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Oppong R, Yeboah D, Owusu-Ansah M, Salifu SP. Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer in Africa. Adv Radiat Oncol 2024; 9:101488. [PMID: 38681886 PMCID: PMC11043849 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2024.101488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although radiation therapy is an effective treatment for breast cancer, it has a low rate of use in African countries. A systematic review was undertaken to investigate studies that used radiation therapy as a treatment modality for patients with breast cancer in Africa, focusing on survival outcomes, adverse effects, radiation therapy techniques, fractionation schedules, and effectiveness of radiation therapy. Methods and Materials We conducted a comprehensive literature search for studies that treated breast cancer with radiation therapy, using different electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost) up to February 2023. The output was exported to a reference management system for analyses. Results The literature search primarily identified 3804 records from Scopus (2427), PubMed (982), and EBSCOhost (395). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 articles were finally included in this systematic review. Most of the studies published were conducted in North Africa (63%), followed by West Africa (21%) and Southeast Africa (16%). Most centers employed external beam radiation therapy to deliver radiation therapy to patients with breast cancer with the standard fractionation size of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. The long-term outcomes with regards to adverse effect suggests that radiation therapy was fairly tolerated among patients with breast cancer. Conclusions The reports provide substantial evidence that there are limited number of published studies on the use of radiation therapy for breast cancer treatment in Africa, as well as lower overall survival rate compared with developed countries. To improve breast cancer survivorship, it is necessary for government and other health care planners to provide more radiation therapy resources and implement training programs for personnels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Oppong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - David Yeboah
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Samson Pandam Salifu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
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Verhoeven D, Siesling S, Allemani C, Roy PG, Travado L, Bhoo-Pathy N, Rhayns C, Junkermann H, Nakamura S, Lasebikan N, Tucker FL. High-value breast cancer care within resource limitations. Oncologist 2024:oyae080. [PMID: 38780115 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer care is a costly global health issue where effective management depends on early detection and treatment. A breast cancer diagnosis can result in financial catastrophe especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Large inequities in breast cancer care are observed and represent a global challenge to caregivers and patients. Strategies to improve early diagnosis include awareness and clinical breast examination in LMIC, and screening in high-income countries (HIC). The use of clinical guidelines for the management of breast cancer is needed. Adapted guidelines from HIC can address disparities in populations with limited resources. Locally developed strategies still provide effective guidance in improving survival. Integrated practice units (IPU) with timely multidisciplinary breast care conferences and patient navigators are required to achieve high-value, personalized breast cancer management in HIC as well as LMIC. Breast cancer patient care should include a quality of life evaluation using ideally patient-reported outcomes (PROM) and experience measurements (PREM). Evaluation of breast cancer outcomes must include the financial cost of delivered care. The resulting value perspective should guide resource allocation and program priorities. The value of care must be improved by translating the findings of social and economic research into practice and resolving systemic inequity in clinical breast cancer research. Cancer survivorship programs must be put in place everywhere. The treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer must require more attention in the future, especially in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Verhoeven
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Antwerp, AZ KLINA, Brasschaat, Belgium
| | - Sabine Siesling
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Allemani
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pankaj Gupta Roy
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Luzia Travado
- Champalimaud Clinical and Research Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Seigo Nakamura
- Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nwamaka Lasebikan
- Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
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Mushosho EY, Muziringa MC, Radebe M, Nkosi PB. A model to enhance breast cancer screening among rural women aged 40-75 years in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A scoping review. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2024; 55:109-124. [PMID: 38161135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND It is claimed that very little research has been done in Africa on breast cancer screening to identify the best method that can be adopted to have early detection of the malignancy. Breast cancer is a growing burden globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is a rise in breast cancer mortality in SSA. This is caused by limited breast cancer screening or early detection practices due to limited resources which makes mammography unaffordable by the majority of women. This problem is more prevalent in elderly women living in rural areas where limited or no breast cancer screening is taking place. Downstaging which is context-specific is recommended for African countries but more studies are required to confirm its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES This review aims to identify the gaps in the literature focusing on strategies to enhance breast cancer screening among elderly women aged 40-75 years who reside in rural areas. INCLUSION CRITERIA The articles to be reviewed should focus on screening for the elderly women population that reside in rural areas and should fall within the age range of 40-75 years. Other phrases that can be included instead of breast cancer screening could be early detection measures, early diagnosis, or downstaging. METHODOLOGY The methodology was guided by the published manual for Joana Briggs Institute for scoping reviews. A search of the relevant studies was conducted on 4 October 2022 across PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and EBSCO Host databases. The systematic literature search strategy was developed and carried out using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) database. The eligibility criteria were developed using the Participants, Concept, and Context framework. Only articles written in English and published between 2010 and 2022 were considered. Removal of duplications was done first, followed by screening using the article title and abstract and then using full-text articles. The results of the search were profiled on the PRISMAScR flow chart diagram. Themes were identified from the conclusions of the reviewed studies. RESULTS After searching 78 citations were identified. These were screened and only 8 were left after the different stages of screening. The reviewed articles were published between 2010 and 2020. The majority (75%) of the studies were surveys except for two which were qualitative and all done in Kenya. No mixed methodology study was done. No study focused on developing a model to enhance breast cancer screening among rural women aged 40-75 years although there are very few countries in Africa with established nationwide breast cancer screening guidelines. CONCLUSION There are limited studies done on breast cancer screening of elderly rural women in SSA. No study was done to identify a model to enhance breast cancer screening among the rural elderly women population. None of the reviewed studies utilized the mixed methodology design to have an in-depth context-specific understanding to pave the way for the implementation of downstaging which is recommended for countries with limited resources. CONTRIBUTION The scoping review indicated the gap in research in terms of breast cancer screening among women aged 40-75 years who reside in rural areas and highlighted the future need for such studies to make downstaging effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eucaria Yemukayi Mushosho
- Durban University of Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Radiography, Durban, South Africa; Harare Institute of Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | | | - Mbuyiselwa Radebe
- Durban University of Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Pauline Busisiwe Nkosi
- Durban University of Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Radiography, Durban, South Africa
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Mbavha BT, Thelingwani RS, Chikwambi Z, Nyakabau AM, Masimirembwa C. Pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen in a Zimbabwean breast cancer cohort. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:3209-3216. [PMID: 37337448 PMCID: PMC10529681 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is the most used hormonal therapy for oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. CYP2D6 is the main enzyme in the metabolic pathway of tamoxifen to endoxifen. Variations in endoxifen plasma concentrations are associated with CYP2D6 polymorphisms. This study aimed to determine the association between the CYP2D6 polymorphisms and endoxifen plasma concentrations in a cohort of Zimbabwean breast cancer patients (n = 40). TaqMan genotyping and copy number assays were done to determine CYP2D6 genotypes. Tamoxifen and metabolites were quantitated using LC-MS/MS. The population had high frequencies of the CYP2D6 reduced function alleles, *17 (15%) and *29 (18%). The median endoxifen concentration was 4.78 ng/mL, and in 55% of the patients, mostly intermediate metabolizers were below the endoxifen therapeutic threshold of 5.97 ng/mL. The CYP2D6 phenotypes and activity scores were significantly associated with endoxifen plasma concentrations (P = 0.0151) and with endoxifen to N-desmethyl-tamoxifen ratios (P = 0.0006).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianza Tinotenda Mbavha
- Department of Genomic Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), 911 Boronia Township, Beatrice, Zimbabwe
- Department of Biotechnology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Roslyn Stella Thelingwani
- Department of Genomic Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), 911 Boronia Township, Beatrice, Zimbabwe
| | - Zedias Chikwambi
- Department of Genomic Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), 911 Boronia Township, Beatrice, Zimbabwe
- Department of Biotechnology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Anna Mary Nyakabau
- Parirenyatwa Hospital Radiotherapy and Oncology Center, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Collen Masimirembwa
- Department of Genomic Medicine, African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), 911 Boronia Township, Beatrice, Zimbabwe
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
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Dix-Peek T, Phakathi BP, van den Berg EJ, Dickens C, Augustine TN, Cubasch H, Neugut AI, Jacobson JS, Joffe M, Ruff P, Duarte RAB. Discordance between PAM50 intrinsic subtyping and immunohistochemistry in South African women with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 199:1-12. [PMID: 36867282 PMCID: PMC10147771 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different gene expression profiles, treatment options and outcomes. In South Africa, tumors are classified using immunohistochemistry. In high-income countries multiparameter genomic assays are being utilized with implications for tumor classification and treatment. METHODS In a cohort of 378 breast cancer patients from the SABCHO study, we investigated the concordance between tumor samples classified by IHC and the PAM50 gene assay. RESULTS IHC classified patients as ER-positive (77.5%), PR-positive (70.6%), and HER2-positive (32.3%). These results, together with Ki67, were used as surrogates for intrinsic subtyping, and showed 6.9% IHC-A-clinical, 72.7% IHC-B-clinical, 5.3% IHC-HER2-clinical and 15.1% triple negative cancer (TNC). Typing using the PAM50 gave 19.3% luminal-A, 32.5% luminal-B, 23.5% HER2-enriched and 24.6% basal-like. The basal-like and TNC had the highest concordance, while the luminal-A and IHC-A group had the lowest concordance. By altering the cutoff for Ki67, and realigning the HER2/ER/PR-positive patients to IHC-HER2, we improved concordance with the intrinsic subtypes. CONCLUSION We suggest that the Ki67 be changed to a cutoff of 20-25% in our population to better reflect the luminal subtype classifications. This change would inform treatment options for breast cancer patients in settings where genomic assays are unaffordable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thérèse Dix-Peek
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
| | - Boitumelo P Phakathi
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Eunice J van den Berg
- Department of Histopathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, 26 Chris Hani Road, Diepkloof, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Caroline Dickens
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Tanya N Augustine
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Herbert Cubasch
- Batho Pele Breast Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, 26 Chris Hani Road, Diepkloof, Soweto, 1860, South Africa.,SA MRC Common Epithelial Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Judith S Jacobson
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Maureen Joffe
- SA MRC Common Epithelial Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Paul Ruff
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,SA MRC Common Epithelial Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Raquel A B Duarte
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
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Mushonga M, Weiss J, Liu ZA, Nyakabau AM, Mohamad O, Tawk B, Moraes FY, Grover S, Yap ML, Zubizarreta E, Lievens Y, Rodin D. Hypofractionation in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Across World Bank Income Groups: Results of an International Survey. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2200127. [PMID: 36706350 PMCID: PMC10166450 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypofractionated breast radiotherapy has been found to be equivalent to conventional fractionation in many clinical trials. Using data from the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology Global Impact of Radiotherapy in Oncology survey, we identified preferences for hypofractionation in breast cancer across World Bank income groups and the perceived facilitators and barriers to its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS An international, electronic survey was administered to radiation oncologists from 2018 to 2019. Demographics, practice characteristics, preferred hypofractionation regimen for specific breast cancer scenarios, and facilitators and barriers to hypofractionation were reported and stratified by World Bank income groups. Variables associated with hypofractionation were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS One thousand four hundred thirty-four physicians responded: 890 (62%) from high-income countries (HICs), 361 (25%) from upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), 183 (13%) from low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs). Hypofractionation was preferred most frequently in node-negative disease after breast-conserving surgery, with the strongest preference reported in HICs (78% from HICs, 54% from UMICs, and 51% from LLMICs, P < .001). Hypofractionation for node-positive disease postmastectomy was more frequently preferred in LLMICs (28% from HICs, 15% from UMICs, and 35% from LLMICs, P < .001). Curative doses of 2.1 to < 2.5 Gy in 15-16 fractions were most frequently reported, with limited preference for ultra-hypofractionation, but significant variability in palliative dosing. In adjusted analyses, UMICs were significantly less likely than LLMICs to prefer hypofractionation across all curative clinical scenarios, whereas respondents with > 1 million population catchments and with intensity-modulated radiotherapy were more likely to prefer hypofractionation. The most frequently cited facilitators and barriers were published evidence and fear of late toxicity, respectively. CONCLUSION Preference for hypofractionation varied for curative indications, with greater acceptance in earlier-stage disease in HICs and in later-stage disease in LLMICs. Targeted educational interventions and greater inclusivity in radiation oncology clinical trials may support greater uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Mushonga
- Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhihui Amy Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna-Mary Nyakabau
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Osama Mohamad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Bouchra Tawk
- German Cancer Research Consortium, Core Site Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine and Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabio Y Moraes
- Department of Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mei Ling Yap
- Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), Ingham Institute, UNSW Sydney, Liverpool, Australia.,Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Campbelltown, Australia
| | | | - Yolande Lievens
- Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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