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Meyer S, Harries J, Torode J, Baldwin-Ragaven L. Harnessing the law to advance equitable cancer care in South Africa: exploring the feasibility, desirability and added value of a dedicated national cancer act. Ecancermedicalscience 2024; 18:1658. [PMID: 38425764 PMCID: PMC10901632 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2024.1658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The 2017 World Health Assembly resolution on integrated cancer prevention and control provided clear guidance on creating an enabling environment for cancer care. Through a variety of mechanisms, including civil society advocacy, some countries have secured overarching legislation in the form of national cancer acts to promote equitable access and outcomes for cancer patients. In South Africa, cancer incidence is set to double by 2030; and, while existing legislative and policy frameworks do address cancer prevention and control, these are fragmented, poorly implemented and have had limited success. Methods This study assessed the feasibility and potential impact of promulgating a dedicated national cancer act in South Africa through exploratory in-depth interviews with 25 purposively selected key informants from various stakeholder groups, including cancer survivors; legal scholars; human rights advocates; health care providers; public health specialists and academicians. Findings Following thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: the content of a dedicated national cancer act, the socio-political leveragability of an act and accountability mechanisms that would support such an act. Conclusion While most respondents had not considered the possibility of a dedicated national cancer act, they were open to the concept for South Africa. Concerns about widening inequities, duplication, funding and accountability would need to be addressed against the current backdrop of health inequities and limited human rights leveraging for health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salomé Meyer
- Cancer Alliance, Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, 2 Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, Gauteng, South Africa
- https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5624-8170
| | - Jane Harries
- Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), 26 Concorde Road West, Bedfordview 2008, Gauteng, South Africa
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7359-8419
| | - Julie Torode
- Global Health Unit, Institute of Cancer Policy, Kings College London. Strand, WC2R 2LS London, UK
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9755-3968
| | - Laurel Baldwin-Ragaven
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa
- http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6744-3768
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Kępski J, Szmit S, Lech-Marańda E. Characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed hematological malignancies referred for echocardiography. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1283831. [PMID: 38327743 PMCID: PMC10847336 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1283831] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The importance of cardio-hemato-oncology programs is increasing. The main aim of the study was to identify all coexisting cardiovascular disorders in patients with new hematological malignancies referred for echocardiography during baseline evaluation before anticancer therapy. Material and methods The study was based on 900 echocardiographic examinations performed within 12 months at the Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Poland: 669 tests (74.3%) were dedicated to hemato-oncology patients at the different stages of cancer therapy, however almost a third of the tests (277, 30.8%) were part of a baseline evaluation before starting first line anticancer therapy due to newly diagnosed hematological malignancies. Results The group of 277 patients with new hematological malignancies (138 women, 49.82%) with a median age of 66 years (interquartile range: 53-72 years) was included in the main analyses. The three most frequent new histopathological diagnoses were: non-Hodgkin lymphoma (63 cases; 22.74%), acute myeloid leukaemia (47 cases; 16.97%), and multiple myeloma (45 cases; 16.25%). The three most common clinical cardiology disorders were arterial hypertension (in 133 patients, 48.01%), arrhythmias (48 patients, 17.33%), and heart failure (39 patients, 14.08%). Among 48 patients with arrhythmias there were 22 cases with atrial fibrillation. The most frequently detected echocardiographic abnormality was Left Atrial Volume Index >34 ml/m2 which was present in 108 of 277 patients (38.99%) and associated with a significantly greater chance of concomitant diagnosis of arrhythmias (OR=1.98; p=0.048) especially atrial fibrillation (OR=3.39; p=0.025). The second most common echocardiographic finding was diastolic dysfunction 2nd or 3rd degree revealed in 43 patients (15.52%) and associated with a greater chance of simultaneous diagnosis of heart failure (OR=8.32; p<0.0001) or arrhythmias (OR=4.44; p<0.0001) including atrial fibrillation (OR=5.40; p=0.0003). Conclusions In patients with newly diagnosed hematological malignancies left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a common abnormality in echocardiography and may determine diagnoses of heart failure or arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Kępski
- Department of Cardio-Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sebastian Szmit
- Department of Cardio-Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Lech-Marańda
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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Yu C, Meier S, Bestawros D, Sun D, Trieu J, Yong ASC, Wong CCY, Yiannikas J, Kritharides L, Beltrame JF, Naoum C. Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Troponin T in Definitive Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA). Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:936-944. [PMID: 37080291 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.04.009] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unknown whether the degree of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTropT) elevation in patients with suspected myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) presentations can help predict the likelihood of an abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan. In this study we describe the diagnostic utility of CMR in patients with MINOCA and assesses the effect of peak hsTropT levels at presentation on CMR diagnostic yield. METHODS Records of consecutive patients (n = 1407) referred for CMR at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2016 and September 2021 were reviewed. A total of 70 patients met the criteria of MINOCA including ischemic chest pain, elevated peak hsTropT, and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (< 50% stenosis). The peak hsTropT levels within 72 hours of admission were identified. CMR images were generated using a 3.0 T Siemens scanner. Predictors of having an abnormal CMR were evaluated. RESULTS CMR established a diagnosis in 71% (n = 50) of patients, with the most common CMR diagnosis being myopericarditis (n = 27; 39%). Time to CMR was an independent predictor of a normal CMR scan (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.999). Peak hsTropT had a high diagnostic accuracy for identifying patients with an abnormal CMR scan (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, 0.81; P < 0.001). The optimal hsTropT cutoff was 166 ng/L, with 72% sensitivity and specificity. A troponin value ≥ 166 ng/L was independently predictive of an abnormal CMR scan (odds ratio, 4.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-17.11). CONCLUSIONS HsTropT and early CMR imaging are independently predictive of an abnormal CMR scan in patients with MINOCA. Additionally, the use of a hsTropT cutoff provides incremental predictive value to clinical parameters and time to CMR scanning in determining an abnormal scan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Silvan Meier
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dina Bestawros
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph Trieu
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andy S C Yong
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher C Y Wong
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Yiannikas
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leonard Kritharides
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John F Beltrame
- Cardiology Department, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher Naoum
- Department of Cardiology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Gálvez LC, Redondo EA, Lorenzo CC, Fernández TL. Advanced Echocardiographic Techniques in Cardio-Oncology: the Role for Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:1109-1116. [PMID: 35881319 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01728-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Implementation of advanced echocardiographic techniques in cardio-oncology is a growing need as they are the cornerstone of early detection of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT). RECENT FINDINGS Three-dimensional echocardiography and myocardial deformation techniques have shown more accuracy and reproducibility than classic 2D measurements in detecting cardiovascular adverse effects in patients undergoing anticancer therapies. Application of advanced echo techniques to daily monitoring of patients with cancer helps to identify those at risk of developing CTR-CVT during and after cancer treatment. Furthermore, advanced echo parameters improve early initiation of cardioprotective treatments in order to minimize cardiovascular events and cancer treatment interruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Cobarro Gálvez
- Cardiology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Paseo de La Castellana, 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Emilio Arbas Redondo
- Cardiology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Paseo de La Castellana, 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Teresa López Fernández
- Cardio-Oncology Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Paseo de La Castellana, Cardiology Department, 261, 28046, Madrid, Spain
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Borges GSM, Lages EB, Sicard P, Ferreira LAM, Richard S. Nanomedicine in Oncocardiology: Contribution and Perspectives of Preclinical Studies. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:690533. [PMID: 34277738 PMCID: PMC8277942 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.690533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide. Strikingly, cardiovascular disorders are more common and more severe in cancer patients than in the general population, increasing incidence rates. In this context, it is vital to consider the anticancer efficacy of a treatment and the devastating heart complications it could potentially cause. Oncocardiology has emerged as a promising medical and scientific field addressing these aspects from different angles. Interestingly, nanomedicine appears to have great promise in reducing the cardiotoxicity of anticancer drugs, maintaining or even enhancing their efficacy. Several studies have shown the benefits of nanocarriers, although with some flaws when considering the concept of oncocardiology. Herein, we discuss how preclinical studies should be designed as closely as possible to clinical protocols, considering various parameters intrinsic to the animal models used and the experimental protocols. The sex and age of the animals, the size and location of the tumors, the doses of the nanoformulations administered, and the acute vs. the long-term effects of treatments are essential aspects. We also discuss the perspectives offered by non-invasive imaging techniques to simultaneously assess both the anticancer effects of treatment and its potential impact on the heart. The overall objective is to accelerate the development and validation of nanoformulations through high-quality preclinical studies reproducing the clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Silva Marques Borges
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Eduardo Burgarelli Lages
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Sicard
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,IPAM, BioCampus, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucas Antônio Miranda Ferreira
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sylvain Richard
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,IPAM, BioCampus, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Khoury K, Lynce F, Barac A, Geng X, Dang C, Yu AF, Smith KL, Gallagher C, Pohlmann PR, Nunes R, Herbolsheimer P, Warren R, Srichai MB, Hofmeyer M, Asch F, Tan M, Isaacs C, Swain SM. Long-term follow-up assessment of cardiac safety in SAFE-HEaRt, a clinical trial evaluating the use of HER2-targeted therapies in patients with breast cancer and compromised heart function. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 185:863-868. [PMID: 33400034 PMCID: PMC8207895 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-06053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE HER2-targeted therapies are associated with cardiotoxicity which is usually asymptomatic and reversible. We report the updated cardiac safety assessment of patients with compromised heart function receiving HER2-targeted therapy for breast cancer, enrolled in the SAFE-HEaRt trial, at a median follow-up of 3.5 years. METHODS Thirty patients with stage I-IV HER2-positive breast cancer receiving trastuzumab with or without pertuzumab, or ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), with asymptomatic LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction) 40-49%, were started on cardioprotective medications, with the primary endpoint being completion of HER2-targeted therapy without cardiac events (CE) or protocol-defined asymptomatic worsening of LVEF. IRB-approved follow-up assessment included 23 patients. RESULTS Median follow-up as of June 2020 is 42 months. The study met its primary endpoint with 27 patients (90%) completing their HER2-targeted therapies without cardiac issues. Of the 23 evaluable patients at long-term f/u, 14 had early stage breast cancer, and 9 had metastatic disease, 8 of whom remained on HER2-targeted therapies. One patient developed symptomatic heart failure with no change in LVEF. There were no cardiac deaths. The mean LVEF improved to 52.1% from 44.9% at study baseline, including patients who remained on HER2-targeted therapy, and those who received prior anthracyclines. CONCLUSIONS Long-term follow-up of the SAFE-HEaRt study continues to provide safety data of HER2-targeted therapy use in patients with compromised heart function. The late development of cardiac dysfunction is uncommon and continued multi-disciplinary oncologic and cardiac care of patients is vital for improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Khoury
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Filipa Lynce
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Barac
- MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Xue Geng
- Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Chau Dang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony F Yu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen L Smith
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Paula R Pohlmann
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
| | - Raquel Nunes
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Robert Warren
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - Mark Hofmeyer
- MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Federico Asch
- MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Ming Tan
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
| | - Claudine Isaacs
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
- Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Sandra M Swain
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA.
- MedStar Health, Columbia, MD, USA.
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Building D Room 120, 4000 Reservoir Road NW, Washington DC, 20057, USA.
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