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Long-term outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer after a pathologic complete response: does the type of neoadjuvant therapy matter?2 weeks agoNeoadjuvant chemotherapy is standard for stage IB-III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with pathological complete response (pCR) strongly associated with survival. Although escalation with platinum and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) improves pCR and long-term outcomes, patients with pCR in control arms of pivotal trials also show favorable outcomes. Whether the regimen leading to pCR impacts long-term survival is largely unknown.
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching phase II and III trials including early-stage TNBC patients with pCR. A pooled analysis of Kaplan-Meier-derived individual patient data was performed for event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), with subgroup analyses by treatment regimens.
Of 2830 identified publications, 18 trials comprising 3430 patients were included. Neoadjuvant ICI with chemotherapy improved EFS (HR 0.67; 95%CI 0.50-0.89; p < 0.01) compared with chemotherapy-only regimens, with no significant OS difference (HR 0.84; 95%CI 0.50-1.41; P = 0.51). In contrast, EFS and OS were not significantly different regardless of platinum use (HR 0.55; 95%CI 0.20-1.50; P = 0.24 and HR 0.33; 95%CI 0.09-1.22; P = 0.10, respectively). Similarly, anthracycline-containing regimens showed comparable EFS to anthracycline-free regimens (HR 0.86; 95%CI 0.51-1.45; P = 0.58). For patients with pCR after ICI therapy, no benefit of adjuvant ICI for EFS or OS was observed (HR 1.16; 95%CI 0.55-2.44; P = 0.70 and HR 2.91; 95%CI 0.40-21.37; P = 0.29, respectively).
These findings suggest that the context in which a pCR is achieved may influence long-term outcomes. Neoadjuvant ICI-based regimens improve EFS in patients with early-stage TNBC and pCR. However, EFS seems not to be impacted by neoadjuvant chemotherapy type.CancerAccessCare/Management -
Sleep-anxiety symptom networks and subgroup characterization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy: A latent profile and network analysis.2 weeks agoPatients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma often face sleep and anxiety problems during chemoradiotherapy. These two issues interact with each other, forming a vicious cycle that seriously affects the patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. In order to address the neglect of group heterogeneity in traditional studies, this study employs latent profile analysis and network analysis methods to explore patient subgroups and reveal the association patterns between symptoms, thereby providing a basis for precise nursing interventions.
From September 2023 to March 2025, a convenience sampling method was used to select 513 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were receiving initial treatment in the Radiotherapy Department of a Grade A tertiary hospital in Nanning, Guangxi. General information questionnaires, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Anxiety Subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) were used to assess the patients' sleep quality and anxiety. Latent Profile All assessments were conducted at the mid-stage of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (2-4 weeks after the initiation of treatment), and the specific treatment phase of each participant was recorded and summarized. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was applied to identify potential patient subgroups with different "sleep-anxiety" characteristics. For different subgroups, symptom networks of sleep and anxiety were constructed respectively, and the core symptoms were identified and compared.
The sleep quality and anxiety symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy can be divided into 4 latent profiles: low distress group (43.86%), emotional distress dominant group (21.25%), sleep problem dominant group (23.59%), and high anxiety-sleep disorder group (11.31%). Network analysis shows that in the low distress group network, the association between HADS1 and PSQI2 was the strongest, and PSQI2, PSQI3, and PSQI4 had the highest centrality. In the network of the emotional distress dominant group, the association between PSQI3 and PSQI4 was the strongest, and HADS4 also had relatively high centrality. In the sleep problem dominated group network, the association between HADS1 and PSQI2 was the strongest among all subtypes, and PSQI2, HADS1, and PSQI3 were the core symptoms in this network. In the network of the high anxiety-sleep disorder group, the association between HADS3 and PSQI3 was the strongest, and PSQI3, HADS3, and HADS2 were the core symptoms with high centrality.
There is group heterogeneity in sleep-anxiety symptoms among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy, which can be divided into four subgroups with different core symptom characteristics. The identified symptom associations provide hypothesis-generating insights for clinical intervention, and targeted strategies for core symptoms in each subgroup may help optimize symptom management in this population.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: incidence and risk factors in multiple myeloma patients undergoing pre-autologous stem cell transplant dental extractions.2 weeks agoThe purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the incidence of MRONJ and its related risk factors in multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing dental extractions prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).
This retrospective study evaluated patients treated January 1, 2011, to January 1, 2022. Medical and dental records of 1547 patients referred to the Dental Oncology Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre were reviewed, with 320 patients meeting the eligibility criteria and included in the analysis.
Among 320 patients, patients had on average 3 teeth removed prior to ASCT and 13 (4.1%) developed MRONJ. Periodontal disease was the most common reason for dental extraction among MRONJ cases. Patients prescribed zoledronic acid alone were nearly 5 times more likely to develop MRONJ than patients treated with pamidronate alone, with the highest risk observed in patients who were prescribed pamidronate and later changed to zoledronic acid. Even a single dose of bisphosphonate was sufficient to cause MRONJ following dental extraction and in some cases, onset to MRONJ following extraction was in the span of years.
The decision to recommend extractions in patients previously exposed to intravenous bisphosphonates should take into account the severity of dental disease versus risk of MRONJ. In particular, the type and duration of bisphosphonate therapy should be considered. When extractions are performed in patients at-risk of MRONJ, they should be warned of the risk (around 4% in this study) and followed for a period appropriate to detect complications.CancerCardiovascular diseasesAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy -
Perceived Social Support, Anxiety, and Depression Among Women With Breast Cancer.2 weeks agoBreast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women and frequently causes significant psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. The perception and impact of social support in addressing these mental health challenges differ depending on cultural and societal factors, highlighting its crucial role.
This study aimed to evaluate the association between anxiety and depression in Palestinian women with breast cancer and perceived social support (PSS).
A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed. The study included 257 patients with breast cancer. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. PSS was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey.
Most participants (95%) were married. The mean age was 51 ± 9.8 years. The total PSS was relatively mild to moderate (M = 69.7 ± 9.5). The scores for anxiety and depression were in the borderline range(M = 7.8 ± 3.3 and M = 8.3 ± 3.6, respectively). All subclasses of PSS were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression ( P < .05).
Every individual has a unique perception of social support. Depression and anxiety affect a sizable percentage of patients with breast cancer. Higher levels of social support may also assist in reducing depression and anxiety, as seen by the strong negative association found between these psychological states and PSS.CancerMental HealthAccessAdvocacy -
Consortium on Bridging Radiation Segmentectomy (COBRAS): A Multicenter Study of Complete Pathologic Necrosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.2 weeks agoBackground Complete pathologic necrosis (CPN) at liver transplant is a positive predictor of freedom from recurrence and overall survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprehensive authorized user parameters for yttrium 90 radiation segmentectomy CPN rates at explant remain undefined. Purpose To evaluate established outcomes for radiation segmentectomy before liver transplant and determine optimal parameters to achieve CPN among patients with treatment-naive HCC. Materials and Methods This multicenter retrospective study included patients with treatment-naive HCC who underwent glass microsphere radiation segmentectomy before liver transplant from January 2016 to December 2024. Treatment parameters were compared for patients that achieved CPN versus those without CPN using Mann-Whitney U or χ2 tests. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine treatment parameter thresholds and subsequently predict CPN. Results A total of 303 patients with 364 tumors were included in the study. Tumors had a median size of 2.4 cm (IQR, 2.0-3.1 cm) and demonstrated a CPN rate of 68% (246 of 364). Compared with tumors without CPN, those with CPN had a higher microsphere activity (median, 1242 Bq vs 1203 Bq; P < .03), microspheres per milliliter (median, 9000 per mL vs 7600 per mL; P = .02), single-compartment dose (median, 544 Gy vs 379 Gy; P < .001), and angiosome-to-tumor volume ratio (median, 25.2 vs 15.6; P = .02). Multivariable logistic regression showed that a microsphere activity of 1087 Bq or greater (P = .03), a dose of 440 Gy or greater (P < .001), and an angiosome-to-tumor volume ratio of 16 or greater (P < .001) were independent predictors of CPN. There was a positive association between the number of optimized parameters and CPN at liver transplant, with a positive predictive value of 74% (198 of 269) with one threshold met and 91% (57 of 63) with all thresholds met (P < .001). Conclusion Among patients with treatment-naive HCC, glass microsphere radiation segmentectomy before liver transplant achieved high rates of CPN, which was associated with optimized parameter thresholds determined for microsphere activity, microspheres per milliliter, dose, and angiosome-to-tumor volume ratio. © RSNA, 2026 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Gordon and Lewandowski in this issue.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy
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Radiation Effects on Normal Brain in Subjects With Recurrent Glioblastoma by Spectroscopic MRI.2 weeks agoGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults and almost always recurs. In recurrent GBM, conventional MRI has limited ability to detect microscopic tumor infiltration and distinguish progression from treatment-related change. Spectroscopic MRI (sMRI) provides quantitative metabolic maps across much of the brain, including choline (Cho) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a marker of healthy tissue. Because Cho/NAA is commonly used to define metabolically abnormal tissue, and prior radiation therapy (RT) can alter metabolite levels, we evaluated whether prior RT shifts baseline Cho/NAA in recurrent disease. We retrospectively studied 20 patients with recurrent GBM previously treated with maximal safe resection, RT, and temozolomide who underwent whole-brain sMRI at recurrence. The median interval from RT completion to sMRI was 8.99 months. T1-weighted images were co-registered to sMRI in MIDAS and aligned with planning CT in MIM to generate radiation dose maps. MIDAS generated tissue-water-referenced Cho, NAA, and creatine (Cr) maps, and Cho/NAA was normalized to contralateral normal-appearing white matter. Voxel-wise linear regression was performed between prior radiation dose and metabolite values at recurrence. Higher prior dose was associated with reduced NAA (-0.26%/Gy, r2 = 0.011, p < 0.001) and Cr (-0.18%/Gy, r2 = 0.004, p < 0.001), while Cho changed minimally (-0.023%/Gy, r2 = 0.001, p < 0.001). Accordingly, normalized Cho/NAA increased with dose, with a mean slope of 0.0018/Gy (p < 0.001). A standard Cho/NAA threshold of 2 corresponded to a median of 2.39 (range, 1.91-2.72) in tissue previously receiving 60 Gy. These findings suggest prior RT modestly elevates baseline Cho/NAA, primarily through NAA reduction, and that dose-corrected Cho/NAA maps may improve tumor delineation in recurrent GBM.CancerAccessAdvocacy
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Postoperative ileus as a surgical challenge: comparative outcomes of end-to-end and side-to-side ileal anastomosis in radical cystectomy.2 weeks agoThis study aimed to compare the incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) between end-to-end hand-sewn and side-to-side stapled ileo-ileal anastomoses and to identify independent risk factors associated with POI.
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion at Ankara Etlik City Hospital between October 2022 and October 2024. Patients were categorized according to the anastomosis technique used: end-to-end hand-sewn or side-to-side stapled. Perioperative data, including demographic characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory parameters, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes, were collected. POI was defined as intolerance to oral intake accompanied by abdominal distension and absence of flatus or stool beyond postoperative day five, requiring medical or surgical management. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for POI.
A total of 71 patients were included in the analysis. POI occurred in nine patients (23.7%) in the hand-sewn group and in four patients (12.1%) in the stapled group, indicating a significantly lower incidence in the stapled group. Multivariable analysis identified side-to-side stapled anastomosis as an independent protective factor against POI. Additional independent predictors included age ≥65 years, abnormal body mass index (BMI), preoperative constipation, hypoalbuminemia, and prolonged operative time. Receiver operat-ing characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated good predictive performance of the model.
Side-to-side stapled ileo-ileal anastomosis is associated with a lower risk of POI compared to end-to-end hand-sewn anastomosis in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.CancerAccessAdvocacy -
Technical Approaches to Digestive Tract Reconstruction in Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy - A Technical Note.2 weeks agoPancreaticoduodenectomy is one of the most technically demanding procedures in digestive surgery. Historically, laparoscopy in pancreatic surgery was limited to staging and palliative interventions. Since the first laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was completed in 1994, significant advances have improved perioperative safety, operative time, and lowered postoperative morbidity. Nevertheless, the complexity of pancreatic surgery paired with the technical challenges of pancreatic minimally invasive approach have restricted laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy to high-volume centers until recent times. The aim of this technical note presentation is to describe novel laparoscopic techniques of performing the three anastomoses - pancreaticojejunostomy and pancreaticogastrectomy, hepaticojejunostomy, and gastrojejunostomy- in an intracorporeal fashion, highlighting methods of facilitating the reconstructive process. This technical note s purpose is to also present new training models for surgeons, meant to reduce post-operative complications, such as pancreatic fistula or biliary leakage, to shorten operating times, and, ultimately, to increase the availability of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy as a safe and efficient treatment option.CancerAccessCare/Management
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The Changing Landscape of Breast Cancer Treatment.2 weeks agoBackground: Breast cancer management has undergone an important evolution, from aggressive, invasive surgical interventions towards personalized, multidisciplinary strategies guided by tumor biology and patient oriented outcomes. Recent advances: Randomized trials have enabled the possibility of less invasive surgery in some cases, while advances in systemic therapy including targeted agents, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) such as Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-Dxd), endocrine therapy and immunotherapy in selected cases have improved survival and quality of life. Emerging technologies such as oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), selective estrogen receptor covalent antagonists (SERCAs), proteolysis targeting chimeric (PROTACs) and complete estrogen receptor antagonists (CERANs) are expanding therapeutic options. Conclusions: Modern breast cancer management is defined by precision medicine, multidisciplinary integration and less invasive surgical interventions in selected cases. Ongoing challenges include therapeutic resistance, toxicity, cost, and equitable access to innovation.CancerAccessCare/Management
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From Axillary Dissection to Sentinel Node Biopsy: Three Decades Redefining Axillary Surgery in Early Breast Cancer - A Narrative Review.2 weeks agoIntroduction: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been the gold standard for axillary staging in breast cancer for over a century. The introduction of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the 1990s offered a minimally invasive alternative with comparable staging accuracy and significantly reduced morbidity. Multiple landmark randomized controlled trials have since demonstrated that completion ALND can be safely omitted in selected patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes without compromising oncologic outcomes. This narrative review aims to examine the evolution from ALND to SLNB, critically evaluate the landmark trials that shaped current practice, and discuss ongoing controversies and future directions in axillary management in early breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Search terms included "sentinel lymph node biopsy", "axillary lymph node dissection", "breast cancer", and "axillary management." Landmark randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and current clinical practice guidelines were identified and reviewed. Results: The NSABP B-32 trial validated SLNB as an accurate staging tool equivalent to ALND. The ACOSOG Z0011 trial demonstrated no survival benefit from completion ALND in patients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes undergoing breast-conserving surgery. The AMAROS trial demonstrated that irradiation of the axilla provides equivalent locoregional disease control compared to surgical dissection, while carrying a substantially more favorable morbidity profile.The IBCSG 23-01 trial confirmed that ALND can be omitted for sentinel node micrometastases. Most recently, the SENOMAC trial extended these findings to patients with 1-2 macrometastases in a broader population. Conclusions: SLNB has become the established standard for axillary staging in early breast cancer with a clinically negative axilla, superseding ALND entirely. Progressive de-escalation of axillary surgery has been consistently supported by high-level evidence without compromising survival. Future research will determine the feasibility of further de-escalation, particularly after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.CancerAccessCare/ManagementAdvocacy