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Adjadé G, Tafenzi HA, Jouihri H, Tamimi NSA, Bennouna Y, Négamiyimana G, Cisse K, Essadi I, Fadli ME, Belbaraka R. Localised breast cancer: neoadjuvant chemotherapy impact evaluation on the pathological complete response (PCR) in a lower middle-income country. Ecancermedicalscience 2023; 17:1648. [PMID: 38414939 PMCID: PMC10898881 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery remains the current recommended therapeutic strategy for the management of locally advanced breast cancer. The standard chemotherapy protocol is sequential with anthracycline followed by taxanes. However public hospitals in Morocco are confronted with a shortage in healthcare products. We, therefore, evaluated the efficacy of the different protocols proposed to patients, by evaluating the clinical response after chemotherapy especially through the pathological complete response (PCR) after surgery. Methods We focused on the database of the medical oncology department of the only public hospital covering middle and southern Morocco. We included patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2020. Two groups of patients distinguished in group A (GA) received the standard therapy, and group B (GB) received a non-standard protocol. The therapeutic response was assessed clinically before surgery and then by pathological examination of the surgical specimens. The Sataloff classification defined the histological response for both tumour and lymph nodes. We included both groups in one variable to determine their impact on outcomes. A logistic regression-based analysis was adopted to define variables related to the PCR. Results Over the study period, 120 patients met our inclusion criteria. They were distinguished at 72% in GA and 28% in GB. 60.8% over 120 got a partial response, whereas, only 33.3% achieved a complete response. The general PCR rate was 28% with 14.3% in GB and 85.7% in GA. The tumour PCR was obtained in 40 (33.3%) over 120 patients and 51.7% of lymph node PCR. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results show no relative factors associated with general PCR achievement. Conclusion These first interesting results from an institutional database inform us about our clinical practice and require additional research using prospective randomised controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganiou Adjadé
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0768-7493
| | - Hassan Abdelilah Tafenzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
- Biosciences and Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cady Ayyad University, 7010, Sidi Abbad, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Houda Jouihri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
| | - Nadin Shawar Al Tamimi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
| | - Yousra Bennouna
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
| | - Gustave Négamiyimana
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
| | - Kalil Cisse
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
| | - Ismail Essadi
- Biosciences and Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cady Ayyad University, 7010, Sidi Abbad, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Mohammed El Fadli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
| | - Rhizlane Belbaraka
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, 2360 Marrakech-principal, Morocco
- Biosciences and Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cady Ayyad University, 7010, Sidi Abbad, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
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Nassar L, Nakad S, Abou Zeid F, Farah Z, Saheb G, Mroueh N, Debs P, Berjawi G. Additional occult cancers identified on staging breast MRI: imaging appearances and pathologic characteristics. J Med Radiat Sci 2023; 70:360-368. [PMID: 37340705 PMCID: PMC10715349 DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used for staging of patients with breast cancer due to its high sensitivity in detecting additional cancers (ACs). However, the clinical impact of diagnosing and treating these cancers remains unclear. METHODS A retrospective study was undertaken of patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who underwent staging MRI at The American University of Beirut Medical Centre (AUBMC) between 2012 and 2020. Pathology reports and breast MRI examinations were reviewed. Eighteen breast cancer patients with 19 pathology-proven index cancers (ICs) and 19 pathology-proven MRI-detected ACs were included. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Wilcoxon signed rank test for numerical variables were used to compare ICs to ACs. RESULTS The ICs consisted of four ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 13 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC), of which five with associated DCIS, and two invasive lobular carcinomas, (ILC) of which one with associated DCIS. ACs comprised 12 DCIS, five IDC, two with associated DCIS and two ILC, one with associated DCIS. Interval cancers were more frequently invasive whereas ACs were more frequently in situ (P = 0.021). ACs were more frequently nuclear grade 2 (P = 0.009). There was no statistically significant difference between ICs and ACs in lesion type (P = 0.062), shape (P = 0.073), initial enhancement (P = 1), delayed enhancement (P = 0.732), hormonal receptor profile (P = 0.68) and Ki67 (P = 0.388). Among ACs, ten (53%) were larger than 10 mm of which five (26%) were invasive cancers, and five (26%) were larger than the ICs. CONCLUSIONS ACs detected by breast MRI were more likely to be in situ and to show a nuclear grade 2. Although not reaching statistical significance, some ACs tend to be clinically significant by their type, size or nuclear grade. The impact on clinical management remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Nassar
- Department of Diagnostic RadiologyAmerican University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirutLebanon
| | - Sanaa Nakad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Division of Gynecologic OncologyThe University of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Farah Abou Zeid
- Department of Diagnostic RadiologyAmerican University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirutLebanon
| | - Zeina Farah
- Ministry of Public Health‐Epidemiological Surveillance ProgramBeirutLebanon
| | - Ghida Saheb
- Department of Diagnostic RadiologyAmerican University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirutLebanon
| | - Nayla Mroueh
- Department of Radiology/Division of Abdominal ImagingMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Patrick Debs
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceThe Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Ghina Berjawi
- Department of Diagnostic RadiologyAmerican University of Beirut Medical CenterBeirutLebanon
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Lacika JL, Wabinga H, Kagaayi J, Opito R, Orach CG, Mwaka AD. Diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among patients with cervical cancer attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:633. [PMID: 38012615 PMCID: PMC10683271 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Majority of patients with cervical cancer in the low- and middle-income countries experience long diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. This study sought to determine the factors associated with the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among patients with cervical cancer. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) during October 2019 to January 2020. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with histological diagnosis of cervical cancer were consecutively sampled. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and a data abstraction form. Diagnostic intervals, defined as the time between first visit of a patient to a primary healthcare provider to time of getting confirmed diagnosis, of ≤ 3 months was defined as early & >3 months as late. Pre-treatment intervals, which is the time from histological diagnosis to starting cancer chemo-radiotherapy of ≤ 1 month was defined as early and > 1 month as late. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.0. We used modified Poisson regression models with robust variance to determine socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with the intervals. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 50.0 ± 11.7 years. The median diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals were 3.1 (IQR: 1.4-8.2) months and 2.4 (IQR: 1.2-4.1) months respectively. Half of the participants, 49.6% (200/403) were diagnosed early; one in 5 patients, 20.1% (81/403) promptly (within one month) initiated cancer chemo-radiotherapy. Participants more likely to be diagnosed early included those referred from district hospitals (level 5) (aPR = 2.29; 95%CI: 1.60-3.26) and with squamous cell carcinomas (aPR = 1.55; 95%CI: 1.07-2.23). Participants more likely to be diagnosed late included those who first discussed their symptoms with relatives, (aPR = 0.77; 95%CI: (0.60-0.98), had > 2 pre-referral visits (aPR = 0.75; 95%CI (0.61-0.92), and had advanced stage (stages 3 or 4) (aPR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.55-0.85). Participants more likely to initiate cancer chemo-radiotherapy early included older patients (≥ 60 years) (aPR = 2.44; 95%CI: 1.18-5.03). Patients likely to start treatment late were those who had ≥2 pre-referral visits (aPR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.41-0.98) and those that took 3 - 6 months with symptoms before seeking healthcare (aPR = 0.52;95%CI: 0.29 - 0.95). CONCLUSION Interventions to promote prompt health-seeking and early diagnosis of cervical cancer need to target primary healthcare facilities and aim to enhance capacity of primary healthcare professionals to promptly initiate diagnostic investigations. Patients aged < 60 years require targeted interventions to promote prompt initiation of chemo-radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Lalam Lacika
- Department of Community Health & Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Kagaayi
- Department of Community Health & Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Opito
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Soroti University, P.O Box 211, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Christopher Garimoi Orach
- Department of Community Health & Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
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Achan J, Kasujja FX, Opito R, Wabinga H, Orach CG, Mwaka AD. Factors associated with diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals among breast cancer patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute: A cross-sectional study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19701-19713. [PMID: 37787090 PMCID: PMC10587984 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most breast cancer (BC) patients in Uganda are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and experience poor outcomes. This study examined the diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals and factors associated with these intervals among BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). METHODS This was a cross-sectional, facility-based study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered by trained research assistants and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. Modified Poisson regressions models were used to determine the strength of associations between independent variables and diagnostic and pre-treatment intervals. RESULTS The mean age (±SD) of the 401 participants was 47.1 ± 11.7 years. Four in 10 participants had stage III (41.9%; n = 168) and over a third (34.7%; n = 140) stage IV cancers. The median interval from first consultation to diagnosis, i.e. diagnostic interval (DI) was 5.6 months (IQR: 1.5-17.0), while the median interval from histological diagnosis to start of chemotherapy, i.e. pre-treatment interval (PTI) was 1.7 months (IQR: 0.7-4.5). Majority (85%, n = 341) of participants were diagnosed at ≥3 months from first consultation with clinicians. Participants with tertiary education and those who lived within 100-199 km from the UCI were about four times and twice more likely to be diagnosed early (DI <3 months from first consultation) ([aPR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.15-13.0] and [aPR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.06-4.55]), respectively. About half (48.3%; n = 176) of participants started chemotherapy within 1 month of cancer diagnosis. Patients who lived more than 300 km from the UCI were less likely to start chemotherapy within 1 month of histology diagnosis of cancer. [Correction added on October 17, 2023 after first online publication. The term ', i.e.' has been included in the results section in this version.] CONCLUSION: Majority of breast cancer patients are diagnosed late and in advanced stages. There is need to promote all efforts toward timely diagnosis when cancers are still in early stages by identifying factors responsible for prolonged diagnostic intervals among breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Achan
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Francis Xavier Kasujja
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Ronald Opito
- Department of Public Health, School of Health SciencesSoroti UniversitySorotiUganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Christopher Garimoi Orach
- Department of Community Health & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public HealthCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Amos Deogratius Mwaka
- Department of Medicine, School of MedicineCollege of Health Sciences, Makerere UniversityKampalaUganda
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of MedicineGulu UniversityGuluUganda
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Sheni R, Qin J, Viswanathan S, Castellucci E, Kalnicki S, Mehta V. Predictive Factors for Cancer Treatment Delay in a Racially Diverse and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Urban Population. JCO Oncol Pract 2023:OP2200779. [DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Incremental delays in time to treatment initiation (TTI) have been shown to cause a proportional, increased independent risk of disease-specific mortality for breast cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), head and neck cancer (HNC), non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and pancreatic cancer. Studies suggest that delays are associated with racial and socioeconomic disparities. We evaluated associations between patient factors and TTI to identify those associated with delay. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study at an urban community-based academic center of patients diagnosed with or referred for curative-intent treatment of breast cancer, CRC, HNC, NSCLC, and pancreatic cancer from January 2019 to December 2021. Variables of interest included Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, insurance type, language preference, and inpatient admission 30 days before diagnosis. Factors associated with TTI delay, defined as TTI ≥ 30 days, were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Among 2,543 patients (69% female), the mean age was 63.4 years and the median TTI was 25 days (IQR, 6-44). Within multivariable models, patients treated as outpatient and not admitted 30 days before diagnosis experienced statistically significant greater delay for CRC (odds ratio [OR], 2.82; 95% CI, 1.71 to 4.66) and NSCLC (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.39). Higher CCI score was associated with delay for HNC (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.04 to 6.66) and NSCLC (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.71). For breast cancer, uninsured and Spanish-speaking patients (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.67) experienced increased TTI. CONCLUSION Care coordination/compliance (eg, inpatient 30 days before diagnosis), clinical (eg, medical comorbidities), and socioeconomic (eg, uninsured status) predictors for delayed TTI were identified and may inform delay minimizing interventions. Our data support evidence that TTI delays are associated with demographic and socioeconomic disparities. Existing disparities are likely exacerbated by delays that disproportionately affect patients with care coordination/compliance issues, multiple comorbidities, and lower socioeconomic status.
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Sbrocchi T, Kavanagh K, Chao AH. Optimizing the Timeliness of Surgical Therapy in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Immediate Breast Reconstruction. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:1904-1910. [PMID: 36402899 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12835-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In breast cancer, coordination of surgical therapy with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) has been found to significantly delay surgical therapy, which in turn can have an adverse effect on patient survival. The objective of this study was to investigate factors that impact the timeliness of surgical therapy in this setting, which may help to optimize the care of patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with breast cancer undergoing surgical therapy for breast cancer and immediate reconstruction were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent surgery ≤ 30 days (group A) and > 30 days (group B) after diagnosis. Multivariate statistical analysis of demographic, disease, surgical, and process of care factors was performed. RESULTS A total of 348 cases met inclusion criteria, of which 255 (73.2%) were in group A and 93 (26.7%) were in group B. No significant differences were identified in clinical stage, oncologic procedure, or type of reconstruction. On multivariate analysis, an increased likelihood of undergoing surgery ≤ 30 days of diagnosis was observed, with shorter time intervals between surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon consultations [odds ratio (OR) 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.6, p = 0.011]. The number of operating days in common between the surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon nor having the same clinic day impacted timeliness. CONCLUSIONS Patients may undergo both breast conservation surgery and mastectomy with all major types of immediate reconstruction in a timely manner. Early initiation of plastic surgery referrals and surgeon flexibility to work outside the parameters of institutional schedules may help facilitate the timeliness of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Sbrocchi
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kaitlin Kavanagh
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Albert H Chao
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Ramanakumar AV, Annie B, Frederic L, Christine B, Cathy R, Jean L. Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on cancer declarations in Quebec, Canada. Cancer Med 2023; 12:6260-6269. [PMID: 36385491 PMCID: PMC10028061 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 affected healthcare worldwide, limited access to healthcare, and delayed cancer screening and diagnosis. In this study, the effect of the first year of COVID-19 was determined on cancer diagnoses in the province of Quebec, Canada. METHODS Data were collected from the 13 Quebec Cancer Registry health institutions. Newly diagnosed cancer declarations in the first year of the COVID-19 (April 2020-March 2021) were compared with the reference periods (averages of 3 previous years). The main focus was on four leading cancers: lung, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers. Generalized regression models with a poisson approximation and interrupted time series (ITS) analysis were used. Underestimated cases were presented in terms of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The changes in the stage-specific counts were also assessed in each of the four cancers. Results were illustrated separately for the first 4 months of the pandemic (first wave). FINDINGS This study estimated an overall under-reporting of 15.3% (29,019 vs. 24,584) of declarations. This under-reporting was evident across all age groups above 35 years (p < 0.0001), four primary cancers (p < 0.0001), all stages of cancers (p < 0.0001), and both sexes (p < 0.0001). Based on the relative risks, stage-specific lung cancer counts were underestimated by 5%-34% in the first wave (0%-11% in the first year), prostate cancer by 16%-46% in the first wave (0%-25% in the first year), colorectal cancer 15%-45% in the first wave (0%-24% in the first year), and breast cancer 3%-45% in the first wave and (0%-28% in the first year). However, no stage-IV cancers were statically under-reported compared to the pre-pandemic era and not even in the first wave. INTERPRETATION Cancer diagnosis was underestimated due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the first year; this effect was more evident in the first phase of the pandemic in Quebec. Further research is required to determine the accurate burden of the disease in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnihotram V Ramanakumar
- Québec Tumor Registry, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Research Institute-McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Lamonde Frederic
- Québec Tumor Registry, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Research Institute-McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Dudley CM, Stankowski TJ, Tucholka JL, Schumacher JR, Poore SO, Neuman HB. Perspectives of Wisconsin Providers on Factors Influencing Receipt of Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction. Clin Breast Cancer 2022; 22:840-846. [PMID: 36008204 PMCID: PMC10684062 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective is to determine perspectives of general surgeons, plastic surgeons, and cancer navigators on factors contributing to breast cancer patients' decision for post-mastectomy reconstruction, especially for women facing financial hardship. METHODS We mailed Wisconsin general and plastic surgeons who performed >5 breast cancer procedures annually a survey, including a postcard inviting cancer navigators to participate. Descriptive statistics summarize item responses. McNemar's chi-squared tests evaluated surgeons' perspectives of factors influencing reconstruction for all women compared to women facing financial hardship. RESULTS Respondents include 70 general surgeons, 18 plastic surgeons, and 9 navigators. Respondents perceived preference-related factors as important, including "does not want more surgery" (85% reported it important overall and 77% for financial hardship women) and "reconstructed breast is not important to her" (77% vs. 61%). Surgeons perceived logistical factors were more important for women facing financial hardship, including "capacity to be away from work or home responsibilities for recovery" (30% reported important overall and 60% for financial hardship women), "concerned about out-of-pocket costs" (26% vs. 57%), and "frequent visits to complete reconstruction too burdensome" (27% vs. 49%). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate Wisconsin surgeons and cancer navigators perceive logistical concerns influence reconstruction decisions for women facing financial hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Dudley
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | | | - Jessica R Schumacher
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Samuel O Poore
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Heather B Neuman
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI.
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Losurdo A, Lisa AVE, Tomatis M, Ponti A, Montemezzi S, Bonzano E, Fortunato L. Highly specialized Breast Centers did not experience delay of care during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: the Senonetwork experience. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 196:87-95. [PMID: 36018455 PMCID: PMC9412793 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06694-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the study The study aims to evaluate the performance of selected, high-volume, highly specialized, Italian Breast Centers at the time of COVID-19 pandemic (year 2020), compared to pre-pandemic time (year 2019), highlighting differences in terms of clinical presentation of breast cancer (BC) and therapeutic strategies. Methods Patients’ data were provided by the Senonetwork data warehouse Senonet. In order to examine changes in the surgical and oncological management of BC patients during different phases of COVID-19 pandemic, we took advantage of a selection quality indicators (QIs). We performed the analyses in two time-frames, from July to September (Jul-Sep) (2019 versus 2020) and from October to December (Oct-Dec) (2019 versus 2020). Results Our analysis did not show any statistically significant difference in terms of diagnosis, surgical, oncological and radiation therapy procedures between the two trimesters 2019 and 2020. Nevertheless, we observed statistically significant differences, favoring 2020, when analyzing time-to surgery and time-to radiotherapy. On the other hand, we observed a significant reduction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and we did not recollect any data on a major use of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. Conclusions In Italian Breast Centers, partners of Senonetwork, we could not observe any treatment delay or change in standard clinical practice for BC care during the 2020 pandemic year, compared to 2019 pre-pandemic year. This finding is in contrast with the globally reported decrease in the performance of the Italian Breast Centers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has to be linked to the sharp selection of Senonetwork Breast Centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Losurdo
- UO of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Vittorio Emanuele Lisa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine BIOMETRA - Plastic Surgery Unit, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery School, University of Milan, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mariano Tomatis
- AOU Città della Salute e Della Scienza'University Hospital, CPO Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Ponti
- AOU Città della Salute e Della Scienza'University Hospital, CPO Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Montemezzi
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bonzano
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucio Fortunato
- Breast Surgery Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Addolorata, Rome, Italy
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