A novel highly reactive Fab antibody for breast cancer tissue diagnostics and staging also discriminates a subset of good prognostic triple-negative breast cancers

The discovery of novel markers for breast cancer (BC) has been recently relied on antibody combinatorial libraries and selection through phage display. We constructed a recombinant Fab library, and after selections against BC tissues, the FabC4 clone was thoroughly investigated by immunohistochemistry in 232 patients with long-term follow-up. The FabC4 ligand was determined by mass spectrometry. The FabC4 expression was associated with younger age, lack of progesterone receptor, higher histological grades and non-luminal subtypes, and it also identified a subset of good prognostic triple-negative BCs, possibly targeting a conformational epitope of Cytokeratin-10 (CK10). This new CK10-epitope specific antibody may open new possibilities in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Is there agreement between evaluators that used two scoring systems to measure acute radiation dermatitis?

To analyze the agreement between the nurses evaluating radiodermatitis that used the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO) scales.A prospective and longitudinal study conducted in 2016 to 2017, in a university hospital. We analyzed 855 images of irradiated sites of 100 breast cancer women during radiotherapy. In order to evaluate the agreement between 3 observers that evaluated theses irradiated sites Krippendorff's alpha and weighted kappa were obtained and analyzed.The pairwise agreement among the evaluators was fair and moderate (RTOG scale: 0.408, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.370-0.431; WHO scale: 0.559, 95% CI 0.529-0.590). In addition, the general agreement rates were 10.2% and 29.2%, respectively. When assessing the overall absolute agreement between the evaluators according with different phototypes and types of surgery, there was a fair agreement according to the RTOG scale when evaluating patients with phototype V or VI and mastectomy (3.7% and 8.8%, respectively).The RTOG and WHO scales should be used with caution in clinical practice to identify the prevalence of radiodermatitis and the severity. Another point of caution is that skin phototype and the type of surgery may influence the analysis outcome. An illustrative scale was designed and proposed, by our group, aiming to improve accuracy and agreement between evaluators that will be tested in subsequent clinical studies.

Influence of advance directives on reducing aggressive measures during end-of-life cancer care: A systematic review

CONTEXT

Although the literature recognizes the participation of patients in medical decisions as an important indicator of quality, there is a lack of consensus regarding the influence of advance directives (ADs) on reducing aggressive measures during end-of-life care involving cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review was conducted to analyze the influence of ADs on reducing aggressive end-of-life care measures for cancer patients.

METHOD

We searched the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases for studies published until March 2018 using the following keywords, without language restrictions: "advance directives," "living wills," "terminal care," "palliative care," "hospice care," and "neoplasms." Article quality was assessed using study quality assessment tools from the Department of Health and Human Services (NHLBI).

RESULTS

A total of 1,489 studies were identified; 7 met the inclusion criteria. The studies were recently published (after 2014, 71.4%). Patients with ADs were more likely to die at the site of choice (n = 3) and received less chemotherapy in the last 30 days (n = 1). ADs had no impact on intensive care unit admission (n = 1) or hospitalization (n = 1). One study found an association between ADs and referral to palliative care, but other did not find the same result.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

Of the seven articles found, four demonstrated effects of ADs on the reduction in aggressive measures at the end of life of cancer patients. Heterogeneity regarding study design and results and poor methodological quality are challenges when drawing conclusions.

LHRH analog therapy is associated with worse metabolic side effects than bilateral orchiectomy in prostate cancer

PURPOSE

The morbidity associated with metabolic syndrome induced by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been widely studied. There are no studies comparing surgical and pharmacological castration with regards to their metabolic side effects. The aim of this study was to compare both modalities.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in men with PCa and with indications of any ADT. The participants were divided into two groups: (1) bilateral orchiectomy and (2) LHRH analogs. The metabolic profile was assessed before and during the period of ADT. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and bone mineral density were measured before and after 6 months of treatment. The data were analyzed using the Chi-squared test, Student's t test, Bonferroni's test, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

We enrolled 102 men for analysis, of whom 46 (54.9 %) had been subjected to bilateral orchiectomy and 56 (54.9 %) had been subjected to treatment with LHRH analogs. The basal metabolic profile, body mass index, and BIA were similar between the two groups. The oncologic control (PSA and testosterone) was also similar in both groups. In the intergroup comparison, insulin resistance (p = 0.044) and hemoglobin (p = 0.001) were worse in the group that used LHRH analogs, which was mainly diabetic patients (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that LHRH analogs had worse effects relative to insulin resistance, mainly in diabetic patients, and induced more anemia and bone demineralization compared to surgical castration. Further prospective, randomized, and comparative studies are needed for metabolic syndrome in ADT modalities.

The Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey Brazilian Portuguese version 2.0 (VHNSS 2.0): psychometric properties for patients with head and neck cancer who have undergone radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Patients who undergo radiotherapy to treat head and neck cancer can present with several symptoms, including oral ones. The symptoms are usually assessed using instruments to evaluate quality of life. However, these instruments do not really assess oral health outcomes and their functional implications. The VHNSS 2.0 instrument was developed to be used with head and neck cancer patients, and has recently been translated and culturally adapted to be used in Brazil. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the VHNSS 2.0 Brazilian Portuguese version.

METHODS

Three assessment instruments, the Brazilian Portuguese versions of EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC H&N 35 and VHNSS 2.0, were answered by 241 head and neck cancer patients, of whom 47 were submitted to the test retest in 5-16 days. The construct validity was assessed through convergent validation (assuming correlations between VHNSS 2.0 and EORTC), and known group analysis (radiotherapy time, site of tumor, staging and surgery). Reliability was evaluated by means of Cronbach's alpha and test retest using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

241 head and neck cancer patients, median age 58.8, were included in this study. Hypothesized correlations were confirmed, the comparison among the groups showed differences in most of the domains. Reliability for the domains of swallowing solids, dry mouth, mouth pain, mucus, voice, pain and taste/smell presented Cronbach's alpha values from 0.858 to 0.735 and for the domains of nutrition, swallowing liquids and teeth, 0.618, 0.620 and 0.670 respectively. The test-retest reliability, for the domains of the VHNSS 2.0, measured using intraclass correlation coefficient, ranged from 0.372 to 0.854.

CONCLUSION

The VHNSS 2.0 Brazilian Portuguese version presented good results for the convergent validation and known-group analyses. It also showed reliability for the Cronbach´s alpha and test retest for most domains.

A phase II study in advanced cancer patients to evaluate the early transition to palliative care (the PREPArE trial): protocol study for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated the benefit of early integration of palliative care (PC) in oncology. However, patients continue to receive late referrals to PC even in comprehensive cancer centers. Patients and health professionals may perceive PC as 'a place to die,' and this stigma is a barrier to timely referrals and to patient acceptance of treatment.

METHODS/DESIGN

The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of psychosocial intervention and PC in patients with advanced cancer. The patients will be submitted to a series of brief psychosocial interventions that are based on cognitive behavioral therapy, and patient acceptance and satisfaction will be assessed. In addition, the impact of these interventions on depressive symptoms will be evaluated. A randomized, open-label, phase II trial with two intervention arms and a control group will be conducted. Patients who are started on palliative chemotherapy and who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled. The study participants will be recruited from the outpatient oncology clinics at Barretos Cancer Hospital and will be randomized into one of the following three treatment arms: Arm A, which will include five weekly psychosocial interventions based on CBT in combination with early PC; Arm B, which will include early PC only; and Arm C, which will include standard oncologic care. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-br), the Family Satisfaction with End-of-Life Care (FAMCARE)-Patient scale, and the Disease Understanding Protocol will be used for data collection. The patients will answer these questionnaires at baseline and 45, 90, 120 and 180 days after randomization.

DISCUSSION

Despite evidence of the positive impact of early PC, it is often provided to patients only at later stages. The inadequate awareness and stigmatization of PC as a place to die are barriers that complicate the early referral. Patients with advanced cancer may benefit from a psychosocial and educational strategy that adequately prepares them for initial PC appointments after an early referral to PC. We anticipate that benefits of psychological intervention shall be synergistic to secondary emotional benefits from the early integration of PC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered on 6 May 2014 with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02133274).

The impact of religiosity and individual prayer activities on advanced cancer patients' health: is there any difference in function of whether or not receiving palliative anti-neoplastic therapy?

Consecutive patients (n = 221) presenting for initial consultation at a palliative care outpatient clinic were prospectively interviewed and then followed until death. Individual prayer activity (IPA) and global religion scores were associated with quality of life, symptoms, inflammatory markers, and survival. Analyses were adjusted for whether patients were still receiving anti-neoplastic therapies (ANTs) or not. Higher religion scores were associated with lower levels of inflammation in advanced cancer patients still undergoing ANTs. Additionally, higher IPA was an independent good prognostic factor in patients on active ANTs. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and to investigate possible biological mechanisms involved.

A pilot study addressing the impact of religious practice on quality of life of breast cancer patients during chemotherapy

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether religious practice can modify quality of life (QoL) in BC patients during chemotherapy. QoL and religion practice questionnaire (RPQ) scores were evaluated in a sample of BC patients in different moments. Before chemotherapy initiation, women with lower physical and social functional scores displayed higher RPQ scores. On the other hand, low RPQ patients worsened some QoL scores over time. Body image acceptance was positively correlated with religious practice and specifically praying activity. This preliminary study suggests the importance of religion in coping with cancer chemotherapy.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the Shame and Stigma Scale (SSS-Br) for patients with head and neck cancers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Shame and Stigma Scale (SSS) in a sample of patients with head and neck cancers (HNC).

METHODS

This is a validation study carried out in a Brazilian cancer hospital. Patients over 18 years old who knew about their HNC diagnosis were consecutively recruited, answering the SSS, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (General and Head and Neck supplement) questionnaire, and the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire. Internal consistency, test-retest procedure, convergent validity, and responsiveness analysis were the psychometric properties evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 122 HNC patients were included. The SSS showed appropriate internal consistency (alphas ranging from 0.71 to 0.86), test-retest reliability (higher than 0.92 with exception of the "Regret domain"), and convergent validity. The responsiveness analysis with 38 patients was able to discriminate the scores before and after prosthetic procedures.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the SSS may be considered a valid and reliable instrument for the evaluation of Brazilian patients with HNC. Future SSS validation studies are welcome in other developing countries in order to make cancer health providers aware of these negative feelings in their HNC patients.

The Children's International Mucositis Evaluation Scale Is Valid and Reliable for the Assessment of Mucositis Among Brazilian Children With Cancer

BACKGROUND

The Children's International Mucositis Evaluation Scale (ChIMES) is considered a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of mucositis in pediatric patients aged 0-18 years.

OBJECTIVE

To perform the translation and cultural adaptation of ChIMES to Brazilian Portuguese and assess its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Methods for translation and cultural adaptation were used. Other measurements obtained concomitantly for the assessment of psychometric properties included the Oral Mucositis Daily Questionnaire, a visual analog scale, the World Health Organization grading scale for mucositis, and the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events toxicity scale. For test-retest analysis, patients and guardians responded to the self-report and proxy versions of ChIMES within intervals of one to seven days.

RESULTS

Regarding internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha (α) values were 0.769 (95% CI = 0.631-0.868) and 0.879 (95% CI = 0.872-0.920) for the self-reported and proxy versions, respectively. The convergent validity criteria were met for the self-reported and proxy versions (Spearman's rho = 0.466-0.751; P < 0.001 and Spearman's rho = 0.410-0.551; P < 0.001, respectively). Test-retest reliability assessment for the total score and Items 1, 2, 3, and 4 in both versions showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of ≥0.7.

CONCLUSIONS

The Portuguese self-reported and proxy versions of ChIMES were considered to be culturally adapted, valid, and reliable for Brazilian pediatric patients ranging from an age of one month to 18 years and were named ChIMES-BR.

Relationship between food perceptions and health-related quality of life in a prospective study with breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To correlate the perceptions related to dietary intake with the domains and subscales of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with breast neoplasms receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 55 women with breast cancer were followed up during chemotherapy at three different times (T0, T1, T2). Before chemotherapy, perceptions related to food consumption were evaluated. HRQL was analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 instruments 21 days after each investigated cycle. The differences (T2-T0) in the subscales and HRQL domains were correlated with the differences (T2-T0) in the appetite scores. Spearman's correlation was used to verify a possible correlation between differences in functional and overall HRQL domains (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain foods and between the differences in some subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain food groups (T2-T0).

RESULTS

Correlations between pain and appetite for bitter taste and between an increased appetite for juices and pain intensification or fatigue were identified, and pain was correlated with an appetite for starchy foods. An appetite for vegetables, legumes and meat/eggs was correlated with physical function. The only significant correlation with social functions occurred between the appetite for sweet foods and these functions. We found a correlation between overall health, emotional function, social function and physical function and the appetite for juices.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy alters the individual's relationship with food and, consequently, the individual's HRQL.

Absence of TGF-βRII predicts bone and lung metastasis and is associated with poor prognosis in stage III breast tumors

In the case of operated breast cancer (BC), prognostic markers help to determine if the patient needs additional treatment and predictive markers help the clinician to decide which treatment to use. Thus, a better knowledge of known predictive and prognostic markers and the identification of new markers, may improve the treatment of BC patients. The transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor (TGF-βRII), a main receptor of transforming growth factor beta pathway, is a potential new prognostic marker. The aims of the present study were to investigate both the predictive and prognostic impact of TGF-βRII in BC samples. TGF-βRII protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray containing 110 TNM stage III BC samples obtained prior to doxorubicin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Our results demonstrate that TGF-βRII did not predict the response to NAC. On the other hand, an association between TGF-βRII-negative tumor and higher risk of metastasis to lungs and bones was verified. TGF-βRII negativity was an independent prognostic factor for decreased disease-free and overall survival.

The impact of a higher eating frequency on the diet quality and nutritional status of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy

The present study investigated the association between eating frequency (EF), diet quality and nutritional status of fifty-five women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT), with three follow-ups, before the first cycle (T0), after the intermediate cycle (T1) and after the last cycle of CT (T2). Dietary data were obtained by nine 24-h dietary recalls (24HR), and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised (BHEI-R) was used for qualitative analysis of diet. The average EF was established by adding the number of daily eating episodes in the three 24HR of each time. Anthropometric variables were obtained at three times. Women who reported higher EF (equal to or above median value (T0 and T1: 4·67; T2: 4·33 eating episodes)) presented better anthropometric parameters, in T0 and T1, as well as higher scores for BHEI-R specific groups and BHEI-R Total score in T1 and T2. In generalised linear models, the continuous variable EF was negatively associated with all the anthropometric variables in T0 and with the waist:height ratio in T1. There were positive associations for the BHEI-R groups at the three times: Total Fruit; Whole Fruit; Total Vegetables; Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes. At T1 and T2 the EF was positively associated with the BHEI-R Total score, and also with Whole Grains in T1. The results suggest that a higher EF was associated with a better diet quality during CT in women with BC. In contrast, an inverse association was observed between EF and anthropometric parameters before the first cycle of treatment.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS) into Brazilian Portuguese

BACKGROUND

Breast conservative treatment (BCT) is safe when it is performed in association with radiotherapy. The number of referral for BCT has increased, and it has become an important treatment modality. Patients who undergo BCT present some characteristics that are associated with better quality of life compared with patients who undergo mastectomy without reconstruction. Instruments that measure the quality of life specifically used in cases of BCT are limited. One of these instruments is the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS), which has not yet been translated into Brazilian Portuguese. It contains 22 questions and four domains (functional, aesthetic, breast sensitivity and oedema).

METHODS

We performed the translation and cultural adaptation process using Beaton's and EORTC translations process. In summary, the translation process is based on Portuguese translation, translation summary, reverse translation into English, expert committee, pre-test (10 patients), questionnaire review and test of the final version (6 patients).

RESULTS

All 16 patients were submitted to quadrantectomy and mammary radiotherapy. Lymphedema was present in 4, altered strength in 5, and altered shoulder mobility in 6 patients. Considering the questionnaire, the reconciled version determined change in 2 items. Pre-test evaluation showed difficulties in 3 patients, but the questionnaire did not change. Test evaluation showed no problems.

CONCLUSION

The translation of BCTOS into Portuguese will help us to evaluate the quality of life in BCT patients evaluating treatment-related sequelae and may be useful for oncoplastic surgery evaluation.

Preference and actual place-of-death in advanced cancer: prospective longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the preferred place-of-death (PPoD) among patients with advanced cancer over time, and the concordance between preferred and actual place-of-death.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study. A total of 190 patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers (n=190) were interviewed every 3 months, from study enrolment to 12 months (M0, M1, M2, M3, M4). PPoD data were obtained under four different end-of-life scenarios: (1) severe clinical deterioration without further specification; (2) clinical deterioration suffering from severe symptoms; (3) clinical deterioration receiving home-based visits; and (4) clinical deterioration receiving home-based visits and suffering from severe symptoms.

RESULTS

Home was the most common PPoD over time among patients in scenarios 1 (n=121, 63.7%; n=77, 68.8%; n=39, 57.4%; n=30, 62.5%; n=23, 60.5%) and 3 (n=147, 77.4%; n=87, 77.7%; n=48, 70.6%; n=36, 75.0%; n=30, 78.9%). PPoD in palliative care unit (PCU) and hospital were most frequent at baseline in scenario 2 (n=79, 41.6%; n=78, 41.1%), followed by hospital over time (n=61, 54.5%; n=45, 66.2%; n=35, 72.9%; n=28, 73.7%). During the curse of illness, 6.3% of patients change their PPoD in at least one of end-of-life scenario. About 49.7%, 30.6% and 19.7% of patients died in PCU, hospital and home, respectively. Living in rural area (OR=4.21), poor health self-perception (OR=4.49) and pain at the last days of life (OR=2.77) were associated with death in PPoD. The overall agreement between last preference and actual place-of-death was 51.0% (k=0.252).

CONCLUSION

Home death was not the preferred place for a large number of patients when this option was presented within a clinical context scenario. The PPoD and actual place-of-death were depending on the clinical situation.

Personalizing the Setting of Palliative Care Delivery for Patients with Advanced Cancer: "Care Anywhere, Anytime"

The specialty of palliative care has evolved over time to provide symptom management, psychosocial support, and care planning for patients with cancer throughout the disease continuum and in multiple care settings. This review examines the delivery and impact of palliative care in the outpatient, inpatient, and community-based settings. The article will discuss how these 3 palliative care settings can work together to optimize patient outcomes under a unifying model of palliative care "anywhere, anytime" and how to prioritize palliative care services when resources are limited. Many patients with advanced cancer receive care from each of the 3 branches of palliative care-outpatient, inpatient, and community-based settings-at some point along their disease trajectory. Early on, outpatient clinics provide longitudinal supportive care concurrent with active disease-modifying treatments. Telemedicine appointments can serve patients remotely to minimize their need to travel. When patients experience functional decline, community-based palliative care services can provide support and monitoring for patients at home. When patients develop acute symptomatic complications requiring admission, inpatient care consultation teams are essential for symptom management and goals-of-care discussions. For patients in severe distress, receiving care in a palliative care unit that provides intensive symptom control and facilitates complex discharge planning is ideal. Under a unifying model of palliative care designed to offer care "anywhere, anytime," the 3 branches of palliative care could work in unison to support each other, minimize gaps in care, and optimize patient outcomes.

What Is Missing for You to Be Happy? Comparison of the Pursuit of Happiness Among Cancer Patients, Informal Caregivers, and Healthy Individuals

CONTEXT

After cancer diagnosis, personal value priorities may change in a way that would transform such values and how life is perceived by cancer patients and their caregivers, including happiness and its pursuit.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to analyze and compare what cancer patients, informal caregivers, and healthy population believe that would make them happy.

METHODS

A qualitative content analysis was performed on the responses to a single question: "What is missing for you to be happy?" Narratives of cancer patients (n = 242, face-to-face interview), informal caregivers (n = 125, face-to-face interview), and healthy participants (n = 1,671, recruited through social media, online survey) were analyzed. Word clouds were created for each group of participants. Contents were identified and frequencies were compared among participants by means of chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Overall, participants were pursuing better health (n = 288, 14.1%), better interpersonal relationships (n = 456, 22.4%), money (n = 412, 20.2%), and work-related aspects (n = 481, 23.6%). Cancer patients and informal caregivers sought better health and cure more often than when compared to healthy people (P < 0.001). Among cancer patients, survivors' profile tended to be similar to that of the healthy population concerning what they need to be happy. Unexpectedly, "cure" (22.7%) was more frequent among participants with incurable cancer.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of the group they were in, participants sought happiness in what they considered to be important to their lives, but it was something they did not have at the time of the interview. Psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral strategies focused on how to deal with life expectations among people facing cancer are awaited.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese of the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 (VHNSS 2.0) for the assessment of oral symptoms in head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Patients submitted to radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer have several symptoms, predominantly oral. The Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 is an American tool developed to evaluate oral symptoms in head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to translate the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-culturally adapt this tool for subsequent validation and application in Brazil.

METHODS

A method used for the translation and cultural adaptation of tools, which included independent translations, synthesis of the translations, back-translations, expert committee, and pre-test, was used. The pre-test was performed with 37 head and neck cancer patients, who were divided into four groups, to assess the relevance and understanding of the assessed items. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The overall mean of the content validity index was 0.79 for semantic and idiomatic equivalence, and it was higher than 0.8 for cultural and conceptual equivalence. The cognitive interview showed that patients were able to paraphrase the items, and considered them relevant and easily understood.

CONCLUSION

The tool was translated and cross-culturally adapted to be used in Brazil. The authors believe this translation is suited for validation.

Impact of Palliative Care on Quality of End-of-Life Care Among Brazilian Patients With Advanced Cancers

CONTEXT

Many patients with advanced cancer experience aggressive care during the end of life (EOL). Several studies have evaluated the benefits of palliative care (PC) on the reduction of aggressive measures; however, limited data are available about their benefit in Brazilian patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of PC on the reduction of aggressive measures at the EOL.

METHODS

Longitudinal study analyzed retrospectively medical records of patients who died of advanced cancer from 2010 to 2014. Data were obtained on PC referral and five quality-of-care indicators at the EOL; that is, emergency department visits, hospital admission, intensive care unit admission, use of systemic antineoplastic therapy within the last 30 days of life, and place of death in hospital as well as the use of a composite score for aggressiveness of care.

RESULTS

Of the 1284 patients, 832 (65%) received some aggressive measures in EOL care. Over the years, there was a reduction in the aggressiveness of care (score = 0: 33.2% vs. 47.1%; P < 0.001). Patients not seen by PC received greater aggressive care compared with patients consulted by PC (score ≥1: 87.4% vs. 52.8%; P < 0.001). Early PC was associated with less chemotherapy (P = 0.001) and fewer emergency department visits (P = 0.004) in the last 30 days of life, when compared with late PC. However, there were no demonstrated benefits to significantly reduce the composite score at EOL care aggressiveness.

CONCLUSION

Patients with an advanced cancer consultation by PC staff received less aggressive care at the EOL when compared with patients without PC.

A metastatic ovarian angiosarcoma mimicking hematologic neoplasia at diagnosis

Angiosarcomas are rare aggressive neoplasms of vascular endothelial origin with a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Involvement of the bone marrow by the angiosarcoma is exceedingly uncommon, and there have only been a few cases reported in the literature to date. Clinical manifestations and common laboratory findings of bone marrow involvement can mimic other more common bone marrow-replacing neoplasias such as lymphomas and acute leukemia. A definitive diagnosis is difficult to make from cytologic material, probably due to an associated bone marrow fibrosis, and requires bone marrow trephine biopsy with an immunohistochemical profile. Here we had the opportunity to study a case of metastatic angiosarcoma with positive cytologic findings and an unusual presentation that challenged its primary diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Survivors Undergoing Endocrine Therapy Have a Worrying Risk Factor Profile for Cardiovascular Diseases

The increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in breast cancer survivors has been widely discussed in the literature and occurs due to the cardiotoxicity of antineoplastic treatments, and also to the common risk factors between these diseases. Thus, the objective of our study was to evaluate, prospectively, the number of risk factors (NRF) for CVDs in women during endocrine therapy, and to associate the NRF with C reactive protein (CRP) and phase angle (PhA). The following risk factors for CVD were evaluated at three times: anthracycline chemotherapy, radiotherapy, comorbidities, inadequate diet, overweight, abdominal adiposity, alcoholism, smoking, physical inactivity and altered lipid profile. There was inadequacy in the most components of the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised and inadequate consumption of various types of fats and fibers. Most women in this study presented excessive abdominal fat and overweight, but these parameters have not changed over time (p < 0.005). Moreover, a high frequency of systemic arterial hypertension and physical inactivity was observed. The average NRF for CVDs was above ten, at the three evaluation times. Women with higher NRF had higher levels of CRP (p = 0.003), a predictor of cardiovascular risk, however, there was no significance with PhA (p = 0.256). Thus, intervention is needed to improve lifestyle.