In endocrine-sensitive, HER-2 negative, node negative breast cancer, the presence of a low genomic risk allows treatment with adjuvant endocrine therapy alone, obtaining excellent survival rates. The justification for this study is to show that excellent survival rates are also obtained by treating with adjuvant hormone therapy alone, based on clinical risk assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was performed between 2006 and 2016 with endocrine-sensitive, HER-2 negative, node negative breast cancer, greater than 1cm or between 0.6 and 1cm with unfavourable features. Retrospective review of health records. Mortality data of the National Registry of Deaths. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients were evaluable for survival. One hundred and twenty-three (60.50%) were treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy alone, 77 (37.90%) with chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, one (0.50%) with chemotherapy alone and 2 (1%) were not treated. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 94-100). Distant recurrence-free interval was 94% (95% CI 90-98). In the subgroup of patients treated with endocrine therapy alone, overall survival and distant recurrence-free interval rates at 5 years were 98% (95% CI 95-100) and 97% (95% CI 93-100), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with endocrine-sensitive, HER-2-negative, node negative breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy alone according to their clinical risk have similar survival outcomes as those treated with endocrine therapy according to their genomic risk.

¿Qué piensan las mujeres sobre la mamografía de cribado? Encuesta en el programa de diagnóstico precoz de cáncer de mama / What do women think about screening mammography? Survey in a breast cancer screening programme

Objetivos. En España las mujeres no toman una decisión informada sobre su participación en el programa de cribado mamográfico. Se analizó si proporcionar información individualizada y precisa sobre los beneficios y riesgos del programa de cribado mamográfico incrementaba su grado de conocimiento. Pacientes y método. Se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado y controlado en el que participaron 434 mujeres de entre 45 y 69 años, convocadas a la mamografía de cribado. Doscientas dieciocho fueron aleatorizadas al grupo control y 216 al de intervención. Se evaluó el grado de conocimiento sobre beneficios y riesgos del cribado mamográfico mediante un cuestionario específico, en la segunda entrevista, al mes. Secundariamente se analizaron la actitud, la ansiedad y la depresión, así como la preocupación por el cáncer de las participantes. Resultados. Adquirieron un buen conocimiento 15 de 178 mujeres (8,4%) en el grupo control y 32 de 177 (18,1%) en el de intervención (p=0,008). Las mujeres del grupo de intervención tienen un riesgo relativo 2,39 veces mayor de adquirir un buen conocimiento que las del grupo control (IC 95% 1,24-4,60). No se hallaron diferencias en ninguno de los objetivos secundarios evaluados. Conclusiones. Las mujeres poseen un nivel de conocimientos muy pobre sobre el programa de cribado con mamografía, siendo la televisión su principal fuente de información. La información individualizada incrementó significativamente el grado de buen conocimiento, aunque persistió en porcentajes muy bajos. Tienen una actitud muy positiva sobre el mismo y no se aprecia un impacto negativo en la esfera psicosocial por su participación en este tipo de procedimientos

Objectives. Spanish women do not make an informed choice about their participation in breast cancer screening. Our study hypothesised that providing individualised and accurate information about the benefits and risks of the mammography screening programme in Spain would increase their knowledge. Patients and method. A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted in 434 women aged between 45 and 69 years: 216 were assigned to the intervention group and 218 to the control group. The degree of knowledge about the benefits and risks of mammography screening was determined from questionnaires administered at baseline and after one month. Secondarily, the participants’ attitudes, anxiety and depression and cancer worry were analysed. Results. Good knowledge was acquired by 15 of 178 women (8.4%) in the control group and 32 of 177 (18.1%) in the intervention group (P=.008). The relative risk of acquiring a good level of knowledge about the programme was 2.39 times higher in women in the intervention group than in those in the control group (95% CI 1.24-4.60). No differences were found in the secondary endpoints. Conclusions. Women have a very poor level of knowledge about mammography screening, with their main information source being television. Individualized information significantly increased the proportion of women with good knowledge but the percentages remained very low. Women had a very positive attitude to screening and a negative impact in the psychosocial sphere due to their participation was not observed

Off-label antineoplastic drugs. An effectiveness and safety study / Efectividad y seguridad de los medicamentos antineoplásicos en situaciones especiales de uso

Objective: The use of antineoplastic medicines in special situations is common in clinical practice; it is strongly regulated and there is little information on its outcomes. We have analysed such use and health outcomes. Methods: All off-label cases between 2005 and 2015, with any type of cancer and in any stage were included. Health histories of a single health centre were reviewed to gather information on treatment features, response, survival, and toxicity. Results: 85 men and 83 women, aged 56, had largely metastatic tumours treated with a median of 4 cycles (0-118) of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or biotherapy, for palliative purposes between 1st and 4th lines (80% of cases). The subjective response rate was 32.5%, complete objective 1.9%, partial 8.8%, stabilisation 15.6%, progression 38.8%, and not assessable 35.1%. The median duration of response was 2.5 months (1-17), progression-free survival (PFS) 5 months (4 - 21.3), and overall survival (OS) 11 months (9.2-20.6). In the univariate analysis, performance status, treatment line, number of cycles, and type of response influenced on OS. In the multivariate model, the functional status (HR 0.36; CI 95% 0.17-0.77. P= 0.009) and number of cycles (HR 3.66; CI 95% 2.08-6.44. P= 0.0001) influenced independently on overall survival. The most frequent grade 3 and 4 toxicity were asthenia (19%), neutropenia (10.7%), and nausea and vomiting (8.9%). Conclusions: Off-label antineoplastic drugs were mostly used in metastatic tumours, with little effectiveness. The functional status must be considered to select the patients to be treated (AU)

Objetivos: El uso de medicamentos antineoplásicos en situaciones especiales es común en la práctica clínica, está fuertemente regulado y hay poca información sobre sus resultados. Hemos analizado su empleo y los resultados en salud. Método: Se analiza una cohorte de todos los casos off label entre 2005 y 2015, en cualquier cáncer y estadio. Se revisaron historias de salud de un centro para extraer información sobre tratamiento, respuesta, supervivencia y toxicidad. Resultados: 85 hombres y 83 mujeres, de 56 años de mediana de edad, tenían mayoritariamente tumores metastásicos tratados con una mediana de 4 ciclos (0-118) de quimioterapia, hormonoterapia o bioterapia, con finalidad paliativa entre 1.ª y 4.ª línea (80% de casos). La tasa de respuesta subjetiva fue 32,5%, objetiva completa 1,9%, parcial 8,8%, estabilización 15,6%, progresión 38,8% y no valorable 35,1%. La mediana de duración de la respuesta fue 2,5 meses (1-17), de supervivencia libre de progresión (SLE) 5 meses (4 - 21,3) y global (SG) 11 meses (9,2-20,6). En el análisis univariante, el estado funcional, la línea de tratamiento, el número de ciclos y el tipo de respuesta influyeron en la SG. En el modelo multivariante, el estado funcional (HR 0,36; IC 95% 0,17-0,77. P= 0,009) y el número de ciclos (HR 3,66; IC 95% 2,08-6,44. P= 0,0001) influían de forma independiente en la SG. La toxicidad grado 3 y 4 más frecuente fue la astenia (19%), la neutropenia (10,7%) y la emesis (8,9%). Conclusiones: Los medicamentes antineoplásicos en situaciones especiales de uso se emplearon mayoritariamente en tumores metastásicos, con poca efectividad. El estado funcional debe ser tenido en cuenta para seleccionar los pacientes a tratar (AU)

Off-label antineoplastic drugs. An effectiveness and safety study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of antineoplastic medicines in special situations is common in clinical practice; it is strongly regulated and there is little information on its outcomes. We have analysed such use and health outcomes. METHODS: All off-label cases between 2005 and 2015, with any type of cancer and in any stage were included. Health histories of a single health centre were reviewed to gather information on treatment features, response, survival, andtoxicity. RESULTS: 85 men and 83 women, aged 56, had largely metastatic tumours treated with a median of 4 cycles (0-118) of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or biotherapy, for palliative purposes between 1st and 4th lines (80% of cases). The subjective response rate was 32.5%, complete objective 1.9%, partial 8.8%, stabilisation 15.6%, progression 38.8%, and not assessable 35.1%. The median duration of response was 2.5 months (1-17), progression-free survival (PFS) 5 months (4 - 21.3), and overall survival (OS) 11 months (9.2-20.6). In the univariate analysis, performance status, treatment line, number of cycles, and type of response influenced on OS. In the multivariate model, the functional status (HR 0.36; CI 95% 0.17-0.77. P= 0.009) and number of cycles (HR 3.66; CI 95% 2.08-6.44. P= 0.0001) influenced independently on overall survival. The most frequent grade 3 and 4 toxicity were asthenia (19%), neutropenia (10.7%), and nausea and vomiting (8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Off-label antineoplastic drugs were mostly used in metastatic tumours, with little effectiveness. The functional status must be considered to select the patients to be treated.

Objetivos: El uso de medicamentos antineoplásicos en situaciones especiales es común en la práctica clínica, está fuertemente regulado y hay poca información sobre sus resultados. Hemos analizado su empleo y los resultados en salud.Método: Se analiza una cohorte de todos los casos off label entre 2005 y 2015, en cualquier cáncer y estadio. Se revisaron historias de salud de un centro para extraer información sobre tratamiento, respuesta, supervivencia y toxicidad.Resultados: 85 hombres y 83 mujeres, de 56 años de mediana de edad, tenían mayoritariamente tumores metastásicos tratados con una mediana de 4 ciclos (0-118) de quimioterapia, hormonoterapia o bioterapia, con finalidad paliativa entre 1.ª y 4.ª línea (80% de casos). La tasa de respuesta subjetiva fue 32,5%, objetiva completa 1,9%, parcial 8,8%, estabilización 15,6%, progresión 38,8% y no valorable 35,1%. La mediana de duración de la respuesta fue 2,5 meses (1-17), de supervivencia libre de progresión (SLE) 5 meses (4 ­ 21,3) y global (SG) 11 meses (9,2-20,6). En el análisis univariante, el estado funcional, la línea de tratamiento, el número de ciclos y el tipo de respuesta influyeron en la SG. En el modelo multivariante, el estado funcional (HR 0,36; IC 95% 0,17- 0,77. P= 0,009) y el número de ciclos (HR 3,66; IC 95% 2,08-6,44. P= 0,0001) influían de forma independiente en la SG. La toxicidad grado 3 y 4 más frecuente fue la astenia (19%), la neutropenia (10,7%) y la emesis (8,9%).Conclusiones: Los medicamentes antineoplásicos en situaciones especiales de uso se emplearon mayoritariamente en tumores metastásicos, con poca efectividad. El estado funcional debe ser tenido en cuenta para seleccionar los pacientes a tratar.

Using an informed consent in mammography screening: a randomized trial.

Spanish women do not make an informed choice regarding breast cancer screening (BCS). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of receiving information regarding real BCS benefits and risks on knowledge, attitude, decision, feelings, and worries about cancer. Randomized controlled clinical trial of 355 women aged between 45 and 67 years, 177 and 178 assigned to the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG), respectively. After breast screening, women received either Nordic Cochrane Centre information on BCS or standard information. The primary outcome (knowledge) was determined from questionnaire administered at baseline and after a month. Answers were scored from 0 to 10 and scores of 5 or more indicated that women were well informed (had "good knowledge"). Questionnaires regarding attitudes, future screening intentions, and psychosocial impact were also administered. The Chi-squared and Student's t-tests were used to compare qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Good knowledge was acquired by 32 (18.10%) IG women and 15 (8.40%) CG women (P = 0.008). Mean scores from first to second interview increased from 2.97 (SD 1.16) to 3.43 (SD 1.39) in the CG and from and from 2.96 (SD 1.23) to 3.95 (SD 1.78) (P = 0.002) in the IG. No differences were found in the secondary endpoints. Women receiving information based on the Nordic Cochrane Centre document were better informed. This means of providing information is not very efficacious, nor does it modify attitude, decision, feelings, or worries about cancer.

Women's perceptions of breast cancer screening. Spanish screening programme survey.

OBJECTIVES: Participants in breast cancer screening programmes may benefit from early detection but may also be exposed to the risks of overdiagnosis and false positives. We surveyed a sample of Spanish women to assess knowledge, information sources, attitudes and psychosocial impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 434 breast cancer screening programme participants aged 45-69 years were administered questionnaires regarding knowledge, information sources, attitudes and psychosocial impact. Scores of 5 or more (out of 10) and 12 or less (out of 24) were established as indicating adequate knowledge and a positive attitude, respectively. Psychosocial impact was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Cancer Worry Scale. RESULTS: Only 42 women (9.7%) had adequate knowledge. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 2.97 (1.16). Better educated women and women without previous false positives had higher scores. The main sources of information were television, press, Andalusian Health Service documentation and family and friends. Most participants (99.1%) had a positive attitude, with a mean (SD) score of 3.21 (2.66). Mean (SD) scores for anxiety, depression and cancer worry were 1.86 (3.26), 0.72 (1.99) and 9.4 (3.04), respectively. CONCLUSION: Women have a very positive attitude to breast cancer screening, but are poorly informed and use television as their main information source. They experience no negative psychosocial impact from participation in such programmes.

Follow-up of long-term survivors of breast cancer in primary care versus specialist attention.

BACKGROUND: Hospitals have traditionally been the place where the follow-up of breast cancer patients occurs in Spain. OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of long-term survivors of breast cancer according to type of follow-up received (in primary or specialist/hospital care), measuring impact of care type on health, cost, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and satisfaction results. METHOD: Retrospective study of cohorts with disease-free patients followed up for at least 5 years in Oncology. Using personal questionnaires, the type and cost of the follow-up, events, HRQL and satisfaction were analysed. RESULTS: Ninety-eight women were surveyed, 60 in primary and 38 in specialist care. There were no differences between groups in diagnosis of metastasis or new primary tumours. The number of annual visits per patient was 0.98 (0.48) in primary and 1.11 (0.38) in specialist care (P = 0.19). In primary, 44.6% were programmed and 55.4% on demand; in specialist, 94.6% were programmed and 5.4% on demand (P = 0.0001). The costs of follow-up in primary care were lower--€112.86 (77.54) versus €184.61 (85.87) per patient and year (P = 0.0001). No differences were reported in HRQL. Preference for specialist care was expressed by 80%, versus 10% for primary, with 10% indifferent. Patients showed greater satisfaction with specialist care in all questionnaire dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with follow-up protocol was high in both groups. In specialist care nearly all the visits were programmed and in primary almost half were on demand. In our locality, primary is more cost-effective than specialist care, but patients express greater satisfaction with specialist follow-up and hence prefer it.

[Profile of women with breast disease wich does self-exploration. Which are the factors associated with this practice?]. / Mujer con patología mamaria.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In recent decades the fight against breast cancer has focused primarily on the treatment and secondary prevention (early detection mainly). In the case of breast self-examination, althought it has not been prove to reduce mortality, it is important in cases detected by women themselves (it is estimated 90% of total), mainly in the interval cancers. OBJECTIVES: To identify within women with breast cancer, how many do self-examination and identify associated factors. Describe the clinical and pathological features of cancers in women who do perform self-examination. METHODOLOGY: In women diagnosed with breast cancer during 2007 in a hospital in the province of Cadiz, Spain, is reconstructed in retrospect the story related the cancer process: symptoms, psychosocial factors that determine the contact with the health system, preventive practices (self-examination, mammography screening). A description of the pathological tumor: presenting symptom, tumor size, node negative, grade of differentiation. RESULTS: We studied 149 women with breast cancer, from whom 52% did self-exploration. Women who performed self-examination were younger (54.78 years) against the women who did not (65.63 years), married (66.2%), active workers and have a higher educational level. The assessment of the first symptoms in these women as "important" is positively correlated with those women who practice self-examination. For other preventive practices, women who does self-examination are also the most actives in early detection programs (74.4% against 29.5% which didn't do self-examination). For the pathologic characteristics of tumor in women who did self-examination: the tumor size was 2.5 cm, 50.7/are well differentiated, and 59.1% of cases the nodes are negative. CONCLUSIONS: Women who does self-examination are younger, have higher educational level, are married, are active workers and are often involved in other preventive practices. On them, the tumors diagnosed have a smaller size, are diagnosed at earlier stages and usually present better degree of differentiation.

Influencia de los factores clínicos y biográficos en el retraso en iniciar la quimioterapia adyuvante en las pacientes con cáncer de mama / Influence of clinical and biographical factors on the delay in starting adjuvant chemotherapy treatment among breast cancer patients

Background and objetive: Previous studies have related the delay in starting chemotherapy (>3 months from date of surgery) with worse survival. The study objective is to analyse the delay in the start of chemotherapy and associated biomedical, sociodemographic and cultural factors. Patients and methods: A cohort of women operated on for breast cancer, candidates for receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and participants in a clinical trial of non-pharmacological intervention, were surveyed regarding the delay in starting their chemotherapy, measured by the number of days from date of surgery. Differences in function of the clinical and biographical variables were studied. Results: In 197 women, mean delay was 42.32 (15.29) days; this was associated with tumour stage ( i , 40.06 days; ii , 44.76 days; iii , 38.7 days; P=.049), age (≤35, 37.36 days; 36-64, 41.49 days; ≥65, 52.61 days; P=.007) and occupational situation (active, 36.91 days; unemployed, 45.5 days; pensioner, 40.07 days; housewife, 43.17 days; P=.038). F r patients older than 65 years, the delay in starting adjuvant chemotherapy was longer than for those in the 2 lower age groups -less than 35 years, and between 35 and 65 years- (P=.023 and P=.009 respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated independently with the delay in starting chemotherapy were again age (P=.019), tumour stage (P=.037) and occupational situation (P=.022). Conclusion: Patients began receiving adjuvant chemotherapy within the time period (3 months from surgery) defined as appropriate, and during which no evidence exists of worse survival results. Length of delay varied according to age, tumour stage and occupational situation (AU)

Fundamento y objetivos: Estudios previos han relacionado el retraso en iniciar la quimioterapia adyuvante (>3 meses desde la cirugía) con peor supervivencia. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el retraso en iniciar quimioterapia y la influencia de los factores biomédicos, sociodemográficos y culturales. Pacientes y método: En una cohorte de mujeres con cáncer de mama, candidatas a quimioterapia adyuvante y participantes en un ensayo clínico de intervención no farmacológica, se recogió la demora en el inicio de quimioterapia desde la cirugía. Se estudiaron las diferencias según variables clínicas y biográficas. Resultados: En 197 mujeres, la demora media (DE) entre cirugía y quimioterapia fue de 42,32 (15,29) días y estuvo asociada al estadio tumoral ( i , 40,06 días; ii , 44,76 días; iii , 38,7 días; p=0,049), la edad (≤35 años, 37,36 días; 36-64 años, 41,49 días; ≥65 años, 52,61 días; p=0,007) y la situación laboral (en activo, 36,91 días; en paro, 45,5 días; pensionistas, 40,07 días; amas de casa, 43,1 días; p=0,038). Las pacientes mayores de 65 años recibieron quimioterapia adyuvante con más demora que las menores de 35 o entre 35 y 65 años (p=0,023 y p=0,009, respectivamente). En el análisis multivariante, las variables asociadas de forma independiente con el retraso en recibir la quimioterapia continuaron siendo la edad (p=0,019), el estadio (p=0,037) y la situación laboral (p=0,022). Conclusiones: Las pacientes recibieron quimioterapia adyuvante dentro del tiempo (3 meses desde la cirugía) definido como apropiado y durante el cual no hay pruebas de peores resultados de supervivencia. El retraso varió según la edad, el estadio y la situación laboral (AU)

Mujer con patología mamaria. ¿qué factores se asocian a la práctica de la autoexploración? / Profile of women with breast disease wich does self-exploration. Which are the factors associated with this practice?

Antecedentes. En las últimas décadas la lucha contra el cáncer de mama se ha centrado, básicamente, en el tratamiento y en la prevención secundaria (fundamentalmente la detección precoz). La autoexploración mamaria, aunque no se ha demostrado que reduzca la mortalidad, sí es importante respecto a los casos detectados por la propia mujer (se estima que un 90% del total) y principalmente en los cánceres de intervalo. Objetivos. Identificar entre mujeres con cáncer de mama, cuántas realizan la autoexploración y los factores asociados. Describir las características clínico-patológicas de los cánceres en las mujeres que sí realizan la autoexploración. Metodología. En mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama, en un hospital de la provincia de Cádiz, España, se reconstruye de manera retrospectiva la historia relacionada con el proceso del cáncer, es decir, sintomatología, factores psicosociales que determinan el contacto con el sistema sanitario, realización de prácticas preventivas (participación en el Programa de Detección Precoz del Cáncer de Mama –PDPCM–, autoexploración mamaria,...). Se realiza una descripción clínico-patológica del tumor: síntoma de presentación, tamaño tumoral, ganglios negativos, grado de diferenciación histológica. Resultados. Se estudiaron 149 mujeres con cáncer de mama, de las cuales el 52% realizaba autoexploración. Las mujeres que realizan autoexploración son más jóvenes (54,78 años frente a 65,63), están casadas (66,2%), se encuentran laboralmente activas y tienen un nivel de estudios mayor. La valoración de la aparición del primer síntoma como algo importante se correlaciona positivamente con aquellas mujeres que practican la autoexploración. En cuanto a otras prácticas preventivas, las que se autoexploran son también las que más acuden al programa de detección precoz (74,4% frente a 29,5% en las que no se autoexploran). En cuanto a las características clínico-patológicas del tumor en las mujeres que se autoexploran: el tamaño tumoral medio es de 2,5 cm; el 50,7% se halla bien diferenciado, y en un 59,1% de los casos los ganglios son negativos. Conclusiones. Las mujeres que se autoexploran son más jóvenes, tienen un nivel educativo mayor, están casadas, se encuentran laboralmente activas y suelen participar en otras prácticas preventivas. En ellas, los tumores diagnosticados presentan un menor tamaño, se diagnostican en estadios más precoces y por lo general presentan mejor grado de diferenciación(AU)

Background/Aims: In recent decades the fight against breast cancer has focused primarily on the treatment and secondary prevention (early detection mainly). In the case of breast self-examination, althought it has not been prove to reduce mortality, it is important in cases detected by women themselves (it is estimated 90% of total), mainly in the interval cancers. Objectives: To identify within women with breast cancer, how many do self-examination and identify associated factors. Describe the clinical and pathological features of cancers in women who do perform self-examination. Methodology: In women diagnosed with breast cancer during 2007 in a hospital in the province of Cadiz, Spain, is reconstructed in retrospect the story related the cancer process: symptoms, psychosocial factors that determine the contact with the health system, preventive practices (self-examination, mammography screening). A description of the pathological tumor: presenting symptom, tumor size, node negative, grade of differentiation… Results: We studied 149 women with breast cancer, from whom 52% did self-exploration. Women who performed self-examination were younger (54.78 years) against the women who did not (65.63 years), married (66.2%), active workers and have a higher educational level. The assessment of the first symptoms in these women as «important» is positively correlated with those women who practice self-examination. For other preventive practices, women who does self-examination are also the most actives in early detection programs (74.4% against 29.5% which didn’t do self-examination). For the pathologic characteristics of tumor in women who did self-examination: the tumor size was 2.5 cm, 50.7 / are well differentiated, and 59.1% of cases the nodes are negative. Conclusions: Women who does self-examination are younger, have higher educational level, are married, are active workers and are often involved in other preventive practices. On them, the tumors diagnosed have a smaller size, are diagnosed at earlier stages and usually present better degree of differentiation(AU)

[Influence of clinical and biographical factors on the delay in starting adjuvant chemotherapy treatment among breast cancer patients]. / Influencia de los factores clínicos y biográficos en el retraso en iniciar la quimioterapia adyuvante en las pacientes con cáncer de mama.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have related the delay in starting chemotherapy (>3 months from date of surgery) with worse survival. The study objective is to analyse the delay in the start of chemotherapy and associated biomedical, sociodemographic and cultural factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of women operated on for breast cancer, candidates for receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and participants in a clinical trial of non-pharmacological intervention, were surveyed regarding the delay in starting their chemotherapy, measured by the number of days from date of surgery. Differences in function of the clinical and biographical variables were studied. RESULTS: In 197 women, mean delay was 42.32 (15.29) days; this was associated with tumour stage (i, 40.06 days; ii, 44.76 days; iii, 38.7 days; P=.049), age (≤ 35, 37.36 days; 36-64, 41.49 days; ≥ 65, 52.61 days; P=.007) and occupational situation (active, 36.91 days; unemployed, 45.5 days; pensioner, 40.07 days; housewife, 43.17 days; P=.038). For patients older than 65 years, the delay in starting adjuvant chemotherapy was longer than for those in the 2 lower age groups -less than 35 years, and between 35 and 65 years- (P=.023 and P=.009 respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated independently with the delay in starting chemotherapy were again age (P=.019), tumour stage (P=.037) and occupational situation (P=.022). CONCLUSION: Patients began receiving adjuvant chemotherapy within the time period (3 months from surgery) defined as appropriate, and during which no evidence exists of worse survival results. Length of delay varied according to age, tumour stage and occupational situation.

Use of health-care services during chemotherapy for breast cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The authors analyse the effect of chemotherapy on the use of additional health-care resources and report the clinical and demographic factors associated with such use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In women with breast cancer, eligible to receive first-line (neo)-adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy, consultations with health-care practitioners (general practitioners [GPs] and specialists) and admissions to emergency department and to hospital were prospectively recorded. Differences were studied according to these clinical and demographic variables: age, tumour stage, performance status, weight, height, body mass index, surgery type, chemotherapy type, number of courses, comorbidity, marital status, educational level, social status and occupational status. RESULTS: Among 268 patients, 124 (42.2%) required one or more non-protocol health-care encounters. 180 visits were generated (GP 23.3%, specialist 35.5%, emergency department admission 21.1%, hospital admission 8.3%, others 3.3% and more than one resource 8.3%). Of total consultations 150 (83.3%) were chemotherapy-related. The number of visits was higher in the first courses. Fever and infection were the most frequent reasons for consultation in all resources. The dependent variable: 'need for non-protocol health-care encounter in any course' was statistically associated with age (p=0.002) and marital status (p=0.021); no association was found with other variables. In multivariate analysis, age (p=0.001) and marital status (p=0.009) remained statistically significant. Younger and married patients consumed less extra health resources. CONCLUDING STATEMENT: Many patients receiving chemotherapy consume health-care resources in addition to their routine visits, usually treatment-related. Patients consult less in the later courses. Older and unmarried women in particular need extra care during chemotherapy.