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Giannini N, Gadducci G, Fuentes T, Gonnelli A, Di Martino F, Puccini P, Naso M, Pasqualetti F, Capaccioli S, Paiar F. Electron FLASH radiotherapy in vivo studies. A systematic review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1373453. [PMID: 38655137 PMCID: PMC11035725 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1373453] [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] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
FLASH-radiotherapy delivers a radiation beam a thousand times faster compared to conventional radiotherapy, reducing radiation damage in healthy tissues with an equivalent tumor response. Although not completely understood, this radiobiological phenomenon has been proved in several animal models with a spectrum of all kinds of particles currently used in contemporary radiotherapy, especially electrons. However, all the research teams have performed FLASH preclinical studies using industrial linear accelerator or LINAC commonly employed in conventional radiotherapy and modified for the delivery of ultra-high-dose-rate (UHDRs). Unfortunately, the delivering and measuring of UHDR beams have been proved not to be completely reliable with such devices. Concerns arise regarding the accuracy of beam monitoring and dosimetry systems. Additionally, this LINAC totally lacks an integrated and dedicated Treatment Planning System (TPS) able to evaluate the internal dose distribution in the case of in vivo experiments. Finally, these devices cannot modify dose-time parameters of the beam relevant to the flash effect, such as average dose rate; dose per pulse; and instantaneous dose rate. This aspect also precludes the exploration of the quantitative relationship with biological phenomena. The dependence on these parameters need to be further investigated. A promising advancement is represented by a new generation of electron LINAC that has successfully overcome some of these technological challenges. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature on in vivo experiments using electron FLASH radiotherapy and explore the promising clinical perspectives associated with this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Giannini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gadducci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Taiusha Fuentes
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gonnelli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Di Martino
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Unit of Medical Physics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN)-section of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Paola Puccini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Monica Naso
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Francesco Pasqualetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Simone Capaccioli
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Fabiola Paiar
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
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Vilhena FDM, Pereira OV, Sousa FDJDD, Martins NCN, Albuquerque GPX, Lopes RGBDS, Sagica TDP, Ramos AMPC. Factors associated with the quality of life of women undergoing radiotherapy. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2024; 45:e20230062. [PMID: 38359280 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2024.20230062.en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the skin characteristics and quality of life of patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. METHOD Cross-sectional study conducted with 60 women. The classification scales of skin changes resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation (RTOG) and the validated versions in Portuguese of those that classified skin types (Fitzpatrick), symptoms (RISRAS) and quality of life (DLQI) were applied. in the period between December 2021 and October 2022. For data analysis, Fisher's Exact Test, Chi-Square and Asymptotic General Independence Test were used. RESULTS 100% of patients had skin irritation. As the treatment progressed and the radiodermatitis appeared or worsened, there was a tendency for the intensity of signs and symptoms to increase, such as: sensitivity, discomfort or pain, itching, burning and heat, dry and wet desquamation, which may have impacted the quality of life and reflected in other aspects, such as: shopping activities or outings (p=0.0020), social activities or leisure activities (p=0.0420). CONCLUSION Radiodermatitis is a common condition that affects women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy, skin characteristics and quality of life of patients affected during this treatment.
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Park SY, Park JM, Kim JI, Choi CH, Chun M, Chang JH, Kim JH. Quantitative radiomics approach to assess acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293071. [PMID: 37883380 PMCID: PMC10602246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We applied a radiomics approach to skin surface images to objectively assess acute radiation dermatitis in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. METHODS A prospective cohort study of 20 patients was conducted. Skin surface images in normal, polarized, and ultraviolet (UV) modes were acquired using a skin analysis device before starting radiotherapy ('Before RT'), approximately 7 days after the first treatment ('RT D7'), on 'RT D14', and approximately 10 days after the radiotherapy ended ('After RT D10'). Eighteen types of radiomic feature ratios were calculated based on the values acquired 'Before RT'. We measured skin doses in ipsilateral breasts using optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters on the first day of radiotherapy. Clinical evaluation of acute radiation dermatitis was performed using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring criteria on 'RT D14' and 'After RT D10'. Several statistical analysis methods were used in this study to test the performance of radiomic features as indicators of radiodermatitis evaluation. RESULTS As the skin was damaged by radiation, the energy for normal mode and sum variance for polarized and UV modes decreased significantly for ipsilateral breasts, whereas contralateral breasts exhibited a smaller decrease with statistical significance. The radiomic feature ratios at 'RT D7' had strong correlations to skin doses and those at 'RT D14' and 'after RT D10' with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS The energy for normal mode and sum variance for polarized and UV modes demonstrated the potential to evaluate and predict acute radiation, which assists in its appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Yeon Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Min Park
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Convergence Research on Robotics, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-in Kim
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Heon Choi
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Chun
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Chang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Ho Kim
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Layer K, Layer JP, Glasmacher AR, Sarria GR, Böhner AMC, Layer YL, Dejonckheere CS, Garbe S, Feyer P, Baumert BG, Schendera A, Baumann R, Krug D, Köksal MA, Koch D, Scafa D, Leitzen C, Hölzel M, Giordano FA, Schmeel LC. Risk assessment, surveillance, and nonpharmaceutical prevention of acute radiation dermatitis: results of a multicentric survey among the German-speaking radiation oncology community. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:891-900. [PMID: 37099166 PMCID: PMC10542714 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation dermatitis (RD) represents one of the most frequent side effects in radiotherapy (RT). Despite technical progress, mild and moderate RD still affects major subsets of patients and identification and management of patients with a high risk of severe RD is essential. We sought to characterize surveillance and nonpharmaceutical preventive management of RD in German-speaking hospitals and private centers. METHODS We conducted a survey on RD among German-speaking radiation oncologists inquiring for their evaluation of risk factors, assessment methods, and nonpharmaceutical preventive management of RD. RESULTS A total of 244 health professionals from public and private institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland participated in the survey. RT-dependent factors were deemed most relevant for RD onset followed by lifestyle factors, emphasizing the impact of treatment conceptualization and patient education. While a broad majority of 92.8% assess RD at least once during RT, 59.0% of participants report RD at least partially arbitrarily and 17.4% stated to classify RD severity solely arbitrarily. 83.7% of all participants were unaware of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Consensus exists on some lifestyle recommendations like avoidance of sun exposure (98.7%), hot baths (95.1%), and mechanical irritation (91.8%) under RT, while deodorant use (63.4% not at all, 22.1% with restrictions) or application of skin lotion (15.1% disapproval) remain controversial and are not recommended by guidelines or evidence-based practices. CONCLUSION Identification of patients at an increased risk of RD and subsequent implementation of adequate preventive measures remain relevant and challenging aspects of clinical routines. Consensus exists on several risk factors and nonpharmaceutical prevention recommendations, while RT-dependent risk factors, e.g., the fractionation scheme, or hygienic measures like deodorant use remain controversial. Surveillance is widely lacking methodology and objectivity. Intensifying outreach in the radiation oncology community is needed to improve practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Layer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julian P Layer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea R Glasmacher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gustavo R Sarria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander M C Böhner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yonah L Layer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cas S Dejonckheere
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephan Garbe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Petra Feyer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vivantes Hospital Neukölln, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brigitta G Baumert
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Graubünden, Switzerland
| | - Anke Schendera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Community Hospital Mittelrhein, Koblenz, Germany
| | - René Baumann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Marien Hospital Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - David Krug
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Mümtaz A Köksal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Koch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Davide Scafa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Leitzen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank A Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonard Christopher Schmeel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Xie Y, Hu T, Chen R, Chang H, Wang Q, Cheng J. Predicting acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: a prospective cohort study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:537. [PMID: 37308936 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10821-6] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is one of the most common acute adverse reactions in breast cancer patients during and immediately after radiotherapy. As ARD affects patient quality of life, it is important to conduct individualized risk assessments of patients in order to identify those patients most at risk of developing severe ARD. METHODS The data of breast cancer patients who received radiotherapy were prospectively collected and analyzed. Serum ferritin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and percentages of lymphocyte subsets were measured before radiotherapy. ARD was graded (0-6 grade), according to the Oncology Nursing Society Skin Toxicity Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each factor were calculated. RESULTS This study included 455 breast cancer patients. After radiotherapy, 59.6% and 17.8% of patients developed at least 3 (3+) grade and at least 4 (4+) grade ARD, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that body mass index (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22), diabetes (OR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.11-6.60), smoking (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.15-8.02), higher ferritin (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.78-6.17), higher hs-CRP (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.77), and higher CD3 + T cells (OR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.10-3.58) were independent risk factors for 4 + grade ARD. Based on these findings, a nomogram model of 4 + grade ARD was further established. The nomogram AUC was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.86), making it more discriminative than any single factor. CONCLUSION BMI, diabetes, smoking history, higher ferritin, higher hs-CRP, and higher CD3 + T cells prior to radiotherapy for breast cancer are all independent risk factors for 4 + grade ARD. The results can provide evidence for clinicians to screen out high-risk patients, take precautions and carefully follow up on these patients before and during radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiu Xie
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Renwang Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Haiyan Chang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Jing Cheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Chen W, Lu W, Yuan Y, Li L, Deng H, Ye X. The role of ultrasound quantitative parameters in the assessment of acute radiodermatitis after breast-conserving surgery. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2023:7153713. [PMID: 37154691 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the severity of acute radiodermatitis (ARD) by ultrasound quantitative parameters and to try to identify the influencing factors of skin toxicity. A total of 55 patients who underwent radiotherapy after unilateral breast-conserving surgery (BCS) were included in the study. The irradiated side of the breast was used as the research object and the quantitative ultrasound parameters (skin thickness, shear wave elasticity) were evaluated before radiotherapy, every week during radiotherapy. Two weeks after radiotherapy, the patients were divided into two groups, according to the World Health Organization scoring standard: mild (0-2 grade) and severe (3-4 grade). The differences in the parameters between the groups and the changes during radiotherapy were compared, and the relationship between these parameters and the severity of ARD was analyzed. In addition, some clinical factors that may affect ARD were also included in our study. Ninety-eight percent of patients developed different degrees of ARD, and Group 2 accounted for ~31%. At the end of 5 weeks of radiotherapy, the difference in thickness between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in the elastic modulus of breast skin between the two groups (P > 0.05). Body mass index >25 kg/m2, breast thickness ≥18 mm, skin basic elastic modulus <23 kPa and skin thickness increment >0.3 mm were considered to be associated with severe skin reactions (P < 0.05). Ultrasound can be a useful tool for the non-invasive and objective assessment of skin changes during radiotherapy, documenting quantitative changes in the skin of breast cancer patients following BCS undergoing radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Wenjuan Lu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Ya Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Hongyan Deng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xinhua Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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LeVee A, Mortimer J. The Challenges of Treating Patients with Breast Cancer and Obesity. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092526. [PMID: 37173991 PMCID: PMC10177120 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more and is associated with worse outcomes in patients with breast cancer, resulting in an increased incidence of breast cancer, recurrence, and death. The incidence of obesity is increasing, with almost half of all individuals in the United States classified as obese. Patients with obesity present with unique pharmacokinetics and physiology and are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, which leads to specific challenges when treating these patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the impact of obesity on the efficacy and toxicity of systemic therapies used for breast cancer patients, describe the molecular mechanisms through which obesity can affect systemic therapies, outline the existing American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines for treating patients with cancer and obesity, and highlight additional clinical considerations for treating patients with obesity and breast cancer. We conclude that further research on the biological mechanisms underlying the obesity-breast cancer link may offer new treatment strategies, and clinicals trials that focus on the treatment and outcomes of patients with obesity and all stages of breast cancer are needed to inform future treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis LeVee
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Joanne Mortimer
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Efficacy of an Integrated Mobile Application System for Patients with Radiation Therapy: A Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091696. [PMID: 36141313 PMCID: PMC9498518 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of IT applications for patients undergoing radiotherapy is limited. This study aimed to develop an integrated system for communication between patients and radiation oncologists using IT technology and report the first test results for the system “Assisted Radiation Oncology Mobile Application” (AROMA). This system consisted of a manager program, a server running on a PC, and a mobile application on a smartphone. A prospective survey was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of this system from October 2020 to January 2021. The survey consisted of a specific questionnaire on basic information and application use by the patients. The management program was designed such that the user (doctor) edits the treatment schedule, member (patient and doctor) information, self-management, disease information, and side effect questionnaire. The mobile application for patients consisted of the current schedule, treatment schedule calendar, side effect questionnaire, side effect management method, and disease information entered by the doctor. A total of 41 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean adverse event response time was 4.4 days. In the survey, the mobile application received positive views (8.6/10 points). Most responses related to the side effect reporting function (94%) and communication using the application (91%) were positive. Satisfaction with the application design and each menu item was high, with an average of ≥8 and ≥8.5 points in most cases, respectively. The survey showed good satisfaction with the design, operability, and reporting system. Therefore, the system can facilitate communication between patients and radiation oncologists in the future.
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