Pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer

An Integrated Multimodal-Based CAD System for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer has been one of the main causes of death among women recently, and it has been the focus of attention of many specialists and researchers in the health field. Because of its seriousness and spread speed, breast cancer-resisting methods, early diagnosis, diagnosis, and treatment have been the points of research discussion. Many computers-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been proposed to reduce the load on physicians and increase the accuracy of breast tumor diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, combining patient information, including medical history, breast density, age, and other factors, with mammogram features from both breasts in craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views has not been previously investigated for breast tumor classification. In this paper, we investigated the effectiveness of using those inputs by comparing two combination approaches. The soft voting approach, produced from statistical information-based models (decision tree, random forest, K-nearest neighbor, Gaussian naive Bayes, gradient boosting, and MLP) and an image-based model (CNN), achieved 90% accuracy. Additionally, concatenating statistical and image-based features in a deep learning model achieved 93% accuracy. We found that it produced promising results that would enhance the CAD systems. As a result, this study finds that using both sides of mammograms outperformed the result of using only the infected side. In addition, integrating the mammogram features with statistical information enhanced the accuracy of the tumor classification. Our findings, based on a novel dataset, incorporate both patient information and four-view mammogram images, covering multiple classes: normal, benign, and malignant.

Applicability of Quantum Dots in Breast Cancer Diagnostic and Therapeutic Modalities-A State-of-the-Art Review

The increasing incidence of breast cancers (BCs) in the world population and their complexity and high metastatic ability are serious concerns for healthcare systems. Despite the significant progress in medicine made in recent decades, the efficient treatment of invasive cancers still remains challenging. Chemotherapy, a fundamental systemic treatment method, is burdened with severe adverse effects, with efficacy limited by resistance development and risk of disease recurrence. Also, current diagnostic methods have certain drawbacks, attracting attention to the idea of developing novel, more sensitive detection and therapeutic modalities. It seems the solution for these issues can be provided by nanotechnology. Particularly, quantum dots (QDs) have been extensively evaluated as potential targeted drug delivery vehicles and, simultaneously, sensing and bioimaging probes. These fluorescent nanoparticles offer unlimited possibilities of surface modifications, allowing for the attachment of biomolecules, such as antibodies or proteins, and drug molecules, among others. In this work, we discuss the potential applicability of QDs in breast cancer diagnostics and treatment in light of the current knowledge. We begin with introducing the molecular and histopathological features of BCs, standard therapeutic regimens, and current diagnostic methods. Further, the features of QDs, along with their uptake, biodistribution patterns, and cytotoxicity, are described. Based on the reports published in recent years, we present the progress in research on possible QD use in improving BC diagnostics and treatment efficacy as chemotherapeutic delivery vehicles and photosensitizing agents, along with the stages of their development. We also address limitations and open questions regarding this topic.

Circulating tumor DNA in Egyptian women with breast Cancer: A marker for detection of primary cases and early prediction of recurrence

Worldwide, female breast cancer (BC) has surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Early diagnosis of cancer recurrence can provide substantial benefits for BC patients who are at high risk of relapse. We aimed to investigate the role of ALU 247, ALU 115, cfDNA integrity index, CA15-3 and CEA as potential diagnostic markers in BC patients and as markers for early prediction of recurrence. Fifty BC patients (10 patients showed recurrence), 26 BBD patients and 22 healthy controls were included. Real-time q-PCR was used to measure the concentration of ALU 247 and ALU 115 in plasma then cfDNA integrity index was calculated. "ECLIA" was used to measure the concentration of CA15-3 and CEA in serum. Our results showed significant higher levels of ALU 247, ALU 115, CA15-3 and CEA in BC patients in comparison to healthy controls (P=0.02, 0.008, <0.001 and < 0.001 respectively). Also, cfDNA integrity index was higher in BC patients in comparison to healthy controls but statistically insignificance (p = 0.46). In recurrent BC patients; ALU 247, ALU 115, cfDNA integrity index, CA15-3 and CEA levels were higher compared to non-recurrent BC patients but with no statistic significant (p = 0.46, 0.59, 0.09, 0.85 and 0.84 respectively). This may result from the short period of follow up (1-2 years) and the relatively small sample size due to exclusion of patients with chronic diseases or inflammation as well as those who received therapy or post-surgery. By using the ROC curve, the sensitivity of ALU 247, ALU 115, CA15-3 and CEA for discriminating BC patients from BBD patients and healthy controls was 79 %, 79.2 %, 76.0 % and 88.0 % respectively. This study suggested that ALU 247, ALU 115, CA15-3 and CEA could be promising non-invasive markers of BC for diagnosis and early prediction of recurrence after validation in large-scale future studies.

Synthesis, In vitro and In silico Studies of Novel Bis-triazolopyridopyrimidines from Curcumin Analogues as Potential Aromatase Agents

Breast cancer remains a major global health issue, particularly affecting women and contributing significantly to mortality rates. Current treatments for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers, such as aromatase inhibitors, are effective but often come with side effects and resistance issues. This study addresses these gaps by targeting aromatase, an enzyme crucial for estrogen synthesis, which plays a pivotal role in breast cancer progression. The innovative approach involves synthesizing novel bis-triazolopyridopyrimidines, designed to leverage the combined pharmacological benefits of pyridopyrimidine and 1,2,4-triazole structures, known for their potent aromatase inhibition and anti-cancer properties. These compounds were synthesized and characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and MS spectral analyses, and their anticancer efficacy was evaluated through MTT assays against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding energies with aromatase, particularly for compounds 5 b, 5 c, 10 a, and 10 b, indicating their potential as effective aromatase inhibitors. The study highlights these compounds as promising candidates for further development as therapeutic agents against breast cancer.

Alginate-Chitosan Biodegradable and Biocompatible Based Hydrogel for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy and Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Review

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females. There are many side effects due to chemotherapy and traditional surgery, like fatigue, loss of appetite, skin irritation, and drug resistance to cancer cells. Immunotherapy has become a hopeful approach toward cancer treatment, generating long-lasting immune responses in malignant tumor patients. Recently, hydrogel has received more attention toward cancer therapy due to its specific characteristics, such as decreased toxicity, fewer side effects, and better biocompatibility drug delivery to the particular tumor location. Researchers globally reported various investigations on hydrogel research for tumor diagnosis. The hydrogel-based multilayer platform with controlled nanostructure has received more attention for its antitumor effect. Chitosan and alginate play a leading role in the formation of the cross-link in a hydrogel. Also, they help in the stability of the hydrogel. This review discusses the properties, preparation, biocompatibility, and bioavailability of various research and clinical approaches of the multipolymer hydrogel made of alginate and chitosan for breast cancer treatment. With a focus on cases of breast cancer and the recovery rate, there is a need to find out the role of hydrogel in drug delivery for breast cancer treatment.

Genetic association of Interleukin-17A polymorphism in Bangladeshi patients with breast and cervical cancer: a case-control study with functional analysis

BACKGROUND

Breast and cervical cancer are the two leading cancers in terms of incidence and mortality. Previous studies reported different interleukins, including interleukin-17A (IL-17A) to be responsible for the development and progression of these malignancies. Therefore, we speculated that the variants in this gene might be associated with these cancer developments in Bangladeshi population. For evaluating the hypothesis, we investigated the association of IL-17A rs3748067 polymorphism with the susceptibility of both breast and cervical cancer.

METHODS

This case-control study was performed on 156 breast cancer patients, 156 cervical cancer patients, and 156 controls using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction. The statistical software package SPSS (version 25.0) was applied for analyses. The genetic association was measured by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A statistically significant association was considered when p-value ≤ 0.05. Functional analysis was performed using GEPIA and UALCAN databases.

RESULTS

From the calculation of the association of IL-17A rs3748067 with breast cancer, it is found that no genotype or allele showed a statistically significant association (p>0.05). On the other hand, the analysis of IL-17A rs3748067 with cervical cancer demonstrated that CT genotype showed a significant association (CT vs. CC: OR=1.79, p=0.021). In the overdominant model, CT genotype also revealed a statistically significant association with cervical cancer, which is found to be statistically significant (OR=1.84, p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

Our study summarizes that rs3748067 polymorphism in the IL-17A gene may be associated with cervical cancer but not breast cancer in Bangladeshi patients. However, we suggest studies in the future with a larger sample size.

Regulation of Med1 protein by overexpression of BAP1 in breast cancer cells

Med1 binds to a nuclear receptor and regulates transcription. Elevated Med1 protein expression promotes cancer growth in hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers. Med1 protein expression was investigated by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) overexpression in breast cancer cell lines. Various DNA constructs of SRT-DUBs were overexpressed in the MCF7 cell line, and Med1 protein expression was investigated by western blotting. The cell growth and in vitro invasion assay were performed in BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) wild type and mutant (C91A) overexpressed cells. Ubiquitination of the Med1 protein was observed, and Med1 protein expression and transcriptional activity were verified by various DUBs overexpressed. Although Med1 protein expression increased upon the overexpression of BAP1, it was not affected by the overexpression of BAP1 mutant (C91A). BAP1 was increased by the E2 treatment, which has an important effect on the breast cancer growth, and cell growth was decreased by BAP1 C91A overexpression. However, metastatic capacities were decreased by BAP1. In addition, the binding between the Med1 and the BAP1 protein was observed. These data suggested that BAP1 regulated Med1 protein expression in breast cancer cells and involved in cancer cell growth and metastasis by binding to Med1 protein.

Ferroptosis and circular RNAs: new horizons in cancer therapy

Cancer poses intricate challenges to treatment due to its complexity and diversity. Ferroptosis and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as innovative therapeutic avenues amid the evolving landscape of cancer therapy. Extensive investigations into circRNAs reveal their diverse roles, ranging from molecular regulators to pivotal influencers of ferroptosis in cancer cell lines. The results underscore the significance of circRNAs in modulating molecular pathways that impact crucial aspects of cancer development, including cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. A detailed analysis delineates these pathways, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs influence ferroptosis. Building upon recent experimental findings, the study evaluates the therapeutic potential of targeting circRNAs to induce ferroptosis. By identifying specific circRNAs associated with the etiology of cancer, this analysis paves the way for the development of targeted therapeutics that exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This review consolidates the existing understanding of ferroptosis and circRNAs, emphasizing their role in cancer therapy and providing impetus for ongoing research in this dynamic field. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Breast Cancer in Patients with Previous Endometriosis Showed Low Aggressive Subtype

Background and Objectives: The association between endometriosis and breast cancer still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the different subtypes of breast cancer, immunohistochemical markers, hormone receptors, and ki67 proliferation indexes in patients with and without endometriosis and/or adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: All patients with endometriosis and breast cancer were enrolled. Women with endometriosis and breast cancer (Group BC+EN+) were compared to patients with breast cancer without endometriosis (group BC+EN-) and those with endometriosis without breast cancer (group BC-EN+). General population characteristics and histological and immunohistochemical subtypes of breast cancer were compared between groups. Results: Our study included 41 cases affected by both endometriosis and/or adenomyosis and breast cancer (Group BC+EN+) that were matched (1:2) with 82 patients affected only by breast cancer (group BC+EN-) and 82 patients affected only by endometriosis and/or adenomyosis (group BC-EN+). Group BC+EN+ presented a higher percentage of ER receptor expression (83% vs. 70%, p = 0.02), as well as lower values of Ki 67% (15% vs. 24%, p < 0.0001) and HER2+ (9.8% vs. 28%, p = 0.022). These findings were more evident when comparing patients with premenopausal status, while in postmenopausal patients, this difference was no longer significant. Regarding endometriosis, no statistical differences were observed in type or specific localization of the disease among the groups with and without breast cancer. Conclusions: Patients with endometriosis presented lower aggressive breast cancer rates with higher values of ER% and lower values of Ki 67 and HER2neu+. The type and severity of endometriotic diseases seemed not to influence breast cancer occurrence.

Green Tea Leaves and Rosemary Extracts Selectively Induce Cell Death in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells and Enhance the Efficacy of Common Chemotherapeutics

While incredible medical advancements in chemotherapeutics development for cancer treatment have been made, the majority of these are not selective in their mechanism of action, leading to adverse effects. Given the systemic toxicity associated with these therapies, they are not well suited for long-term use. Natural health products, or NHPs, may provide a way to selectively target the oxidative and metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells. White tea (Camelia sinensis) and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) are two natural extracts that have been studied extensively for their medicinal properties. However, their anticancer activity and mechanism of action are yet to be fully elucidated. We have examined the extracts' cancer cell-killing ability as well as their interactions with common chemotherapeutics in MDA-MB-231 cells, a triple-negative breast cancer cell line, in vitro. Cell death measurement, morphological and biochemical characterization of apoptotic cell death, mechanisms of action (mitochondrial depolarization and oxidative stress), and immunofluorescence assays to estimate the percentage of cancer stem cells (CSCs) were performed following treatment with Synthite tea extract (STE) and rosemary extract (RE), provided by Synthite Industries Limited alone and in combination with cisplatin and paclitaxel. The key findings in this study are that STE and RE alone demonstrated very efficient anticancer activity against TNBC, and more importantly, the administration of the extracts in conjunction with cisplatin and paclitaxel sensitizes cancer cells to achieve enhanced cell death. In addition, CSCs were found to be sensitive to treatment with STE alone and in combination with RE and exhibited greater sensitivity to combination therapies compared to chemotherapeutic alone. The significance of these observations is that STE and RE, well-tolerated NHPs, have the potential to enhance the efficacy of current chemotherapeutics when combined, as well as prevent relapse for TNBC.

Exploring the Prognostic Value of CS15-3 Tumor Marker in Breast Cancer Recurrence

BACKGROUND

The most prevalent tumor marker for breast cancer is CS15-3. This marker's elevated serum levels have been proven to predict a patient's risk of developing the condition again.

PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the sensitivity of blood CS15-3 levels in the identification of breast cancer recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort follow-up analytical study was conducted at Basra Oncology Center from early 2016 to the end of 2022. The study included 178 females aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed invasive ductal breast cancer. CS15-3 had been evaluated for all included cases on two occasions: the first, at the time of diagnosis or remission, and the second, at the time of progression. The tumor marker (CS15-3) was evaluated using a Cobas e411 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics International Ltd).

RESULTS

The mean age showed no significant difference between the groups (P=0.581). The duration of progression was higher among those with the luminal group (40.60± 42.08). Those with bony and liver metastasis were mostly among luminal (50.0%) and HER 2+ (52.4%) groups respectively. At the time of diagnosis CS15-3 tumor marker showed no significant difference between the three groups, while at the time of progression, the luminal group showed higher means (120.74± 95.07) compared to others with a significant mean difference of (-99.84± 94.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, disease stages, and co-morbidity have no significant influence on the distribution between groups of luminal. The duration of progression was higher among those in the luminal group. Osseous and hepatic secondaries are mostly among luminal and hormonal receptors positive. Initially, at the time of diagnosis CS15-3 marker expressed no significant difference between the groups, whereas at the time of progression, the luminal group expressed a higher means of level of the CS15-3 marker.

Early detection of self-breast examination using smartphone breast application

INTRODUCTION

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening method that can help empower, raise awareness, and detect breast abnormalities in women. The use of smartphone applications for breast cancer early detection is able to overcome some of these barriers. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of the effect of using smartphone application-based technology on breast cancer.

METHODS

Google Scholar, PubMed, Proquest, and ScienceDirect were searched for "breast self-examination" and "smartphone application" literature. This literature's study designs were quasi-experimental, prospective cohort, qualitative, and systematic review. The study contained five unique research projects with 828 varied participants.

RESULTS

The use of smartphones was seen to have advantages in terms of increased knowledge, perceived vulnerability, barriers to breast self-examination (BSE), self-efficacy, health motivation, and BSE practices.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of smartphone apps related to BSE is shown through the availability, accessibility, and focus of information and is in line with the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Network-Derived Radioresistant Breast Cancer Target with Candidate Inhibitors from Brown Algae: A Sequential Assessment from Target Selection to Quantum Chemical Calculation

Despite significant progress in early detection and treatment, a few aggressive breast cancers still exhibit resistance to therapy. This study aimed to identify a therapeutic target for radioresistant breast cancer (RRbc) through a protein network from breast cancer genes and to evaluate potent phytochemicals against the identified target. Our approach includes the integration of differential expression genes from expression datasets to create a protein network and to use survival analysis to identify the crucial RRbc protein in order to discover a therapeutic target. Next, the phytochemicals sourced from brown algae were screened through molecular docking, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, MM-GBSA, and quantum mechanics against the identified target. As a result of our protein network investigation, the proto-oncogene c-KIT (KIT) protein was identified as a potent radioresistant breast cancer target. Further, phytochemical screening establishes that nahocol-A1 from brown algae has high binding characteristics (-8.56 kcal/mol) against the KIT protein. Then, quantum chemical analysis of nahocol-A1 provided insights into its electronic properties favorable for protein binding. Also, MD simulation comprehends the conformational stability of the KIT-nahocol-A1 complex. Overall, our findings suggest nahocol-A1 could serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for radioresistant breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness among Sudanese females in Omdurman city: 2021

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide. In contrast to Europe, it presents generally very late in Africa. As with the rest of Africa, it is the most common primary malignancy of females in Sudan, and generally presents in stage III or IV disease. This study is intended to analyse the level of breast cancer awareness among women of Sudan.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the level of awareness of breast cancer among Sudanese females, and their attitude towards breast changes. Also, to establish possible associations between several variables: (education level, age, contact with a breast cancer patient, residence) on awareness.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study of 385 females in Omdurman city, selected by convenience sampling. An interview based Arabic version of Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM) was used. Data was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.20.

RESULTS

A total of 385 females were included, of which 38.7% were 20-30 years, 47.8% were single, 53.8% had university education, 41% of them were currently unemployed, and 54.3% resided in Ummbadda's locality. When asked about the signs and risk factors of breast cancer, 55.06% and 55.8% failed to name any. The cumulative percentage of correct answers of close-ended question about signs, risk factors and Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) screening program were 42.8%, 30.7% and 44.7% in that order. Only 38.2% knew the right method BSE, 48.2% of them rarely practiced it. 38.2% noticed a change in the breast tissue but didn't visit a doctor. The majority of them, though, said they would see a doctor if they noticed a change in the future.

CONCLUSION

There is a severe lack of awareness of breast cancer among females of the Sudanese society. Also, there was a clear ignorant attitude practiced by a significant proportion of the candidates.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Further research, to address the limitations of this study is to be done. FMoH has to improve its media massage and arrange targeted awareness campaigns.

Molecular Docking and In Vivo Biological Studies of Sodium Salt of 3-(4-Methyl-2-oxo-2-H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic Acid As Anticancer Agent

Quinoline derivatives possess several therapeutic properties. Aim: studying the anticancer effect of 3-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2-H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic acid's sodium solution on the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Median lethal dose (LD50) and dose response curve was determined for sodium salt solution of 3-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2-H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic acid, then diving a group of one hundred Swiss albino mice, which are all females, into five groups: group 1: (negative control) where intraperitoneally injected with saline into mice for 10 successive days; group 2 (positive control), also namely (EAC-bearing group): where the EAC cells were intraperitoneally injected into mice (2.5 × 106 cells/mouse) only one time on the first day; group 3 which is defined as the (therapeutic group) where the Na+ salt of the synthetic compound was injected into the peritoneum of the mice (2.5 mg/kg) the very first day after the injection of the EAC, then the compound was injected every two days for a period of 10 days; group 4 which is the (preventive group) where the sodium salt of the synthetic compound (2.5 mg/kg) was injected in the peritoneum of the mice the day before the injection of the EAC, then the compound was successively injected every day for a period of ten days; and group 5 which is the (drug group) in which mice were repeatedly injected) in their peritoneum with the sodium salt of the synthetic compound (2.5 mg/kg on a daily basis over a period of ten days. On the eleventh day of the trial, EAC cells were harvested from each mouse in a heparinized saline, in addition to blood samples, liver and kidney tissues which are also collected. Molecular docking showed that compound's sodium salt was docked into (PDB: 2R7G) and (PDB: 2R3I), which are the retinoblastoma protein receptor and the cyclin D-1 receptor respectively. Compared to those in the positive control group, mice in both the therapeutic and preventive groups, has shown a significant decrease in MDA, cyclin D-1 levels in the tissues of both liver and kidney tissues, in addition to the serum ALT, AST, CK-MB, and LDH activities, and the serum urea and creatinine concentration. However, mice in the formerly mentioned groups, both therapeutic and preventive groups, have shown an increase in the serum albumin, total protein, retinoblastoma protein in both liver and kidney tissues as well as the total antioxidant capacity, when compared to mice in the positive control group. It is worth mentioning that histopathological findings have confirmed that. Sodium salt of 3-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-quinoline-7-yloxy)-3-phenylacrylic acid showed potential in vivo anticancer and antioxidant effects against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells; (EAC cells).

Association of SOD2 rs2758339, rs5746136 and rs2842980 polymorphisms with increased risk of breast cancer: a haplotype-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC). Superoxide dismutase (SOD2), a mitochondria-resident antioxidant enzyme, protects cells from ROS by catalytically converting the superoxide radicals into less reactive species.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate whether SOD2 rs2758339, rs5746136 and rs2842980 polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of BC.

METHODS

A total of 100 patients with BC and 100 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. We used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay for genotyping the SOD2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Under co-dominant, dominant and recessive inheritance models, the genotypic and allelic associations of SOD2 SNPs with susceptibility to BC were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The haplotype analysis was performed on the SOD2 SNPs to determine their combined effect on the BC risk.

RESULTS

We found that SOD2 rs5746136 was significantly associated with decreased risk of developing BC in co-dominant and dominant inheritance models (P < 0.05). The SOD2 rs5746136 T allele confers an apparent protective effect against breast carcinogenesis (OR: 1.956; 95% CI 1.312-2.916; P < 0.0001). The SOD2 rs5746136/rs2842980 combined genotypes (CT/AA, CT/AT and TT/AA) were significantly more frequent in healthy subjects compared to BC patients (P < 0.05). The CTA and ACA haplotypes (rs2758339, rs5746136, rs2842980) were found to be a protective and a risk factor for BC, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These data strongly suggest that SOD2 rs5746136 was significantly associated with reduced risk of BC, indicating its protective role in BC development.

Breast cancer screening and its associating factors among hungarian women aged 45-65: a cross-sectional study based on the European health interview surveys from 2009 to 2019

BACKGROUND

In 2020, globally 685,000 people died, and 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The main cause of cancer deaths among women is breast cancer, which account for 15.5% of all cancer deaths. Most of these could have been avoided with timely diagnosis. The aim of our study was to determine the proportion of breast screening participation in Hungary, and to identify possible factors that may influence breast screening attendance.

METHODS

Our data were gathered from the cross-sectional European Health Interview Surveys conducted in Hungary in 2009, 2014, and 2019. In terms of categorical characteristics, Pearson's chi-square test was performed to evaluate the differences between people who have attended breast screening within two years and who have only attended more than two years ago. To determine the factors that may have an impact on the uptake of screening, generalized linear model with logit link function regarding binomial probability distribution was executed.

RESULTS

The responses of 2626 women between the age 45-65 were included in our study. In 2009 85% (n=741), in 2014 90% (n=851) and in 2019 87% (n=699) of the respondents claimed to have ever attended a breast screening in their life. In 2009 68% (n=594), in 2014 66% (n=630) and in 2019 64% (n=515) said that they have taken part in breast screening within two years (p=0.331). From 2014 to 2019 (AOR=0.72 [0.57-0.89]) the chance of attending breast screening was decreasing. We observed that both secondary (AOR=1.97 [1.60-2.44]) and tertiary educational level (AOR=2.23 [1.67-3.00]), higher perceived income (AOR=1.54 [1.25-1.90]), and more frequent meeting with the doctor (AOR=1.77 [1.39-2.27]) and with the specialist (AOR=1.88 [1.54-2.28]) appeared as protective factors of breast screening attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the lifetime prevalence of breast screening participation is high, however the recommended biennial rate is relatively low. To increase the participation rate, various initiatives would be needed, especially for women in identified risk groups, which are lower educational level, lower perceived income, and less frequent meeting with the doctor and with the specialist.

Peptide-Based Vaccine against Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Prospects

Breast cancer is considered the second-leading cancer after lung cancer and is the most prevalent cancer among women globally. Currently, cancer immunotherapy via vaccine has gained great attention due to specific and targeted immune cell activity that creates a potent immune response, thus providing long-lasting protection against the disease. Despite peptides being very susceptible to enzymatic degradation and poor immunogenicity, they can be easily customized with selected epitopes to induce a specific immune response and particulate with carriers to improve their delivery and thus overcome their weaknesses. With advances in nanotechnology, the peptide-based vaccine could incorporate other components, thereby modulating the immune system response against breast cancer. Considering that peptide-based vaccines seem to show remarkably promising outcomes against cancer, this review focuses on and provides a specific view of peptide-based vaccines used against breast cancer. Here, we discuss the benefits associated with a peptide-based vaccine, which can be a mainstay in the prevention and recurrence of breast cancer. Additionally, we also report the results of recent trials as well as plausible prospects for nanotechnology against breast cancer.

Investigating the relationship between depression and breast cancer: observational and genetic analyses

BACKGROUND

Both depression and breast cancer (BC) contribute to a substantial global burden of morbidity and mortality among women, and previous studies have observed a potential depression-BC link. We aimed to comprehensively characterize the phenotypic and genetic relationships between depression and BC.

METHODS

We first evaluated phenotypic association using longitudinal follow-up data from the UK Biobank (N = 250,294). We then investigated genetic relationships leveraging summary statistics from the hitherto largest genome-wide association study of European individuals conducted for depression (N = 500,199), BC (N = 247,173), and its subtypes based on the status of estrogen receptor (ER + : N = 175,475; ER - : N = 127,442).

RESULTS

Observational analysis suggested an increased hazard of BC in depression patients (HR = 1.10, 95%CIs = 0.95-1.26). A positive genetic correlation between depression and overall BC was observed ([Formula: see text] = 0.08, P = 3.00 × 10-4), consistent across ER + ([Formula: see text] = 0.06, P = 6.30 × 10-3) and ER - subtypes ([Formula: see text] = 0.08, P = 7.20 × 10-3). Several specific genomic regions showed evidence of local genetic correlation, including one locus at 9q31.2, and four loci at, or close, to 6p22.1. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 17 pleiotropic loci shared between depression and BC. TWAS analysis revealed five shared genes. Bi-directional Mendelian randomization suggested risk of depression was causally associated with risk of overall BC (OR = 1.12, 95%Cis = 1.04-1.19), but risk of BC was not causally associated with risk of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates a shared genetic basis, pleiotropic loci, and a putative causal relationship between depression and BC, highlighting a biological link underlying the observed phenotypic relationship; these findings may provide important implications for future studies aimed reducing BC risk.

A clinically feasible diagnostic spectro-histology built on SERS-nanotags for multiplex detection and grading of breast cancer biomarkers

Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers is always an obstacle in immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Herein, a straightforward spectroscopy-driven histopathologic approach has emerged as a paradigm of Raman-label (RL) nanoparticle probes for multiplex recognition of pertinent biomarkers in heterogeneous breast cancer. The nanoprobes are constructed by sequential incorporation of signature RL and target specific antibodies on gold nanoparticles, which are coined as Raman-Label surface enhanced Raman scattering (RL-SERS)-nanotags to evaluate simultaneous recognition of clinically relevant breast cancer biomarkers i.e., estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2). As a foot-step assessment, breast cancer cell lines having varied expression levels of the triple biomarkers are investigated. Subsequently, the optimized detection strategy using RL-SERS-nanotags is subjected to clinically confirmed, retrospective formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissue samples to fish out the quick response of singleplex, duplex as well as triplex biomarkers in a single tissue specimen by adopting a ratiometric signature RL-SERS analysis which enabled to minimize the false negative and positive results. Significantly, sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 92% for singleplex, 88% and 85% for duplex, and 75% and 67% for triplex biomarker has been achieved by assessing specific Raman fingerprints of the respective SERS-tags. Furthermore, a semi-quantitative evaluation of HER2 grading between 4+/2+/1+ tissue samples was also achieved by the Raman intensity profiling of the SERS-tag, which is fully in agreement with the expensive fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis. Additionally, the practical diagnostic applicability of RL-SERS-tags has been achieved by large area SERS imaging of areas covering 0.5-5 mm2 within 45 min. These findings unveil an accurate, inexpensive and multiplex diagnostic modality envisaging large-scale multi-centric clinical validation.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Ligands and Receptors in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy responsible for the largest number of deaths in women worldwide. The risk of developing BC is predisposed by many factors such as age, presence of genetic mutations or body weight. The diagnosis is mostly made relatively late, which is why patients are exposed to radical surgical treatments, long-term chemotherapy and lower survival rates. There are no sufficiently sensitive and specific screening tests; therefore, researchers are still looking for new diagnostic biomarkers that would indicate the appearance of neoplastic changes in the initial stage of neoplasm. The VEGF family of proteins (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, EG-VEGF, PlGF) and their receptors are significant factors in the pathogenesis of BC. They play a significant role in the process of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. The usefulness of these proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers has been initially proven. Moreover, the blockage of VEGF-related pathways seems to be a valid therapeutic target. Recent studies have tried to describe novel strategies, including targeting pericytes, use of miRNAs and extracellular tumor-associated vesicles, immunotherapeutic drugs and nanotechnology. This indicates their possible contribution to the formation of breast cancer and their usefulness as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Long-term effects of aromatase inhibitors on body mass index among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors in Africa: observational cohort study

PURPOSE

this study was conducted to assess the impact of AIs on body mass index and high sensitivity as prognostic predictors to be incorporated into point of care technology (POCT) testing in postmenopausal breast cancer women after a 24 month follow up in Africa. An observational cohort study was conducted; including 126 female BC patients with stages ranging from 0-III initially subjected to AIs and subsequently followed up for 24 months. Multiple imputation model was conducted to predict missing data.

RESULTS

Random effects model was used to monitor the changes over the time. The study revealed stronger statistically association between BMI and homocysteine (p = 0.021, 95%CI: 0.0083 to 0.1029). Weight and total body fat were strongly associated after 24 months follow up. Hs-CRP was associated with BMI (p = 0.0001), and hs-CRP was associated with other biomedical markers such as calcium (p = 0.021, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.10), phosphate (p = 0.039, 95%CI: 0.01 to 0.10), and ferritin (p = 0.002, 95%CI: 0.02 to 0.08) and calcium. The patients subjected to AIs are likely to develop cardiovascular adverse events. POCT of care strategy which include clinical, biomedical and genetic predictor's measurement is required to improve BC survivorship.

Canine mammary carcinoma: current therapeutic targets and future perspectives – a review

Canine mammary carcinoma (CMC) is the most common neoplasm in bitches, and it shares many biological similarities with breast cancer in humans. Drug resistance, high epigenetic mutations, and relapse rates are among the challenges which eventually urge the need for a veterinary oncologist to discover new therapeutic approaches that are more effective and safer. Therefore, in this review, we also cover the current therapeutic strategies from human medicine for the future perspectives of tumor immunotherapy in veterinary medicine. These strategies have great potential to be employed as therapeutic or prophylactic options due to their ability to modulate a specific and potent immune response against CMC. As we acquire a better understanding of canine tumor immunology, we can move towards a brighter prognosis. Additionally, we report on the recent successful studies in breast cancer that may benefit canines as well.

Physical Exercise and the Hallmarks of Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Growing evidence suggests that, among the different molecular/cellular pathophysiological mechanisms associated with cancer, there are 14 hallmarks that play a major role, including: (i) sustaining proliferative signaling, (ii) evading growth suppressors, (iii) activating invasion and metastasis, (iv) enabling replicative immortality, (v) inducing angiogenesis, (vi) resisting cell death, (vii) reprogramming energy metabolism, (viii) evading immune destruction, (ix) genome instability and mutations, (x) tumor-promoting inflammation, (xi) unlocking phenotypic plasticity, (xii) nonmutational epigenetic reprogramming, (xiii) polymorphic microbiomes, and (xiv) senescent cells. These hallmarks are also associated with the development of breast cancer, which represents the most prevalent tumor type in the world. The present narrative review aims to describe, for the first time, the effects of physical activity/exercise on these hallmarks. In summary, an active lifestyle, and particularly regular physical exercise, provides beneficial effects on all major hallmarks associated with breast cancer, and might therefore help to counteract the progression of the disease or its associated burden.

A comparative analysis of features and outcome of breast cancer in younger versus older women: A single center experience from Eastern Indian subcontinent

Purpose

Globally, breast cancer is the leading malignancy in females. Indeed, Asian cohorts show prevalence of breast cancer among women with ages below 40 years. Moreover, these younger cases are globally characterized by poorer prognostic features as well as survival outcomes, than older sufferers with ages above 40 years. Despite this, comparative analyses between older and younger cohorts are sparse from India, where data from the country's eastern part falls shortest. This study attempted a comprehensive analysis of breast cancer between these two cohorts representing the Eastern Indian subcontinent.

Methods

Documenting retrospective case-files registered between 2010 and 2015, 394 cases of younger (<40 years) and 1250 older (≥40 years) sufferers of primary breast cancer were noted. The relevant features and follow-up information were also retrieved. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to evaluate the survival outcome.

Results

The data, in general, revealed a high percentage of younger sufferers from Eastern Indian regions. Moreover, this younger cohort showed poor survival. Among the younger cohort, cases with poor pathological features (triple negative, node-positive, grade III) were proportionately higher than the older cohort. Indeed, survival among these categories scored significantly low, compared to the older cohort.

Conclusion

This Eastern Indian subcontinental data matched the analyses from other parts of India as well as Asian data and clearly showed the prevalence of younger sufferers of breast cancer with poor clinico-pathological features and survival outcomes.

Impact

Analyzing age-based features and outcomes from Eastern India, this study provides data in supplementing Indian and Asian scenarios of breast cancer.

The landscape of exosomal non-coding RNAs in breast cancer drug resistance, focusing on underlying molecular mechanisms

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Like many other cancers, BC therapy is challenging and sometimes frustrating. In spite of the various therapeutic modalities applied to treat the cancer, drug resistance, also known as, chemoresistance, is very common in almost all BCs. Undesirably, a breast tumor might be resistant to different curative approaches (e.g., chemo- and immunotherapy) at the same period of time. Exosomes, as double membrane-bound extracellular vesicles 1) secreted from different cell species, can considerably transfer cell products and components through the bloodstream. In this context, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are a chief group of exosomal constituents with amazing abilities to regulate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of BC, such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, migration, and particularly drug resistance. Thereby, exosomal ncRNAs can be considered potential mediators of BC progression and drug resistance. Moreover, as the corresponding exosomal ncRNAs circulate in the bloodstream and are found in different body fluids, they can serve as foremost prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers. The current study aims to comprehensively review the most recent findings on BC-related molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways affected by exosomal miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, with a focus on drug resistance. Also, the potential of the same exosomal ncRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of BC will be discussed in detail.

Epigenetic drugs induce the potency of classic chemotherapy, suppress post-treatment re-growth of breast cancer, but preserve the wound healing ability of stem cells

Epigenetic therapy augments neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in breast cancer and may aid post-surgical wound healing affected by NACT. Our study investigates: (1) The cytotoxicity of classic paclitaxel chemotherapy on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) independently and in combination with epigenetic drugs. (2) The sustainable inhibition of breast cancer regrowth following paclitaxel and epigenetic therapies. (3) The effects of paclitaxel with and without epigenetic therapy on the post-treatment viability and wound healing potential of adipose stem cells (ASCs). Cytotoxicity assays were performed on TNBC and ASCs. Cells were treated and recovered in drug-free medium. Cell viability was measured via cell counts and MTT assays. W -ound healing was tested with scratch assays. The combination of epigenetic drugs shows increased toxicity against TNBC cells compared to standard chemotherapy alone. Moreover, the combination of paclitaxel with epigenetic treatments causes cancer toxicity that is sustainable to TNBC cells after the drugs' removal with minimal effect on ASCs wound healing ability. The use of epigenetic drugs in addition to standard chemotherapy is cytotoxic to TNBC cells and prevents post-treatment recovery of TNBC while maintaining ASC wound healing ability. This strategy may be useful in maximizing post-surgical wound healing following NACT in TNBC.