Risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors

Living lab modelling as a pilot study assessing the potential psychological health benefits of forest environment for cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the physiological and psychological changes in cancer survivors who engage in repeated forest therapy in a living environment.

METHODS

This study included stay-based forest therapy for female cancer survivors aged ≥40 years. The program was conducted in two cycles, each spanning 3 weeks and consisting of a 2-night, 3-day stay, followed by daily life integration. The cycles were repeated from July 2, 2022, to August 18, 2022. Participant assessment included standard physical health parameters and a questionnaire on general characteristics, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and health status.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven female cancer survivors participated in the forest healing program, 56.8% of whom had a history of breast cancer. The median body mass index (BMI) was 23.80 kg/m2 (range, 21.00-25.60). More than half of the patients reported mild-to-moderate fatigue, chronic pain, and mild-to-moderate depression (81%, 65%, and 73%, respectively). After two cycles of forest therapy, no significant differences were observed in terms of fatigue, pain, or BMI levels. However, significant improvements were found in quality of life measures, particularly the psychological quality of life (mean score 12.54 at baseline vs. 13.48 after cycle 2; P=0.007). Positive improvements were also observed in terms of stress (mean score 17.03 vs. 13.76; P=0.002) and depression (mean score 8.35 vs. 6.11; P=0.002) levels.

CONCLUSION

Our forest-healing program demonstrated that nature-based therapies improve the mental health and quality of life of female cancer survivors, suggesting the need for further research on nature-based interventions to better support cancer survivors.

Phase angle is related to oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The study aimed to analyze the influence of chemotherapy on health biomarkers and examine the relationship between phase angle (PhA) and oxidative stress.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed. Women who were starting chemotherapy were recruited. Also, this study included a control group of women without cancer. Bioelectrical impedance multiple-frequency (BIS) analysis, 24h food recall, and blood samples were collected at 2-time points: diagnosis (T0) and after one month of completion of therapy (T1) for the main study group and one-time point for the control group. T-tests or Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon Test was used to compare variables. Linear regression analysis was conducted to test if PhA is related to the dependent variables after adjusting for age and body mass index.

RESULTS

119 women were included (61 with breast cancer and 58 healthy). There was no difference between the groups concerning anthropometrics, fat mass, and fat-free mass. Breast cancer patients had a worsening in PhA (p<0.001) after chemotherapy completion. PhA was positive statistically correlated with extracellular water, albumin, and the antioxidant markers at both times. The linear model showed that PhA was significantly predicted by C reactive protein, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Malondialdehyde (MDA), total body water/extracellular water, and body mass index fat mass. This model explained 58% of PhA variability (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that PhA is an easy and affordable tool that correlates oxidative stress markers in breast cancer patients, regardless of age or body mass index.

High-intensity exercise prescription guided by heart rate variability in breast cancer patients: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a chronic disease with a large growth in its treatments, prognosis, improvements, side effects and rehabilitation therapies research. These advances have also highlighted the need to use physical exercise as a countermeasure to reduce the cardiotoxicity of pharmacological treatments, increase patients' strength and quality of life and improve body composition, physical condition and mental health. However, new investigations show the need for a closed exercise individualisation to produce higher physiological, physical and psychological benefits in remote exercise programs. To this end, the present study will use, in a novel way in this population, heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure for prescribing high-intensity training. Thus, the primary objective of this randomised clinical trial is to analyse the effects of a high-intensity exercise program daily guided by HRV, a preplanned moderate to high-intensity exercise intervention and a usual care group, in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

METHODS

For this purpose, a 16-week intervention will be carried out with 90 breast cancer patients distributed in 3 groups (a control group, a moderate to high-intensity preplanned exercise group and a high-intensity exercise group guided by HRV). Both physical exercise interventions will be developed remotely and supervised including strength and cardiovascular exercises. Physiological variables, such as cardiotoxicity, biomarkers, lipid profile, glucose, heart rate and blood pressure; physical measures like cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, flexibility, agility, balance and body composition; and psychosocial variables, as health-related quality of life, fatigue, functionality, self-esteem, movement fear, physical exercise level, anxiety and depression will be measure before, after the intervention and 3 and 6 months follow up.

DISCUSSION

Personalized high-intensity exercise could be a promising exercise intervention in contrast to moderate-intensity or usual care in breast cancer patients to reach higher clinical, physical and mental effects. In addition, the novelty of controlling HRV measures daily may reflect exercise effects and patients' adaptation in the preplanned exercise group and a new opportunity to adjust intensity. Moreover, findings may support the effectiveness and security of physical exercise remotely supervised, although with high-intensity exercise, to reach cardiotoxicity improvements and increase physical and psychosocial variables after breast cancer treatments. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov nº NCT05040867 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT05040867 ).

Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Immunohistochemical Profile at Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the immunohistochemical profile of breast cancer (BC) in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional cohort study included 189 women, aged 45 to 75years and amenorrhea >12 months, with newly diagnosed BC and no previous cancer treatment. Clinical, anthropometric and biochemical data were collected, as well as data on BC hormone status (estrogen receptor, ER; progesterone receptor, PR; human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, HER-2), and epithelial proliferative activity (Ki-67). Tumors were divided into 5 subtypes:luminal A, luminal B HER-2 negative, luminal B HER-2 positive, non-luminal HER-2, and triple negative. Women with three or more of the following criteria were diagnosed with MetS: waist circumference ≥88cm; triglycerides ≥150mg/dL; HDL-cholesterol <50mg/dL; blood pressure ≥130/85mmHg; glucose ≥100mg/dL.

RESULTS

Sixty-three (33.3%) of the 189 patients had MetS at the time of diagnosis. Women with MetS had a higher frequency of tumors ≤ 2cm than women without MetS (49.2% vs. 31.8%) (P = .038). There were no differences in histological grade, staging, or axillary lymph node metastasis (P > .05). The proportion of PR-positive (P = .006), HER-2-negative (P = .034), and luminal B HER-2-negative (P = .038) tumors was higher among patients with MetS compared to women without MetS (79.4% vs. 61.8%, 89.9% vs. 78.6% and 44.5% vs. 27.8%, respectively). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, time since menopause and BMI showed a higher risk for luminal B HER-2-negative tumors among women with MetS (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.03-3.89), obese patients (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.06-3.90), and women with abdominal obesity (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.01-4.03).

CONCLUSION

In postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed BC, the presence of MetS was associated with smaller tumor size, PR-positive and HER-2-negative status, and the luminal B tumor subtype.

Differences in heart rate variability and body composition in breast cancer survivors and women without cancer

The aim of this study was to explore cardiac autonomic changes assessed by linear and nonlinear indexes of heart rate variability (HRV) and body composition modifications in breast cancer survivors and cancer-free control women. Women who were breast cancer survivors (BCS, n = 27) and without cancer with similar characteristics (Control, n = 31) were recruited for this study. We calculated some relevant linear and nonlinear parameters of 5 min of RR interval time series such as mean RR interval (RRave), the corrected Poincaré index (cSD1/SD2), the sample entropy (SampEn), the long-term fractal scaling exponent (α2) and 2UV from symbolic dynamics. Additionally, we indirectly assessed body composition measures such as body weight, fat mass, visceral fat rating (VFR), normalized VRF (nVFR), muscle mass, metabolic age, and total body water. We found that diverse HRV indexes and only one body composition measure showed statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the BCS and Control groups. RRave: 729 (648-802) vs. 795 (713-852) ms; cSD2/SD1: 3.4 (2.7-5.0) vs. 2.9 (2.3-3.5); SampEn: 1.5 (1.3-1.8) vs. 1.7 (1.5-1.8); α2: 0.6 (0.3-0.6) vs. 0.5 (0.4-0.5); 2UV: 7.1 (4.3-11.5) vs. 10.8 (6.4-15.7) and nVFR 0.12 (0.11-0.13) vs. 0.10 (0.08-0.12) points/kg, respectively. The nVFR was strongly significantly correlated with several indexes of HRV only in the BCS group.Our findings suggest that BCS exhibit lower parasympathetic cardiac activity and changes in HRV patterns compared to Controls. A concomitant increase of visceral fat, among other factors, may contribute to cardiac autonomic disturbances and changes in HRV patterns in BCS.

Metabolic syndrome and unfavorable outcomes on body composition and in visceral adiposities indexes among early breast cancer women post-chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The study objected to investigate potential changes in metabolic, dietary, and nutritional status in women with stages I-III breast cancer exposed to chemotherapy.

METHODS

Women who were starting chemotherapy with no previous treatment were recruited. Anthropometrics, bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, blood pressure and blood sample were collected. Visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product were calculated. Dietary intake was evaluated, and the multiple source methods program was applied. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was assessed following the NCEP-ATP III criteria (defined as 3 of 5 components of MetS). All data were collected at 2-time points: diagnosis (T0) and after 1 month of completion of therapy (T1). Mean, standard deviation, percentage, and ANOVA in SAS Studio® were used to explore the results.

RESULTS

61 women were included. We did not find any changes in anthropometrics and body composition. However, phase angle, extracellular water (EX) and ratio EX to total body water had expressive changes (p < 0.001). The results showed changes in lipid profile (p < 0.001), and greater unfavorable outcomes on adiposities index (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, 68,8% (N = 42) of the women developed MetS post-chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

We have found supporting evidence for chemotherapy treatment resulting in worsening of nutritional markers, lipid profile and adiposity markers. After chemotherapy part of the sample developed MetS, even without changes in body weight, fat mass, and food intake. Breast cancer patients may benefit from targeted interventions before starting chemotherapy to prevent MetS post-treatment, and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Further investigation into this theme is needed.

Obesity, leptin, and deregulation of microRNA in lipid metabolisms: their contribution to breast cancer prognosis

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome have been associated with cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer incidence. Obesity is a state of inflammation. There are cross-talks between adipocyte, adipokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, insulin, leptin, and other growth factors to initiate signals for proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Those networks lead to cancer initiation, promotion, progression, and metastasis. Post menopause women with breast cancer commonly have overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, which are previously reported as conditions to be associated with breast cancer prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression, are known to play important roles either in metabolic or carcinogenesis process in patients with breast cancer. Some miRNAs expressions are deregulated in persons either with obesity, breast cancer, or breast cancer with co-morbid obesity. This literature review aimed at reviewing recent publications on the role of obesity, leptin, and microRNA deregulation in adverse prognosis of breast cancer. Understanding the influence of deregulated miRNAs and their target genes in patients with breast cancer and obesity will direct more studies to explore the potential prognostic role of obesity in breast cancer from epigenetic points of view.

Intestinal Dysbiosis and Development of Cardiometabolic Disorders in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Critical Review

Significance: Survivors of pediatric cancers have a high risk of developing side effects after the end of their treatments. Many potential factors have been associated with the onset of cardiometabolic disorders (CMD), including cancer disease itself, chemotherapy, hormonal treatment, radiotherapy, and genetics. However, the precise etiology and underlying mechanisms of these long-term complications are poorly understood. Recent Advances: Greater awareness is currently paid to the role of microbiota in the emergence of cancers and modulation of cancer therapies in both children and adults. Alterations in the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota can clearly influence tumor development and progression as well as immune responses and clinical output. As dysbiosis is closely linked to the development of host metabolic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it may increase the risk of CMD in cancer populations. Critical Issues: Only limited studies targeting the profile of intestinal dysbiosis before and after cancer treatment have been conducted. Further, the exact contribution of intestinal dysbiosis to the development of CMD in cancer survivors is poorly appreciated. This review intends to clarify the influence of gut microbiota on CMD in childhood cancer survivors, elucidate the potential mechanisms, and evaluate the latest research on the interplay between diet/food supplement, microbiota, and cancer-related CMD. Future Directions: The implication of intestinal dysbiosis in late metabolic complications of childhood cancer survivors should be clarified. Intervention strategies could be developed to reduce the risk of survivors to CMD. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 223-251.

Biomarkers of cardiometabolic complications in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) are at higher risk of developing cardiometabolic complications. We aimed at exploring the associations between biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial function, endotoxemia and cardiometabolic risk factors. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in 246 cALL survivors (mean age, 22.1 ± 6.3 years; mean time since diagnosis, 15.5 ± 5.2 years) and evaluated the associations using a series of logistic regressions. Using structural equation models, we also tested if the relationship between endotoxemia and cardiometabolic complications was mediated by the latent (unobserved) variable inflammation inferred from the observed biomarkers CRP, TNF-α and IL-6. High leptin-adiponectin ratio was associated with obesity [adjusted OR = 15.7; 95% CI (6.2–39.7)], insulin resistance [20.6 (5.2–82.1)] and the metabolic syndrome [11.2 (2.6–48.7)]. Higher levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α were associated with obesity [3.37 (1.6–7.1) and 2.34 (1.3–4.2), respectively] whereas high C-reactive protein levels were associated with insulin resistance [3.3 (1.6–6.8)], dyslipidemia [2.6 (1.4–4.9)] and MetS [6.5 (2.4–17.9)]. Our analyses provided evidence for a directional relationship between lipopolysaccharide binding protein, related to metabolic endotoxemia, inflammation and cardiometabolic outcomes. Identification of biomarkers and biological mechanisms could open new avenues for prevention strategies to minimize the long-term sequelae, improve follow-up and optimize the quality of life of this high-risk population.

Effect of Denosumab on Glucose Homeostasis in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Aromatase inhibitors in women with breast cancer have been associated with cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL), increased fracture risk, and impairment of glucose metabolism. Denosumab (Dmab), a monoclonal antibody against RANKL, which is a key regulator of the osteoclast activity, is effective as an antiresorptive agent in the treatment of CTIBL. Since RANKL/RANK pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of glucometabolic disorders, it has been suggested that Dmab may improve glucose homeostasis. Our pilot study evaluated the effect of a single administration of 60 mg Dmab on glucose metabolism in a cohort of women with breast cancer treated with aromatase inhibitors.

METHODS

Fifteen postmenopausal nondiabetic women were prospectively enrolled. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and metabolic parameters, including FGF21, were assessed at baseline and one month after Dmab injection. Midterm glucose control was evaluated by measuring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels 5 months after Dmab.

RESULTS

Parameters of glucose metabolism were not different one month after Dmab but circulating FGF21 levels significantly decreased (128.5 ± 46.8 versus 100.2 ± 48.8 pg/mL; p=0.016). Considering patients with insulin resistance at baseline (HOMA-IR > 2.5 and Matsuda Index < 2.5; n = 5), reduced mean fasting insulin levels (16.3 ± 4.9 versus 13.5 ± 3.5 mcU/mL; p=0.029) and increased insulin sensitivity index QUICKI (0.317 ± 0.013 versus 0.327 ± 0.009; p=0.025) were found. Nonetheless, HbA1c increased 5 months after Dmab (36.0 ± 2.3 versus 39.6 ± 3.1 mmol/mol; p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although RANKL blockade induced a short-term positive effect on insulin sensitivity, particularly in insulin-resistant patients, a benefit on long-term glucose metabolism was not evident. In conclusion, Dmab is safe for glucose metabolism in aromatase inhibitor-treated women with breast cancer.

Factors Affecting Onset and Persistence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Breast Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Study

This study aimed to investigate the onset and persistence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors in a community setting. The study included 329 female breast cancer survivors from 39 community health examination centers located in 14 urban areas in Korea. After an average of 4.6 years of follow-up, based on the presence of metabolic syndrome at baseline and follow-up, the subjects were assigned to three groups: Non-metabolic syndrome (n = 249), onset (n = 32), and persistent (n = 48). Factors associated with the metabolic syndrome were analyzed and presented as odds ratios (ORs). Older age, postmenopausal status, lower education, and lower-income level were associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the onset Mets and persistent Mets group. In particular, when the breast cancer survivor was obese (≥25 kg/m²), the probability of developing metabolic syndrome was 3.33 times higher than normal-weight subjects (<23 kg/m²) and the probability of metabolic syndrome persisting was 16.34 times. When breast cancer survivors were in their 60s or older, the probability of metabolic syndrome persisting was 4.27 times higher than those in their 40s. To prevent the onset and persistence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors, health-care providers should identify risk factors. Obesity, in particular, should be controlled.

Apolipoproteins, as the carrier proteins for lipids, are involved in the development of breast cancer

Apolipoproteins, the key components of lipoproteins, play vital roles in the combination and transportation of lipids. Numerous research articles have accumulated solid evidence that lipoproteins are closely related to various types of tumorigenesis. In this review, we focused on the associations between several apolipoproteins and breast carcinoma and distinguished the effects and significance of apolipoproteins in different locations to validate their roles in breast carcinoma development. For example, apoD and apoE in serum are viewed as risk factors for breast carcinoma. ApoD, apoE and apoA-I in mammary tissues inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, apoB, apoJ and apoA-I have the potential to function as diagnostic or prognostic markers in the clinic. ApoEdp and apoJ treatment on breast carcinoma could significantly restrict tumor growth. In general, the aim of this review was to further analyze the associations between some members of the apolipoprotein family and breast cancer.

Long-term Somatic Disease Risk in Adult Danish Cancer Survivors

Importance

Long-term health effects of cancer in adult survivors are a major concern; however, it is difficult to differentiate between the consequences of cancer and cancer treatment and those of normal aging or comorbidity.

Objectives

To provide an overview and investigate the temporal pattern of hospitalizations for medically verified incident somatic disease in adult survivors compared with cancer-free comparison people, taking into consideration pretreatment comorbidity and the socioeconomic position of the participants.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this nationwide, population-based cohort-cohort study, 458 646 survivors of the 12 most frequent first primary cancers listed in the Danish Cancer Registry between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2014, and 2 121 567 matched cancer-free comparison people were identified from the Danish Central Population Registry. Hospitalizations for somatic diseases after cancer diagnosis or study entry were identified from the National Patient Register and stratified according to the 11 main diagnostic groups in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision. A cohort of cancer survivors was formed for each combination of cancer type and diagnostic group, with a corresponding group of cancer-free people, resulting in 132 unique cohorts. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2017, to January 15, 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Risk of hospitalization and the temporal pattern of incidence were analyzed in Cox proportional hazards regression models. Cumulative incidence proportions were calculated by the pseudo-observation method.

Results

A total of 2 580 213 people were investigated, of whom 458 646 were cancer survivors (mean [SD] age, 69 [11.6] years; 230 793 [50.3%] male and 227 853 [49.7%] female) and 2 121 567 were comparison people (mean [SD] age, 69 [11.5] years; 1 054 465 [49.7%] male and 1 067 102 [50.3%] female). More cancer survivors vs comparison people had comorbid conditions at the time of cancer diagnosis or study entry (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥1: 19% vs 13%). Overall, the risk of hospitalizations for somatic diseases was significantly higher for cancer survivors in almost all diagnostic groups (eg, diseases in the nervous system among breast cancer survivors: hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.17-1.22; diseases in the respiratory system in lung cancer survivors: hazard ratio, 5.85; 95% CI, 5.63-6.07; and diseases in blood and blood-forming organs in prostate cancer survivors: hazard ratio, 2.60; 95% CI, 2.50-2.71).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings suggest that adult survivors of the 12 most common cancers are at significantly higher risk for a broad range of somatic diseases that require hospitalization compared with matched cancer-free comparison people. The results of this study suggest the importance of close, targeted monitoring for new somatic disease during follow-up care of cancer survivors.

Metabolic Syndrome, Exercise, and Cardiovascular Fitness in Breast Cancer Survivors

Comorbid illness contributes to poorer cancer outcomes and higher mortality. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) includes a cluster of risk factors that are associated with an increased risk of comorbidities. Routine physical activity represents a risk reduction strategy for cancer survivors. From 148 participants in a 12-month randomized control trial (RCT) of a fitness center exercise intervention compared to home physical activity group, a subset analysis was conducted to explore the effect of exercise on MetS risk factors. There were 32 (21.6%) breast cancer survivors who met the criteria for MetS at baseline. Over the 12 months, there were significantly fewer participants who met the criteria for MetS (p < .01), and there was significant improvement in individual risk factors, specifically fasting blood sugar (p = .01), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL; p = .02). Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated and greater heart recovery rate (HRR) was negatively associated with waist circumference, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and MetS risk (p < .02) and positively associated with HDL (p = .03). Oncology advanced practitioners are uniquely qualified to integrate risk reduction into the management of at-risk oncology patients.

The Metabolic Syndrome Is a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of various malignant tumors. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we explored the relationship between MetS and breast cancer (BC).

METHODS

Relevant studies were systematically searched on Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane database, and PubMed up to September 16, 2019, using "breast cancer" and "metabolic syndrome" as keywords. Eligible studies with clear definition of MetS, available data, and relationships between MetS and BC were evaluated using a risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies, including 13 cohort studies and 12 case-control studies, met the inclusion criteria, which assessed a total of 392,583 female participants and 19,628 BC patients. The results revealed a statistically significant increase by 52% of the risk of BC in adult females with MetS (RR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.31-1.70, p < 0.0001). Postmenopausal MetS patients may have a twofold risk to suffer BC (RR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.55-2.60, p < 0.001). The risk of BC increased markedly with the number of MetS components: RR = 1.00 for 1 component (p = 0.976), RR = 1.40 for 2 components (p = 0.121), and RR = 1.98 for >3 components (p < 0.001). The risk factors associated with BC were obesity, hypertension, and diabetes (RR = 1.33, 1.19, and 1.30 respectively, all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that MetS is highly related with BC. In postmenopausal patients with ≥2 MetS components or a combination of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, routine BC screening could help to detect BC at an early stage.

Clinical and Genetic Risk Factors for Adverse Metabolic Outcomes in North American Testicular Cancer Survivors

Background: Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) are at significantly increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with metabolic syndrome (MetS) an established risk factor. No study has addressed clinical and genetic MetS risk factors in North American TCS. Patients and Methods: TCS were aged <55 years at diagnosis and received first-line chemotherapy. Patients underwent physical examination, and had lipid panels, testosterone, and soluble cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) evaluated. A single nucleotide polymorphism in rs523349 (5-α-reductase gene, SRD5A2), recently implicated in MetS risk, was genotyped. Using standard criteria, MetS was defined as ≥3 of the following: hypertension, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, and diabetes. Matched controls were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: We evaluated 486 TCS (median age, 38.1 years). TCS had a higher prevalence of hypertension versus controls (43.2% vs 30.7%; P<.001) but were less likely to have decreased HDL levels (23.7% vs 34.8%; P<.001) or abdominal obesity (28.2% vs 40.1%; P<.001). Overall MetS frequency was similar in TCS and controls (21.0% vs 22.4%; P=.59), did not differ by treatment (P=.20), and was not related to rs523349 (P=.61). For other CVD risk factors, TCS were significantly more likely to have elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (17.7% vs 9.3%; P<.001), total cholesterol levels (26.3% vs 11.1%; P<.001), and body mass index ≥25 kg/m² (75.1% vs 69.1%; P=.04). On multivariate analysis, age at evaluation (P<.001), testosterone level ≤3.0 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR], 2.06; P=.005), and elevated sICAM-1 level (OR_{highest vs lowest quartile}, 3.58; P=.001) were significantly associated with MetS. Conclusions and Recommendations: Metabolic abnormalities in TCS are characterized by hypertension and increased LDL and total cholesterol levels but lower rates of decreased HDL levels and abdominal obesity, signifying possible shifts in fat distribution and fat metabolism. These changes are accompanied by hypogonadism and inflammation. TCS have a high prevalence of CVD risk factors that may not be entirely captured by standard MetS criteria. Cancer treatment-associated MetS requires further characterization.

High risk for cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer patients have a higher mortality risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than women from the general population. CVD risk may increase significantly in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for CVD in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 96 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors were compared with 192 postmenopausal women. The main group included women with amenorrhea >12 months, aged ≥45 years, with breast cancer, and without established CVD. The control group fulfilled the same criteria, but did not have breast cancer. Groups were matched by age, time since menopause, and body mass index, in a ratio of 1 case to 2 controls (1:2). Women with three or more of the following criteria were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome: waist circumference >88 cm; triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <50 mg/dL; blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg; and glucose ≥100 mg/dL. Immunoassays were used (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test) for measurement of plasma heat shock proteins (HSP) 60 and 70 concentrations. Atherosclerotic disease was determined by intima-media thickness (>1 mm) of the carotid arteries and/or the presence of atheromatous plaque assessed by carotid artery ultrasound (scanner duplex).

RESULTS

Breast cancer patients had higher HSP60 levels and lower HSP70 levels than controls (P < 0.05). Analysis showed that the odds of developing metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 4.21, 95% CI, 2.28-7.76), atheromatous plaque (OR = 2.61, 95% CI, 1.19-5.72), diabetes (OR = 4.42; 95% CI, 1.86-10.49), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.32, 95% CI, 1.33-4.0), and increased waist circumference (OR = 11.22, 95% CI, 4.0-31.65) was significantly higher in women treated for cancer than in women without breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a stronger association with risk factors for cardiovascular disease than postmenopausal women without breast cancer.

Atherosclerotic disease and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer (BC) therapies and the longevity that the women achieve imply a higher cardiovascular risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of atherosclerotic disease and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (BCS) compared to postmenopausal women without BC.

METHODS

In this study, 96 women with BC (case group) were compared to 192 women without BC (control group), age range 45-75 years. The case group included women with a histological diagnosis of BC, amenorrhea ≥ 12 months, and age ≥ 45 years, without metastatic disease or cardiovascular disease (CVD). The control group consisted of women with amenorrhea ≥ 12 months and age ≥ 45 years, without BC or CVD. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were measured. Atherosclerotic disease was determined by increased intima-media thickness (thickness > 1.0 mm) of the carotid arteries and/or presence of atheromatous plaques evaluated by carotid duplex ultrasound.

RESULTS

The frequency of diabetes and metabolic syndrome were higher in BCS compared to controls (19.8% vs. 6.8% and 54.2% vs. 37.0%, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no difference in subclinical atherosclerosis between groups (BCS 26% vs. controls 18.7%, p = 0.062). However, atheromatous plaques were more frequent in BCS compared to controls (19.8% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.013). In the risk analysis, adjusted for age, time since menopause, and body mass index, BCS had a 2.4-fold higher risk of atheromatous plaques (odds ratio = 2.42; 95% confidence interval 1.18-4.93, p = 0.033) than women without BC.

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal BCS had a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic disease, associated with a higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes, when compared to women of the same age group without BC.

Effect of chemotherapy and aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer on glucose and insulin metabolism-A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. With increasing survival rates, focus has expanded to long-term adverse effects of adjuvant chemotherapy and/or aromatase inhibitors. Weight gain during chemotherapy has been well documented, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. A change in glucose and insulin metabolism is a possible consequence.

METHODS

We searched PubMed on the 4th of May 2018, and found eight articles that compared measurements of glucose and insulin before and after chemotherapy and/or aromatase inhibitors in woman with BC.

RESULTS

A general trend of increased glucose and insulin is seen and likely to be caused by weight gain and/or changes in body composition as a consequence of adjuvant treatment of BC.

DISCUSSION

Due to methodological limitations including short follow-up times and small sample sizes, further studies are required to better describe metabolic consequences of adjuvant chemotherapy and/or aromatase inhibitors. Future studies could help identify patients in high-risk of developing cardiometabolic disease after BC treatment.

Lower cutaneous microvascular reactivity in adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Cancer patients with a history of anticancer chemotherapy are at an increased cardiovascular disease risk compared with cancer-free populations. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy would have a lower cutaneous microvascular reactivity and lower endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery compared with matched cancer-free control subjects. To test this hypothesis, we performed a case control study with seven cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and seven matched healthy reference control subjects. Red blood cell flux was measured as an index of cutaneous blood flow via laser Doppler flowmetry. Acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated vasodilation was determined by iontophoresis. Data were expressed as percent increase in cutaneous vascular conductance. Endothelium-dependent FMD of the brachial artery via ultrasonography was determined as an index of macrovessel endothelial function. Cutaneous microvascular reactivity was attenuated in cancer patients compared with control subjects [cancer: 959.9 ± 187.3%, control: 1,556.8 ± 222.2%; P = 0.03, effect size (ES) = 1.1]. Additionally, cancer patients demonstrated a significantly lower area under the curve response to ACh iontophoresis compared with healthy control subjects. Brachial artery FMD was also significantly lower in cancer patients compared with control subjects (cancer: 2.2 ± 0.6%, control: 6.6 ± 1.4%; P = 0.006, ES = 1.6), which was significantly associated with measurements of microvascular reactivity. These findings suggest that decreases in vascular reactivity can occur during cancer chemotherapy, which may have implications for the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy experience an increased risk of cardiovascular events, linked to both cardiac and vascular toxicity. The major finding of this study is that microvascular reactivity and macrovascular endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation are lower in cancer patients currently receiving adjuvant chemotherapy compared with healthy counterparts.

Cardiovascular Risk in Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As the number of cancer survivors continues to rise with improved early-detection methods and advancing therapies, along with it, there come adverse health outcomes as a result of physiological and psychological effects of cancer, as well as adverse effects of cancer treatment itself. This paper reviews the risk of cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cancer survivors are at higher risk of having modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, tobacco smoking, and physical inactivity. Cardiotoxicity is a well-established adverse effect of various anticancer regimens, which further elevates the cardiovascular risk in cancer patients. The increased risk of CVD and CVD-related death in cancer survivors is likely to be multifactorial, involving cardiotoxic effects of cancer treatments as well as comorbidities and harmful lifestyle habits. Targeting and managing known cardiac risk factors should be a main target in CVD prevention in cancer survivors.

Association Between Sarcopenia and Metabolic Syndrome in Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Advanced cancer treatments have improved survival from cancer, but the incidence of cardiovascular disease in survivors has recently increased. Sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are related to cancer survival, and sarcopenia is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, evidence of a relationship between sarcopenia and MetS in cancer survivors is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and MetS in cancer survivors and to investigate independent predictors of MetS in cancer survivors.

METHODS

From the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutritional Exam Survey (2008-2011), 798 consecutive cancer survivors were analyzed. Sarcopenia was defined as the appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by weight less than 1 SD below the sex-specific healthy population aged 20 to 39 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program definition.

RESULTS

Among 798 cancer survivors, the prevalence rates of sarcopenia and MetS were 23.1% and 30.0%, respectively. Survivors with sarcopenia were more likely to have a higher waist circumference, body mass index, triglyceride level, and blood pressure and to have a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level compared with those without sarcopenia. In multivariable analysis, sarcopenia was an independent predictor of MetS (odds ratio, 2.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.92-3.97). In addition, age and type of cancer were independent predictors of MetS.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia was associated with an increased prevalence of MetS in cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Interventions to prevent sarcopenia may be necessary to improve cardiovascular outcome in cancer survivors.

Pathophysiology of exercise intolerance in breast cancer survivors with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Breast cancer (BC) survival rates have improved during the past two decades and as a result older BC survivors are at increased risk of developing heart failure (HF). Although the HF phenotype common to BC survivors has received little attention, BC survivors have a number of risk factors associated with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) including older age, hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome and sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, not unlike HFPEF, BC survivors with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (BCPEF) have reduced exercise tolerance measured objectively as decreased peak oxygen uptake (peak VO₂). This review summarizes the literature regarding the mechanisms of exercise intolerance and the role of exercise training to improve peak VO₂ in BCPEF.

Low bone mineral density is associated with breast cancer in postmenopausal women: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors compared with postmenopausal women without breast cancer (controls).

METHOD

In this study, 112 breast cancer survivors were compared to 224 women (controls). Inclusion criteria were amenorrhea ≥12 months, age 45-75 years, treated for breast cancer, and metastasis-free for at least 5 years. The control group consisted of women without breast cancer, matched by age and menopause status (in a proportion of 1: 2 as sample calculation). The risk factors for low BMD (osteopenia/osteoporosis) were assessed by interview. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck. Logistic regression models (odds ratio, OR) were used to identify factors associated with low BMD.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) age of breast cancer survivors was 61.3 (9.7) years, with a mean follow-up of 10.2 (3.9) years. These women had a higher incidence of osteopenia (45.1%) and osteoporosis (22.3%) in the femoral neck than controls (39.3% and 9.0%, respectively) (p = 0.0005). Lumbar spine BMD did not differ between groups (p = 0.332). Univariate analysis adjusted for age and time since menopause revealed that chemotherapy (OR 6.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.57-9.77) was associated with a higher risk of low BMD. Contrarily, regular physical exercise (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.06-0.98) and a body mass index ≥30 kg/m² (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.02-0.37) reduced the risk among breast cancer survivors.

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a higher incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in the femoral neck than women without breast cancer. A history of chemotherapy was a risk factor for low BMD, whereas regular physical activity and high body mass index reduced the risk among breast cancer survivors.

Cancer treatment induced metabolic syndrome: Improving outcome with lifestyle

Increasing numbers of long-term cancer survivors face important treatment related adverse effects. Cancer treatment induced metabolic syndrome (CTIMetS) is an especially prevalent and harmful condition. The aetiology of CTIMetS likely differs from metabolic syndrome in the general population, but effective treatment and prevention methods are probably similar. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms leading to the development of CTIMetS after various types of cancer treatment. Furthermore, we propose a safe and accessible method to treat or prevent CTIMetS through lifestyle change. In particular, we suggest that a lifestyle intervention and optimization of energy balance can prevent or mitigate the development of CTIMetS, which may contribute to optimal survivorship care.

Metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors with high carbohydrate consumption: The first report in community setting

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of and lifestyle factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors and to compare those factors with controls without cancer in a community setting.

METHODS

This study included 584 female breast cancer survivors ≥3 years after the initial diagnosis and 2336 age-matched cancer-free female controls from 39 community health examination centers located in 14 urban areas in Korea. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is shown. Factors associated with the metabolic syndrome were analyzed as odds ratios (ORs) in cancer survivors and controls; differences between the two groups in the ORs of associated factors were evaluated by calculating p-heterogeneity values.

RESULTS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors and age-matched controls were 26.8% and 26.9%, respectively. Higher percentage of caloric intake from carbohydrates was associated with increased metabolic syndrome only in the breast cancer survivors (OR for the highest vs. lowest quartile for survivors = 2.48 [95% CI = 1.20-5.14]; OR for controls = 1.11 [95% CI = 0.81-1.51]; P-heterogeneity = 0.046). Sweat-inducing exercise for ≥150 min/week was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome only in controls (controls: OR = 0.72 [95% CI = 0.58-0.89]; survivors: OR = 0.88 [95% CI = 0.57-1.36]). Older age, higher body mass index, and a lower education level (≤12 years) was associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, in regions with excess carbohydrate intake, the association of the metabolic syndrome with percentage of caloric intake from carbohydrate might be more prominent than exercise in breast cancer survivors, compared with general population.

Cardiometabolic Health Among Cancer Survivors: A 13-Week Pilot Study of a Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training Program

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To explore the feasibility of combined aerobic and resistance training (CART) as a safe method of improving cardiometabolic health among cancer survivors.
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DESIGN

Descriptive and longitudinal pilot study for exercise intervention.
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SETTING

University campus in Los Angeles, California.
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SAMPLE

A multiethnic population of cancer survivors (N = 11) was recruited by convenience sampling and physician referral. 
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METHODS

Consenting participants were prescribed CART for one hour per day, three days per week for 13 weeks.
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MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Components of cardiometabolic health were measured, including resting heart rate (HRrest), blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and android fat percentage at baseline and after 13 weeks of training. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein (CRP) also were assessed at baseline and after 13 weeks of training.
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FINDINGS

More than half of the participants reported living with at least two other chronic diseases or conditions in addition to a cancer diagnosis. Five of six African American and Hispanic participants reported the presence of at least two risk factors for metabolic syndrome, compared to one of five Caucasian participants. After 13 weeks of training, participants experienced an average decrease in waist circumference. Decrease in waist circumference was associated with a decrease in CRP. A relationship also was suggested between number of exercise sessions attended and improvement in HRrest. 
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CONCLUSIONS

A CART intervention among cancer survivors should continue to be explored in a larger sample to establish efficacy and effectiveness at improving cardiometabolic health. Because of the higher risk of comorbidity among cancer survivors in comparison to cancer-free adults, improving cardiometabolic health is as important as monitoring cancer recurrence. A need exists for increased attention to the post-treatment cardiometabolic health of cancer survivors and also for examining potential cardiometabolic health disparities among non-Caucasian cancer survivors.
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IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

CART may be a plausible alternative to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and improve cardiometabolic health among cancer survivors. Additional studies that continue to explore the efficacy and effectiveness of CART may provide more information to help nurses and physicians determine whether the cancer survivorship care plan should include an exercise-based alternative to intervene on cardiometabolic health.

Increased depression and metabolic risk in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) are at high risk for the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. There is increasing interest in the association between depression and metabolic dysfunction, which is relevant in this population as depression is often present in the chronic phase of cancer recovery. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate metabolic risk in BCS with and without depression compared to non-cancer controls.

METHODS

African American (46 %) and Caucasian (54 %) postmenopausal BCS (N = 28; age: 60 ± 2 years; mean ± SEM) were matched for race, age (±2 years), and BMI (±2 kg/m(2)) to non-cancer controls (N = 28). Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) >16 or antidepressant medication usage was used to classify depression. Metabolic status was defined by 2-hr glucose during an OGTT and classification of metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Compared to non-cancer controls, BCS had similar 2-hr glucose, but higher fasting glucose and total cholesterol, and were 2.5 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome (21 vs. 52 %)(P's < 0.05). Conversely, HDL-C was 16 % higher in BCS (P < 0.05). Forty three % of BCS were on antidepressants compared to 14 % in non-cancer controls, despite similar mean CES-D scores (6 ± 1). Depressed BCS (46 %) had a higher BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and more metabolic syndrome components than non-depressed BCS (P's < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BCS have a heightened prevalence of depression that may be associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome. These results support the need to monitor weight gain, depression, and the progression of metabolic abnormalities after cancer diagnosis and treatment. Further studies into the mechanistic link between depression and metabolic disease are necessary to identify strategies that can offset their impact on obesity and associated cardiovascular risk following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Cancer Survivors and Family Members: A Study in a Health Promotion Center

This cross-sectional study evaluated the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in cancer survivors and family members. Subjects were 48,934 adults (24,786 men, 24,148 women) aged ≥40yr who receive a routine health examination at 1 hospital from January 2010 to December 2012. There were 2468 cancer survivors, 18,211 with cancer patients in the family, and 28,255 noncancer subjects, who never experienced cancer and whose family members either. Associations between MetS and cancer experience were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The odds ratio (OR) of MetS in female cancer survivors was significantly higher than noncancer subjects after adjusting for age, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol intake (OR = 1.22, 95% confidence intervals: 1.02-1.47]. However, the OR of MetS for male survivors did not differ from that of noncancer subjects. Gastric cancer survivors had a lower OR of MetS than noncancer subjects (0.37, 0.27-0.50). ORs of breast cancer (1.49, 1.00-2.23) and prostate cancer survivors (1.46, 1.07-1.99) were higher than the OR of MetS for noncancer subjects. There was no difference in the OR of MetS between the family members of cancer patients and non-cancer subjects. These findings suggest that the odds of MetS for cancer survivors may differ by cancer type and by sex.

Cancer, comorbidities, and health-related quality of life of older adults

This study examined the physical and mental health of 126,685 males and females age 65 or over, with and without cancer that completed a Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) between 1998-2002. Cancer information was ascertained through the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program and linked to MHOS data. Results indicated that across most cancer types, cancer patients reported significantly more comorbid conditions and poorer physical and mental health compared with patients without cancer. Negative associations were most pronounced in those with two or more comorbidities and in those diagnosed with cancer within the past year.