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Barral Y, Borrás A, Carrillo P, Agustí I, Peralta S, Casals G, Fàbregues F, Guimerà M, Corral JM, Calafell JM, Redondo M, Glickman A, Rovira M, Adamo B, Ricart E, Trullàs DM. Current status of fertility preservation in a Spanish tertiary public hospital: multidisciplinary approach and experience in over 1500 patients. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:1129-1138. [PMID: 37872422 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03330-2] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Currently, 15% of gynaecological and 9% of haematological malignancies are diagnosed before the age of 40. The increased survival rates of cancer patients who are candidates for gonadotoxic treatments, the delay in childbearing to older ages, and the optimization of in vitro fertilisation techniques have all contributed to an increased interest in fertility preservation (FP) treatments. This study reviews the experience of the Fertility Preservation Programme (FPP) of a tertiary public hospital with a multidisciplinary approach. METHODS This retrospective study included all the available (FP) treatments, performed in patients of childbearing age between 2006 and 2022. RESULTS 1556 patients were referred to the FPP: 332 oocyte vitrification cycles, 115 ovarian cortex cryopreservation with 11 orthotopic autotransplantations, 175 gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatments, 109 fertility-sparing treatments for gynaecological cancer, and 576 sperm cryopreservation were performed. Malignancy was the main indication for FP (the main indications being breast cancer in women and haematological malignancies in men), although non-oncological pathologies, such as endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, have increased in recent years. Currently, the most widely used FP technique is oocyte vitrification, the increase of which has been associated with a decrease in the use of cortex CP and GnRH agonists. CONCLUSIONS The increase in FP treatment reflects the implementation of reproductive counselling in oncology programmes. A multidisciplinary approach in a tertiary public hospital allows individualised FP treatment for each patient. In recent years, there has been a change in trend with the introduction of new indications for FP and a change in techniques due to their optimisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Barral
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Borrás
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Carrillo
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Agustí
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Peralta
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Casals
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Fàbregues
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Guimerà
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Corral
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Calafell
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Redondo
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariel Glickman
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Rovira
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Institute of Hematological and Oncological Diseases, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bárbara Adamo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Clinical Institute of Hematological and Oncological Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Ricart
- Gastroenterology Department, Clinical Institute of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Manau Trullàs
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clinical Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, C/Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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Hatzipanagiotou ME, Pigerl M, Gerken M, Räpple S, Zeltner V, Hetterich M, Ugocsai P, Inwald EC, Klinkhammer-Schalke M, Ortmann O, Seitz S. Clinical impact of delaying initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early triple negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 204:607-615. [PMID: 38238552 PMCID: PMC10959785 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07207-4] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal time to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy (TTAC) for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients is unclear. This study evaluates the association between TTAC and survival in TNBC patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study using data from a cohort of TNBC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018, registered in the Tumor Centre Regensburg was conducted. Data included demographics, pathology, treatment, recurrence and survival. TTAC was defined as days from primary surgery to first dose of adjuvant chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate impact of TTAC on overall survival (OS) and 5-year OS. RESULTS A total of 245 TNBC patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and valid TTAC data were included. Median TTAC was 29 days. The group receiving systemic therapy within 22 to 28 days after surgery had the most favorable outcome, with median OS of 10.2 years. Groups receiving systemic therapy between 29-35 days, 36-42 days, and more than 6 weeks after surgery had significantly decreased median survival, with median OS of 8.3 years, 7.8 years, and 6.9 years, respectively. Patients receiving therapy between 22-28 days had significantly better survival compared to those receiving therapy between 29-35 days (p = 0.043), and patients receiving therapy after 22-28 days also demonstrated significantly better survival compared to those receiving therapy after more than 43 days (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION Timing of adjuvant systemic therapy can influence OS in TNBC patients. Efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary delays in administering chemotherapy to ensure timely initiation of systemic therapy and optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleni Hatzipanagiotou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Miriam Pigerl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Gerken
- Bavarian Cancer Registry, Regional Centre Regensburg, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Räpple
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Verena Zeltner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine Hetterich
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Ugocsai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Christine Inwald
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Monika Klinkhammer-Schalke
- Tumor Center Regensburg - Centre for Quality Management and Health Services Research, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Seitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuterstraße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
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Macklon KT, De Vos M. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients: time to stop? Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103939. [PMID: 38733675 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103939] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is currently offered to young women with breast cancer to increase their chances of motherhood after a potentially gonadotoxic treatment. Ovarian stimulation with oocyte vitrification and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue remain the most commonly used methods of choice. Whichever method is preferred is very much dependent on the practice and experience of the clinics, although for breast cancer in particular one method might be superior to the other. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is inevitably associated with the iatrogenic reduction of the ovarian reserve of a patient and should only be offered to women with a high risk of premature ovarian insufficiency following treatment. However, for younger breast cancer survivors, pregnancy and delivery rates are reassuringly high, even after chemotherapy. Despite its widespread use, few women come back to make use of their cryopreserved tissue. It is argued here that cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is not an appropriate option for breast cancer patients and discuss the reasons for this opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Tryde Macklon
- Fertility Department, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Cai L, Sidey-Gibbons C, Nees J, Riedel F, Schaefgen B, Togawa R, Killinger K, Heil J, Pfob A, Golatta M. Ultrasound Radiomics Features to Identify Patients With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2024; 43:467-478. [PMID: 38069582 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibit a fast tumor growth rate and poor survival outcomes. In this study, we aimed to develop and compare intelligent algorithms using ultrasound radiomics features in addition to clinical variables to identify patients with TNBC prior to histopathologic diagnosis. METHODS We used single-center, retrospective data of patients who underwent ultrasound before histopathologic verification and subsequent neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST). We developed a logistic regression with an elastic net penalty algorithm using pretreatment ultrasound radiomics features in addition to patient and tumor variables to identify patients with TNBC. Findings were compared to the histopathologic evaluation of the biopsy specimen. The main outcome measure was the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS We included 1161 patients, 813 in the development set and 348 in the validation set. Median age was 50.1 years and 24.4% (283 of 1161) had TNBC. The integrative model using radiomics and clinical information showed significantly better performance in identifying TNBC compared to the radiomics model (AUC: 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.76 versus 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57-0.71, P = .004). The five most important variables were cN status, shape surface volume ratio (SA:V), gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) correlation, gray level dependence matrix (GLDM) dependence nonuniformity normalized, and age. Patients with TNBC were more often categorized as BI-RADS 4 than BI-RADS 5 compared to non-TNBC patients (P = .002). CONCLUSION A machine learning algorithm showed promising potential to identify patients with TNBC using ultrasound radiomics features and clinical information prior to histopathologic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lie Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chris Sidey-Gibbons
- MD Anderson Center for INSPiRED Cancer Care (Integrated Systems for Patient-Reported Data), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Juliane Nees
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Riedel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schaefgen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Riku Togawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristina Killinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joerg Heil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - André Pfob
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- MD Anderson Center for INSPiRED Cancer Care (Integrated Systems for Patient-Reported Data), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Golatta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Benvenuti C, Laot L, Grinda T, Lambertini M, Pistilli B, Grynberg M. Is controlled ovarian stimulation safe in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy? ESMO Open 2024; 9:102228. [PMID: 38232611 PMCID: PMC10803916 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.102228] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for oocyte/embryo cryopreservation is the method of choice for fertility preservation (FP) in young patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (eBC). Nevertheless, some challenges still question its role, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting, where concerns arise about potential delay in the onset of anticancer treatment, and in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease, as cancer cells may proliferate under the estrogenic peak associated with stimulation. Therefore, this review aims to examine the available evidence on the safety of COS in eBC patients eligible for neoadjuvant treatment (NAT), particularly in HR+ disease. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the feasibility and safety of COS in eBC and including patients referred to NAT and/or with HR+ disease. Time to NAT and survival outcomes were assessed. RESULTS Of the three matched cohort studies assessing the impact of COS on time to start NAT, only one reported a significant small delay in the cohort undergoing COS compared with the control group, whereas the other studies found no difference. Regarding survival outcomes, overall, no increased risk of recurrence or death was found, either in patients undergoing COS in the neoadjuvant setting regardless of HR expression or in HR+ disease regardless of the timing of COS relative to surgery. However, there are no data on the safety of COS in the specific combined scenario of HR+ disease undergoing NAT. CONCLUSION Neither the indication to NAT nor the HR positivity constitutes per se an a priori contraindication to COS. Shared decision making between clinicians and patients is essential to carefully weigh the risks and benefits in each individual case. Prospective studies designed to specifically investigate this issue are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Benvenuti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - L Laot
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, Antoine Beclere Hospital, Clamart, France
| | - T Grinda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - M Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - B Pistilli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
| | - M Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Jean Verdier Hospital, Bondy, France
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Mattar A, Hegg R, Tayar DO, Rocha M, Terzian ALB, Oliveira RW, Julian GS, Gebrim LH. Prognostic Factors and Survival Outcomes of Patients With Early HER2+ Breast Cancer Treated With Trastuzumab in a Brazilian Public Reference Center: A Real-World Study. Clin Breast Cancer 2023; 23:864-875.e7. [PMID: 37802752 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.08.009] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trastuzumab was introduced into the Brazilian public health care service for early breast cancer (BC) in 2012. This study describes the survival outcomes and prognostic factors related to early HER2+ BC treatment in a Brazilian reference cancer center. PATIENTS AND METHODS This were a retrospective, single-center, observational study of early HER2+ BC patients treated with trastuzumab in the (neo)adjuvant setting between 2012 and 2018 at Hospital Pérola Byington. Demographic, clinical, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) data were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess independent prognostic factors. RESULTS One hundred seventy-six and 353 patients treated in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting were included, respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 79% and 56% for the neoadjuvant group and 97% and 92% for the adjuvant group, respectively. Node positivity at diagnosis predicted poor OS for both groups. In the neoadjuvant group, stage III disease at diagnosis, delayed surgery, and lack of pathological complete response (pCR) predicted poor prognosis. The 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 67% and 46% in the neoadjuvant group and 91% and 86% in the adjuvant group, respectively. Histological grade 2, stage III disease at diagnosis, and lack of pCR predicted poor DFS for the neoadjuvant group. For the adjuvant group, node positivity at diagnosis predicted poor DFS. CONCLUSION Our results reveal multiple clinical parameters affecting survival outcomes according to the treatment setting. Patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy have a poor prognosis since they present with more advanced disease, indicating the importance of early diagnosis and optimized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Mattar
- Hospital Pérola Byington, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Hospital da Mulher, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Oncoclínicas São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Daiane O Tayar
- Roche Brazil, Rua Dr Rubens Gomes Bueno, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Rocha
- Roche Brazil, Rua Dr Rubens Gomes Bueno, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Hatzipanagiotou ME, Pigerl M, Gerken M, Räpple S, Zeltner V, Hetterich M, Ugocsai P, Fernandez-Pacheco M, Inwald EC, Klinkhammer-Schalke M, Ortmann O, Seitz S. Does timing of neoadjuvant chemotherapy influence the prognosis in patients with early triple negative breast cancer? J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11941-11950. [PMID: 37418056 PMCID: PMC10465651 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05060-y] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE For patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), the optimal time to initiate neoadjuvant chemotherapy (TTNC) is unknown. This study evaluates the association between TTNC and survival in patients with early TNBC. METHODS A retrospective study using data from of a cohort of TNBC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018 registered in the Tumor Centre Regensburg was performed. Data included demographics, pathology, treatment, recurrence, and survival. Interval to treatment was defined as days from pathology diagnosis of TNBC to first dose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used to evaluate the impact of TTNC on overall survival (OS) and 5 year OS. RESULTS A total of 270 patients were included. Median follow up was 3.5 years. The 5-year OS estimates according to TTNC were 77.4%, 66.9%, 82.3%, 80.6%, 88.3%, 58.3%, 71.1% and 66.7% in patients who received NACT within 0-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-35, 36-42, 43-49, 50-56 and > 56 days after diagnosis. Patients who received systemic therapy early had the highest estimated mean OS of 8.4 years, while patients who received systemic therapy after more than 56 days survived an estimated 3.3 years. CONCLUSION The optimal time interval between diagnosis and NACT remains to be determined. However, starting NACT more than 42 days after diagnosis of TNBC seems to reduce survival. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to carry out the treatment in a certified breast center with appropriate structures, in order to enable an adequate and timely care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleni Hatzipanagiotou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maria Eleni Hatzipanagiotou, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Miriam Pigerl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Gerken
- Bavarian Cancer Registry, Regional Centre Regensburg, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Räpple
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Verena Zeltner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine Hetterich
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Ugocsai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Fernandez-Pacheco
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Christine Inwald
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Monika Klinkhammer-Schalke
- Tumor Center Regensburg - Centre for Quality Management and Health Services Research, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Seitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Landshuter Straße 65, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
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Khouri A, Islam JY, Van Bibber NW, Coghill AE, Suneja G. Cancer treatment delays among cancer patients living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18717-18728. [PMID: 37712718 PMCID: PMC10557907 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6489] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic led to care disruptions across the cancer continuum. It is unknown if immunosuppressed patients with cancer, who may be at higher risk for complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, are disproportionately impacted. Thus, we aimed to compare delays in cancer treatment initiation between people living with HIV (PLWH) and cancer, the general cancer population (GCP), and patients with cancer and a history of solid organ transplant (SOT). Comparisons were made across the period 2 years preceding the pandemic versus the first year of the pandemic. METHODS We used data from a real-world electronic health record-derived de-identified database (2018-2021) comprised of US patients with cancer from 800 sites of care across the country. We included patients with 19 different cancer types. We calculated time to cancer treatment initiation (TTI) as the difference between the date of cancer diagnosis and the earliest date that cancer treatment was recorded. RESULTS The sample included 181 PLWH, 65,073 GCP patients, and 195 patients with a SOT. Difference-in-difference regression models adjusted for age, sex, and presence of metastatic disease at cancer diagnosis revealed a significant increase in delayed TTI among PLWH compared to the GCP during COVID-19 versus prior to COVID-19, with delays increasing by approximately 1 month during the pandemic (DID: 32.6 days [8.9-56.3]; p = 0.007). The increase in TTI for PLWH was observed across treatment modalities, including surgery (DID: 55.1 [28.8-81.3], p < 0.001) and systemic therapy (DID: 30.4 [4.6-56.3], p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS/RELEVANCE PLWH experienced significant delays in cancer treatment initiation after diagnosis during the first year of COVID-19, delays that may negatively impact cancer outcomes. These data warrant patient and provider attention as the pandemic continues to impact the US healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Khouri
- University of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Jessica Y. Islam
- Cancer Epidemiology ProgramH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research InstituteTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Nathan W. Van Bibber
- Cancer Epidemiology ProgramH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research InstituteTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Anna E. Coghill
- Cancer Epidemiology ProgramH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research InstituteTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Gita Suneja
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
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9
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Chavez-MacGregor M, Lei X, Malinowski C, Zhao H, Shih YC, Giordano SH. Medicaid expansion, chemotherapy delays, and racial disparities among women with early-stage breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:644-651. [PMID: 36794921 PMCID: PMC10248833 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act extends eligibility for participating states and has been associated with improved outcomes by facilitating access to care. Delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with worse outcomes among patients with early-stage breast cancer (BC). The impact of Medicaid expansion in narrowing delays by race and ethnicity has not been studied, to our knowledge. METHODS This was a population-based study using the National Cancer Database. Patients diagnosed with primary early-stage BC between 2007 and 2017 residing in states that underwent Medicaid expansion in January 2014 were included. Time to chemotherapy initiation and proportion of patients experiencing chemotherapy delays (>60 days) were evaluated using difference-in-difference and Cox proportional hazards models in preexpansion and postexpansion periods according to race and ethnicity. RESULTS A total 100 643 patients were included (63 313 preexpansion and 37 330 postexpansion). After Medicaid expansion, the proportion of patients experiencing chemotherapy initiation delay decreased from 23.4% to 19.4%. The absolute decrease was 3.2, 5.3, 6.4, and 4.8 percentage points (ppt) for Black, Hispanic, White, and Other patients. Compared with White patients, statistically significant adjusted difference-in-differences were observed for Black (-2.1 ppt, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.7% to -0.5%) and Hispanic patients (-3.2 ppt, 95% CI = -5.6% to -0.9%). Statistically significant reductions in time to chemotherapy between expansion periods were observed among White patients (adjusted hazard ratio = .11, 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.12) and those belonging to racialized groups (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.17). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with early-stage BC, Medicaid expansion was associated with a reduction in racial disparities by decreasing the gap in the proportion of Black and Hispanic patients experiencing delays in adjuvant chemotherapy initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Chavez-MacGregor
- Department of Health Services Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Breast Cancer Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiudong Lei
- Department of Health Services Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Catalina Malinowski
- Department of Health Services Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Health Services Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ya-Chen Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sharon H Giordano
- Department of Health Services Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Breast Cancer Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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10
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Bhardwaj PV, Mason H, Kaufman SA, Visintainer P, Makari-Judson G. Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Team in the Management of Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy at a Community Cancer Center. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4861-4870. [PMID: 37232824 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30050366] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remains highly variable in clinical practice. The implementation of NAC requires coordination of handoffs between a multidisciplinary team (MDT). This study aims to assess the outcomes of an MDT in the management of early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy at a community cancer center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series on patients receiving NAC for early-stage operable or locally advanced breast cancer coordinated by an MDT. Outcomes of interest included the rate of downstaging of cancer in the breast and axilla, time from biopsy to NAC, time from completion of NAC to surgery, and time from surgery to radiation therapy (RT). Results: Ninety-four patients underwent NAC; 84% were White and mean age was 56.5 yrs. Of them, 87 (92.5%) had clinical stage II or III cancer, and 43 (45.8%) had positive lymph nodes. Thirty-nine patients (42.9%) were triple negative, 28 (30.8%) were human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2)+, and 24 (26.2%) were estrogen receptor (ER) +HER-2-. Of 91 patients, 23 (25.3%) achieved pCR; 84 patients (91.4%) had downstaging of the breast tumor, and 30 (33%) had axillary downstaging. The median time from diagnosis to NAC was 37.5 days, the time from completion of NAC to surgery was 29 days, and the time from surgery to RT was 49.5 days. Conclusions: Our MDT provided timely, coordinated, and consistent care for patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing NAC as evidenced by time to treatment outcomes consistent with recommended national trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthna V Bhardwaj
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199 , USA
| | - Holly Mason
- Breast Surgery Section, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Seth A Kaufman
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Paul Visintainer
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical-Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Grace Makari-Judson
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199 , USA
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11
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Shiels MS, Lipkowitz S, Campos NG, Schiffman M, Schiller JT, Freedman ND, Berrington de González A. Opportunities for Achieving the Cancer Moonshot Goal of a 50% Reduction in Cancer Mortality by 2047. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1084-1099. [PMID: 37067240 PMCID: PMC10164123 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
On February 2, 2022, President Biden and First Lady Dr. Biden reignited the Cancer Moonshot, setting a new goal to reduce age-standardized cancer mortality rates by at least 50% over the next 25 years in the United States. We estimated trends in U.S. cancer mortality during 2000 to 2019 for all cancers and the six leading types (lung, colorectum, pancreas, breast, prostate, liver). Cancer death rates overall declined by 1.4% per year from 2000 to 2015, accelerating to 2.3% per year during 2016 to 2019, driven by strong declines in lung cancer mortality (-4.7%/year, 2014 to 2019). Recent declines in colorectal (-2.0%/year, 2010-2019) and breast cancer death rates (-1.2%/year, 2013-2019) also contributed. However, trends for other cancer types were less promising. To achieve the Moonshot goal, progress against lung, colorectal, and breast cancer deaths needs to be maintained and/or accelerated, and new strategies for prostate, liver, pancreatic, and other cancers are needed. We reviewed opportunities to prevent, detect, and treat these common cancers that could further reduce population-level cancer death rates and also reduce disparities. SIGNIFICANCE We reviewed opportunities to prevent, detect, and treat common cancers, and show that to achieve the Moonshot goal, progress against lung, colorectal, and breast cancer deaths needs to be maintained and/or accelerated, and new strategies for prostate, liver, pancreatic, and other cancers are needed. See related commentary by Bertagnolli et al., p. 1049. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith S Shiels
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nicole G Campos
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Schiffman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - John T Schiller
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Neal D Freedman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Amy Berrington de González
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Herbert SL, Hirzle P, Bartmann C, Schlaiß T, Kiesel M, Curtaz C, Löb S, Wöckel A, Diessner J. Optimized process quality in certified breast centers through adherence to stringent diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms effects of structural as well as socio-demographic factors on start of therapy. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:1097-1104. [PMID: 35927591 PMCID: PMC10023602 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06666-2] [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: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE An increasing incidence of breast cancer can be observed worldwide. Since a delay of therapy can have a negative impact on prognosis, timely cancer care is an important quality indicator. By receiving treatment at a certified breast cancer center, the patient has the best chance of treatment in accordance with guidelines and the best prognosis. The identification of risk factors for a delay of therapy is of central importance and should be the basis for a continuous optimization of treatment at breast cancer centers. METHODS This retrospective study included women with breast cancer (primary diagnosis, relapse, or secondary malignancy) at the University Hospital Würzburg in 2019 and 2020. Data were retrieved from patients' records. Correlations and regression analyses were performed to detect potential risk factors for treatment delay. RESULTS Patients who received the histological confirmation of breast cancer at an external institution experienced a later therapy start than those patients who received the histological confirmation at the University Hospital Würzburg itself. (35.7 vs. 32.2 days). The interval between histological confirmation and the first consultation at the University Hospital Würzburg correlated statistically significant with age, distress and distance to the hospital. CONCLUSION Patients with an in-house diagnosis of breast cancer are treated more quickly than those whose diagnosis was confirmed in an external institution. We identified factors such as increased age, greater distance to the hospital as well as increased distress to prolong the time until start of oncological treatment. Intensified patient care should be offered to these subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia-Laureen Herbert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Paula Hirzle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Catharina Bartmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Schlaiß
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kiesel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Curtaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sanja Löb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Achim Wöckel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Diessner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Würzburg, Universitätsfrauenklinik Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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13
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Sellami I, Mayeur A, Benoit A, Zeghari F, Peigné M, Roufael J, Grynberg M, Sonigo C. Oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation following COS does not delay the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer compared to IVM. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:473-480. [PMID: 36752941 PMCID: PMC10033766 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02739-6] [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: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether oocyte vitrification following controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation (FP) delays the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer (BC) as compared to in vitro maturation (IVM). METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including all BC patients eligible for oocyte vitrification following COS or in vitro maturation (IVM) before initiation of NAC between January 2016 and December 2020. The inclusion criteria were female patients aged between 18 and 40, with confirmed non metastatic BC, with indication of NAC, who have had oocyte retrieval for FP after COS, or IVM + / - cryopreservation of ovarian tissue (OTC). Various time points related to cancer diagnosis, FP, or chemotherapy were obtained from a medical record review. RESULTS A total of 197 patients with confirmed BC who had oocyte retrieval following COS (n = 57) or IVM + / - OTC (n = 140) for FP prior to NAC were included. Overall, the average time from cancer diagnosis to chemotherapy start was similar between patients having undergone COS or IVM before oocyte vitrification (37.3 ± 13.8 vs. 36. 8 ± 13.5 days; p = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS The indication of NAC for BC should not be considered as an impediment to urgent COS for oocyte vitrification for FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sellami
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France.
| | - Anne Mayeur
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Antoine Béclère Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Alexandra Benoit
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Fayçal Zeghari
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Maeliss Peigné
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Jean Verdier Hospital, APHP, 93140, Bondy, France
- University Paris XIII, 93000, Bobigny, France
| | - Jad Roufael
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Michaël Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Jean Verdier Hospital, APHP, 93140, Bondy, France
- University Paris XIII, 93000, Bobigny, France
- BFA-Unite de Biologie Fonctionnelle Et Adaptative, UMR 8251, CNRS, ERL U1133 Inserm, Universite de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Sonigo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
- Inserm U1185, Physiologie Et Physiopathologie Endocrinienne, Université Paris Saclay, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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14
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Malinowski C, Paredes E, Housten AJ, Chavez-MacGregor M. Advice from One Patient to Another: Qualitative Analysis of Patients' Perspectives About Chemotherapy Initiation. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:3283-3289. [PMID: 36540647 PMCID: PMC9760078 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s385997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although the association between delays in (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy initiation and adverse outcomes is well-documented, patient perspective regarding the lived experience among those with breast cancer delay is sparse. Project Start was a qualitative study designed to assess and identify the multilevel factors contributing to the barriers and facilitators of initiating chemotherapy. This report explores specific responses where patients with breast cancer provide insight and advice for newly diagnosed women on preparing for chemotherapy initiation and informs potential interventions to facilitate timely chemotherapy initiation. Patients and Methods Women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer who experienced a ≥60-day delay in (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy initiation were included. Participants completed semi-structured interviews exploring barriers and facilitators to starting chemotherapy. Interviews were transcribed and coded to identify themes. Results We enrolled (N = 22) participants with a median age at diagnosis of 53.5 years (range 27-70) who identified as Latina (n = 8), Black (n = 5), and non-Latina White (n = 9). Our participants indicated that engaging their medical teams and seeking support earlier were essential to initiate their treatment journeys. They emphasized being proactive and thorough in all aspects of their journey, particularly in processing medical recommendations, communicating with medical personnel, and identifying areas of need. Although explicit insight into chemotherapy delay was rare, participants expressed the importance of beginning treatment promptly. They shared advice on acquiring support (eg, financial, emotional, logistical, spiritual) and suggested connecting with breast cancer survivors to overcome the complex challenges of cancer care. Conclusion Patient perspectives regarding barriers and treatment facilitators help provide insight into the lived experience of cancer care journeys that can inform interventions to improve patient support and outcomes. We are using these results to develop a pilot study to test the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored patient navigation intervention to increase self-efficacy and avoid treatment delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Malinowski
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Edna Paredes
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ashley J Housten
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mariana Chavez-MacGregor
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Zaveri S, Nevid D, Ru M, Moshier E, Pisapati K, Reyes SA, Port E, Romanoff A. Racial Disparities in Time to Treatment Persist in the Setting of a Comprehensive Breast Center. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:6692-6703. [PMID: 35697955 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11971-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial disparities in breast cancer care have been linked to treatment delays. We explored whether receiving care at a comprehensive breast center could mitigate disparities in time to treatment. METHODS Retrospective chart review identified breast cancer patients who underwent surgery from 2012 to 2018 at a comprehensive breast center. Time-to-treatment intervals were compared among self-identified racial and ethnic groups by negative binomial regression models. RESULTS Overall, 2094 women met the inclusion criteria: 1242 (59%) White, 262 (13%) Black, 302 (14%) Hispanic, 105 (5%) Asian, and 183 (9%) other race or ethnicity. Black and Hispanic patients more often had Medicaid insurance, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, advanced-stage breast cancer, mastectomy, and additional imaging after breast center presentation (p < 0.05). After controlling for other variables, racial or ethnic minority groups had consistently longer intervals to treatment, with Black women experiencing the greatest disparity (incidence rate ratio 1.42). Time from initial comprehensive breast center visit to treatment was also significantly shorter in White patients versus non-White patients (p < 0.0001). Black race, Medicaid insurance/being uninsured, older age, earlier stage, higher ASA score, undergoing mastectomy, having reconstruction, and requiring additional pretreatment work-up were associated with a longer time from initial visit at the comprehensive breast center to treatment on multivariable analysis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Racial or ethnic minority groups have significant delays in treatment even when receiving care at a comprehensive breast center. Influential factors include insurance delays and necessity of additional pretreatment work-up. Specific policies are needed to address system barriers in treatment access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Zaveri
- Department of Surgery, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniella Nevid
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meng Ru
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin Moshier
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kereeti Pisapati
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sylvia A Reyes
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa Port
- Dubin Breast Center, Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Global Health and Health System Design, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, Room 556C, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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16
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Arecco L, Blondeaux E, Bruzzone M, Ceppi M, Latocca MM, Marrocco C, Boutros A, Spagnolo F, Razeti MG, Favero D, Spinaci S, Condorelli M, Massarotti C, Goldrat O, Del Mastro L, Demeestere I, Lambertini M. Safety of fertility preservation techniques before and after anticancer treatments in young women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:954-968. [PMID: 35220429 PMCID: PMC9071231 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it safe to perform controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation before starting anticancer therapies or ART after treatments in young breast cancer patients? SUMMARY ANSWER Performing COS before, or ART following anticancer treatment in young women with breast cancer does not seem to be associated with detrimental prognostic effect in terms of breast cancer recurrence, mortality or event-free survival (EFS). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY COS for oocyte/embryo cryopreservation before starting chemotherapy is standard of care for young women with breast cancer wishing to preserve fertility. However, some oncologists remain concerned on the safety of COS, particularly in patients with hormone-sensitive tumors, even when associated with aromatase inhibitors. Moreover, limited evidence exists on the safety of ART in breast cancer survivors for achieving pregnancy after the completion of anticancer treatments. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The present systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out by three blinded investigators using the keywords 'breast cancer' and 'fertility preservation'; keywords were combined with Boolean operators. Eligible studies were identified by a systematic literature search of Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane library with no language or date restriction up to 30 June 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS To be included in this meta-analysis, eligible studies had to be case-control or cohort studies comparing survival outcomes of women who underwent COS or ART before or after breast cancer treatments compared to breast cancer patients not exposed to these strategies. Survival outcomes of interest were cancer recurrence rate, relapse rate, overall survival and number of deaths. Adjusted relative risk (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI were extracted. When the number of events for each group were available but the above measures were not reported, HRs were estimated using the Watkins and Bennett method. We excluded case reports or case series with <10 patients and studies without a control group of breast cancer patients who did not pursue COS or ART. Quality of data and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 1835 records were retrieved. After excluding ineligible publications, 15 studies were finally included in the present meta-analysis (n = 4643). Among them, 11 reported the outcomes of breast cancer patients who underwent COS for fertility preservation before starting chemotherapy, and 4 the safety of ART following anticancer treatment completion. Compared to women who did not receive fertility preservation at diagnosis (n = 2386), those who underwent COS (n = 1594) had reduced risk of recurrence (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.46-0.73) and mortality (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.76). No detrimental effect of COS on EFS was observed (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.55-1.06). A similar trend of better outcomes in terms of EFS was observed in women with hormone-receptor-positive disease who underwent COS (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20-0.65). A reduced risk of recurrence was also observed in patients undergoing COS before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.80). Compared to women not exposed to ART following completion of anticancer treatments (n = 540), those exposed to ART (n = 123) showed a tendency for better outcomes in terms of recurrence ratio (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17-0.70) and EFS (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.17-1.11). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This meta-analysis is based on abstracted data and most of the studies included are retrospective cohort studies. Not all studies had matching criteria between the study population and the controls, and these criteria often differed between the studies. Moreover, rate of recurrence is reported as a punctual event and it is not possible to establish when recurrences occurred and whether follow-up, which was shorter than 5 years in some of the included studies, is adequate to capture late recurrences. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results demonstrate that performing COS at diagnosis or ART following treatment completion does not seem to be associated with detrimental prognostic effect in young women with breast cancer, including among patients with hormone receptor-positive disease and those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Partially supported by the Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC; grant number MFAG 2020 ID 24698) and the Italian Ministry of Health-5 × 1000 funds 2017 (no grant number). M.L. acted as consultant for Roche, Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, AstraZeneca, MSD, Exact Sciences, Gilead, Seagen and received speaker honoraria from Roche, Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, Ipsen, Takeda, Libbs, Knight, Sandoz outside the submitted work. F.S. acted as consultant for Novartis, MSD, Sun Pharma, Philogen and Pierre Fabre and received speaker honoraria from Roche, Novartis, BMS, MSD, Merck, Sun Pharma, Sanofi and Pierre Fabre outside the submitted work. I.D. has acted as a consultant for Roche, has received research grants from Roche and Ferring, has received reagents for academic clinical trial from Roche diagnostics, speaker's fees from Novartis, and support for congresses from Theramex and Ferring outside the submitted work. L.D.M. reported honoraria from Roche, Novartis, Eli Lilly, MSD, Pfizer, Ipsen, Novartis and had an advisory role for Roche, Eli Lilly, Novartis, MSD, Genomic Health, Pierre Fabre, Daiichi Sankyo, Seagen, AstraZeneca, Eisai outside the submitted work. The other authors declare no conflict of interest. The funding organizations had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript and decision to submit the manuscript for publication. REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Arecco
- U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - E Blondeaux
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- U.O.S.D. Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - M Bruzzone
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - M Ceppi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - M M Latocca
- U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - C Marrocco
- U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - A Boutros
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - F Spagnolo
- U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - M G Razeti
- U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - D Favero
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- U.O.S.D. Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - S Spinaci
- Breast Unit, Ospedale Villa Scassi, Genova, Italy
| | - M Condorelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Massarotti
- Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - O Goldrat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Del Mastro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- U.O.S.D. Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - I Demeestere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Lambertini
- U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Sciences (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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17
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Song JH, Kantor O, Mittendorf EA, King TA, Minami CA. Race and Site of Care Impact Treatment Delays in Older Women with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:10.1245/s10434-022-11543-y. [PMID: 35353260 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women ≥ 65 years of age are less likely to receive guideline-concordant breast cancer care. Given existing racial/ethnic disparities, older minority breast cancer patients may be especially prone to inequalities in care. How site of care impacts older breast cancer patients is not well defined. We sought to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and breast cancer treatment delays in older women treated at minority-serving hospitals (MSHs) versus non-MSHs. METHODS Women ≥ 65 years of age treated for non-metastatic breast cancer were identified in the National Cancer Database (2010-2017). Treatment delay was defined as > 90 days from diagnosis to initial treatment. MSHs were defined as the top decile of hospitals serving predominantly Black or Hispanic patients. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for patient, tumor, and hospital characteristics were used to determine the odds of treatment delay for women at MSHs versus non-MSHs across racial/ethnic groups. RESULTS Overall, 557,816 women were identified among 41 MSHs and 1146 non-MSHs. Average time to treatment was 33.71 days (standard deviation 26.92 days). Older women at MSHs were more likely to experience treatment delays than those at non-MSHs (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.36). Regardless of where they received care, minorities were more likely to experience treatment delays than non-Hispanic White women. CONCLUSIONS Although 97% of older women treated at Commission on Cancer-accredited hospitals received timely breast cancer care, minorities and those treated at MSHs were more likely to experience treatment delays. Interventions addressing barriers to timely breast cancer care at MSHs may be an effective approach to reducing racial/ethnic disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia H Song
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olga Kantor
- Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tari A King
- Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina A Minami
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Shafaee MN, Silva LR, Ramalho S, Doria MT, De Andrade Natal R, Cabello V, Cons L, Pavanello M, Zeferino LC, Mano MS, Linck RDM, Batista LS, Pedro EP, De Paula BH, Zuca-Matthes G, Podany E, Makawita S, Ann Stewart K, Tsavachidis S, Tamimi R, Bondy M, Debord L, Ellis M, Bines J, Cabello C. Breast Cancer Treatment Delay in SafetyNet Health Systems, Houston Versus Southeast Brazil. Oncologist 2022; 27:344-351. [PMID: 35348756 PMCID: PMC9074991 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer outcomes among patients who use safety-net hospitals in the highly populated Harris County, Texas and Southeast Brazil are poor. It is unknown whether treatment delay contributes to these outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 at Harris Health Texas and Unicamp’s Women’s Hospital, Barretos Hospital, and Brazilian National Institute of Cancer, Brazil. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate association of time to treatment and risk of recurrence (ROR) or death. Results One thousand one hundred ninety-one patients were included. Women in Brazil were more frequently diagnosed with stage III disease (32.3% vs. 21.1% Texas; P = .002). Majority of patients in both populations had symptom-detected disease (63% in Brazil vs. 59% in Texas). Recurrence within 5 years from diagnosis was similar 21% versus 23%. Median time from diagnosis to first treatment defined as either systemic therapy (chemotherapy or endocrine therapy) or surgery, were comparable, 9.9 weeks versus 9.4 weeks. Treatment delay was not associated with increased ROR or death. Higher stage at diagnosis was associated with both increased ROR and death. Conclusion Time from symptoms to treatment was considerably long in both populations. Treatment delay did not affect outcomes. Impact Access to timely screening and diagnosis of breast cancer are priorities in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Roberto Silva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Susana Ramalho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira Teixeira Doria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital of Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo De Andrade Natal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor Cabello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Cons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Pavanello
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luiz Carlos Zeferino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Max S Mano
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelsey Ann Stewart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Rull Tamimi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Bondy
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Logan Debord
- Department of Dermatology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Jose Bines
- Instituto Nacional Do Câncer (INCA - HCIII), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cesar Cabello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Housten AJ, Malinowski C, Paredes E, Harris CL, McNeill LH, Chavez-MacGregor M. Movement Through Chemotherapy Delay to Initiation Among Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Analysis. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:749-759. [PMID: 35345541 PMCID: PMC8957340 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s350412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose (Neo) adjuvant chemotherapy decreases the risk of recurrence and improves overall survival among breast cancer patients; however, delays in chemotherapy initiation are associated with adverse health outcomes. The causes of delay are complex and include interrelated social, economic, cultural, environmental, and health system factors. Project Start was a qualitative study designed to assess and identify the multilevel factors contributing to the barriers and facilitators of initiating chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer who experienced ≥60 day delay in (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy initiation were included. Participants completed semi-structured interviews exploring barriers and facilitators to starting chemotherapy. Interviews were transcribed and coded to identify themes using the Sort and Sift, Think and Shift analytic approach. This analysis included thorough examination of the data by advancing through iterative analytic phases to identify core topics within and across transcripts. Results We enrolled (N=22) participants with median age at diagnosis 53.5 years (range 27-70) who identified as Latina (n=8), Black (n=5), and non-Latina White (n=9). Participants described a common chemotherapy initiation process reflecting their unique needs as they transitioned through four stages: 1) receiving diagnosis and treatment recommendations; 2) processing treatment options; 3) "Flipping the Switch"; and 4) activating treatment and engaging in care. Limited explicit insight into their chemotherapy delay was expressed. Engagement across the self-, family-, community-, and medical-realms revealed interlinked and pivotal sources of support that helped participants navigate toward initiating chemotherapy. Specifically, the overarching themes included logistical, emotional, financial, and social sources of support and the relationship of these sources of support to participants' perceived self-efficacy to move toward initiating treatment. Conclusion Activating women to be engaged in the treatment process across multiple levels appeared to facilitate initiating chemotherapy. Multilevel interventions that engage the patient, family, community, and medical team may support the initiation of timely chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley J Housten
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Catalina Malinowski
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Edna Paredes
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cassandra L Harris
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lorna H McNeill
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mariana Chavez-MacGregor
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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20
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Pumpalova YS, Ayeni OA, Chen WC, Buccimazza I, Cačala S, Stopforth LW, Farrow HA, Mapanga W, Nietz S, Phakathi B, Joffe M, McCormack V, Jacobson JS, Crew KD, Neugut AI, Ruff P, Cubasch H, O’Neil DS. The Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment Delays on Survival Among South African Women. Oncologist 2022; 27:e233-e243. [PMID: 35274708 PMCID: PMC8914482 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In high-income settings, delays from breast cancer (BC) diagnosis to initial treatment worsen overall survival (OS). We examined how time to BC treatment initiation (TTI) impacts OS in South Africa (SA). METHODS We evaluated women enrolled in the South African BC and HIV Outcomes study between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2019, selecting women with stages I-III BC who received surgery and chemotherapy. We constructed a linear regression model estimating the impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on TTI and separate multivariable Cox proportional hazard models by first treatment (surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)) assessing the effect of TTI (in 30-day increments) on OS. RESULTS Of 1260 women, 45.6% had upfront surgery, 54.4% had NAC, and 19.5% initiated treatment >90 days after BC diagnosis. Compared to the surgery group, more women in the NAC group had stage III BC (34.8% vs 81.5%). Living further away from a hospital and having hormone receptor positive (vs negative) BC was associated with longer TTI (8 additional days per 100 km, P = .003 and 8 additional days, P = .01, respectively), while Ki67 proliferation index >20 and upfront surgery (vs NAC) was associated with shorter TTI (12 and 9 days earlier; P = .0001 and.007, respectively). Treatment initiation also differed among treating hospitals (P < .0001). Additional 30-day treatment delays were associated with worse survival in the surgery group (HR 1.11 [95%CI 1.003-1.22]), but not in the NAC group. CONCLUSIONS Delays in BC treatment initiation are common in SA public hospitals and are associated with worse survival among women treated with upfront surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoanna S Pumpalova
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oluwatosin A Ayeni
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South Africa Medical Research Council Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wenlong Carl Chen
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ines Buccimazza
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sharon Cačala
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Specialized Surgery, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban and Ngwelezane Hospital, Empangeni, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Laura W Stopforth
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Departments of Surgery and Radiation Oncology, Grey’s Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Hayley A Farrow
- Departments of Surgery and Radiation Oncology, Grey’s Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Witness Mapanga
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sarah Nietz
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Boitumelo Phakathi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maureen Joffe
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South Africa Medical Research Council Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Valerie McCormack
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Judith S Jacobson
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine D Crew
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alfred I Neugut
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Ruff
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Herbert Cubasch
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South Africa Medical Research Council Common Epithelial Cancers Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Daniel S O’Neil
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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21
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Quirindongo-Rivera C, Rullán-Varela V, Underill Z, Rivera M, Ortiz-Ortiz KJ, Martínez-Montemayor MM. Characterization of Inflammatory Breast Cancer in Hispanic Women from Puerto Rico. J Cancer 2022; 13:3495-3502. [PMID: 36484009 PMCID: PMC9723992 DOI: 10.7150/jca.77108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women in Puerto Rico (PR). Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is considered the most aggressive BC subtype. This study characterized the IBC population of Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico and aimed to estimate the IBC survival rate using data from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry (PRCCR). Methods: This is a retrospective, population-based study using the PRCCR database and the Health Insurance Linkage Database (PRCCR-HILD). We analyzed data from patients that were diagnosed with IBC from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd edition (ICD-O-3) site codes C50.0-C50.9 and histology code 8530. Variables such as age at diagnosis, marital status, health insurance, geographic area of residence, staging variables, tumor receptor subtypes, treatment received, and overall survival (OS) were studied. Statistical analysis methods were employed to describe the population, estimate survival curves and examine the risk of dying. Results: The data of 51 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis of IBC in the current study was 59 years old. A total of 62.8% of patients had no metastases at diagnosis and 64.7% were diagnosed with stage III disease. Most tumors presented with ER+/PR+/Her2- (21.6%), or a triple negative (ER-/PR-/Her2-, 15.7%) tumor concordance. The OS during the first year was 66% (90% CI: 0.54-0.76), whereas 36 months post-diagnosis was at a low 39% (90% CI: 0.27-0.59). The triple-negative subtype had the worst survival at 36 months (36% [90% CI: 0.11-0.62]). This study revealed through Cox regression analysis that women with stage IV disease and those with ER-/PR- tumor subtype have a higher risk of dying (HR 4.99; [90% CI: 2.30-10.83] and HR 4.74; [90% CI: 1.88-11.95]), respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the Puerto Rican IBC patient population presents unique characteristics. This is the first research to describe the patient profile and characteristics of women diagnosed with IBC in PR. This research increases awareness about this lethal disease in PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camiled Quirindongo-Rivera
- University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
- Public Health Program, Ponce Health Science University, Ponce, PR
| | | | | | | | - Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz
- University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, PR
- Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, San Juan, PR
| | - Michelle M. Martínez-Montemayor
- Universidad Central del Caribe-School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR
- ✉ Corresponding author: Michelle M. Martínez-Montemayor, ; Universidad Central del Caribe - School of Medicine, P.O. Box 60327, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, 00960
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22
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Disparities in Time to Treatment for Breast Cancer: Existing Knowledge and Future Directions in the COVID-19 Era. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2022; 14:213-221. [PMID: 36530340 PMCID: PMC9735127 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-022-00469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Despite significant advances in detection and treatment for breast cancer, the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women remains 40% higher than that for White women. Timely work-up and treatment improve outcomes, yet no gold standard exists for which to guide providers. Recent Findings A large body of literature demonstrates disparities in time to treatment for breast cancer, and most studies show that Black women receive treatment later than their White counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic has been projected to worsen these disparities, but the extent of this impact remains unknown. Summary In this review, we describe the available evidence on disparities in time to treatment, potential drivers, and possible mitigation strategies. Future research must address how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the timely treatment of breast cancer patients, particularly populations vulnerable to disparate outcomes. Improved access to multidisciplinary breast programs, patient navigation services, and establishment of standards for timely treatment are necessary.
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23
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Bretas G, Renna NL, Bines J. Practical considerations for expediting breast cancer treatment in Brazil. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2021; 2:100028. [PMID: 36779036 PMCID: PMC9904000 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients in Brazil continue to present with late-stage breast cancer. Notwithstanding these figures, policies and programs to overcome this long-lasting scenario have had limited results. We enlist the main barriers for advancing breast cancer diagnosis in Brazil, based on the available evidence, and we propose feasible strategies that may serve as a platform to address this major public health challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Bretas
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Grupo Oncoclínicas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - José Bines
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Corresponding author.
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24
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Falcone M, Liu L, Farias A, Zhang J, Kang I, Li M, Stern MC, Lerman C. Evidence for racial/ethnic disparities in emergency department visits following breast cancer surgery among women in California: a population-based study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 187:831-841. [PMID: 33675489 PMCID: PMC10373425 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06119-5] [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: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer outcomes may be related to quality of care and reflected in emergency department (ED) visits following primary treatment. We examined racial/ethnic variation in ED visits following breast cancer surgery. METHODS Using linked data from the California Cancer Registry and California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, we identified 151,229 women diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancer between 2005 and 2013 who received surgical treatment. Differences in odds of having at least one breast cancer-related ED visit within 90 days post-surgery were estimated with logistic regression controlling for clinical and sociodemographic variables. Secondary analyses examined health care-related moderators of disparities. RESULTS Hispanics and non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks had an increased likelihood of having an ED visit within 90 days of surgery compared to NH Whites [OR = 1.11 (1.04-1.18), p = 0.0016; OR = 1.38 (1.27-1.50), p < 0.0001, respectively]; the likelihood was reduced in Asian/Pacific Islanders [aOR = 0.77 (0.71-0.84), p < 0.0001]. Medicaid and Medicare (vs. commercial insurance) increased the likelihood of ED visit for NH Whites, and to a lesser degree for Hispanics and NH Blacks (p < 0.0001 for interaction). Receipt of surgery at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center or at a for-profit (vs. non-profit) hospital was associated with reduced likelihood of ED visits for all groups. CONCLUSION Racial/ethnic disparities in ED visits following breast cancer surgery persist after controlling for clinical and sociodemographic variables. Improving quality of care following breast cancer surgery could improve outcomes for all groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Falcone
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA
| | - Lihua Liu
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Albert Farias
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - JuanJuan Zhang
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Irene Kang
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA
| | - Ming Li
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mariana C Stern
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caryn Lerman
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Ezralow Tower, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Suite 8302L, Los Angeles, CA, 99003, USA.
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Tajima K, Tsuchiya M, Ishikawa T, Obara T, Mano N. Real-world anticancer medications for reproductive-age women with breast cancer by using a claims database in Japan. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1907-1921. [PMID: 33625252 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To describe real-world breast cancer medications among reproductive-age women. Patients & methods: Using data from a Japanese claims database, anticancer prescriptions were classified into seven categories of amenorrhea risk based on fertility preservation guidelines. Results: We identified 2999 women with records of breast cancer and anticancer prescription from 2005 to 2018. The proportions of prescriptions were as follows: high, 4.1-12.9%; intermediate: 6.0-16.3%; low: 0.4-2.3%; very low/no: 0.3-12.2%; unknown: 33.9-45.5%; unlisted combination: 12.2-23.4%; and unlisted drug: 12.5-26.7%. The common drugs in the unknown category were trastuzumab (n = 1527), docetaxel (n = 1014), and paclitaxel (n = 995). For medications unlisted in the guidelines, various drugs and drug combinations were observed. Conclusion: Numerous anticancer drugs are currently being prescribed with insufficient evidence regarding amenorrhea risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Tajima
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Masami Tsuchiya
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.,Department of Pharmacy, Miyagi Cancer Center, 47-1 Nodayama, Medeshimashiote, Natori, Miyagi, 9811293, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Taku Obara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan.,Division of Preventive Medicine & Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808573, Japan.,Department of Molecular Epidemiology, Environment & Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808573, Japan
| | - Nariyasu Mano
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 9808574, Japan
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