Uso de fitoterápicos no controle das alterações bucais pós-tratamento oncológico: novas alternativas na odontologia / Use of herbal medicines to control oral changes post-oncological treatment: new alternatives in dentistry

O tratamento oncológico pode ocasionar diversas alterações orais durante e após o processo que podem acarretar déficit de mastigação, fonação, deglutição, além de dor e nutrição deficiente. Nesse contexto, ainda existe uma busca na comprovação do uso de fitoterápicos na oncologia com presença de lesões na cavidade oral ocasionadas pela oncoterapia, para tratamento destas. Assim, o trabalho em questão se trata de uma revisão de literatura, com objetivo de relatar, a partir da análise de periódicos, a observação de efeitos favoráveis para o tratamento das lesões orais por consequência da quimioterapia e radioterapia, através do uso dos fitoterápicos: Camomila (Matricaria chamomilla), Romã (Punica granatum) e extrato de Própolis (Apis mellifera L.). Realizou-se busca eletrônica de dados através do Scholar Google e PubMed, utilizando os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (Medicamentos Fitoterápicos, Neoplasias, Protocolos Antineoplásicos). Os estudos apresentados neste trabalho evidenciam que o uso destes fitoterápicos pode auxiliar no tratamento das lesões decorrentes da quimioterapia e radioterapia, por possuírem diversas ações anti-inflamatórias, antimicrobianos, antitumorais, entre outras. Por fim, os fitoterápicos apresentados podem ser considerados como uma nova alternativa sendo assim uma escolha favorável de tratamento em relação aos medicamentos convencionais (alopatia), tanto pelo fato de serem naturais e não reduzirem mais ainda a imunidade do paciente, como também pelo seu baixo custo.

The cancer treatment can cause several oral changes during and after the process that can lead to deficits in chewing, phonation, swallowing, in addition to pain and poor nutrition. In this context, there is still a search to prove the use of herbal medicines in oncology with lesions in the oral cavity caused by oncotherapy. Thus, the work in question is a literature review, with the objective of reporting, from the analysis of journals, the observation of favorable effects for the treatment of oral lesions as a result of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, through the use of herbal medicines: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and Propolis extract (Apis mellifera L.). Electronic data search was carried out through Scholar Google and PubMed, using the Health Sciences Descriptors (Phytotherapic Drugs, Neoplasms, Antineoplastic Protocols). The studies presented in this work show that the use of these herbal medicines can help in the treatment of injuries resulting from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as they have several anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tumor actions, among others. Finally, the herbal medicines presented can be considered as a new alternative, thus being a favorable treatment choice in relation to conventional medicines (allopathy), both because they are natural and do not further reduce the patient's immunity, but also because of their low cost.

Antineoplastic therapy is an independent risk factor for dental caries in childhood cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antineoplastic therapy (AT) as a risk factor for dental caries lesions independent of other risk factors such as income, family education, stimulated salivary flow rate, hygiene habits, frequency of sugar intake, and microbiota in childhood cancer (CC) patients. METHODS: 72 individuals were divided into CC patients (n=36) and healthy individuals (control group - CT n=36). Demographic data, hygiene habits, frequency of sugar intake, CC type, and AT were collected. Stimulated salivary flow rate was measured and the presence and concentration of Streptococcus mutans were assessed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. Clinical evaluations included plaque index (PI) and decayed-missing-filled-teeth index (dmft/DMFT). Descriptive statistics, T-test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and two-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: At the time of oral evaluation, both groups exhibited similar ages with means of 12.0±3.9 years old for CC and 12.0±4.0 years old for CT patients. All CC patients underwent chemotherapy with nine also undergoing radiotherapy. Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of color/race, income, family education, and hygiene habits. However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding the frequency of sugar intake, stimulated salivary flow rate, or the concentration of Streptococcus mutans (qPCR technique). For clinical parameters, the DMF (CC:1.80, CT: 0.75), decayed (CC: 0.88, CT: 0.19), missing (CC: 0.25, CT:0), and PI (CC: 30.5%, CT: 22.6%) were higher in the CC group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Childhood cancer (CC) patients undergoing antineoplastic therapy (AT) exhibit a higher prevalence of dental caries, regardless of income/education, frequency of sugar intake, stimulated salivary flow rate, and microbiota.

Prevalence of anticipatory nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Anticipatory nausea and vomiting are unpleasant symptoms observed before undergoing chemotherapy sessions. Less is known about the occurrence of symptoms since the advent of the new neurokinin-1 antagonist. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was performed at a single Brazilian Institution. This study included breast cancer patients who received doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy and an appropriate antiemetic regimen (dexamethasone 10 mg, palonosetron 0.56 mg, and netupitant 300 mg in the D1 followed by dexamethasone 10 mg 12/12 h in D2 and D4). Patients used a diary to record nausea, vomiting, and use of rescue medication in the first two cycles of treatment. The prevalence of anticipatory nausea and vomiting was assessed before chemotherapy on day 1 of C2. RESULTS: From August 4, 2020, to August 12, 2021, 60 patients were screened, and 52 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 50.8 (28-69) years, most had stage III (53.8%), and most received chemotherapy with curative intent (94%). During the first cycle, the frequency of overall nausea and vomiting was 67.31%, and that of severe nausea and vomiting (defined as grade>4 on a 10-point visual scale or use of rescue medication) was 55.77%. Ten patients had anticipatory nausea and vomiting (19.23%). The occurrence of nausea and vomiting during C1 was the only statistically significant predictor of anticipatory nausea and vomiting (OR=16, 95%CI 2.4-670.9, p=0.0003). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anticipatory nausea is still high in the era of neurokinin-1 antagonists, and failure of antiemetic control in C1 remains the main risk factor. All efforts should be made to control chemotherapy-induced nausea or nausea and vomiting on C1 to avoid anticipatory nausea.

Antineoplastic therapy in childhood cancer patients presents a negative impact in the periodontal tissues: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of antineoplastic therapy (AT) in the periodontal tissues of childhood cancer (CC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two individuals were divided into CC (n=36) and healthy individuals (control group-CG, n=36). Demographics, hygiene habits, CC type, and AT were collected. Salivary flow and the presence and concentration of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were analyzed. Clinical evaluation included plaque (PI) and gingival indexes (GI), periodontal probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Patients were classified into periodontal health, gingivitis, or periodontitis. Descriptive statistics, T test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and two-way analysis of variance were used (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was similar (CC 12.0±3.9 years and CG 12.0±4.0 years). In the CC group, all patients underwent chemotherapy and nine radiotherapy. Color/race, income, and family education showed significant differences between groups. There was no difference between groups in salivary flow. Higher levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum were seen in CC (p=0.02). Significant difference between groups was found for PI (CC: 30.5%, CG: 22.6%), GI (CC: 28.8%, CG: 17.3%), PPD (CC: 1.77 mm, CG: 1.61 mm), and CAL (CC: 1.77 mm, CG: 1.57 mm), periodontal health (CC: 3, CG: 7), gingivitis (CC: 16, CG: 24), or periodontitis (CC: 17, CG: 5). CONCLUSION: AT in CC patients presents a negative impact in the periodontal and microbiological parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Childhood cancer individuals showed worse periodontal parameters and higher levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum in the saliva when compared to healthy individuals.

Oral hygiene protocols reduce the severity and incidence of oral mucositis during antineoplastic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether oral and dental hygiene protocols (DHPs) reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis (OM) during antineoplastic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42021295322) was based on searches of publicly accessible databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, EBSCOhost, LIVIVO, Embase, and gray literature (Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Energy) until December 2021. Twenty-five articles from these searches and 14 articles retrieved from the references therein were evaluated in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I for randomized (RCT) and non-randomized (n-RCT) clinical trials, respectively. A meta-analysis was performed on RCTs and n-RCTs in two subgroups to evaluate oral mouth rinses or DHP. GRADE-pro was used to assess the degree of certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Of the 3367 articles retrieved, 25 RCTs and 14 n-RCTs involving 2109 and 754 patients, respectively, were included in the analyses. RoB was low for RCTs and moderate-to-very severe for n-RCTs. High heterogeneity and publication RoB were identified. In RCTs, mouth rinses (p = 0.830) and DHP (p = 0.100) did not reduce the incidence of OM. However, mouth rinses strongly reduced the severity of OM (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = - 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 2.49 to - 1.24). In non-RCTs, mouth rinses (p < 0.001) and DHP (p < 0.001) reduced the relative risk of OM 0.38 (95% CI = 0.24 to 0.59) and 0.64 (95% CI = 0.53 to 0.70) times, respectively. In addition, DHP strongly reduced OM severity (Cohen's d = - 0.81, 95% CI = - 1.03 to - 0.59). GRADE-pro showed high certainty of OM severity and incidence in RCTs and non-RCTs, respectively, and low (OM incidence in RCTs) to very low (OM severity in non-RCTs) certainty in other outcomes. CONCLUSION: DHPs strongly reduce the severity and moderately reduce the incidence of OM. However, further studies with low heterogeneity are needed to validate these findings.

Amburana cearensis leaf extract protects against cisplatin-induced ovarian damage through regulation of p-PTEN and p-Akt proteins in mice.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of Amburana cearensis leaf extract against cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity in mice and involvement of p-PTEN and p-Akt proteins. Materials and Methods: A. cearensis ethanolic leaf extract was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mice were pretreated once daily for 3 days as follows: (1) the control group was pretreated with oral administration (o.p.) of saline solution, followed by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of saline solution. The other groups were pretreated (o.p.) with (2) saline solution (cisplatin group), (3) N-acetylcysteine (positive control), with (4) 50, or (5) 200 mg/kg body weight of A. cearensis extract, followed by injection of 5 mg/kg body weight (IP) of cisplatin. The ovaries were harvested and destined for histological (follicular morphology), immunohistochemistry (apoptosis and cell proliferation), and fluorescence (reactive oxygen species [ROS], glutathione concentrations [GSH], and active mitochondria) analyses. Furthermore, immunoexpression of p-PTEN and p-Akt was evaluated to elucidate a potential mechanism by which A. cearensis extract could prevent cisplatin-induced ovarian damage. Results: After HPLC analysis, protocatechuic acid was detected in the extract. The pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine or A. cearensis extract maintained the percentage of normal follicles and cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis and ROS concentrations, and increased GSH concentrations and mitochondrial activity compared with cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, pretreatment with A. cearensis extract regulated p-PTEN and p-Akt immunoexpression after cisplatin exposure. Conclusion: Pretreatment with A. cearensis extract prevented cisplatin-induced ovarian damage through its anti-oxidant actions and by modulating the expression of phosphorylated PTEN and Akt proteins.

Quimioterapia metronômica em tumores sólidos: dos conceitos à prática clínica - uma revisão narrativa / Metronomic chemotherapy in solid tumor: practice clinical and concepts ­ narrative review

O tratamento metronômico consiste na administração regular e contínua de quimioterápicos em baixa dose, preferivelmente via oral, sem pausas prolongadas, com objetivo de bloquear a proliferação tumoral. Este tratamento tem sido utilizado para uma série de tumores e nos últimos anos notou-se aumento da utilização em estudos clínicos, principalmente no cenário paliativo. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão narrativa acerca do tema quimioterapia metronômica em tumores sólidos, nos seus aspectos de definição, racional biológico, indicação clínica, marcadores preditivos e prognósticos. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados PUBMED, maior base de dados de conteúdo médico, onde foram encontrados 575 artigos, dos quais 46 artigos se adequavam aos critérios de seleção (artigos em inglês publicados no período compreendido entre 2015 a 2020), dentre eles 32 artigos de revisão, 1 metanálise, 2 retrospectivos, 9 prospectivos e 2 descritivos. E, após análise pormenorizada, 529 artigos foram excluídos devido aos critérios de exclusão: artigos em outras línguas que não inglês e a utilização apenas de anticorpo, imunoterapia ou terapia alvo molecular sem quimioterapia associados. Resultados: A partir da análise dos 46 artigos, foram encontrados descrições acerca dos aspectos conceituais, teorias metronômicas, efeito angiogênico, imunológico e quiescência tumoral, efeito 4 "D" e indicação clínica, avaliação de eficácia, segurança, marcadores, precisão e custo efetividade. Conclusão: Verificou-se que evidências clínicas e pré-clínicas suportam o uso de quimioterapia metronômica como uma alternativa ao tratamento oncológico padrão em cenário de acesso restrito a novas drogas, tais como: terapia alvo ou imunoterapia, sendo a principal característica sua baixa toxicidade, acessibilidade, disponibilidade de drogas para administração oral e alta atividade anti-angiogênica, além de outros efeitos diretos e indiretos, os quais se traduzem em benefício clínico

Metronomic treatment consists of regular and continuous administration of low-dose chemotherapy, preferably orally, without prolonged pauses, with the aim of blocking tumor proliferation. This treatment has been used for a number of tumors and, in recent years, there has been an increase in its use in clinical studies, especially in the palliative setting. Objective: To carry out a narrative review on the topic metronomic chemotherapy in solid tumors, in its aspects of definition, biological rationale, clinical indication, predictive and prognostic markers. Methodology: A search was carried out in the PUBMED database, the largest database of medical content, where 575 articles were found, of which 46 articles fit the selection criteria (articles in English published between 2015 and 2020), among them 32 review articles, 1 meta-analysis, 2 retrospective, 9 prospective and 2 descriptive. And, after a detailed analysis, 529 articles were excluded, due to the exclusion criteria: articles in languages other than English and the use of antibody alone, immunotherapy or molecular targeted therapy without associated chemotherapy. Results: From the analysis of the 46 articles, descriptions were found about the conceptual aspects, metronomic theories, angiogenic, immunological and tumor quiescence effects, 4 "D" effect and clinical indication, evaluation of efficacy, safety, markers, precision and cost effectiveness . Conclusion: It was found that clinical and preclinical evidence support the use of metronomic chemotherapy as an alternative to standard cancer treatment in a scenario of restricted access to new drugs, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, the main feature being its low toxicity, accessibility, availability of drugs for oral administration and high anti-angiogenic activity, in addition to other direct and indirect effects, which translate into clinical benefit

Marcadores imuno-histoquímicos de prognóstico para carcinoma de células escamosas em pacientes adultos jovens: revisão sistemática / Prognostic immunohistochemical biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma in young adults: a systematic review

Antecedentes: o carcinoma de células escamosas de boca (CCEB) é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente na região de cabeça e pescoço. Ao longo dos últimos anos, observou-se um aumento da incidência dessa neoplasia em pacientes jovens (≤40 anos), com controvérsias a respeito do prognóstico em relação aos pacientes com mais de 40 anos. Tradicionalmente, para se estabelecer o prognóstico dessas lesões, são correlacionados dados clínicos e histopatológicos, além do crescente uso de biomarcadores da carcinogênese pelo método da imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) que possuem relação com características biológicas das neoplasias e podem predizer o seu prognóstico. Objetivo: avaliar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, marcadores de IHQ para determinar o prognóstico em adultos jovens portadores de CCEB em boca. Fontes de dados: Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs e Proquest. Métodos de avaliação: a busca por Estudos retrospectivos, longitudinais, de coorte e casos controle totalizou 11.798 artigos. Após a remoção de duplicatas, seleção por títulos e resumos, contatos com autores e seleção por meio das referências, houve, como resultado, quatro artigos que foram selecionados, buscando-se apenas os que apresentavam estratificação por idade dividida em dois grupos, com jovens ≤40 anos e grupo controle >40 anos, selecionando-se apenas CCEB em boca, restrito às línguas inglesa, portuguesa e espanhola. Resultados: Foram encontrados resultados positivos para a utilização das proteínas RECK, Ciclina D1, EGFR, ALDH1A1 e CYP1B para se determinar prognóstico do CCEB em pacientes jovens. Entretanto não foi possível considerar nenhum desses marcadores de IHQ como um fator prognóstico independente. A maior limitação desse estudo foi encontrar trabalhos com padronização de idade, divisão por grupos e registro dos desfechos, correlacionando com a expressão dessas proteínas em IHQ, sendo necessários mais estudos primários que busquem atender essa demanda, para que seja possível descobrir a real aplicabilidade desses biomarcadores e se eles podem servir como referência para se estabelecerem planos de tratamento mais precisos. Conclusão: não foi possível encontrar biomarcadores de IHQ que possam predizer com segurança o prognóstico do CCEB em pacientes jovens. Porém, verificou-se que a hipoexpressão de RECK e a hiperxpressão de Ciclina D1, ALDH1A1 e Cerb-2 estão correlacionadas com as menores taxas de SLD em pacientes jovens, sendo promissora e necessária a iniciativa de se aprofundarem os estudos de base por meio de medotologias padronizadas para validar se a IHQ pode ser uma ferramenta útil para se estabelecer o prognóstico do CCEB em pacientes adultos jovens (AU)

Background: oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent malignant neoplasm in head and neck region. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the incidence of this neoplasm in young patients (≤ 40 years), with controversies regarding the prognostic between them and the patients over 40 years old. Traditionally, to establish the prognosis, there are several clinical and histopathological factors, and more recently, we have the increase of the biomarkers use by immunohistochemistry (IHC). That are related to the biological characteristics of neoplasms and can predict their prognosis. Objective: evaluate through a systematic review of the literature if ther any biomarkers for IHC that can determine the prognosis in young dults with OSCC in the mouth. Data sources: Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs and Proquest. Evaluation methods: retrospective papers, longitudinal, cohort and case-control studies totaled 11798 articles. After removing duplicates, sorting by title and abstracts, contacting authors, and selecting through references a total of 4 articles were considered elegible for data extraction, only when patients were stratified by age into 2 groups, with young people ≤40 years old and a control group >40 years old, restricted to OSCC, restricted to English, Portuguese and Spanish languages. Results: Positive results were found in RECK, Cyclin D1, EGFR, ALDH1A1 and CYP1B use to determine the prediction of OSCC in young patients. However, none of them were considered an independent factor of prognosis. The biggest limitation of this study was e lack of studies with an appropriate stratification method with division by age groups and correlating with protein expression. More primary studies are needed to solve this demand, in order to discover the applicability of these markers as a safe way to establish more accurate treatment. Conclusion: It was not possible to find IHC biomarkers that can reliably predict the prognosis of SCC in young patients. However, it was found that the underexpression of RECK and the overexpression of Cyclin D1, ALDH1A1 and Cerb-2 are correlated with lower rates of DFS in young patients. The initiative to deepen the baseline studies through standardized methodologies is promising and necessary to validate whether the IHC may be a useful tool to establish the prognosis of OSCC in young adult patients (AU)

Toxicidades orales de la terapia contra el cáncer en niños y adolescentes: un estudio descriptivo / Toxicidades orais da terapia oncológica em crianças e adolescentes: um estudo descritivo / Oral toxicities of oncology therapy in children and adolescents: a descriptive study

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: El cáncer es la segunda causa de muerte entre niños y adolescentes en Brasil. Evaluar la prevalencia de toxicidades orales derivadas del tratamiento oncológico en niños y adolescentes atendidos en el Hospital Estadual da Criança, de 2016 a 2017. Materiales y métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con datos obtenidos de historias clínicas. Se estudiaron variables relacionadas con la neoplasia, el portador, las toxicidades orales y el tratamiento oncológico, las cuales fueron analizadas de forma descriptiva y se realizó la prueba de la χ2 de Fisher para algunas de ellas. Resultados: Se identificaron 58 pacientes, en su mayoría mujeres (53%) y con edades entre 3 y 5 años (28%), con una media de 6,62 años. La neoplasia más común fue la leucemia linfoide aguda (38%), siendo la quimioterapia sola, la modalidad terapéutica más utilizada (67%), especialmente con el uso de citarabina (60%) y vincristina (56%). Veintitrés (40%) de los niños y adolescentes presentaron alguna toxicidad oral durante la terapia oncológica, por lo que a 4 (17,4%) se les interrumpió el tratamiento antineoplásico. La mucositis oral (70%) fue la toxicidad más común, afectando los labios en el 55% y fue asociada a dolor en el 64% de los casos. Dieciocho (78,2%) pacientes recibieron tratamiento por toxicidad oral, prescribiéndose nistatina en el 88,9% de los casos. Además, hubo una asociación significativa entre el estado de supervivencia y el lugar de residencia (p=0,03). Conclusiones: Entre los 58 niños y adolescentes estudiados, el 40% presentó toxicidades orales y 4 tuvieron interrumpido el tratamiento antineoplásico por este motivo. Así, se refuerza la importancia y la necesidad de la actuación del odontólogo en el equipo multidisciplinario en oncología.

Abstract Introduction and objective: Cancer is the second leading cause of death among children and adolescents in Brazil. To evaluate the prevalence of oral toxicities resulting from cancer treatment in children and adolescents treated at the Hospital Estadual da Criança, from 2016 to 2017. Material and methods: This is a descriptive study with data obtained from medical records. Variables related to neoplasia, carrier, oral toxicities and cancer treatment were studied, which were analyzed descriptively and thFisher χ2 test was performed for some of them. Results: Fifty eigth patients were identified, mostly female (53%) and aged between 3 and 5 years (28%), with an average of 6.62 years. The most frequent neoplasm was acute lymphoid leukemia (38%), with chemotherapy alone being the most used therapeutic modality (67%), especially with the use of cytarabine (60%) and vincristine (56%). Twenty-three (40%) of the children and adolescents exhibited some oral toxicity during cancer therapy, and for this reason, 4 (17.4%) had their antineoplastic treatment interrupted. Oral mucositis (70%) was the most common toxicity, affecting the lips in 55% and being associated with pain in 64% of cases. Eighteen (78.2%) patients received treatment for oral toxicities, with nystatin being prescribed in 88.9% of cases. In addition, there was a significant association between survival status and place of residence (p=0.03). Conclusions: Among the 58 children and adolescents studied, 40% had oral toxicities and 4 had their antineoplastic treatment interrupted for this reason. Thus, the importance and the need for the performance of the dentist in the multidisciplinary team in oncology is reinforced.

Resumo Introdução e objetivo: O câncer é a segunda maior causa de morte entre crianças e adolescentes no Brasil. Avaliar a prevalência de toxicidades orais decorrentes do tratamento oncológico em crianças e adolescentes atendidos no Hospital Estadual da Criança, no período de 2016 a 2017. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com dados obtidos de prontuários médicos. Foram estudadas variáveis relacionadas à neoplasia, ao portador, às toxicidades orais e ao tratamento oncológico, que foram analisadas descritivamente e o teste χ2 de Fisher foi aplicado para algumas delas. Resultados: Foram identificados 58 pacientes, com maioria do sexo feminino (53%) e idade entre 3 e 5 anos (28%), com média de 6,62 anos. A neoplasia maligna mais frequente foi a leucemia linfóide aguda (38%), sendo a quimioterapia isolada a modalidade terapêutica mais empregada (67%), especialmente com uso de citarabina (60%) e vincristina (56%). Vinte e três (40%) das crianças e adolescentes exibiram alguma toxicidade oral durante a terapia oncológica, e por esta razão, 4 (17,4%) tiveram o tratamento antineoplásico interrompido. A mucosite oral (70%) foi a toxicidade mais comum, acometendo os lábios em 55% e estando associada a dor em 64% dos casos. Dezoito (78,2%) pacientes receberam tratamento para as toxicidades orais, sendo a nistatina prescrita em 88,9% dos casos. Ademais, observou-se associação significante entre status de sobrevida e local de residência (p=0.03). Conclusões: Dentre as 58 crianças e adolescentes estudadas, 40% apresentou toxicidades orais e 4 tiveram o tratamento antineoplásico interrompido por esta razão. Desta forma, reforça-se a importância e a necessidade da atuação do cirurgião-dentista na equipe multiprofissional em oncologia.

Use of audiovisual media to enhance patients' knowledge regarding the oral adverse effects of oncology treatment / Uso de mídia audiovisual para aprimorar o conhecimento dos pacientes sobre os efeitos adversos orais do tratamento oncológico

Objetivo: o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia de alternativas didáticas, como a mídia audiovisual, na transmissão de informações sobre os efeitos adversos orais do tratamento oncológico em pacientes com câncer. Métodos: pacientes oncológicos foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo controle (n = 40) e grupo audiovisual (n = 36). O grupo controle recebeu informações verbais sobre os efeitos colaterais orais do tratamento do câncer. Por outro lado, o grupo audiovisual recebeu a mesma informação verbal, juntamente com uma apresentação ilustrativa de mídia audiovisual. Além disso, foram aplicados questionários sobre o assunto antes e após a intervenção da equipe odontológica. Resultados: o presente estudo empregou o teste exato de Fisher para análise estatística, e os resultados mostraram similaridade estatística entre os dois grupos (P > 0,05). Ambas as abordagens educacionais alcançaram o objetivo pretendido. Conclusão: um diálogo bem conduzido pode criar uma compreensão adequada entre pacientes com câncer, melhorando a sua adaptação. Opcionalmente, o uso de técnicas inovadoras, como recursos audiovisuais, pode ser uma alternativa acessível e eficiente, que também pode ser usada na educação desses pacientes. Dessa forma, vídeos educacionais podem ser usados para melhorar a compreensão dos pacientes, a adesão a esquemas terapêuticos e a qualidade de vida, além de contribuir para um melhor prognóstico.(AU)

Objective: the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of didactic alternatives, namely the audiovisual media, in conveying information regarding the oral adverse effects of oncology treatment in cancer patients. Methods: cancer patients were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 40) and audiovisual group (n = 36). The control group received verbal information regarding the oral side effects of cancer treatment. Conversely, the audiovisual group received the same verbal information, along with an illustrative audiovisual media presentation. Additionally, questionnaires on the subject were administered before and after the intervention by the dental team. Results: the current study employed Fisher's exact test for statistical analysis, and the results showed statistical similarity between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both educational approaches achieved the intended objective. Conclusion: a well-conducted dialogue can create adequate awareness among cancer patients and improve adaptation. Optionally, the use of innovative techniques, such as audiovisual resources, was observed to be an accessible and efficient alternative that can also be used in patient education. Therefore, educational videos can be used to improve patients' understanding, adherence to therapeutic regimens, and quality of life and contribute to a better prognosis.(AU)

Disfunção sexual após tratamento para o câncer do colo do útero / Disfunción sexual después del tratamiento del cáncer cervical / Sexual dysfunction after cervical cancer treatment

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e relacionadas à vida sexual e identificar a disfunção sexual em mulheres após o tratamento do câncer do colo do útero. Método Estudo transversal que incluiu mulheres com idade ≥18 anos e conclusão do tratamento de três meses. Foram utilizados dois instrumentos: formulário com informações sociodemográficas, clínicas e relacionadas à vida sexual; e o Índice da Função Sexual Feminina para avaliar a função sexual das participantes sexualmente ativas, sendo valores do escore ≤26 classificados como disfunção sexual. A estatística descritiva foi utilizada para verificar associações através do teste de Mann-Whitney e qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher. Resultados Do total de 46 mulheres, 15 (32,61%) mantiveram relações sexuais após o tratamento e oito tiveram indicativo de disfunção sexual (escore de 21,66; desvio padrão=7,06). Os tipos de tratamento (p=0,03) e de radioterapia (p=0,01), e o estadiamento da doença (p=0,02) interferiram na função sexual. Os domínios do Índice da Função Sexual Feminina mais afetados foram lubrificação (p=0,03) e dor (p=0,04). Conclusão A disfunção sexual esteve presente nas mulheres estudadas com impacto negativo na qualidade de vida.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y relacionadas con la vida sexual e identificar la disfunción sexual en mujeres después del tratamiento del cáncer cervical. Método Estudio transversal que incluyó mujeres de ≥18 años y la finalización del tratamiento de tres meses. Se utilizaron dos instrumentos: formulario con información sociodemográfica, clínica y relacionada con la vida sexual; y el Índice de Función Sexual Femenina para evaluar la función sexual de las participantes sexualmente activas, con valores de puntuación ≤26 clasificados como disfunción sexual. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para verificar las asociaciones mediante la prueba de Mann-Whitney y la prueba de chi-cuadrado de Pearson o la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados De un total de 46 mujeres, 15 (32.61%) tuvieron relaciones sexuales después del tratamiento y ocho tuvieron una indicación de disfunción sexual (puntaje 21.66; desviación estándar=7.06). Los tipos de tratamiento (p=0.03) y radioterapia (p=0.01), además de la estadificación de la enfermedad (p=0.02), interfirieron con la función sexual. Los dominios del índice de función sexual femenina más afectados fueron la lubricación (p=0.03) y el dolor (p=0.04). Conclusión La disfunción sexual estuvo presente en las mujeres estudiadas, con un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and those related to the sexual life, and to identify sexual dysfunction in women after cervical cancer treatment. Method Cross-sectional study including women aged ≥18 years and completion of the three-month treatment. Two instruments were used: form with sociodemographic, clinical and sexual life-related information; and the Female Sexual Function Index to assess the sexual function of sexually active participants, with score values ≤26 classified as sexual dysfunction. Descriptive statistics was used to check associations through the Mann-Whitney test and Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results Out of a total of 46 women, 15 (32.61%) had sexual intercourse after treatment and eight had an indication of sexual dysfunction (score 21.66; standard deviation=7.06). The types of treatment (p=0.03) and of radiotherapy (p=0.01), in addition to the staging of the disease (p=0.02) interfered with the sexual function. The most affected domains of the Female Sexual Function Index were lubrication (p=0.03) and pain (p=0.04). Conclusion Sexual dysfunction was present in women studied and had a negative impact on quality of life.

Neutropenia febril asociada a quimioterapia en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas de un centro de referencia en Colombia: características clínicas y desenlaces / Febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancies at a reference center in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y bacteriológicas que influyen en la supervivencia de los pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas que desarrollaron neutropenia febril posterior a quimioterapia. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal que incluyó adultos con diagnóstico de neoplasias hematológicas que presentaron neutropenia febril durante la hospitalización en 2014 en las sedes de Oncólogos de Occidente en Pereira, Manizales y Armenia (Colombia). Se realizaron análisis univariados y multivariados; la supervivencia se estableció según el método de Kaplan-Meier. Se estableció un valor de p <0.05. Se usó el software STATA. Se tuvo aval de bioética de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Resultados: se incluyó a 55 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 48 años (31-63), 27(49 %) fueron hombres. Los diagnósticos oncológicos más frecuentes fueron el linfoma no Ho-dgkin (29 %), leucemia mieloide aguda (24%) y leucemia linfoblástica aguda (20 %). La mayor letalidad se presentó en los días 21, 32 y 48. La mortalidad general fue del 9 % y la mortalidad por neutropenia profunda fue del 18 %. Conclusión: el número de neutropenias febriles, mayor tiempo de duración de la neutropenia febril, índice de Charlson y el antecedente de ingreso a UCI son factores de riesgo para mortalidad, mientras que el uso de piperacilina-tazobactam y el incremento en la puntuación del índice de MASCC son factores protectores.

ABSTRACT Objective: analyze the epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological characteristics that influence the survival of patients with haematological malignancies who developed febrile neutropenia after chemotherapy. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study of adult patients diagnosed with hema-tologic malignancies who presented febrile neutropenia during hospitalization in 2014 at Oncólogos de Occidente in Pereira, Manizales and Armenia (Colombia). Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. The survival analysis was established according to the Kaplan-Meier method. A value of p<0.05 was established for it. The STATA software was used. This study was endorsed by the bioethics committee of the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Results: 55 patients were included. The median age was 48 years (31-63), 27 (49%) were men. The most frequent oncological diagnoses were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (29 %), acute myeloid leukemia (24 %) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (20 %). The highest lethality occurred on days 21, 32 and 48. Overall mortality was 9 %, mortality due to deep neutro-penia was 18 %. Conclusion: the number of febrile neutropenia, longer duration of febrile neutropenia, Charlson index and the history of admission to the ICU are risk factors for mortality, while the use of piperacillin-tazobactam and the increase in the score of the MASCC index are protective factors.

Recurrence of retroperitoneal localized perivascular epithelioid cell tumor two years after initial diagnosis: case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumors. Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are administered according to the patient's clinical characteristics. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old female patient was operated to treat a retroperitoneal mass. The diagnosis was established as PEComa with benign behavior. Two years after the diagnosis, chest and abdominal computed tomography scans showed intra-abdominal recurrence and lymphangioleiomyomatosis in the lung. Treatment with everolimus was started. The disease stabilized in the third month of treatment, according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. CONCLUSION: PEComas are tumors with unpredictable behavior. Therefore, these patients require long-term follow-up, even in cases of correct diagnosis and benign PEComa.

Acompanhamento por telefone como intervenção de enfermagem a pacientes em quimioterapia ambulatorial: revisão integrativa / Seguimiento por teléfono como intervención de enfermería en pacientes en quimioterapia ambulatorial: revisión integrativa / Telephone follow-up as a nursing intervention for patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy: integrative review

Resumo OBJETIVO Conhecer a produção científica sobre o acompanhamento por telefone feito pelo enfermeiro junto a pacientes oncológicos em quimioterapia ambulatorial. MÉTODO Revisão integrativa de artigos disponíveis nas bases de dados LILACS e BDENF/BVS, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL e Scopus utilizando os descritores: "Drug Therapy", "Antineoplastic protocols", "Antineoplastic agents", "Telemedicine", "Telenursing", "Telephone" e variações, nas bases CINAHL e Scopus, publicados nos últimos 5 anos. RESULTADOS Foram identificados 19 artigos com as seguintes temáticas: Gerenciamento e controle dos sintomas; Avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde; Capacidade de autoeficácia; Apoio emocional, Estresse do Cuidador e Satisfação do paciente. CONCLUSÕES Estratégias e métodos de acompanhamento de pacientes em quimioterapia ambulatorial são viáveis e efetivos, sendo amplamente utilizados, principalmente nos Estados Unidos da América e na Ásia. O enfermeiro deve identificar métodos compatíveis e centrados no paciente de acordo com sua realidade institucional.

Resumen OBJETIVO Conocer la producción científica sobre el seguimiento por teléfono por el enfermero a pacientes oncológicos en tratamiento quimioterápico ambulatorial. MÉTODO Revisión integrativa de artículos diponibles en las bases de dados LILACS y BDENF/BVS, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL y Scopus utilizando descriptores: "Drug Therapy", "Antineoplastic protocols", "Antineoplastic agents", "Telemedicine", "Telenursing", "Telephone" y variaciones em CINAHL y Scopus, publicado em los últimos 5 años. RESULTADOS Se identificaron 19 estudios analizados en temáticas: Gestión y control de los síntomas; Evaluación de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud; Capacidad de Autoeficacia; Apoyo emocional, Estrés del cuidador y Satisfacción del paciente. CONCLUSIONES Estrategias y métodos de seguimiento de pacientes en quimioterapia ambulatorial son viables y efectivos, siendo ampliamente utilizados, principalmente en los Estados Unidos de América y en Asia. El enfermero debe identificar métodos compatibles y centrados en el paciente de acuerdo con su realidad institucional.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To identify the scientific production about telephone follow-up by nurses to oncological patients undergoing chemotherapy in an outpatient clinic. METHOD Integrative review of articles available in the LILACS and BDENF/BVS, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus databases, using the following descriptors: "Drug Therapy", "Antineoplastic protocols", "Antineoplastic agents", "Telemedicine", "Telenursing", "Telephone" and variations in the CINAHL and Scopus bases, published in the last 5 years. RESULTS In this review, 19 studies were identified and grouped in the following topics: Management and control of symptoms; Health-related quality of life assessment; Self-efficacy; Emotional support, Caregiver stress, and Patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Strategies and methods of follow-up of patients in outpatient chemotherapy are feasible and effective, being widely used, mainly in the United States and Asia. Nurses should identify compatible and patient-centered methods according to their institutional profile.

Accurate diagnose and management of advanced nasal type extranodal nk/t cell lymphoma. a case report

ABSTRACT Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is a rare entity in otorhinolaryngology. Its management requires skilled physicians in order to suspect this disease and making a proper diagnosis at early stages. This paper reports the case of a 31-year-old male patient, with one month of nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, palatal ulceration and a necrotizing lesion. Histopathology reported lymphoid infiltrate polymorph angiocentric growth pattern and extensive areas of necrosis. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the phenotype for T/NK cells: positive CD3, BCL2, CD4 and CD56. IgG for Epstein-Barr virus was also positive. The initial staging was T4, N1, M0, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale was 1, with intermediate risk, and low International Prognostic Index (IPI); based on this results, the patient was referred to oncology to initiate treatment. After a ten-month follow-up, the patient's condition improved, with complete remission of nasal and palate injuries; no relapse has occurred to date. This case is a clear example of the importance of early diagnostic through multiple biopsies in order to establish a specific treatment to decrease complication rates and improve prognosis.

Caregivers' Self-Reported Absence of Social Support Networks is Related to Treatment Abandonment in Children With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment abandonment (TxA) is a primary cause of therapy failure in children with cancer in low-/middle-income countries. We explored the absence of social support network (SSN), among other predictive factors, and TxA in children with cancer in Cali, Colombia. PROCEDURE: In this prospective cohort study, we included children diagnosed with cancer at a public university hospital. A social worker and a psychologist administered semistructured questionnaires to patients' caregivers. We extracted information from the questionnaires about social, economic, and psychological conditions of the patients' families. Outcomes were death, relapse, and TxA. Failure either to start or to continue the planned course of curative treatment for 4 weeks or more was defined as TxA. We identified events with Cali's childhood cancer outcomes surveillance system (VIGICANCER). We adjusted the hazard ratios (HRs) for potential confounders using multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 188 patients diagnosed from January 2011 to June 2013, 99 interviews were conducted. Median age was 5 years old (range: 0.3, 14.9), 53% were male, 17% were of Colombian-Indian ethnicity, and 68% lived in rural areas. The 2-year cumulative incidence of TxA was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13, 35) and the annual proportion was 14%. The adjusted HR for the absence of SSN was 4.9 (95% CI: 1.6, 15.3). CONCLUSIONS: We found a strong association between the absence of SSN and TxA that was independent of other covariates, including surrogate measures of wealth. Our findings highlight the imperative understanding of social ties and support surrounding children's families for planning strategies to prevent TxA.

Linfoma de Burkitt en pacientes HIV positivo tratados con quimioterapia intensiva en el Hospital del Salvador entre 2011 y 2014: Protocolo Nacional de Cáncer del Adulto, Chile / Intensive chemotherapy for Burkitt lymphoma in HIV positive patients

Background: Burkitt lymphoma has a low incidence, is highly aggressive, may be endemic, sporadic or associated with immunodeficiency and it has a high frequency of extranodal involvement. Overall and relapse free survival in HIV patients is 72 and 71% respectively. However, the current protocol in Chile considers a positive HIV serology as an exclusion criterion for intensive chemotherapy. Aim: To analyze the response to Burkitt lymphoma treatment among HIV positive patients. Material and Methods: All HIV positive patients with a Burkitt lymphoma treated using PANDA protocol in a public hospital were analyzed. Results: Eight male patients aged between 25 and 43 years, 63% in stage IV, were analyzed. All patients received an intensified chemotherapy regime, three of them without Rituximab. Complete remission was achieved in 87%. One patient was refractory to treatment and one patient relapsed at 5 months and died. Overall and relapse free survival were 58 and 60% respectively. All patients had episodes of high risk febrile neutropenia, but it did not cause deaths. Conclusions: In this group of HIV patients, intensive chemotherapy for Burkitt lymphoma had a high degree of effectiveness with a low relapse rate and high cure rate.

Resultados en el tratamiento de pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda no promielocítica en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica entre los años 2010-2014 / Results of acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Analysis of 63 patients between 2010-2014

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults, emphasizing its high recurrence rate despite hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Aim: To report the results of AML treatment at the Catholic University of Chile Clinical Hospital. Patients and Methods: Review of medical records of patients with AML. Results: 63 patients, median age 55.4 years (range:16-89), treated between 2010 and 2014. Admission laboratory values showed (median values): leukocytes 45.989/mm³, hemoglobin 9.1 g/dl, platelets 75.548/mm³, peripheral blood blasts 38% and bone marrow blasts 74%. According to cytogenetic risk classification we observed the following groups: favorable 8% (n = 5), intermediate 51% (n = 32), unfavorable 13% (n = 8) and unknown 28% (n = 17). Seventy five percent of patients received induction chemotherapy and 25% palliative care. Median survival of treated and palliative care patients was 27.3 and 1 month respectively. Induction chemotherapy (IC) mortality (ICM) was 4.2%. Seventy percent (n = 33) of patients who received IC had complete response (CR) with a 3-year relapse free survival (RFS) of 25% and overall survival (OS) of 31%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that achievement of CR, cytogenetic risk group and receiving consolidation chemotherapy were significantly associated with better RFS and OS. Conclusions: AML treatment with standard chemotherapy in our center achieves similar results to what has been described in international series regarding induction rates and ICM, however RFS and OS are still very low, especially in intermediate and high cytogenetic risk groups.

Eventos adversos y complicaciones del tratamiento antineoplásico administrados durante la infancia / Adverse events and complications of antineoplastic treatment administered during childhood

El cáncer infantil es una enfermedad crónica potencialmente mortal, la cual representa un gran impacto no solo para los pacientes, sino para su familia. El niño con cáncer debe enfrentarse al impacto emocional, físico, social, psicológico y a los efectos de la enfermedad y su tratamiento. Se considera que uno de cada 640 adultos jóvenes entre las edades de 20 y 39 años presentaron cáncer en su infancia, esto sumado al aumento de sobrevida debido a los tratamientos actuales, hace que las complicaciones que se puedan presentar en el tratamiento o por su enfermedad sean un marcador de morbimortalidad a largo plazo. Por tal motivo, el niño con cáncer debe hacer frente a los cambios adquiridos y a las complicaciones de la enfermedad y su tratamiento. Todos estos factores pueden poner en peligro la calidad de vida del niño con diagnóstico de cáncer y hacer más difícil el cumplimiento del régimen de terapia antineoplásica propuesto. El objetivo de este artículo es hacer una revisión de las principales complicaciones y efectos adversos que pueden ocurrir en pacientes que son sometidos a tratamientos antineoplásicos detallando las complicaciones por sistemas, las complicaciones propias de los medicamentos y los eventos adversos ocurridos por la atención a estos pacientes. MÉD.UIS. 2014;27(3):77-88.

Childhood cancer is a life-threatening chronic disease, which represents a great impact not only for patients, but for their family. The child with cancer must face the emotional, physical, social, and psychological effects of the disease and its treatment impact. It is believed that 1 in every 640 young adults between the ages of 20 and 39 years had cancer in their infancy, this added to increased survival due to current treatments, causes complications that may arise in the treatment or their disease be a marker of long-term morbidity. Therefore children with cancer must face the acquired changes and complications of the disease and its treatment. All these factors can impair the quality of life of children with cancer diagnosis and ensure implementation of the proposed scheme antineoplastic therapy more difficult. The aim of this article is to review major complications and side effects that can occur in patients who are undergoing cancer treatments detailing complications systems, the complications of drugs and adverse events that occurred in the care of these patients. MÉD.UIS. 2014;27(3):77-88.

Radioterapia intraoperatória como protocolo de tratamento do câncer de mama inicial / Intraoperative radiotherapy as a protocol for the treatment of initial breast cancer

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a experiência inicial de implementação e aplicação de radioterapia única e intraoperatória com feixe de elétrons em pacientes selecionadas com diagnóstico de câncer de mama em estágio inicial. Avaliar também a recorrência local e os eventos adversos (complicações locais). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 50 pacientes com câncer de mama, pós-menopausadas, com tumores de <2,5cm e linfonodos axilares clinicamente não palpáveis, que se submeteram a uma ressecção segmentar e biópsia de linfonodo sentinela e técnica de radioterapia intraoperatória. Essas pacientes foram seguidas por um período médio de 52,1 meses. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 65,5 anos de idade. O diâmetro médio do tumor foi de 1,41cm 82% tinham tumores com receptor hormonal positivo e HER-2 negativo. A dose de radiação empregada foi de 21 Gy em todas as pacientes, com um tempo médio de irradiação intraoperatória de 8,97 minutos. O seguimento médio dessas pacientes foi de 52,1 meses. Foram evidenciados três casos com recorrência local durante esse período, sendo que nenhuma dessas pacientes tinha metástases à distância no momento do diagnóstico da recidiva. O diagnóstico patológico dessas três pacientes foi idêntico ao do tumor primário. Nesta casuística, não se registrou infecção pós-operatória ou formação de seroma. No entanto, em 35 pacientes (70%), foi observada uma fibrose local como sequela de pós-operatório. Esta, quando presente, diminuiu gradualmente e desapareceu completamente em um período médio de 18 meses. CONCLUSÃO: A radioterapia parcial é uma técnica viável e promissora, mas que deve ser indicada em casos selecionados, pelo menos até que tenhamos um maior tempo de seguimento que proporcione maior segurança para indicá-la em nossa rotina, como fazemos com a radioterapia convencional.

OBJECTIVE: To report on preliminary outcomes of single-dose intraoperative radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer based on local recurrence rates and complications. METHODS: Fifty postmenopausal women with <2.5cm breast tumors and clinically normal axillary lymph nodes were submitted to quadrantectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and intraoperative radiotherapy and studied. Mean follow-up time was 52.1 months. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 65.5 years; mean tumor diameter was 1.41cm 82% of nodules were hormonal receptor positive and HER-2 negative. All patients received a 21 Gy radiation dose for a mean time of 8.97 minutes. Distant metastases were not observed. Local recurrence was documented in three cases, with identical histological diagnosis as the primary tumors. Thirty-five (70%) patients had local fibrosis, with gradual improvement and complete resolution over 18 months. Postoperative infection and seroma formation were not observed. CONCLUSION: Partial radiotherapy is a potentially feasible and promising technique. Careful patient selection is recommended before a longer follow-up period has elapsed to confirm intraoperative radiotherapy safety and efficacy.