Radical Surgery For Breast Cancer Research Articles

Abstract PO5-02-08: Prognostic value of serum lipid levels in breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A retrospective exploratory analysis of the prospective cohort

Abstract 【Background】 Lipid metabolism is one of the most conspicuous metabolic changes in malignant tumors. Previous studies confirmed that higher levels of “adverse lipids” might lead to poor outcomes and lipid-lowering drugs could act as a protective role in improving the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, few studies have clarified the impact of serum lipid levels and their changes on the tumor prognosis. Particularly for breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, little has been studied whether their lipid levels or changes during neoadjuvant chemotherapy can serve as a valid prognostic factor. 【Methods】This study enrolled patients who received surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Renji Hospital from March 2016 to December 2020. Patients were included if they were female aged 18 years or older; had pathologically confirmed unilateral invasive breast cancer; had tumor of at least 2cm in size without distant metastasis (T1-4, N0-3, M0); and underwent radical surgery for breast cancer successfully after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We retrospectively gathered the baseline clinicopathological information and lipid metabolism-related biomarkers from electronic medical records. The study endpoints were disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), relapse free survival (RFS), distance recurrence free survival (DRFS), and local recurrence free survival (LRFS). The prognostic value of each lipid levels and their variation levels were systematically evaluated and the importance of lipid biomarkers were ranked by Random Forest. 【Results】 The baseline clinicopathological information and lipid metabolism biomarkers were available from 200 eligible patients. As of the last follow-up in March 2023, 11 patients died, 24 experienced DFS events and 20 underwent RFS events. It showed no significant correlations of lipid levels before (baseline) and after (preoperative) neoadjuvant chemotherapy with any survival outcome. However, we found that the relative increase of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) led to poorer DFS (P=0.003), RFS (P=0.01), DRFS (P=0.01), and LRFS (P=0.0039), meanwhile the relative increase of total cholesterol (TC) and non-high-density lipoprotein (NHDL) during neoadjuvant period was significantly related to the worse prognosis (TC, DFS P=0.0084; NHDL, DFS P=0.031, RFS P=0.009) as well. After adjusted by multiple factors, the adverse impacts of increasing TC (DFS P=0.005; RFS P=0.026), LDL (DFS P=0.004; RFS P=0.006) and NHDL (DFS P=0.032; RFS P=0.014) on DFS or RFS were still maintained. The results of Random Forest revealed that LDL changes and Body Mass Index (BMI) ranked higher in terms of predicting survival outcomes. Based on these data, BMI >25.4 kg/m2 or LDL elevation >0.54 mmol/L were defined as High-risk Lipid Metabolism (HLM), while BMI ≤ 25.4 kg/m2 and LDL elevation ≤ 0.54 mmol/L were regarded as Low-risk Lipid Metabolism (LLM). Compared to LLM, HLM had a worse OS (P=0.026), DFS (P=0.0011) and RFS (P=0.0011). 【Conclusion】Our study demonstrated that the relative elevation of LDL, TC and NHDL levels during neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an independent prognostic risk factor for breast cancer patients. It was also the first time to propose the concept of high-risk lipid metabolism (HLM). 【keywords】Breast cancer, Lipid metabolism, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Body Mass Index (BMI), Prognosis. Citation Format: Xinru Chen, Wenjin Yin, Yingying Zhao, Jinsong Lu. Prognostic value of serum lipid levels in breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A retrospective exploratory analysis of the prospective cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-02-08.

Comparison of the effect of ultrasounic-harmonic scalpel and electrocautery in the treatment of axillary lymph nodes during radical surgery for breast cancer

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of ultrasounic-harmonic scalpel and electrocautery in the treatment of axillary lymph nodes during radical surgery for breast cancer.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in the Department of Breast Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University. A total of 128 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer who were treated by the same surgeon from July 2023 to November 2023 were included in the analysis. All breast operations were performed using electrocautery, and surgical instruments for axillary lymph nodes were divided into ultrasounic-harmonic scalpel group and electrocautery group using a random number table. According to the extent of lymph node surgery, it was divided into four groups: sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node at station I, lymph node at station I and II, and lymph node dissection at station I, II and III. Under the premise of controlling variables such as BMI, age and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the effects of ultrasounic-harmonic scalpel and electrocautery in axillary surgery were compared.ResultsCompared with the electrosurgical group, there were no significant differences in lymph node operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative axillary drainage volume, axillary drainage tube indwelling time, postoperative pain score on the day after surgery, and the incidence of postoperative complications (p>0.05).ConclusionThere is no significant difference between ultrasounic-harmonic scalpel and electrocautery in axillary lymph node treatment for breast cancer patients, which can provide a basis for the selection of surgical energy instruments.

The impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on hemodynamic stability and postoperative pain in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.

Breast cancer, a prevalent global malignancy in women, necessitates a comprehensive treatment approach, with surgery playing a crucial role. Severe acute pain is common post-radical breast cancer surgery, emphasizing the significance of hemodynamic stability and postoperative pain control for optimal outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on these parameters in ASA scores 1-2 patients undergoing modified radical breast cancer surgery with general anesthesia. Forty-eight patients were divided into two groups: a general anesthesia group, with erector spinae plane block (GA+ESPB), and a control group receiving only general anesthesia (GA). Hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored, and postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at various time points. Ultrasound-guided ESPB effectively maintained hemodynamic stability and reduced postoperative pain in breast cancer surgery patients. Statistically significant differences were observed in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure between the GA and GA+ESPB groups at multiple time points (p < 0.05). VAS scores showed a significant interaction time*group (p < 0.001), with consistent differences between the groups at all time points (p ≤ 0.001). Ultrasound-guided ESPB application proved effective in preserving hemodynamic stability and managing postoperative pain in modified radical breast cancer surgery. The technique demonstrates promise in minimizing complications related to hemodynamic variations and postoperative pain, contributing to a comprehensive approach to breast cancer surgical treatment.

Triplane technique for breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery: A case series report.

Implant-based breast reconstruction is an important method for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Currently, the most commonly used technique is the biplane technique. However, the high rate of postoperative complications, the inability of pockets to accommodate larger implants, and the expensive costs of biological mesh make the development of new surgical methods urgent. The triplane technique for breast reconstruction is an ideal candidate method. The main local symptoms were breast lump, abnormal breast skin, nipple discharge, and abnormal nipple or areola in 24 patients. The study included 24 female patients who underwent breast reconstruction using the triplane technique after radical breast cancer surgery. The surgical procedure involved measuring the dimensions of the breast, designing the incision, and creating a pocket for the implant using the triplane technique, which includes the pectoralis major muscle, the pectoralis major fascia continuing to the rectus abdominis fascia, and the latissimus dorsa muscle fascia continuing to the rectus abdominis fascia. Postoperative follow-up included regular assessments of pain and evaluation of breast appearance. No cases of postoperative infection were observed in all patients. During the 1-year follow-up period after surgery, 5 patients (20.8%) who needed radiotherapy after mastectomy for cancer showed slight darkening of skin flap pigment after using the triplane technique implant. No cases of exposure or infection of the expanders were reported, and 1 patient underwent expander replacement with a permanent prosthesis. All patients expressed satisfaction with the reconstructed breast shape. The 10 patients (41.7%) experiencing postoperative swelling and pain. However, the pain gradually subsided during the postoperative recovery period. No cases of local recurrence or distant metastasis of breast cancer were observed during the 1-year-follow-up period. The triplane technique for breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery provides good implant coverage, reduces the risk of complications, and is cost-effective.

Short-term effects of a new resistance exercise approach on physical function during chemotherapy after radical breast cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundApproximately 30% of post-operative breast cancer patients develop shoulder joint movement disorders affecting routine upper limb movement. This study discusses the impact of a neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) method on the physical function of breast cancer patients experiencing shoulder dysfunction during chemotherapy after radical surgery.MethodsThis study included 162 female patients who have unilateral breast cancer in a cancer hospital in China. They developed shoulder joint mobility disorders during chemotherapy within 1–3 months postoperatively. These patients were divided into three groups: NJF, conventional rehabilitation (conventional group), and control groups. The clinical examination included the maximum passive and active range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and external and internal rotation). Other evaluations included a pain score using a visual analog scale (VAS), grip strength, and supraspinatus muscle thickness. All tests were evaluated pre-and post-intervention.ResultsThe NJF group showed a significant increase in all shoulder ROM angles post-intervention. In the conventional group, all other ROM values increased significantly, except passive external rotation ROM. In the control group, all other ROM values increased significantly, except passive and active external rotation ROM. All three groups had decreased VAS scores, increased grip strength, and supraspinatus muscle thickness post-intervention during active abduction. In the control group, the supraspinatus contraction rate decreased significantly at 60° and 90° abduction post-intervention compared to that at pre-intervention.ConclusionThis study revealed that NJF during chemotherapy had positive clinical intervention effects, improving shoulder joint mobility disorders, pain, grip strength, and external rotation following radical breast cancer surgery.Clinical trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry; https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (ChiCTR2300073170), registered (03/07/2023).

Breast Reconstruction following Mastectomy for Breast Cancer or Prophylactic Mastectomy: Therapeutic Options and Results.

(1) Importance of problem: Breast cancer accounted for 685,000 deaths globally in 2020, and half of all cases occur in women with no specific risk factor besides gender and age group. During the last four decades, we have seen a 40% reduction in age-standardized breast cancer mortality and have also witnessed a reduction in the medium age at diagnosis, which in turn means that the number of mastectomies performed for younger women increased, raising the need for adequate breast reconstructive surgery. Advances in oncological treatment have made it possible to limit the extent of what represents radical surgery for breast cancer, yet in the past decade, we have seen a marked trend toward mastectomies in breast-conserving surgery-eligible patients. Prophylactic mastectomies have also registered an upward trend. This trend together with new uses for breast reconstruction like chest feminization in transgender patients has increased the need for breast reconstruction surgery. (2) Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the types of reconstructive procedures, their indications, their limitations, their functional results, and their safety profiles when used during the integrated treatment plan of the oncologic patient. (3) Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review of the main reconstructive techniques, especially the autologous procedures; summarized the findings; and presented a few cases from our own experience for exemplification of the usage of breast reconstruction in oncologic patients. (4) Conclusions: Breast reconstruction has become a necessary step in the treatment of most breast cancers, and many reconstructive techniques are now routinely practiced. Microsurgical techniques are considered the "gold standard", but they are not accessible to all services, from a technical or financial point of view, so pediculated flaps remain the safe and reliable option, along with alloplastic procedures, to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Quality-Adjusted Survival in Patients with Recurrence of Breast Cancer Diagnosed by Asymptomatic or Symptomatic Opportunities.

After radical surgery for breast cancer, screening to diagnose recurrence in asymptomatic patients is not recommended. We retrospectively evaluated quality-adjusted survival. Included were fifty-seven recurrent breast cancer patients who died. Survival was partitioned into 3 health states by two different definitions: definition a) time with toxicities due to chemotherapy before progression (TOX1), time from the diagnosis of recurrence to progression without toxicities (TWiST1), and time from progression to death (REL1); definition b) time from the diagnosis of recurrence to death with toxicities (TOX2), without toxicities or hospitalization (TWiST2), and with hospitalization (REL2). Q-TWiST was calculated by multiplying the time in each health state by its utility (uTOX, uTWiST, and uREL). In threshold analyses, uTOX and uREL ranged from 0.0 to 1.0 whereas uTWiST was maintained at 1.0. We compared the patients with (n=32) and without (n=25) symptoms at the time of the diagnosis of recurrence. There was no difference in overall survival after primary surgery, although survival after the diagnosis of recurrence was significantly longer in the asymptomatic patients (p<0.01). Q-TWiST1 and Q-TWiST2 from the diagnosis of recurrence in the asymptomatic patients were significantly longer. Q-TWiST2 from primary surgery in the asymptomatic patients was significantly longer with some combinations of higher uTOX2 and lower uREL2. In conclusion, the asymptomatic detection of recurrence was associated with significantly longer quality-adjusted survival in comparison to symptomatic detection with some combinations of uTOX2 and uREL2. A prospective evaluation would clarify adequate follow-up methods after radical surgery for breast cancer.

The Factors Influencing Shoulder Mobility Disorders in Patients after Radical Breast Cancer Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: This study is a cross-sectional study that investigated the factors influencing shoulder mobility in terms of pain, grip strength, and supraspinatus muscle thickness in patients with impaired shoulder mobility during chemotherapy after radical breast cancer surgery. Methods: This study included 165 female patients with unilateral breast cancer who had shoulder joint mobility disorders during chemotherapy within 3 months after surgery. The clinical examination included the maximum active range of motion of the shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external rotation, and internal rotation), pain score (visual analog scale [VAS]), grip strength, and supraspinatus muscle thickness. Results: During shoulder abduction, supraspinatus muscle thickness was greatest at 90°, lowest at 0°, and higher at 60° than at 30° (p < 0.01). The factors influencing the active movement of shoulder flexion were the VAS score, body weight, grip strength, and supraspinatus contraction rate (R² = 0.295), while the factors influencing active shoulder abduction were the VAS score, body weight, grip strength, supraspinatus muscle thickness (drooping position), and supraspinatus contraction rate (R² = 0.295). Moreover, the factors influencing the active movement of shoulder external rotation were age, VAS score, body weight, grip strength, and supraspinatus muscle thickness (drooping position) (R² = 0.258). There were no significant results from multiple linear regressions for shoulder extension, adduction, or internal rotation. Conclusion: Pain, weight, grip strength, supraspinatus muscle thickness, and supraspinatus distensibility are the main factors affecting shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. In addition, supraspinatus muscle thickness and contraction rate may be a new index for assessing shoulder dysfunction.

Оценка качества жизни женщин разных возрастных групп по уровню физического и функционального состояния после хирургического лечения рака молочной железы.

Purpose of the study: to assess the quality of life in terms of the level of physical and functional condition in women of different age groups who underwent radical surgery for breast cancer. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted using the international questionnaire FACT-G and the FACT-B module among women who underwent radical surgery for breast cancer (I–II stages). The study included women (186 people) who underwent a full course of treatment in a hospital, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The respondents were divided into age groups. The share of urban residents was 69,0%, rural – 31,0%. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out on a personal computer using the STATISTIKA. Results. The study of the quality of life of patients after surgical treatment for breast cancer on a scale of physical well-being revealed features in different age groups. Significant differences were noted on physical scales. With increasing age, there is a significant deterioration in the general physical status and its components. The most pronounced symptoms of negative physical well-being are typical for the age group of 41–50 years. With age (61–70 years and older), symptoms such as weakness began to appear (in 58,3% of respondents). More than 90% of women in this age group indicated that, due to their physical condition, it is difficult for them to help their family. With increasing age, the functional state of the organism of the respondents is characterized by a pronounced negative attitude towards life’s pleasures. The symmetrical distribution of positive and negative answers among middle-aged respondents indicates the functional instability of women. There were no significant differences in the physical and functional state of respondents from urban and rural residents. Conclusion. The complex of medical, social and psychological problems that lead to a deterioration in the quality of life of women who have undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer requires a comprehensive medical and social approach to the rehabilitation of this contingent, involving the participation of various specialists from medical organizations, as well as society and, of course, the family. Conclusions. It is necessary to monitor the quality of life of women who have undergone radical surgical treatment, not only at the stage of early rehabilitation, but also in subsequent years of life, as well as to dynamically monitor the progress and effectiveness of dispensary observation and rehabilitation of this contingent.

Abstract P5-08-08: Ultrasound-guided injection with or without rehabilitation exercise in breast cancer survivors with sub-acromion-deltoid bursitis: a pilot randomized clinical study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing overall survival of breast cancer (BC) patients, a growing interest has been raised in the current literature on disabling consequences of cancer and its treatment [1,2]. In particular, after radical surgery for BC, patients might frequently be affected by functional limitation of the shoulder joint, potentially related to the immobilization, surgical scar tensions, axillary web syndrome, subpectoral prostheses or expanders, or peripheral nerve damage [3]. In this scenario, several challenges are still open in the therapeutic approach to this disabling condition and the optimal management of shoulder dysfunction in breast cancer patients is far from being fully characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a comprehensive rehabilitation program including ultrasound-guided injection of the sub-acromion deltoid bursa (SAD) followed by a rehabilitation exercise protocol in terms of feasibility, pain relief, upper limb function, quality of life, and safety. METHODS: In this study, we recruited consecutive breast cancer women referring to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Northern Italy and suffering from SAD bursitis in the absence of tendon lesions. Patients were assessed for eligibility and subsequently randomly assigned 1:1 to two groups. Group A received ultrasound-guided percutaneous injection of the SAD bursa (lidocaine and triamcinolone acetate) followed by a rehabilitation exercise program of 5 sessions lasting 1 hour each., while Group B received ultrasound-guided percutaneous injection only. Patients were assessed at baseline (T0), after a week (T1), and after 3 months (T2). The outcomes were numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), handgrip strength (HGS) test, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Global Perceived Effect (GPE), and safety. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to Group A (n=19; mean age: 56.05 ± 10.30 years; body mass index (BMI): 23.58 ± 2.79 kg/m2) and Group B (n=18; mean age: 58.39 ± 12.09 years; BMI: 22.72 ± 3.16 kg/m2). No major or minor adverse events were reported after this multidisciplinary intervention. Statistically significant within-group differences were found in both groups in terms of NPRS after the treatment (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and after the follow-up (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The between-group analysis showed significant differences in pain intensity (NRS: 2.16 ± 1.39 vs 4.78 1.77; p &amp;lt; 0.05), isometric muscle strength (25.11 3.20 vs 20.33 4.92; p&amp;lt; 0.001), shoulder function (OSS: 17.00 3.27 vs 33.11 6.471; p&amp;lt; 0.0001), and EORTC QLQ-C30 (Functional subscale: 88.74 7.71 vs 77.67 13.64; p=0.017; Symptom subscale: 11.43 8.56 vs 19.61 13.72; p=0.048; Global Health subscale: 79.36 13.72 vs 70.56 8.26; p=0.022) of the after the follow-up. However, no significant differences (p &amp;gt; 0.05) were reported at T1. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that a comprehensive rehabilitation approach including ultrasound-guided injection combined with rehabilitation exercise might be safe, well-tolerated, and effective in breast cancer patients with SAD bursitis. These data emphasized the positive role of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation management in pain management and improving overall well-being of breast cancer patients. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm our data. REFERENCES: 1. Nardin S et al. Breast Cancer Survivorship, Quality of Life, and Late Toxicities. Front Oncol 2020, 10, 864. 2. D’Egidio V et al. Counseling interventions delivered in women with breast cancer to improve health-related quality of life: a systematic review. Qual Life Res 2017, 26, 2573-2592, doi:10.1007/s11136-017-1613-6. 3. Hidding JT et al. Treatment related impairments in arm and shoulder in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review. PLoS One. 2014 May 9;9(5):e96748. Citation Format: Lorenzo Lippi, Alessandro de Sire, Arianna Folli, Francesco D’Abrosca, Alessio Turco, Giuseppina Bonizzi, Nicola Fusco, Marco Invernizzi. Ultrasound-guided injection with or without rehabilitation exercise in breast cancer survivors with sub-acromion-deltoid bursitis: a pilot randomized clinical study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-08-08.

Protocol for pyrotinib cardiac safety in patients with HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer-The EARLY-MYO-BC study.

Cardiotoxicity has become the most common cause of non-cancer death among breast cancer patients. Pyrotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting HER2, has been successfully used to treat breast cancer patients but has also resulted in less well-understood cardiotoxicity. This prospective, controlled, open-label, observational trial was designed to characterize pyrotinib's cardiac impacts in the neoadjuvant setting for patients with HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer. The EARLY-MYO-BC study will prospectively enroll HER2-positive breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive four cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with pyrotinib or pertuzumab added to trastuzumab before radical breast cancer surgery. Patients will undergo comprehensive cardiac assessment before and after neoadjuvant therapy, including laboratory measures, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). To test the non-inferiority of pyrotinib plus trastuzumab therapy to pertuzumab plus trastuzumab therapy in terms of cardiac safety, the primary endpoint will be assessed by the relative change in global longitudinal strain from baseline to completion of neoadjuvant therapy by echocardiography. The secondary endpoints include myocardial diffuse fibrosis (by T1-derived extracellular volume), myocardial edema (by T2 mapping), cardiac volumetric assessment by CMR, diastolic function (by left ventricular volume, left atrial volume, E/A, and E/E') by echocardiography, and exercise capacity by CPET. This study will comprehensively assess the impacts of pyrotinib on myocardial structural, function, and tissue characteristics, and, furthermore, will determine whether pyrotinib plus trastuzumab is a reasonable dual HER2 blockade regimen with regard to cardiac safety. Results may provide information in selecting an appropriate anti-HER2 treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04510532.

Expression of neuroendocrine markers predicts increased survival in triple-negative breast cancer patients.

The significance of neuroendocrine (NE) markers in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients has not been investigated. This study aims to clarify the incidence and prognostic significance of NE marker expression in TNBC, determine its association with other clinicopathological parameters, and further explore the pathological features and potential treatment options for TNBC patients expressing NE markers. Clinicopathological data were collected from 396 TNBC patients undergoing radical breast cancer surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to December 2014, with a final follow-up in July 2019. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed for NE markers including chromogranin A (CgA) and synaptophysin (Syn). For TNBC patients with positive NE marker expression, IHC staining was then performed for alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX), O(6)-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT), somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), and programmed death receptor-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The chi-square or Fisher exact test was used to evaluate the correlations between NE marker expression and other parameters. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method to assess the prognostic significance of NE markers in TNBC. NE marker-positive staining was observed in 7.6% (30/396) of all TNBC cases. Only 0.5% (2/396) cases had ≥ 90% neoplastic cells expressing NE markers. Positive NE marker expression was associated with negative basal-like marker expression. K-M survival analysis showed that the NE marker-positive TNBC patients had higher disease-free survival (DFS) rates than the NE marker-negative patients at the same stage. Among the 30 NE marker-positive TNBC cases, 13.3% and 26.7% showed negative IHC staining for ATRX and MGMT, respectively, while 13.3% had a 3+ score for SSTR2 IHC staining. For PD-L1 IHC staining, 13.3% of the 30 TNBC cases were higher than 10 scores in Combined Positive Score (CPS), and 10.0% were higher than 10% in Tumor Cell Proportion Score (TPS). There was a small proportion of TNBC patients expressing NE markers. TNBC patients with positive NE marker expression had a better prognosis than the negative group at the same stage. TNBC cases with positive NE marker expression may potentially benefit from immunotherapy or somatostatin analogue treatment.

Patterns of regional recurrence according to molecular subtype in patients with pN2 breast cancer treated with limited field regional irradiation.

There is little evidence regarding the radiotherapy modification based on molecular subtypes in breast cancer. This study aimed to identify the risk and patterns of regional recurrence according to molecular subtype in patients with pN2 breast cancer. We identified 454 patients who underwent radical surgery for breast cancer with 4-9 axillary lymph node metastases. All patients underwent axillary lymph node dissection, adjuvant chemotherapy and limited-field regional nodal irradiation. The rates and patterns of regional recurrence were compared between the following three subgroups: luminal type (estrogen receptor- and/or progesterone receptor-positive), HER2-type (estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-positive) and triple-negative type (estrogen receptor-, progesterone receptor- and HER2-negative). Regional recurrence occurred in 18/454 patients (4%). The risk of regional recurrence was higher in the triple-negative (hazard ratio 7.641) and HER2-type (hazard ratio 4.032) subtypes than in the luminal subtype. The predominant pattern of regional recurrence was inside the radiotherapy field in triple-negative breast cancer and outside the radiotherapy field in HER2-type and luminal-type cancers. In patients with pN2 breast cancer, the risk of regional recurrence was higher in the triple-negative and HER2-type than in the luminal type. In-field recurrence was predominant in triple-negative cancer, while out-field recurrence was frequent in luminal and HER2-type breast cancers.

Impact of Anesthesia Method on Immune Response in Patients Undergoing Radical Surgery for Breast Cancer (a Meta-Analysis of Comparative Clinical Studies)

Introduction and aim. Recent evidence suggests that inhalation anesthesia (IA) is associated with higher cancer mortality than total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), possibly due to a modulation of the immune response.The aim of this study was to determine the impact of anesthesia techniques on selected parameters of patient immunity considering the evidence of relationship between the anesthesia methods and immune status and, consequently, the incidence of cancer recurrence.Methods. We performed a meta-analysis of clinical studies published in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases, aimed at assessing the impact of anesthesia on the postoperative immune status of patients undergoing breast cancer (BC) surgery. Five randomized and three observational studies were included (a total of 637 patients, of which 320 (50.2%) in the TIVA group). Data on leukocyte counts, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 9 and 3, interleukins (IL) 6 and 10 levels, and neutrophil-lymphocyte index (NLI) values were retrieved.Results. Patients after breast cancer surgery who underwent TIVA had significantly lower white blood cell counts (standardized mean difference (SMD)=–0.32; 95% CI: –0.58 to –0.06; I2=58%, P=0.020) and MMP-9 (SMD=–0.35; 95% CI: –0.67 to –0.03; P=0.030; I2=0%) in the postoperative period compared with patients receiving IA. No significant differences in the levels of MMP-3, IL-6, IL-10, and NLI values were found between the two groups.Conclusion. The patients who underwent breast cancer surgery under TIVA had lower blood leukocyte counts and levels of MMP-9, which is involved in the remodeling of extracellular matrix, compared with those operated on under IA, suggesting that the anesthesia method may have an impact on the immunity of breast cancer patients.

[General magnet therapy and low-frequency electrostatic field in the postoperative period in patients with breast cancer].

To compare the efficacy of general magnetic therapy and low-frequency electrostatic field on days 2-4 after the radical surgical treatment of breast cancer and 1.0-1.5 months after radiation therapy in combination with therapeutic physical training, motor-cognitive training, and sessions with a psychologist. Examination and medical rehabilitation of 131 patients after radical surgical treatment of breast cancer were performed. Age ranged from 30 to 75 years. Group 1 included 66 patients who received medical rehabilitation on days 2-4 after the surgery and 1.0-1.5 months later in addition to adjuvant radiotherapy; Group 2 included 65 patients who received medical rehabilitation only after 1.0-1.5 months in addition to adjuvant radiotherapy. It was shown that two courses of medical rehabilitation with the addition of physiotherapeutic treatment on days 2-4 and 1.0-1.5 months after radical breast cancer surgery in addition to radiation therapy contribute to a significant reduction of functional disorders severity in patients versus initiation of medical rehabilitation 1.0-1.5 months after the surgery in addition to radiation therapy. The feasibility of including general magnetic therapy procedures and low-frequency electrostatic field exposure in the medical rehabilitation course was demonstrated as it results in pain relief, postoperative edema reduction, and quicker recovery of the shoulder joint mobility that promotes long-term clinical benefit.

Effect of Rapid Rehabilitation Concepts on Quality of Life and Pain in Patients Undergoing Radical Breast Cancer Surgery in Perioperative Period

To study the effect of rapid rehabilitation nursing on patients’ quality of life and pain level during the perioperative period of radical breast cancer surgery. Methods: 126 patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2018 to February 2020 and underwent radical breast cancer surgery were divided into control group and rapid rehabilitation group according to the perioperative period intervention method. Routine nursing intervention and rapid rehabilitation nursing intervention were used respectively. The general conditions of the two groups were recorded, and the differences of T cell subsets before operation and 3 days after operation were detected. Visual analogue pain (VAS) score was used to evaluate the changes of pain degree at 1 day, 3 days and 5 days after operation and on the day of discharge. Postoperative complications and satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed at 1 month and 3 months after operation using the CARES-SF score. Results: Anesthesia waking time (26.12 ± 5.77) min, off-bed activity time (14.25 ± 2.87) h and hospital stay (7.82 ± 2.15) d in the rapid rehabilitation group were shorter than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The operation time (92.02 ± 14.78) min and intraoperative blood loss (57.96 ± 13.96) mL in the rapid rehabilitation group were not significantly different from those in the control group (P &gt; 0.05). In the control group, 3d after operation, T lymphocyte subsets were decreased gradually than that before operation (P &lt; 0.05), CD3+ was decreased 3d after operation than that before operation in the rapid rehabilitation group (P &lt; 0.05), but CD4+, CD8+, CD4+ / CD8 + 3d after operation had no significant difference than that before operation (P &gt; 0.05). In rapid rehabilitation group, T lymphocyte subsets at 3d after operation were higher than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The postoperative complication rate of the rapid rehabilitation group was lower than that of the control group, and the satisfaction degree was higher than that of the control group, with significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). After follow-up, it was found that the scores of qualities of life, such as physiology, psychosocial, marriage, sexual life and relationship with medical staff in the rapid rehabilitation group were lower than those in the control group at 1 month and 3 months after operation (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The concept of rapid rehabilitation nursing can stabilize the immune function of patients after radical breast cancer surgery, promote the postoperative rehabilitation and improve the quality of life after operation.

Influence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

<strong>Background:</strong> Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with poor prognosis after radical breast cancer surgery. Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) has a higher recurrence rate than early breast cancer does and requires multidisciplinary treatment including cardiotoxic and liver-metabolized anthracycline. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between NAFLD and the prognosis and morbidity of patients with LABC. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> This single-center, retrospective, cohort study included patients with stage III breast cancer who underwent surgery between July 2015 and December 2018. Hepatic steatosis was defined as a ratio of liver-to-spleen attenuation (L/S) of &lt;1.12 on pre-treatment unenhanced computed tomography. The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). We used the log-rank test to compare survival curves and the Cox proportional hazards model to adjust for covariates. <strong>Results:</strong> We analyzed 44 patients, including 6 with NAFLD. The median follow-up time was 852.5 days. On univariate and multivariate analyses, NAFLD was not significantly associated with RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.474; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.324–6.706, and HR, 1.297; 95% CI, 0.263–6.399, respectively). Neither cardiovascular events nor secondary cancers were associated with NAFLD. Known prognostic factors of breast cancer—such as older age, high histological grade, and estrogen receptor negativity—were significantly associated with a shorter RFS. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> When treating patients with LABC, physicians and patients should not worry much about the prognostic impact of mild NAFLD. <strong>Highlights:</strong> <ul><li>This single-center, retrospective, cohort study investigated the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the prognosis and morbidity of patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).</li><li>We found that mild NAFLD was not significantly associated with RFS and neither cardiovascular disease nor other cancers occurred.</li><li>The results of the current study imply that mild NAFLD based on the criteria given by Iwasaki et al. is not a prognostic factor for LABC.</li></ul>

Effects of Extended Care Based on the WeChat Platform on Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life of Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients

To explore the effects of extended care based on the WeChat platform on self-efficacy and quality of life of postoperative breast cancer patients. 126 patients who underwent modified radical breast cancer surgery in our hospital from January 2018 to March 2019 were divided into a control group (n=63) and an observation group (n=63) according to a randomly generated numerical table. The control group was given regular nursing care, and the observation group was given extended nursing care using the WeChat public platform on the basis of the control group. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the anxiety and depression of the two groups; the Breast Cancer Treatment Discomfort Rating Scale was developed with reference to the National Cancer Society’s Common Symptom Assessment Criteria and the American Cancer Treatment Collaborative’s classification criteria; and the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 was used to assess the quality of life of the postoperative patients and to conduct a patient satisfaction survey. The results showed that there were no significant differences in hospital anxiety and depression scores and anxiety status between the two groups before the intervention care, and the differences in hospital anxiety and depression scores, anxiety status and depression status were statistically significant after the treatment care. After the nursing intervention, the time effect, group effect, and interaction effect were statistically significant when comparing the discomfort scores of the two groups. After the nursing intervention, patients self-efficacy scores and quality of life scores were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in nursing satisfaction between the two groups; after the intervention, the satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. Professional case management based on the WeChat mobile platform helps to improve the effectiveness of out-of-hospital care for breast cancer and adapt to the rapidly developing medical model.

Novel method of radiotherapy planning to improve the dose homogeneity at the junction region for breast cancer

AbstractObjectivesThis article introduces a new method to design the radiation therapy planning after radical surgery for breast cancer in order to provide a better homogeneity of the dose distribution in the junction region between the supra clavicular fossa and chest wall.MethodsA total of 15 women who received supra clavicular and chest wall irradiation therapy for breast cancer after radical surgery at Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen Center, Shenzhen, China, between 1 October 2018 and 30 November 2019 were included. The prescription dose was 50 Gy/25 fractions. We designed a new plan on the basis of the original plan for each patient on an Varian Eclipse 13.6 planning system, which added two subfields to each tangential opposing field to change the dose distribution at the junction region. Statistical analysis of the target dose distribution – homogeneity index, conformal index, and irradiation doses to the ipsilateral lung, contralateral lung, heart, left‐side breast, and spinal cord – was carried out for the two groups and the differences were compared.ResultsWhen comparing the two plans, the planning target volume minimum dose (P = 0.04) and planning target volume of the junction region, which was defined as the target in the junction region minimum dose (P = 0.04), homogeneity index (P = 0.02), and conformal index (P = 0.01) for the new method plan were better than those for the original plan. However, there was no statistically significant difference in all dosimetric parameters of the organs at risk (P &gt; 0.05) between the new and traditional method plans .ConclusionBoth plans by new and traditional methods for breast cancer after radical surgery can meet the clinical requirements. The prescription dose coverage, conformal index, and homogeneity index for the target in the new method plan were better than those in the traditional method plan. The new method plan provided a better homogeneity of the dose distribution in the junction region, but had no obvious effect on the dose distribution of the organs at risk. As a result, this new planning method can be used in clinical settings.

Asymptomatic versus symptomatic metastatic breast cancer: Potential effects on prognosis and quality adjusted life years (QALYs).

e13073 Background: After radical surgery for breast cancer, routine laboratory or imaging studies for metastases screening are not indicated in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of recurrence. While the goal of therapy is the extension of survival and maintenance of quality of life (QOL), therapies themselves could induce adverse events, resulting in deterioration of QOL. We evaluated quality adjusted life years (QALYs), which is survival adjusted by QOL, of the patients with recurrent breast cancer retrospectively and adequate follow-up measures. Methods: Fifty seven patients with recurrent breast cancer who died already were included. Survival curves were partitioned into two health states: time with ≥ grade 2 chemotherapy-related toxicity (TOX) and time without toxicity (TWiST). QALYs were acquired as follows: QALYs = TWiST + 0.7 * TOX. We compared clinical factors in the patients between with (symptomatic group, n = 32) and without symptoms (asymptomatic group, n = 25). Results: The median age of the patient at diagnosis of recurrence was 57 years. Luminal (hormone receptors (HR) - and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) -), HER2 (HER2 +), triple negative (TN) (HR - and HER2 -), and unknown were 29, 7, 15, and 6 cases, respectively. The proportion of HER2 and TN was significantly higher in the symptomatic group than that in the asymptomatic group (58.6, 21.7 %, p &lt; 0.05). 44.6 % of the patients had visceral metastases at diagnosis of recurrence and the proportions were not different between the groups. Although post recurrent survival (PRS) was shorter significantly in the symptomatic group (22.5, 42,0 months, p &lt; 0.01), overall survival from diagnosis of primary breast cancer (OS) was identical (60.5, 91.0 months). Additionally, QALYs after recurrence was shorter in the symptomatic group (23.0, 41.1 months, p &lt; 0.01) and QALYs from diagnosis of primary breast cancer was identical (58.7, 91.0 months). Conclusions: Although there was no significant difference in OS between the both groups, the duration of therapy received was longer in the symptomatic group. In the present study, we acquired limited information due to retrospective manner. Prospective evaluation of QALYs, including patient reported outcome and symptoms derived from cancer itself, would turn out adequate measures of follow-up after radical surgery for primary breast cancer.