Multisite analysis of high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancers identifies genomic regions of focal and recurrent copy number alteration in 3q26.2 and 8q24.3.

High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGS-EOC) is a systemic disease, with marked intra and interpatient tumor heterogeneity. The issue of spatial and temporal heterogeneity has long been overlooked, hampering the possibility to identify those genomic alterations that persist, before and after therapy, in the genome of all tumor cells across the different anatomical districts. This knowledge is the first step to clarify those molecular determinants that characterize the tumor biology of HGS-EOC and their route toward malignancy. In our study, -omics data were generated from 79 snap frozen matched tumor biopsies, withdrawn before and after chemotherapy from 24 HGS-EOC patients, gathered together from independent cohorts. The landscape of somatic copy number alterations depicts a more homogenous and stable genomic portrait than the single nucleotide variant profile. Genomic identification of significant targets in cancer analysis identified two focal and minimal common regions (FMCRs) of amplification in the cytoband 3q26.2 (region α, 193 kb long) and 8q24.3 (region ß, 495 kb long). Analysis in two external databases confirmed regions α and ß are features of HGS-EOC. The MECOM gene is located in region α, and 15 genes are in region ß. No functional data are yet available for the genes in the ß region. In conclusion, we have identified for the first time two FMCRs of amplification in HGS-EOC, opening up a potential biological role in its etiopathogenesis.

Long-term results of fertility-sparing treatment compared with standard radical surgery for early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) for early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed to identify patients treated for early-stage EOC and to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with FSS and radical surgery (RS). RESULTS: A total of 1031 patients were treated at two Institutions, 242 with FSS (group A) and 789 with RS (group B). Median duration of follow-up was 11.9 years. At univariate analyses, FSS was associated with decreased risk of relapse (P=0.002) and of tumour-related death (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis did not confirm the independent positive role of FSS neither on relapse-free interval (RFI) nor on cancer-specific survival (CSS). Tumour grade was associated with shorter RFI (P<0.001) and shorter CSS (P=0.001). The type of treatment did not influence CSS or RFI in any grade group. We also found a significant association between low-grade tumours and younger age. CONCLUSIONS: Fertility-sparing surgery is an adequate treatment for patients with stage I EOC. The clinical outcome of patients with G3 tumours, which is confirmed to be the most important prognostic factor, is not determined by the type of treatment received.

Outcomes of Bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy in patients with repeated loco-regional recurrences of vulvar cancer.

Objective To evaluate the safety, local tumor efficacy and relief of symptoms of electrochemotherapy (ECT) treatment in patients affected by recurrence of vulvar cancer (VC), unsuitable for standard treatments. Methods Ten patients were recruited with histological diagnosis of recurrence of VC. Intravenous bleomycin was injected, after an accurate mapping of all lesions and ECT was performed. Response to therapy was evaluated and quality of life (QoL) was evaluated via questionnaires. Results Diagnosis stage of primary tumors, according to the FIGO system, was: four patients respectively at stage IB (40%), and at stage II (40%), one patient at stage IIIA (10%), one patient with Paget cancer (10%). Mean age was 76 years (SD ± 7) at time of enrollment. Eight patients (80%) were previously submitted to surgery and/or radio-chemotherapy. Mean treatment time was 20 (range 10-20) min. After a median follow-up of 12 (3-22) months, six patients (60%) were alive. Conclusions Objective responses (ORs) with local control of the tumor were obtained in 80%. After a mean follow-up of 12 (3-22) months six patients (60%) were alive. The favorable outcome of this study, indicates that ECT is a reliable treatment option that may improve their functioning, thus enhancing the care provided in the palliative setting.

Adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I-II uterine leiomyosarcoma: a multicentric retrospective study of 140 patients.

OBJECTIVE: About 50-60% of patients with stage I-II uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), primarily treated with surgery, relapse and die from progressive disease. In this retrospective study we describe the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy in this subset of patients. METHODS: 140 women treated from 1976 to 2011 were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to test the association of clinical features and adjuvant treatments with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: 62 women did not receive any further treatment after hysterectomy, 14 had radiotherapy (RT), 52 chemotherapy and 12 chemo-radiotherapy. Chemotherapy based on doxorubicin and ifosfamide combination was used in 54 cases. After a median follow-up of 63months, 87 women (62%) have relapsed, and 62 (44%) have died. The vast majority of patients who relapsed had distant recurrences (72%). The 5year median DFS and OS were 43% and 64% respectively. After 5years of follow up 68.7% of women treated with chemotherapy (±RT) vs 65.6% of patients only observed were alive (p=0.521). In the univariate analysis no factors had a statistical impact on DFS, while number of mitosis (>20×10HPF), age (>60years) and adjuvant radiotherapy were found as negative prognostic factors for OS. In the multivariate analysis only mitosis and age remained significant for OS. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with a significant survival benefit and should not be considered as standard of care for patients with stage I-II ULMS until randomized clinical studies will give further information.

Isobaric laparoscopy using LaparoTenser system in surgical gynecologic oncology.

In this prospective analysis, the feasibility and outcome of isobaric laparoscopy in gynecologic oncology was evaluated. Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy type A and B, with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy, according to the Querleu-Morrow classification was performed in 22 consecutive patients. Seven patients had early cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma stage 1B1 in 1, and squamous carcinoma stage 1B1 in 4, stage 1A2 in 1, and stage 1B2 in 1), and 15 patients had endometrial cancer (stage IA in 4, stage IB in 9, and stage IIIA in 2). Radical hysterectomy was performed using the LaparoTenser, a subcutaneous wall-lifting device. Visual analog score, duration of surgery, blood loss, complications, and postoperative course were recorded. Pathologic analysis confirmed the adequacy of the surgical specimens in type B radical hysterectomies and the number of lymph nodes removed. Low-pressure CO2 insufflation was us to improve field exposure in patients with high body mass index. Postoperatively, no patient reported substantial abdominal discomfort caused by lifting of the abdominal wall. Operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were consistent with published data for CO2 laparoscopy. One complication related to insertion of the subcutaneous needle of the wall lifter occurred. We conclude that total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy can be successfully completed via isobaric laparoscopy using the LaparoTenser device in patients with early cervical and endometrial cancer. Gasless laparoscopy has become the first choice in our department to overcome the detrimental effects of pneumoperitoneum and represents a logical advance in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery. The LaparoTenser device is being used to perform increasingly complex procedures in high-risk patients and situations.

The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness.

BACKGROUND: Research with hallucinogens suggests that non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs), particularly mystical-type experiences, predict improvements in various affective disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Little is known, however, about the therapeutic potential of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga and breathwork. METHODS: We conducted a literature review in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and preprint databases (SSRN, bioRxiv) to identify studies of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices and their effects in affective disorders and SUDs. RESULTS: A wide variety of mind-body practices involving physical movement (i.e., shamanic drumming, yoga) and deliberate immersive experiences (i.e., meditation, breathwork) have been reported in the literature. Preliminary evidence, mostly from qualitative studies and open label studies, suggest that mind-body practices produce NOSCs. These experiences have also been correlated with short-term reductions in anxiety and depression, with increased motivation to change addictive behaviors, and with enhanced self-awareness and well-being. LIMITATIONS: Findings are limited by the scarcity of literature in this field. Further rigorous and methodologically sound empirical research is needed, including comparative studies of NOSCs occasioned by different methods. CONCLUSIONS: Mind-body practices may represent a promising approach for treating mental health disorders. The NOSCs induced by such practices may lead to beneficial shifts in perceptions, values, beliefs, and behaviors. Given the challenges with hallucinogen-based therapies, mind-body practices may represent a more accessible and acceptable way of eliciting potentially helpful NOSCs in clinical practice.

Characteristics and patterns of care of endometrial cancer before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has correlated with the disruption of screening activities and diagnostic assessments. Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies and it is often detected at an early stage, because it frequently produces symptoms. Here, we aim to investigate the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on patterns of presentation and treatment of EC patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving 54 centers in Italy. We evaluated patterns of presentation and treatment of EC patients before (period 1: March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and during (period 2: April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) the COVID-19 outbreak. RESULTS: Medical records of 5,164 EC patients have been retrieved: 2,718 and 2,446 women treated in period 1 and period 2, respectively. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment in both periods (p=0.356). Nodal assessment was omitted in 689 (27.3%) and 484 (21.2%) patients treated in period 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). While, the prevalence of patients undergoing sentinel node mapping (with or without backup lymphadenectomy) has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (46.7% in period 1 vs. 52.8% in period 2; p<0.001). Overall, 1,280 (50.4%) and 1,021 (44.7%) patients had no adjuvant therapy in period 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). Adjuvant therapy use has increased during COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the characteristics and patterns of care of EC patients. These findings highlight the need to implement healthcare services during the pandemic.

Acute and Sustained Reductions in Loss of Meaning and Suicidal Ideation Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Psychiatric and Existential Distress in Life-Threatening Cancer.

People with advanced cancer are at heightened risk of desire for hastened death (DHD), suicidal ideation (SI), and completed suicide. Loss of Meaning (LoM), a component of demoralization, can be elevated by a cancer diagnosis and predicts DHD and SI in this population. We completed a randomized controlled trial in which psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) produced rapid and sustained improvements in depression, demoralization, and hopelessness in people with cancer. Converging epidemiologic and clinical trial findings suggests a potential antisuicidal effect of this treatment. To probe our hypothesis that PAP relieves SI through its beneficial impacts on depression and demoralization (LoM in particular), we performed secondary analyses assessing within- and between-group differences with regard to LoM and an SI composite score. Among participants with elevated SI at baseline, PAP was associated with within-group reductions in SI that were apparent as early as 8 h and persisted for 6.5 months postdosing. PAP also produced large reductions in LoM from baseline that were apparent 2 weeks after treatment and remained significant and robust at the 6.5 month and 3.2 and 4.5 year follow-ups. Exploratory analyses support our hypothesis and suggest that PAP may be an effective antisuicidal intervention following a cancer diagnosis due to its positive impact on hopelessness and demoralization and its effects on meaning-making in particular. These preliminary results implicate psilocybin treatment as a potentially effective alternative to existing antidepressant medications in patients with cancer that are also suicidal, and warrant further investigation in participants with elevated levels of depression and suicidality.

Outcomes of robotic surgery performed in patients with high BMI class: experience by a single surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Advanced laparoscopic procedures have been shown to be safe in patients with high Body Mass Index (BMI), but conversion rates remain high. This analysis aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes in terms of long- and short-term complications, pain relief of robotic surgery in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: Patients with BMI class I-II-III with endometrial cancer or hyperplasia were treated with robotic hysterectomy (RH). Patients' characteristics, operating room time (OT), type of surgery, length of hospital stay, and incidence of complications were recorded. Records were reviewed for demographic data, medical/surgical history and comorbidities, perioperative findings and outcomes, as well as long-term complications and recurrences. Regarding stage, according to 2009 FIGO, 26 of cases were IA, while eight and five of cases were, respectively, IB, II stage. RESULTS: A total of 87 consecutive RH were analyzed. The more frequent comorbidity was hypertension. Twenty percent of the patients had multiple comorbidities (>2). The mean age was 63±10 years, with a mean BMI of 36±8.2 kg/m2. The more frequent BMI group treated was II class. The median OT was 114 minutes (range: 49-270). According to the Dindo Classification, there were no differences in major or minor complications between the 3 BMI classes. This series had a median follow-up of 60 months (range: 8-96) with an overall survival rate of 100%. The RRH+PLH was feasible and pathology confirmed the adequacy of the surgical specimen, with a median count of 20 nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the adoption of the surgical management of the morbidly obese patient. Although short term complication rates are higher with increasing obesity (II-III class), a majority of procedures can still be completed with minimally invasive approach.

Harmonic scalpel versus conventional electrosurgery in the treatment of vulvar cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare differences in blood loss, operative time, and intra- and postoperative complications with the harmonic scalpel or conventional electrosurgery in the treatment of vulvar cancer. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent radical vulvectomy with inguinal lymphadenectomy using the harmonic scalpel (HS) or conventional electrosurgery (CE) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included, 22 in the HS group and 20 in the CE group. Mean blood loss was significantly less in the HS group compared with the CE group (127 mL vs 210 mL; P<0.05) and mean operative time was significantly shorter with the HS compared with CE (117 minutes vs 142 minutes; P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Use of the harmonic scalpel for surgical treatment of vulvar cancer is safe and has several advantages, including decreased operative time and blood loss, improved visibility in the operative field, and good postoperative outcome.

Comparison of Robotic and laparoscopic Radical type-B and C hysterectomy for cervical cancer: Long term-outcomes.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and oncologic outcomes of Robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) vs Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) in patients with cervical carcinoma. DESIGN: Long term follow-up in a prospective study between March 2010 to March 2016. SETTING: Oncological referral center, department of gynecology and obstetrics of Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, department of gynecology, University of San Gerardo Monza, Milan. PATIENTS: 52 patients with cervical carcinoma, matched by age, body mass index, tumor size, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, comorbidity, previous neoadjuvant chemotherapy, histology type, and tumor grade to obtain homogeneous samples. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with FIGO stage IA2 or IB1 with a tumor size less than or equal to 2 cm underwent RR type B. RR-Type C1 was performed in stage IB1, with a tumor size larger than 2 cm, or in patients previously treated with NACT (IB2). In all cases Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed for the treatment of cervical cancer. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Surgical time was similar for both the 2 groups. RRH was associated with significantly less (EBL) estimated blood loss (P=0,000). Median number pelvic lymph nodes was similar, but a major number of nodes was observed in RRH group (35.58 vs 24.23; P=0,050). The overall median length of follow-up was 59 months (range: 9-92) and 30 months (range: 90-6) for RRH and TLRH group respectively. Overall survival rate (OSR) was 100% for RRH group and 83.4% for LTRH group. The DFS (disease free survival rate) was of 97% and 89% in RRH and LTRH group respectively. No significant difference was reported in HS (hospital stay). CONCLUSIONS: RRH is safe and feasible and is associated with an improved intraoperative results and clinical oncological outcomes. The present study showed that robotic surgery, in comparison to laparoscopic approach, was associated with better perioperative outcomes because of a decrease of EBL, and similar operative time, HS and complication rate, without neglecting the long-term optimal oncologic outcomes.

Cost analysis of minimally invasive hysterectomy vs open approach performed by a single surgeon in an Italian center.

Despite the rapid uptake of robotic surgery, the effectiveness of robotically assisted hysterectomy (RAH) remains uncertain, due to the costs widely variable. Observed the different related costs of robotic procedures, in different countries, we performed a detailed economic analysis of the cost of RAH compared with total laparoscopic (TLH) and open hysterectomy (OH). The three surgical routes were matched according to age, BMI, and comorbidities. Hysterectomy costs were collected prospectively from September 2014 to September 2015. Direct costs were determined by examining the overall medical pathway for each type of intervention. Surgical procedure cost for RAH was €3598 compared with €912 for TLH and €1094 for OH. The cost of the robot-specific supplies was €2705 per intervention. When considering overall medical surgical care, the patient treatment average cost of a RAH was €4695 with a hospital stay (HS) of 2 days (range 2-4) compared with €2053 for TLH and €2846 for OH. The main driver of additional costs is disposable instruments of the robot, which is not compensated by the hospital room costs and by an experienced team staff. Implementation of strategies to reduce the cost of robotic instrumentation is due. No significant cost difference among the three procedures was observed; however, despite the optimal operative time, the experienced, surgeon and the lower HS, RAH resulted 2, 3 times and 1, 6 times more expensive in our institution than TLH and OH, respectively.

Clindamycin-paclitaxel pharmacokinetic interaction in ovarian cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma protein binding is an important factor for many drugs that can influence the tissue distribution and pharmacokinetics. alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an acute-phase protein that can increase in plasma of patients with several pathological conditions including cancer. Studies performed in cultured cells indicate that paclitaxel cytotoxicity is reduced by adding AGP and the sensitivity to paclitaxel is restored by displacing its binding to AGP with clindamycin, resulting in an increased paclitaxel cell uptake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether clindamycin modifies paclitaxel pharmacokinetics also in cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with advanced ovarian cancer, previously treated with surgery and chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. A pharmacokinetic study of paclitaxel was performed in the first three cycles of the consolidation therapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) in each patient. In these cycles paclitaxel was administered alone and with two different doses (600 and 1,200 mg) of concurrent clindamycin. The sequence of the three treatments was randomly assigned in each patient in order to avoid the same order of treatments. RESULTS: Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics were partly modified by the concurrent administration of clindamycin. C (max) and AUC(0-last) of paclitaxel were significantly higher when the drug was given alone than when it was coadministered with 1,200 mg clindamycin. Moreover, AGP concentrations seem to have a small but statistically significant influence on paclitaxel pharmacokinetic, since AUC(0-last) showed a positive significant correlation with AGP plasma concentration when paclitaxel was given alone. The linear relation was lost when paclitaxel was coadministered with 1,200 mg clindamycin. Toxicity was not influenced by the coadministration of clindamycin. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis that clindamycin could affect paclitaxel pharmacokinetics seems to be verified with this study. Nevertheless, changes induced by giving the combination of the two drugs are minimal and thus of questionable clinical relevance.

[Use of Simulated Pacients in Psychiatry]. / Uso de pacientes simulados en psiquiatría.

INTRODUCTION: Scientific advances and the complexity of human knowledge generate a constant need for creating new tools intended to facilitate learning in an agreeable and lasting form. Simulated patients are one of such tools in medical education. Standardized or simulated patients are actors or people vigorously trained to represent a medical history or, if possible, specific physical findings with the purpose of using such representations as an educational and evaluating supplement in clinic practice. The use of simulated patients has been very well received, particularly in the psychiatric field; however, its usefulness in areas such as psychotherapy or evaluation of residents remains questionable. METHODS: A search was made in PubMed with the MESH words ("Psychiatry/education" and "Patient Simulation"); a search was also made in LILACS and scholar Google using similar words. RESULTS: Simulated patients are widely used throughout the world in the psychiatry field and their usefulness as an academic tool for pre-graduate students is confirmed in most of the literature reviewed. One of the main benefits of the use of this kind of patients is the acquisition of specific abilities (e.g.: medical history recording); nevertheless, its efficacy in more complex experiences like psychotherapy or certification of psychiatry residents is questioned. CONCLUSIONS: Notwithstanding the controversy, most of the literature reviewed confirms the benefits and acceptance of this methodology in the formation of students and psychiatrists.

Educación basada en el funcionamiento del cerebro / Education based on brain functioning

Introducción: La educación basada en el cerebro es una disciplina que busca maximizar la capacidad de aprender –memoria, atención, entendimiento- a partir de los hallazgos neurocientíficos. Desarrollo: En el siguiente artículo buscamos exponer algunos de los conocimientos de neurociencias y aprendizaje y como estos tienen aplicabilidad en el aula de clase o en general en el proceso de aprendizaje que se va deteriorando con la edad. Conclusión: El dividir la clase en bloques, realizar animaciones para estimulación visual, despertar emociones o exponer primero los conceptos generales antes que los específicos han sido formas eficaces de mejorar el rendimiento de los estudiantes en el aula de clase. La adecuada alimentación, el ejercicio constante, el reforzamiento en la lectura o ejercicios de memoria son clave para estimular el cerebro y prevenir el deterioro cognitivo normal de el envejecimiento.

Introduction: The brain-based education is a discipline that seeks to maximize the ability to learn -Memory, attention, understanding-from neuroscientific findings. Development: In the following article we seek to expose some of the knowledge of neurosciences and learning and how they have applicability in the classroom or in general in the learning process that deteriorates with age. Conclusion: divide the class into blocks, make animations for visual stimulation, arouse emotions or expose the general concepts first before specific have been effective ways to improve student performance in the classroom. Proper diet, regular exercise, strengthening reading or memory exercises are key to stimulate the brain and prevent cognitive decline of normal aging.

Uso de pacientes simulados en psiquiatría / Use of Simulated Pacients in Psychiatry

Introducción: Los avances científicos y la complejidad del conocimiento humano generan una constante necesidad de crear nuevas herramientas que faciliten el aprendizaje de una forma amena y duradera. En la docencia médica, una de estas herramientas es el uso de pacientes simulados. Los pacientes simulados o estandarizados son actores o personas entrenadas rigorosamente para presentar una historia clínica o, de ser posible, hallazgos físicos específicos, con la finalidad de ser un complemento educativo y evaluativo de la práctica clínica. Específicamente en psiquiatría, el uso de pacientes simulados ha tenido en general una gran acogida; sin embargo, se cuestiona su utilidad en áreas como la psicoterapia o la evaluación de residentes. Métodos: Revisión a partir de la búsqueda en PubMed con los términos MESH: ("Psychiatry/education" y "Patient Simulation"); búsqueda en LILACS y Schoolar Google, utilizando términos similares. Resultados: Los pacientes simulados son ampliamente usados alrededor del mundo en el área de psiquiatría; su utilidad como herramienta de enseñanza a estudiantes de pregrado se confirma en la mayoría de literatura revisada. Uno de los principales beneficios del uso de estos pacientes es la adquisición de habilidades específicas (por ejemplo, toma correcta de la historia clínica); no obstante, hay opiniones encontradas en cuanto a su efectividad en experiencias más complejas, como la psicoterapia o la certificación de residencia. Conclusiones: A pesar de la controversia, la gran mayoría de la literatura revisada confirma los beneficios y la aceptación que ha tenido esta metodología en la formación de estudiantes y psiquiatras.

Introduction: Scientific advances and the complexity of human knowledge generate a constant need for creating new tools intended to facilitate learning in an agreeable and lasting form. Simulated patients are one of such tools in medical education. Standardized or simulated patients are actors or people vigorously trained to represent a medical history or, if possible, specific physical findings with the purpose of using such representations as an educational and evaluating supplement in clinic practice. The use of simulated patients has been very well received, particularly in the psychiatric field; however, its usefulness in areas such as psychotherapy or evaluation of residents remains questionable. Methods: A search was made in PubMed with the MESH words ("Psychiatry/education" and "Patient Simulation"); a search was also made in LILACS and scholar Google using similar words. Results: Simulated patients are widely used throughout the world in the psychiatry field and their usefulness as an academic tool for pre-graduate students is confirmed in most of the literature reviewed. One of the main benefits of the use of this kind of patients is the acquisition of specific abilities (e.g.: medical history recording); nevertheless, its efficacy in more complex experiences like psychotherapy or certification of psychiatry residents is questioned. Conclusions: Notwithstanding the controversy, most of the literature reviewed confirms the benefits and acceptance of this methodology in the formation of students and psychiatrists.