Regimen For Breast Cancer Patients Research Articles

"The protective effect of nano curcumin supplementation on doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients; a randomized, double-blind clinical trial".

Anthracycline drugs play a fundamental role in breast cancer treatment; however, the cardiotoxicity side effects obscure the advantages of treatment. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of nanocurcumin supplementation on Doxorubicin induced Cardiotoxicity. In this randomized clinical trial, a week before starting the doxorubicin regimen for breast cancer patients, the control group received placebo and curcumin group received 80 mg daily dosage of nano curcumin capsules for six months. Echocardiography parameter changes before chemotherapy and after six months were evaluated. 46 patients were included. Left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction significantly decreased and LV end diastolic volume significantly increased in control group but no significant changes were observed in the curcumin group (LVEF: 2.62 ± 59.35 to 4.23 ± 56.85, p-value: 0.014 vs 59.55 ± 1.91 to 58.46 ± 3.41, p-value:0.135; LVEDV: 77.09 ± 15.33 to 80.65 ± 14.54, p-value:0.023 vs 72.41 ± 15.34 74.00 ± 14.25, p-value: 0.294). Additionally, LVEF, LV end systolic diameter (LVESD), and end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) insignificantly more decreased in control group versus curcumin group (LVEF: 4.13 ± 2.50- vs 3.36 ± 1.08-, p-value: 0.223; LVESD: 0.27 ± 0.06-vs 0.120.45 ±, p-value:0.110; LVEDD: -0.44 ± 0.33 vs 0.070.33 ±, p-value:0.269). Furthermore, symptomatic cardiomyopathy and ejection fraction ratio less than 53% were not observed. The LVEF reduction >15% was observed was also high in the control group, (p-value = 0.020). This study shows the possible effect of nanocurcumin capsules to reduce the cardiotoxicity of anthracycline chemotherapy medications.

Hypermethylation of the Gene Body in SRCIN1 Is Involved in Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Is a Potential Blood-Based Biomarker for Early Detection and a Poor Prognosis.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip, we analyzed plasma sample methylation to identify the SRCIN1 gene in breast cancer patients. We assessed SRCIN1-related roles and pathways for their biomarker potential. To verify the methylation status, quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) was performed on genomic DNA and circulating cell-free DNA samples, and mRNA expression analysis was performed using RT‒qPCR. The results were validated in a Western population; for this analysis, the samples included plasma samples from breast cancer patients from the USA and from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. To study the SRCIN1 pathway, we conducted cell viability assays, gene manipulation and RNA sequencing. SRCIN1 hypermethylation was identified in 61.8% of breast cancer tissues from Taiwanese patients, exhibiting specificity to this malignancy. Furthermore, its presence correlated significantly with unfavorable 5-year overall survival outcomes. The levels of methylated SRCIN1 in the blood of patients from Taiwan and the USA correlated with the stage of breast cancer. The proportion of patients with high methylation levels increased from 0% in healthy individuals to 63.6% in Stage 0, 80% in Stage I and 82.6% in Stage II, with a sensitivity of 78.5%, an accuracy of 90.3% and a specificity of 100%. SRCIN1 hypermethylation was significantly correlated with increased SRCIN1 mRNA expression (p < 0.001). Knockdown of SRCIN1 decreased the viability of breast cancer cells. SRCIN1 silencing resulted in the downregulation of ESR1, BCL2 and various cyclin protein expressions. SRCIN1 hypermethylation in the blood may serve as a noninvasive biomarker, facilitating early detection and prognosis evaluation, and SRCIN1-targeted therapies could be used in combination regimens for breast cancer patients.

Abstract PO1-11-12: Factors associated with treatment failure for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract Background Cancer patients often consider CINV as one of the most disturbing side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC), considered by many to be part of the standard adjuvant regimen for breast cancer patients, is highly emetogenic. Despite adopting optimal antiemetic prophylaxis, the control of CINV remains modest for some patients. Among Chinese breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant AC chemotherapy, the present analysis aims to determine the association of the number of risk factors for CINV with (i) likelihood of antiemetic treatment failure; (ii) time to first vomiting in 1st AC cycle. Methods: We retrieved data from three previously reported prospective antiemetic studies on patients who received AC, in whom different antiemetic regimens were administered. Treatment failure was defined as (i) not achieving CR (CR= no vomiting and no use of rescue medication over 120 hours after start of AC), or (ii) experiencing nausea (nausea VAS &amp;gt;/= 5mm during the 120 hours). Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to identify potential factors associated with the development of CINV. The Cochran–Armitage trend test was utilized to assess possible trends in the relationship between treatment failure and number of identified risk factors. The time-to-treatment failure curves, as classified by the number of identified factors in each subgroup, were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Based on multivariate analysis of 303 breast cancer patients, not achieving CR was more likely among non-obese patients, not receiving guideline recommended prophylactic antiemetic regimens, history of motion sickness and history of vomiting in pregnancy. Experience of nausea was more likely in non-obese patients, not receiving guideline recommended prophylactic antiemetic regimens, and history of motion sickness. Treatment failure in terms of ‘no CR’ was associated with increased number of risk factors that an individual patient displayed; the figures increased from 18.8% for those with 0 risk factor to 94.1% for those with 4 risk factors (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Treatment failure in terms of nausea was associated also with increased number of risk factors; the figures increased from 25.9% for those with 0 risk factor to 83.3% for patients with 3 risk factors (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Time to first vomiting was significantly related to number of identified factors (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Among patients who had 0, 1, 2 and 3 risk factors, the 24-hour rate of ‘no vomiting’ were 81.3%, 80.3%, 66.7%, 53.7% and 17.7%, respectively; similar trends were observed for analyses on 48-hour and 72-hour rates. Conclusions: The present study confirmed that reported risk factors for CINV in the literature were important in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving AC chemotherapy. Furthermore, patients who had more risk factors had increased likelihood of treatment failure and shorter time to first vomiting. Funding: Madam Diana Hon Fun Kong Donation for Cancer Research Citation Format: Winnie Yeo, Nicole Ngai, Horatio Yeo, Dong Lai, Elizabeth Pang, Carol Kwok, Thomas Lau, Frankie Mo. Factors associated with treatment failure for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) among breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy [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 PO1-11-12.

Role and efficacy of capecitabine in the anthracycline-free regimen in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Capecitabine has extensive utilization in the treatment of diverse solid tumors, and its efficacy has been substantiated. Its oral administration and minimal toxicity in clinical practice render it advantageous. Nevertheless, uncertainty remains regarding whether capecitabine can substitute anthracycline drugs in chemotherapy regimens to achieve a lower risk of anthracycline-induced degradation. Consequently, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the potential of capecitabine as a replacement for anthracycline drugs in chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) to retrieve eligible studies published before July 18, 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data from the included studies using a pre-established data extraction form. The primary endpoints of interest encompassed overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS)for postoperative adjuvant therapy, as well as pathological complete response (PCR) following neoadjuvant therapy. Adverse events were considered as secondary outcomes. The statistical analysis was performed using Revman 5.4.1. A total of six studies involving 2348 breast cancer patients were deemed eligible according to the selection criteria. The pooled meta-analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant differences observed in the primary outcomes of overall survival (OS) (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.88-1.28) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90-1.34) across the four postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy trials, as well as in the two neoadjuvant chemotherapy trials with respect to the primary outcome of pathological complete response (PCR) (OR 1.65, 95% CI 0.93-2.95) when comparing regimens containing anthracycline drugs to those without. In terms of adverse events, the probability of experiencing diarrhea (OR 3.94, P = 0.004) and hand-foot syndrome (OR 10.89, P = 0.004) was significantly higher in the capecitabine group, attributable to the drug characteristics. Conversely, the likelihood of developing neutropenia (OR 0.50, P = 0.03) was higher in the anthracycline group. According to the current evidence, there was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcomes when capecitabine was substituted for anthracycline drugs. Thus, capecitabine can be regarded as a feasible alternative in the subset of patients who necessitate the exclusion of anthracyclines.

MRI Assessment of Changes in Tumor Vascularization during Neoadjuvant Anti-Angiogenic Treatment in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients.

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatment improves response rates, but not progression-free or overall survival in advanced breast cancer. It has been suggested that subgroups of patients may benefit from this treatment; however, the effects of adding anti-VEGF treatment to a standard chemotherapy regimen in breast cancer patients are not well studied. Understanding the effects of the anti-vascular treatment on tumor vasculature may provide a selection of patients that can benefit. The aim of this study was to study the vascular effect of bevacizumab using clinical dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). A total of 70 women were randomized to receive either chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy with bevacizumab for 25 weeks. DCE-MRI was performed at baseline and at 12 and 25 weeks, and in addition 25 of 70 patients agreed to participate in an early MRI after one week. Voxel-wise pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using semi-quantitative methods and the extended Tofts model. Vascular architecture was assessed by calculating the fractal dimension of the contrast-enhanced images. Changes during treatment were compared with baseline and between the treatment groups. There was no significant difference in tumor volume at any point; however, DCE-MRI parameters revealed differences in vascular function and vessel architecture. Adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy led to a pronounced reduction in vascular DCE-MRI parameters, indicating decreased vascularity. At 12 and 25 weeks, the difference between the treatment groups is severely reduced.

A Retrospective Study on Previously Untreated Non-metastatic Breast Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: The combination of adoxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by a taxane (Docetaxel or Paclitaxel) and epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by a taxane (Docetaxel or Paclitaxel) is a standard regimen for breast cancer patients. In this study, we compared the three-year overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) of a patient with previously untreated non-metastatic breast cancer patients. Objectives: To find out the overall survival and progression free survival among previously untreated non-metastatic breast cancer patients after standard chemotherapy. Methods: Fifty-six patients received four cycles of doxorubicin at a dose of 60mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide at a dose of 600 mg/m2 followed by four cycles of paclitaxel at a dose of 175mg/m2. Thirteen patients received AC followed by four cycles of docetaxel at a dose of 75mg/m2. Twenty-one patients received four cycles of epirubicin (75mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (600mg/m2), followed by four cycles of paclitaxel (175mg/m2). Twelve patients were given EC followed by four cycles of docetaxel (75mg/m2). Results: The four groups of patients had similar characteristics. Overall survivalafter three years was 92% in AC followed by paclitaxel, 98% in AC followed by docetaxel, 95% and 97% in EC followed by paclitaxel and docetaxel respectively. One year of PFS in AC followed by paclitaxel and docetaxel was 98% and 100% respectively whereas in EC followed by paclitaxel and docetaxel were 98% and 98% respectively. The four arms had 96%, 98%, 97% and 96% PFS after two years respectively. This research also revealed that four chemotherapy regimens had three-year survival rates of 93%, 98%, 93% and 96% respectively. Conclusion: AC or EC followed by taxane regimens well suitable regimens for the population of patients with previously untreated non-metastatic breast cancer patients. The findings show the need for continued observation as well as taking into account the treatment of other patients throughout different periods. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 18, No 2 (December) 2022: 11-14

Cardiorespiratory dose comparison among six radiotherapy regimens for patients with left-sided breast cancer

There is uncertainty regarding the benefits and drawbacks of various radiation protocols for the treatment of left-sided breast cancer. To address this issue, we conducted a Bayesian network analysis. First, we searched several electronic databases for eligible literature. Next, we pooled the data from twelve studies concerning three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), combined with either deep inspiratory breath-holding (DIBH) or free-breathing (FB) modalities. The integrated cardiac and pulmonary dosimetric indexes for all included treatments were compared using Bayesian networks. A direct meta-analysis indicated that for the two methods of 3D-CRT and IMRT, DIBH technology was more effective than FB in reducing the radiation dose to the heart and lungs. Additionally, according to the network results, DIBH was superior to FB in all six treatment options, regardless of whether the plan was 3D-CRT, IMRT, or VMAT. Besides, the combined data indicated that the FB-3D-CRT regimen had the weakest dosimetric advantage of all the treatments. Excluding FB-3D-CRT, each of the other five treatments had its own specific benefits. This is the first Bayesian study of several radiotherapy regimens for breast cancer patients on the left side, and the findings can be used to select appropriate radiotherapy programs for breast cancer patients.

Deep learning radiomics model based on breast ultrasound video to predict HER2 expression status.

The detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression status is essential to determining the chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer patients and to improving their prognosis. We developed a deep learning radiomics (DLR) model combining time-frequency domain features of ultrasound (US) video of breast lesions with clinical parameters for predicting HER2 expression status. Data for this research was obtained from 807 breast cancer patients who visited from February 2019 to July 2020. Ultimately, 445 patients were included in the study. Pre-operative breast ultrasound examination videos were collected and split into a training set and a test set. Building a training set of DLR models combining time-frequency domain features and clinical features of ultrasound video of breast lesions based on the training set data to predict HER2 expression status. Test the performance of the model using test set data. The final models integrated with different classifiers are compared, and the best performing model is finally selected. The best diagnostic performance in predicting HER2 expression status is provided by an Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)-based time-frequency domain feature classifier combined with a logistic regression (LR)-based clinical parameter classifier of clinical parameters combined DLR, particularly with a high specificity of 0.917. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the test cohort was 0.810. Our study provides a non-invasive imaging biomarker to predict HER2 expression status in breast cancer patients.

Predictive modeling of adverse events of tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer (results of a cohort study)

Relevance. Endocrine therapy is the standard treatment for women with ER-positive breast cancer. The clinical response to Tamoxifen is variable. Approximately 30 % of patients with breast cancer will have a recurrence of the disease within 15 years after treatment, despite ongoing endocrine therapy. This article presents the results of a prospective pharmacogenetic cohort study. The study was conducted in 2018–2019. Aim. To analyze adverse drug reactions to Tamoxifen in the adjuvant regimen in breast cancer patients in relation to the carriage of genetic polymorphisms of genes encoding cytochrome P450 enzymes and drug transporter proteins and to build predictive models based on them. A comparative analysis of the relationship between genetic and non-genetic determinants with adverse events on tamoxifen therapy allowed us to build predictive models of their development. Materials and Methods. The study involved 120 women with pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer who underwent genetic testing for CYP and Pg enzyme gene polymorphisms. Entry criteria: a histologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer, taking Tamoxifen at the recommended doses, establishing a diagnosis not earlier than 2007, and obtaining informed voluntary consent to participate in the study. Allelic variants were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction in the Research Institute for Molecular and Personalized Medicine of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation. Results. An associative analysis showed their association with the development of adverse drug reactions (ADR) to Tamoxifen, indicating the clinical significance of different genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6, CYP3A5, CYP2C9 and ABCB1. The complex associative analysis performed using mathematical modeling made it possible to build predictive risk models for the development of such ADR, such as hot flashes, dyspepsia, bone pain, and asthenia. The resulting regression models were statistically significant (p &lt; 0,001) and demonstrated high diagnostic efficiency. This allows them to be implemented in clinical practice. Conclusion. Thus, models that include both genetic and non-genetic determinants of response may further improve the prediction of individual response to tamoxifen

Efficacy of PARP Inhibitor, Platinum, and Immunotherapy in BRCA-Mutated HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

The optimal treatment regimen for breast cancer patients with gBRCA mutations remains controversial given the availability of numerous options, such as platinum-based agents, polymerase inhibitors (PARPis), and other agents. We included phase II or III RCTs and estimated the HR with 95% CI for OS, PFS, and DFS, in addition to the OR with 95% CI for ORR and pCR. We determined the treatment arm rankings by P-scores. Furthermore, we carried out a subgroup analysis in TNBC and HR-positive patients. We conducted this network meta-analysis using R 4.2.0 and a random-effects model. A total of 22 RCTs were eligible, involving 4253 patients. In the pairwise comparisons, PARPi + Platinum + Chemo was better than PARPi + Chemo for OS (in whole study group and in both subgroups) as well as PFS. The ranking tests demonstrated that PARPi + Platinum + Chemo ranked first in PFS, DFS, and ORR. Platinum + Chemo showed higher OS than PARPi + Chemo. The ranking tests for PFS, DFS, and pCR indicated that, except for the best treatment (PARPi + Platinum + Chemo) containing PARPi, the second and third treatments were platinum monotherapy or platinum-based chemotherapy. In conclusion, PARPi + Platinum + Chemo might be the best regime for gBRCA-mutated BC. Platinum drugs showed more favorable efficacy than PARPi in both combination and monotherapy.

The study of correlation between nomogram prediction of uric acid and different chemotherapy regimens in breast cancer patients.

High levels of serum uric acid (SUA) are associated with a poor survival rate of breast cancer. Meanwhile, a sharp increase in SUA after chemotherapy may lead to tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). We created and validated a nomogram to help doctors better manage the patient's SUA level ahead of time in this study. From July 2012 to June 2021, 206 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy participated in the study. They are randomly divided into training set (n=137) and validation set (n=69). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent predictors of the risk of elevated uric acid in the whole training set data. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve assessed the accuracy and clinical application value of nomogram. We confirmed that body mass index (BMI), age, menopause, EC-T chemotherapy (epirubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel) and THP + C-T (pirarubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel) are independent risk factors for high SUA. We established a nomogram for high SUA risk prediction to help clinicians make individualized choice of chemotherapy regimen. In the training cohort, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed statistical accuracy (AUC =0.796). Decision curve analysis proved the clinical value of the nomogram. This nomogram can be used to calculate the specific likelihood of high SUA in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with different chemotherapy options.

Totally Implantable Venous Access Port Systems: Implant Depth-based Complications in Breast Cancer Therapy - A Comparative Study.

Totally implantable venous access port system (TIVAPS) is widely used in breast cancer therapy; TIVAPS has several associated complications depending on the depth of implantation in breast cancer (BC) patients during continuous infusional chemotherapy regimens. The purpose of this study is to find out the optimal depth of TIVAPS implantation to reduce the incidence of complications during infusional chemotherapy. This study reviewed the depth of TIVAPS implantation in the internal jugular vein in 1282 breast cancer patients over a ten-year period (2009-2019), and associated complications. We segregated the patients as 5 groups: 'Group A (depth < 4 mm), Group B (depth of 4-8 mm), Group C (depth of 8-12 mm), and Group D (depth of 12-16 mm), and Group E (depth of > 16 mm)'. Consequently, the 'internal complications' such as infection, venous thrombotic syndrome, catheter folding & migration, extravasation, whereas the 'external complications' viz., inflammation, local hematoma, local cutaneous reactions, and port exteriorization were significantly analyzed during TIVAPS implantation at different depths in BC patients. Overall incidence of 'internal complications' such as infections (8.6%, 2/23 cases), venous thrombotic syndrome (7.69%, 1/13 cases), catheter folding & migration (8.3%, 1/12 cases), and extravasation (8.3%, 1/12 cases) was comparatively lesser in Group C (8-12 mm) (p<0.01) than the Group A, Group B, Group D, and Group E respectively. Mainly, the external complications such as inflammation in Group C (8-12 mm) (pp< 0.01) was lesser (6.8%, 3/44 cases) than Group A, Group B, Group D, Group E. On the similar note, the local hematoma, and local cutaneous reaction, and port exteriorization were observed as '5% (1/20 cases), 4.2% (2/47 cases), and (3.2%, 1/31 cases)' in Group C patients (p<0.01), which were comparatively lesser than the other groups. Subcutaneous implantation of TIVAPS at a depth of 8-12 mm could be preferred due to the lowest incidence of internal and external complications compared to the incidence of these complications in other groups; this depth could be referred to as the safe and convenient implantation depth for the effective delivery of chemotherapy regimen in BC patients without difficulty in transcutaneous access to the port.

Assessment of early cardiotoxic adverse effects of doxorubicin-containing regimens in breast cancer patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): 1. Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2. Iran University of Medical Sciences Assessment of early cardiotoxic adverse effects of Doxorubicin-containing regimens in breast cancer patients. Abstract: Introduction BC is the most prevalent cancer among women and comprises about 30% of cancers in this population group1. Numerous patients with breast cancer (BC) require cardiotoxic anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Purpose We intended to assess the early cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Methods Frothy-nine patients including 21 otherwise healthy females with BC at a mean age (±SD) of 47.62 ± 9.07 years and 28 normal controls at a mean age (±SD) of 45.18 ± 4.29 years were recruited. BC cases underwent both CMR and TTE at baseline and seven days after four biweekly cycles of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. Functional, volumetric, and strain parameters, including global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial strain (GRS), were analyzed. The findings compared with those of 28 controls. Results In post-chemotherapy CMR, four patients (19.04%) displayed evidence of drug cardiotoxicity. Ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic volume index, and strain values significantly changed after chemotherapy (all Ps &amp;lt; 0.05). One patient (4.76%) had myocardial edema in post-chemotherapy CMR, and three patients (14.28%) had evidence of myocardial fibrosis. In the follow-up time of 4 to 10 months (mean: seven months) after chemotherapy, eight patients (38.09%) complained of dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. None of the CMR parameters had any correlation with the evolution of symptoms. Conclusion We demonstrated a significant difference in ventricular ejection fraction and global strain values early after Doxorubicin chemotherapy. Exclusive CMR parameters can aid in the early initiation of preventive cardiac strategies.

Global and Regional Longitudinal Strain Reduction in Breast Cancer Patients After First Chemotherapy Cycle With Fluorouracil, Adriamycin, and Cyclophosphamide Regimen.

BackgroundChemotherapy with fluorouracil, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) regimen in breast cancer patients may cause myocardial injury and necrosis, thereby attenuating global and regional longitudinal strain (GLS and RLS). It is unclear whether the first chemotherapy cycle would cause GLS and RLS reduction and which segment would be most affected by the chemotherapy. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the first chemotherapy cycle on GLS and RLS reduction.MethodsThis was a prospective single-center cohort study of patients with breast cancer who underwent the first chemotherapy cycle with a FAC regiment. The GLS and RLS were measured using speckle tracking echocardiography and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured with Simpson’s biplane. The echocardiography was performed before and 3 weeks after the first chemotherapy cycle. We compared the value of GLS, RLS, and LVEF before and after chemotherapy using paired t-test analysis.ResultsThirty-six breast cancer patients were enrolled in the study. The GLS and RLS were reduced significantly at 3 weeks compared to baseline. The RLS of the basal anteroseptal, basal anterolateral, mid anterolateral, mid inferolateral, and all apical segments declined significantly from baseline. The largest RLS decline was detected in the apicoanterior segment. The post-chemotherapy GLS but not LVEF was significantly lower than that before treatment.ConclusionThe GLS and RLS of patients who underwent first cycle chemotherapy with FAC declined significantly than that before treatment, especially at the apicoanterior segment. LVEF was not altered after first cycle chemotherapy.

Increased aldehyde dehydrogenase1 (ALDH1) levels are associated with chemo-responsiveness in breast cancer patients treated with taxane-adriamycin-cyclophosphamide regimen.

Increased plasma aldehyde dehydrogenase1 (ALDH1) levels have been proposed to predict cancer chemoresistance. However, studies have reported inconsistent results, depending on the type of cancer cells used. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between plasma levels of ALDH1 and chemotherapy responses to the taxane-adriamycin-cyclophosphamide (TAC) regimen in breast cancer patients. Thirty breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy using the TAC regimen were included in this study. Blood sampling was performed before chemotherapy was initiated and after the first and third cycles of chemotherapy administration. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, patients were categorized as non-responsive if the tumor size was reduced <30%, if the tumor size remained the same or increased, or if any new tumors were discovered. Patients were defined as responsive after 3 cycles of chemotherapy if the tumor mass disappeared, if the tumor size was reduced by at least 30% of the initial size and if no new tumors were found. Among the 30 patients, only five were responsive to the TAC regimen. The clinical response to TAC was not correlated with the patient's age, cancer grading, or tumor stage. A change in the ALDH1 levels was observed after the third cycle of TAC administration, with significantly higher ALDH1 levels observed in responsive compared with non-responsive patients (p <0.05). The results of this study may indicate a role for ALDH1 in chemoresponsiveness, rather than chemoresistance, for the TAC regimen in breast cancer patients. Further research remains necessary to confirm this result.

Breast Radiotherapy-Related Cardiotoxicity. When, How, Why. Risk Prevention and Control Strategies.

Simple SummaryGiven that the majority of breast cancer patients receive adjuvant radiation therapy and/or systemic treatments that can enhance cardiovascular risk, it is imperative to consider a multidisciplinary approach to cardiovascular care and to develop strategies to identify and prevent radiation-associated cardiotoxicity. In this review, we seek to analyze the evidence of the mechanisms underlying cardiac damage secondary to breast irradiation, the impact of factors related to the patient herself, and the treatments administered, as well as to describe different strategies for reducing risks and managing radiation-induced heart disease if it has already occurred. All this with the aim of improving not only survival but also the quality of life for our patients.In recent decades, improvements in breast cancer management have increased overall patient survival; however, many cancer therapies have been linked to an important risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Cardio-oncology has been proposed as an emerging specialty to coordinate preventive strategies that improve the cardiovascular health of oncologic patients. It employs the most suitable personalized multidisciplinary management approach for each patient to optimize their cardiovascular health and improve their survival and quality of life. Radiotherapy is an essential part of the therapeutic regimen in breast cancer patients but can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, minimizing the negative impact of radiation therapy is an important challenge for radiotherapy oncologists and cardiologists specializing in this field. The aim of the present review is to update our knowledge about radiation-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients by undertaking a critical review of the relevant literature to determine risk prevention and control strategies currently available.

Clinical and genetic risk factors for the prediction of hepatotoxicity induced by a docetaxel, epirubicin and cyclophosphamideregimen in breast cancer patients.

Aim: To screen clinical and genetic risk factors and examine their combined effect on docetaxel, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (TEC) regimen-induced liver injury (TEC-ILI). Patients & methods: We enrolled 396 breast cancer patients, and TEC-ILI-associated factors were screened by logistic regression analyses. Results:SOD2 rs4880 and ABCG2 rs2231142 polymorphisms correlated with an increased risk of TEC-ILI. Multivariate analysis incorporating clinical and genetic factors revealed that ABCC1 rs246221 (CC) and SOD2 rs4880 (AG/GG) increased the risk of TEC-ILI. Patients with at least two risk factors among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, high low-density lipoproteinemia levelsand the rs246221 or rs4880 adverse genotypes exhibited a significantly increased risk of developing TEC-ILI. Conclusion: The combination of clinical and genetic risk factors had higher predictive value for TEC-ILI than the interclinical risk factors alone.

Efficacy of Antiemetic Regimens for Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients of Breast Cancer Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy

Abstract Background: Chemotherapy is fraught with serious and troublesome adverse effects, of which nausea and vomiting appears earliest and is the most disturbing. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the antiemetic drug regimens used for chemotherapy-induced nausea vomiting (CINV) in patients with breast cancer receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC). Subjects and Methods: An observational follow-up study was conducted to assess the efficacy of antiemetic regimens in breast cancer patients receiving HEC. A total of 71 newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer were included in the study. Patients were assessed for nausea by the visual analog scale, and a history of emetic episodes and need for rescue medication were recorded at 0 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 120 h post-chemotherapy till three cycles. Results: The patients were prescribed a combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone (n = 23, n = 17, and n = 13 in first, second, and third cycle, respectively) or a combination of aprepitant, ondansetron, and dexamethasone (n = 48, n = 54 and n = 56 in the first, second, and third cycle, respectively). The intensity of nausea was higher for the patients who were prescribed ondansetron and dexamethasone regimen as compared to patients prescribed aprepitant additionally. Complete response, i.e., no emesis and no rescue medication, was higher in triple-drug regimen (52% vs. 0.4%, 63% vs. 17.6%, and 69% vs. 23% in three cycles, respectively). Conclusion: The control of CINV was better with a combination of aprepitant, ondansetron, and dexamethasone as compared to a regimen without aprepitant.

Risk of heart failure after systemic treatment for early breast cancer: results of a cohort study

Anthracyclines and trastuzumab can increase the risk of heart failure (HF), but long-term cardiotoxicity data in breast cancer (BC) patients treated at younger ages are limited. Furthermore, it is unknown whether aromatase inhibitors are associated with HF risk. HF risk was studied in a multicenter cohort of BC survivors treated during 2000-2009, at age < 61years. Information on treatment and cardiovascular disease incidence was collected through medical records, general practitioners and cardiologists. Analyses included multivariable Cox regression and cumulative incidence curves. In total, 10,209 women with a median age at BC diagnosis of 50.3years and a median follow-up of 8.9years were enrolled in the study. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy was associated with HF (hazard ratio [HR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-3.39) and risk increased with increasing cumulative anthracycline dose. For trastuzumab, HF risk was highest within the first 2years after treatment (HR0-2years: 13.06, 95% CI 5.70-29.92) and decreased thereafter (HR2-4years: 4.84, 95% CI 1.99-11.75 and HR≥4years: 0.64, 95% CI 0.23-1.81). The 10-year cumulative incidence of HF was 4.8% (95% CI 3.2-6.8) among patients treated with anthracyclines and trastuzumab. One-third of patients who developed HF after trastuzumab had long-term impaired cardiac function. Patients treated with aromatase inhibitors alone also had higher HF risk (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.24-3.82) compared to patients not receiving endocrine therapy. Our results stress the importance of considering anthracycline-free regimens in BC patients who need trastuzumab-containing treatment. The association between aromatase inhibitors and HF needs confirmation.

The Impact of Adding Taxanes to Anthracyclines on Women with Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

IntroductionThis study aimed to analyze the impact of adding taxanes to anthracycline-based regimens on women diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsThis retrospective study included 559 female breast cancer patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Tirana, Albania from 2005 to 2011. Three hundred fifty-nine patients received an anthracycline-based regimen, and 200 received anthracycline-plus-taxane regimens. Common anthracycline-based regimens consisted of 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2, doxorubicin 60 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every three weeks for six cycles. Combined taxane-anthracycline regimens were anthracycline-based regimen in the first four cycles (doxorubicin 60 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, docetaxel 80 mg/m2) followed by either weekly paclitaxel or thrice-weekly docetaxel for four cycles.ResultsOverall, after a 5-year follow-up, it was found that 148 women in the taxanes-based regimen group (74%) did not experience relapse compared with 264 women in the anthracycline-based regimen group (73.5%). The relapse status was affected by hormonal status (p: <0.001) in the taxane-based regimen. In the anthracycline-based regimen patients, the relapse status was affected by hormone status and nodal involvement (p: <0.001).ConclusionThe taxanes-plus-anthracycline regimen was slightly more effective than the anthracycline-based regimen for breast cancer patients in terms of avoiding relapse, but the difference was not statistically significant. Therefore, adding taxanes to adjuvant chemotherapy for women diagnosed with breast cancer is not beneficial for every subgroup. Hence, the future of breast cancer therapy remains chemotherapy individualized for each patient for optimal outcomes.