Deep DNA sequencing of MGMT, TP53 and AGT in Mexican astrocytoma patients identifies an excess of genetic variants in women and a predictive biomarker.

PURPOSE: Astrocytomas are a type of malignant brain tumor with an unfavorable clinical course. The impact of AGT and MGMT somatic variants in the prognosis of astrocytoma is unknown, and it is controversial for TP53. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the molecular characteristics of astrocytomas in Mexican patients. METHODS: We studied 48 Mexican patients, men and women, with astrocytoma (discovery cohort). We performed DNA deep sequencing in tumor samples, targeting AGT, MGMT and TP53, and we studied MGMT gene promoter methylation status. Then we compared our findings to a cohort which included data from patients with astrocytoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (validation cohort). RESULTS: In the discovery cohort, we found a higher number of somatic variants in AGT and MGMT than in the validation cohort (10.4% vs < 1%, p < 0.001), and, in both cohorts, we observed only women carried variants AGT variants. We also found that the presence of either MGMT variant or promoter methylation was associated to better survival and response to chemotherapy, and, in conjunction with TP53 variants, to progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of AGT variants only in women expands our knowledge about the molecular differences in astrocytoma between men and women. The increased prevalence of AGT and MGMT variants in the discovery cohort also points towards possible distinctions in the molecular landscape of astrocytoma among populations. Our findings warrant further study.

Analysis of cancer mortality in Mexico using the results of the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, cancer mortality rates have undergone changes over the past decades. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of cancer mortality rates in Mexico between 1990 and 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the Global Burden of Disease study, the mortality rates for the 10 most prevalent types of cancer in Mexico were obtained, at the national and regional level and by states, considering different age groups and gender. Global Burden of Disease reassigns misclassified causes and distributes them among different types of cancer; subsequently, it models and adjusts the causes to the total number of deaths with a model of a set of causes of death and a cause corrector, which corrects INEGI's mortality records. RESULTS: The cancer mortality rate went from 117.87 in 1990 to 84.18 in 2021. In women, breast, cervical, stomach and lung cancers were the most frequent. In men, the most common were prostate, stomach, lung, and colon and rectum cancer. The decrease in cancer mortality for men and women stood out, particularly from lung and cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide information for the development of health policies and specific prevention and control strategies to address the impact of cancer in Mexico.

ANTECEDENTES: En México, las tasas de mortalidad por cáncer han experimentado cambios a lo largo de las últimas décadas. OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución de las tasas de mortalidad por cáncer en México entre 1990 y 2021. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Del Global Burden of Disease (GBD) se obtuvieron las tasas de mortalidad de los 10 tipos de cáncer más predominantes en México, en el ámbito nacional y por estados, considerando distintos grupos etarios y el sexo. En el GBD se reasignan las causas mal clasificadas y se distribuyen entre los distintos cánceres; posteriormente se modelan y ajustan las causas al total de fallecimientos con un modelo de conjunto de causas de muerte y un corrector de causas, con lo cual se corrigen registros de mortalidad del INEGI. RESULTADOS: La tasa de mortalidad por cáncer pasó de 117.87 en 1990 a 84.18 en 2021. En las mujeres, los cánceres de mama, cervicouterino, estómago y pulmón fueron los más frecuentes; en los hombres, de próstata, estómago, pulmón, colon y recto. Destacó la disminución de la mortalidad por cáncer en hombres y mujeres, en particular por cáncer de pulmón y cérvix uterino. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados ofrecen información para desarrollar políticas de salud y estrategias de prevención y control específicas para enfrentar el impacto del cáncer en México.

Kinetics of HE4 and CA125 as prognosis biomarkers during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer (OC) is considered the most lethal gynecological cancer, of which more than 65% cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, requiring platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). METHODS: A prospective-longitudinal study was conducted among women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC), III and IV stages, and treated with NACT, at the National Cancer Institute - Mexico, from July 2017 to July 2018. Serum samples were obtained for quantification of CA125 and HE4 using ELISA at the first and in each of the three NACT cycles. The therapeutic response was evaluated through standard tomography. We determined whether CA125 and HE4, alone or in combination, were associated with TR to NACT during follow up. RESULTS: 53 patients aged 38 to 79 years were included, 92.4% presented papillary serous subtype OC. Higher serum HE4 levels were observed in patients with non-tomographic response (6.89 vs 5.19 pmol/mL; p = 0.031), specially during the second (p = 0.039) and third cycle of NACT (p = 0.031). Multivariate-adjusted models showed an association between HE4 levels and TR, from the second treatment cycle (p = 0.042) to the third cycle (p = 0.033). Changes from baseline HE4 levels during the first cycle was negative associated with TR. No associations were found between CA125 and TR. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HE4 levels were independently associated with TR among patients with AOEC treated with NACT, also a reduction between baseline HE4 and first chemotherapy levels was also independently associated with the TR. These findings might be relevant for predicting a lack of response to treatment.

Influence of germline BRCA genotype on the survival of patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

The presence of BRCA pathogenic variants (PVs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a distinctive genomic profile that makes the tumor particularly susceptible to DNA-damaging treatments. However, patients with BRCA PVs can develop treatment resistance through the appearance of reversion mutations and restored BRCA expression. As copy-number variants (CNV) could be less susceptible to reversion mutations than point mutations, we hypothesize that carriers of BRCA CNVs may have improved survival after treatment compared to carriers of other BRCA PVs or BRCA wild-type. Women diagnosed with stage I-III TNBC at ≤50 years at a cancer center in Mexico City were screened for BRCA PVs using a recurrent PV assay (HISPANEL; 77% sensitivity). The recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared according to mutational status. Among 180 women, 17 (9%) were carriers of BRCA1 ex9-12del CNV and 26 (14%) of other BRCA PVs. RFS at ten years for the whole cohort was 79.2% (95% CI 72.3-84.6%), with no significant differences according to mutational status. 10-year OS for the entire cohort was 85.3% (95%CI: 78.7-90.0%), with BRCA CNV carriers demonstrating numerically superior OS rates other PV carriers and non-carriers (100% vs. 78.6% and 84.7%; log-rank p=0.037 and p=0.051, respectively). This study suggests that BRCA1 ex9-12del CNV carriers with TNBC may have a better OS, and supports the hypothesis that the genotype of BRCA PVs may influence survival by limiting treatment resistance mediated by reversion mutations among CNV carriers.

Landscape of Germline Genetic Variants in AGT, MGMT, and TP53 in Mexican Adult Patients with Astrocytoma.

Astrocytoma is the most common type of primary brain tumor. The risk factors for astrocytoma are poorly understood; however, germline genetic variants account for 25% of the risk of developing gliomas. In this study, we assessed the risk of astrocytoma associated with variants in AGT, known by its role in angiogenesis, TP53, a well-known tumor suppressor and the DNA repair gene MGMT in a Mexican population. A case-control study was performed in 49 adult Mexican patients with grade II-IV astrocytoma. Sequencing of exons and untranslated regions of AGT, MGMT, and TP53 from was carried in an Ion Torrent platform. Individuals with Mexican Ancestry from the 1000 Genomes Project were used as controls. Variants found in our cohort were then assessed in a The Cancer Genome Atlas astrocytoma pan-ethnic validation cohort. Variants rs1926723 located in AGT (OR 2.74, 1.40-5.36 95% CI), rs7896488 in MGMT (OR 3.43, 1.17-10.10 95% CI), and rs4968187 in TP53 (OR 2.48, 1.26-4.88 95% CI) were significantly associated with the risk of astrocytoma after multiple-testing correction. This is the first study where the AGT rs1926723 variant, TP53 rs4968187, and MGMT rs7896488 were found to be associated with the risk of developing an astrocytoma.

Cervical Cancer in Young Women: Do They Have a Worse Prognosis? A Retrospective Cohort Analysis in a Population of Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is a global problem; it is among the five leading causes of cancer death in women. Several studies have examined the association between age and disease prognosis; however, controversy still exists. The objective of the present study is to determine if age at diagnosis has an impact on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 2,982 patients with CC treated at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico from 2005 to 2015. We collected demographic, clinical, and treatment data, as well as current status, of 2 groups: women under and over 40 years of age. We calculated OS and DFS rates with Kaplan-Meier estimates. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine risks. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 26.5 months (percentile [P]25 -P75 , 11-60.23). When comparing DFS, OS, stage, and histologic subtype between young patients <40 and adult patients >40, we did not observe any difference. We found that in both groups, locally advanced and advanced stage, neuroendocrine subtype, hydronephrosis, and positive inguinal lymph nodes increased the risks of death and recurrence. Having been pregnant was identified as protective factor in DFS (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.71). CONCLUSION: We corroborated that age at diagnosis is not a prognostic factor for decreased or increased OS or DFS, and in both groups, the stage, histologic subtype, hydronephrosis, and node involvement were identified as factors adverse to OS and DFS, and pregnancy history was a protective factor in DFS. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The present study directly affects everyday clinical practice because it allows us to focus on the most relevant prognostic factors in patients with cervical cancer. When planning treatment and follow-up, clinicians should focus on stage at diagnosis, histologic subtype, hydronephrosis, and distant metastasis instead of patients' age. They should also be aware of any previous pregnancies and poor response, or nonresponse, to treatment, which results in disease progression and persistence. Paying attention to these factors affecting overall survival and disease-free survival will help treat patients better and increase their chances of survival and improve their quality of life.

Effect of complementary Integrative Oncology on anxiety, depression and quality of life in thoracic cancer patients: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Thoracic-cancer (TC) patients have an extensive toll taken in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQL). Integrative Oncology (IO) is recognized as a valid complement to any Standard-Therapy treatment to improve outcomes in TC patients. The objective of this pilot-study was to evaluate the effect of adding IO (acupuncture, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy and mindfulness) in terms of depression, anxiety and HRQL. METHODS: TC patients who attended the Thoracic Oncology-Unit from July to September 2018 were invited to participate. A total of 16 patients were included in the study, 8 patients were required to attend 5 weekly sessions of IO and 8 patients were invited as controls. Anxiety, depression and HRQL were measured at baseline and after completing 5 sessions of IO or 5 weeks, using the HADS scale and the QLQ-C30 scale. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients in the IO group attended the 5 sessions and 8 patients were followed as controls. Compliance with the therapies was high, none of the patients dropped out from the study. A tendency for improvement in anxiety, fatigue, pain and dyspnea was observed in patients attending IO, though not statistically significant likely due to sample size. CONCLUSIONS: IO therapies are well accepted among TC patients. Larger studies are necessary with robust sample sizes to improve conclusions regarding outcome improvements.

Psychophysiological stress response of newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients with and without risk of metabolic syndrome / Respuesta psicofisiológica al estrés de pacientes con cáncer de mama de diagnóstico reciente, con y sin riesgo de síndrome metabólico

Abstract Introduction Little is known about how metabolic comorbidity affects stress response during breast cancer (BRCa) after a recent diagnosis. Objective To evaluate the physiological and psychological differences between the BRCa-RSxM groups and those with BRCa alone, and the influence of psychological variables and comorbidity in terms of stress response. Method Comparative non-experimental causal-descriptive study. Fifty patients recently diagnosed with BRCa (25 with BRCa and 25 with BRCa-RSxM) in a convenience sample participated. Frontal muscle activity and skin conductance were recorded in response to stressful conditions. Quality of life, perceived stress, and coping strategies scales were used. Results The presence of comorbidity (p = .001; p = .02), perceived stress (p = .004; p = .03), and social quality of life (p = .01; p = .01) influenced muscle activation and conductance during the emotional stressor (ES). Putting the stressful situation into perspective as a cognitive coping strategy was related to a decrease in activation (p = .04). An increase in physiological activation during the cognitive stressor (CS) was influenced by comorbidity (p = .05) and quality of social life (p = .01; p = .01). In turn, a decrease was influenced by the increase in age (p = .02). Discussion Physiological vulnerability, coping strategies (behavioral and cognitive), and prior learning influenced the resulting reaction during the stressful situation. Conclusion A metabolic disease, as a prelude to an oncological, may cause physiological vulnerability to respond adequately to stressful conditions.

Resumen Introducción Es poco lo que se sabe acerca de cómo afecta a una comorbilidad metabólica a la respuesta al estrés durante el cáncer de mama (CaMa) tras un diagnóstico reciente Objetivo Evaluar las diferencias fisiológicas y psicológicas entre los grupos de CaMa-RSxM y sólo con CaMa, y la influencia de las variables psicológicas y la comorbilidad en cuanto a la respuesta al estrés. Método Estudio no experimental descriptivo-causal comparativo. Participaron 50 pacientes con diagnóstico reciente de CaMa (25 en CaMa y 25 en CaMa-RSxM) en un muestreo por conveniencia. Se registraron la actividad muscular frontal y la conductancia de la piel frente a condiciones estresantes. Se aplicaron escalas de calidad de vida, estrés percibido y estrategias de afrontamiento. Resultados La presencia de la comorbilidad (p = .001; p = .02), estrés percibido (p = .004; p = .03) y la calidad de vida social (p = .01; p = .01) influyeron en la activación muscular y la conductancia durante el estresor emocional (EE). Poner en perspectiva la situación estresante como estrategia cognitiva de afrontamiento se relacionó con una disminución de la activación (p = .04). El aumento de activación fisiológica durante el estresor cognitivo (EC) estuvo influido por la comorbilidad (p = .05) y la calidad de vida social (p = .01; p = .01); a su vez, la disminución lo estuvo por el aumento en los años de edad (p = .02). Discusión La vulnerabilidad fisiológica, las estrategias de afrontamiento (conductuales y cognitivas) y el aprendizaje previo influyeron en la reacción resultante surgida durante la situación estresante. Conclusión Una enfermedad metabólica, como antesala de una oncológica, puede ocasionar vulnerabilidad fisiológica para responder adecuadamente a condiciones estresantes.

Role of Overweight, Obesity, and Comorbidities in the Prognosis of Patients With Breast Cancer With Brain Metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, and the incidence of brain metastasis (BM) from BC ranges from 20% to 30%, with a median survival of 10 to 15 months. Previous reports have shown that the presence of obesity or diabetes negatively impacts survival. The present study investigates the association between obesity or diabetes mellitus (DM) and overall survival of patients with BC with BM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database from 2 referral centers for the period of July 2014 to February 2018 was analyzed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of BC with BM were followed and treated at these centers. Demographic data, body weight and height, clinical and oncologic history, functional status, prognostic scales, and prognoses were examined. RESULTS: A total of 228 patients were included. The median age at BM was 50 years; the median survival after diagnosis was 12.1 months; 108 patients had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25, and 40 (17%) patients had DM. The association between survival and the presence of BMI > 25 exhibited a P value of 0.3. DISCUSSION: We found no association between overweight, obesity, or DM and survival in patients with BC with BM. The role of obesity in cancer is a robust research topic, as there are many questions to be answered. CONCLUSION: Obesity as a prognostic indicator should be further studied, because we found no association between overall survival and either patients with BM from BC with a BMI > 25 or those with normal weight.

[Prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer and brain metastasis as the first site of recurrence]. / Factores pronósticos en pacientes con cáncer de mama y metástasis cerebral como primer sitio de recurrencia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic factors (clinicalpathological characteristics and treatments) in patients with breast cancer and metastasis to central nervous system (CNS) as the first site of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Kaplan-Meier method and life tables were used to estimate overall survival time over a retrospective cohort of 125 breast cancer patients treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan) during 2007-2015, who presented metastasis to the CNS as the first site of extension of the disease. The cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the prognosis factors. RESULTS: The median overall survival time was 14.2 months (IC95%: 11.83-26.93). Patients with triple negative (TN), according to inmunohistochemistry analysis classification, had lower survival times (p=0.0004) and had a risk of dying two times (p=0.037) higher than patients with a different immunophenotype (HR: 2.77. 95%CI: 1.10-6.99). The degree of intermediate SBR increases the risk of dying in patients with metastasis (HR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.17-6.51). CONCLUSIONS: CNS metastasis continues to be a poor prognostic factor that reduces survival and affects quality of life. It is recommended to monitor the early presence of clinical neurological manifestations during follow-up for prompt treatment. TN patients have worse prognosis and HER2+ a better control.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los factores pronósticos (características clínico-patológicas y tratamientos) en las pacientes con cáncer de mama y metástasis al sistema nervioso central (SNC) como primer sitio de afección. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cohorte retrospectiva, formada por 125 pacientes con cáncer de mama atendidas en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología durante 2007-2015, quienes presentaron afección en el SNC como primer sitio de metástasis. A través del método Kaplan-Meier y tablas de vida se estimó la supervivencia global. El modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox fue utilizado para determinar los factores pronósticos. RESULTADOS: La mediana de supervivencia global fue de 14.2 meses (IC95% 11.8-26.9). Pacientes clasificadas por inmunohistoquímica como triple negativo (TN) presentaron tiempos de supervivencia más cortos (p<0.004) y con dos veces más riesgo de fallecer, en comparación con los otros inmunofenotipos (HR= 2.77; IC95% 1.10-6.99); asimismo, se identificó que un grado intermedio en la escala Scarff-Bloom-Richardson incrementa el riesgo de morir en pacientes con metástasis (HR=2.76; IC95% 1.17-6.51). CONCLUSIONES: La metástasis al SNC continúa siendo un factor de mal pronóstico que reduce la supervivencia y afecta la calidad de vida. Se recomienda vigilar puntualmente la presencia de manifestaciones clínicas neurológicas durante el seguimiento, para una rápida intervención. Las pacientes TN tienen peor pronóstico, y las HER2+ (es decir, con resultado positivo para el receptor 2 del factor de crecimiento humano epidérmico), mejor control a mediano plazo.

Factores pronósticos en pacientes con cáncer de mama y metástasis cerebral como primer sitio de recurrencia / Prognostic factors in patients with breast cáncer and brain metastasis as the first site of recurrence

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar los factores pronósticos (características clínico-patológicas y tratamientos) en las pacientes con cáncer de mama y metástasis al sistema nervioso central (SNC) como primer sitio de afección. Material y métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva, formada por 125 pacientes con cáncer de mama atendidas en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología durante 2007-2015, quienes presentaron afección en el SNC como primer sitio de metástasis. A través del método Kaplan-Meier y tablas de vida se estimó la supervivencia global. El modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox fue utilizado para determinar los factores pronósticos. Resultados: La mediana de supervivencia global fue de 14.2 meses (IC95% 11.8-26.9). Pacientes clasificadas por inmunohistoquímica como triple negativo (TN) presentaron tiempos de supervivencia más cortos (p<0.004) y con dos veces más riesgo de fallecer, en comparación con los otros inmunofenotipos (HR= 2.77; IC95% 1.10-6.99); asimismo, se identificó que un grado intermedio en la escala Scarff-Bloom-Richardson incrementa el riesgo de morir en pacientes con metástasis (HR=2.76; IC95% 1.17-6.51). Conclusiones: La metástasis al SNC continúa siendo un factor de mal pronóstico que reduce la supervivencia y afecta la calidad de vida. Se recomienda vigilar puntualmente la presencia de manifestaciones clínicas neurológicas durante el seguimiento, para una rápida intervención. Las pacientes TN tienen peor pronóstico, y las HER2+ (es decir, con resultado positivo para el receptor 2 del factor de crecimiento humano epidérmico), mejor control a mediano plazo.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the prognostic factors (clinical-pathological characteristics and treatments) in patients with breast cancer and metastasis to central nervous system (CNS) as the first site of the disease. Materials and methods: Kaplan-Meier method and life tables were used to estimate overall survival time over a retrospective cohort of 125 breast cancer patients treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan) during 2007-2015, who presented metastasis to the CNS as the first site of extension of the disease. The cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the prognosis factors. Result: The median overall survival time was 14.2 months (IC95%: 11.83-26.93). Patients with triple negative (TN), according to inmunohistochemistry analysis classification, had lower survival times (p=0.0004) and had a risk of dying two times (p=0.037) higher than patients with a different immunophenotype (HR: 2.77. 95%CI: 1.10-6.99). The degree of intermediate SBR increases the risk of dying in patients with metastasis (HR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.17-6.51). Conclusion: CNS metastasis continues to be a poor prognostic factor that reduces survival and affects quality of life. It is recommended to monitor the early presence of clinical neurological manifestations during follow-up for prompt treatment. TN patients have worse prognosis and HER2+ a better control.

Cancer Trends in Mexico: Essential Data for the Creation and Follow-Up of Public Policies.

Purpose Cancer in a country like Mexico is a challenge for the current health system and for public health. However, the statistics about cancer in Mexico are scarce, so epidemiologic surveillance needs to be improved. The objectives of this article were to describe the extent of cancer and to estimate the national burden of cancer through 2020. Materials and Methods To meet this objective, an analysis of secondary official sources was performed. The cancer cases through 2020 were estimated on the basis of trends in mortality and the projection of incident cases reported by GLOBOCAN. Results In 2013, cancer was the cause of 12.84% of all deaths in Mexico. It is projected that the prevalence of cancer will be 904,581 by 2017 and will reach 1,262,861 by early in the next decade (ie, 2020). Conclusion Available data for cancer are incomplete. The development and implementation of population-based cancer registries in Mexico are essential. Assessment of the future outlook of cancer in Mexico will provide awareness of future challenges and can help health systems prepare to face them.

Molecular Biology In Young Women With Breast Cancer: From Tumor Gene Expression To DNA Mutations.

Young women with breast cancer (YWBC) represent roughly 15% of breast cancer (BC) cases in Latin America and other developing regions. Breast tumors occurring at an early age are more aggressive and have an overall worse prognosis compared to breast tumors in postmenopausal women. The expression of relevant proliferation biomarkers such as endocrine receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 appears to be unique in YWBC. Moreover, histopathological, molecular, genetic, and genomic studies have shown that YWBC exhibit a higher frequency of aggressive subtypes, differential tumor gene expression, increased genetic susceptibility, and specific genomic signatures, compared to older women with BC. This article reviews the current knowledge on tumor biology and genomic signatures in YWBC.

"Joven & Fuerte": Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer in Mexico - Initial Results.

Despite the high rates of breast cancer among young Mexican women, their special needs and concerns have not been systematically addressed. To fulfill these unsatisfied demands, we have developed "Joven & Fuerte: Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer in Mexico," the first program dedicated to the care of young breast cancer patients in Latin America, which is taking place at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico and the two medical facilities of the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. The program was created to optimize the complex clinical and psychosocial care of these patients, enhance education regarding their special needs, and promote targeted research, as well as to replicate this program model in other healthcare centers across Mexico and Latin America. From November 2013 to February 2017, the implementation of the "Joven & Fuerte" program has delivered specialized care to 265 patients, through the systematic identification of their particular needs and the provision of fertility, genetic, and psychological supportive services. Patients and families have engaged in pedagogic activities and workshops and have created a motivated and empowered community. The program developed and adapted the first educational resources in Spanish dedicated for young Mexican patients, as well as material for healthcare providers. As for research, a prospective cohort of young breast cancer patients was established to characterize clinicopathological features and psychosocial effects at baseline and during follow-up, as a guide for the development of specific cultural interventions addressing this vulnerable group. Eventually, it is intended that the program's organization and structure can reach national and international interactions and serve as a platform for other countries.

Radiotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer in Mexico: Results from the 2015 National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is a keystone to improve survival and quality of life in breast cancer patients. In Mexico, however, scarce information is available on the obstacles faced by radio-oncologists to provide appropriate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the most frequent issues faced by physicians to provide radiation therapy for metastatic breast cancer in Mexico. METHODS: A survey of 16 multiple-choice questions to be answered electronically by 167 radio-oncologists currently working in Mexico was designed and thereafter analyzed for differences between private and public practices, based on the responses from the surveyed participants. RESULTS: 98.5% of surveyed responders attended patients with breast cancer. We observed a significant difference between private vs. public practice for the main difficulties in providing radiation therapy, with an increased frequency (85.8%) of "treatment cost by itself" in private practice vs. 50.7% in public practice (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the "Time to initiate treatment" question, with "Less than one week" as the response in 86% of those physicians in private practice vs. 50% for those in public practice (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using a survey targeted at radio-oncologists, we analyzed the most important obstacles for accessing radiation therapy for metastatic breast cancer in Mexico. This information may be useful for healthcare decisions related to radiation therapy in women with breast cancer in Mexico.

Estimation of the Cost-Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Screening Using Mammography in Mexico Through a Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Currently, breast cancer is the most prevalent tumor among Mexican women. Screening methods such as mammography could potentially reduce the health and economic burden of breast cancer; however, its risk-benefit balance is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of different breast cancer screening programs using mammography in Mexico and to contribute to the decision-making process on this preventive measure. METHODS: A simulation study was performed using population data and incidence rates. Several screening programs were assessed using the cost-effectiveness methodology recommended by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: The feasible recommended screening program has an examination schedule periodicity of every three years, with a population coverage of 0, 15, 18, 20, 25, 20, 18, and 0% for the age groups of 25-40, 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60, 60-65, 65-70, and 70-75 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Given the present coverage in Mexico, it is necessary to optimize our resource allocation to improve the country's breast cancer prevention policy.