Publications by authors named "Andrea Morales Alfaro"

Molecular and cellular characterization of tumors is essential due to the complex and heterogeneous nature of cancer. In recent decades, many bioinformatic tools and experimental techniques have been developed to achieve personalized characterization of tumors. However, sample handling continues to be a major challenge as limitations such as prior treatments before sample acquisition, the amount of tissue obtained, transportation, or the inability to process fresh samples pose a hurdle for experimental strategies that require viable cell suspensions.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study evaluates "time toxicity" in older cancer patients, measuring the days spent in healthcare during palliative systemic treatments, indicating a significant but overlooked aspect of cancer therapy.
  • - In a group of 158 patients aged 65 and older, it was found that on average, they spent 21% of the first 6 months in healthcare, with factors like treatment type and frailty status influencing this time burden.
  • - The findings highlight that older adults with metastatic cancer may spend 1 in 5 days seeking healthcare, emphasizing the need for better communication about the expected healthcare demands related to their treatment.
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Introduction: Supportive care needs may vary according to age. The purpose of this research is to describe and compare supportive care needs between older adults with metastatic cancer (age ≥ 65 years) and their younger counterparts.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed metastatic solid tumors.

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The objective of this study was to describe our experience using readily available telemedicine tools to deliver specialist multidisciplinary care to older adults with cancer at a Mexican medical centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March 2020 and March 2021, patients aged ≥65 years with colorectal or gastric cancer treated at a geriatric oncology clinic in Mexico City were included. Patients were reached via telemedicine utilising readily available apps such as WhatsApp or Zoom.

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Purpose: The financial toxicity (FT) of cancer is common among older adults in high-income countries, but little is known about the financial hardships faced by older patients with cancer living in developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore the financial burden of cancer among older Mexican adults and their relatives, as well as factors that might mitigate such burden.

Methods: This mixed-methods study included patients age 65 years and older with the 10 most common malignancies in Mexico and 3-24 months from diagnosis at two cancer centers in Mexico City and their relatives.

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COVID-19 has overwhelmed the capacity of health care systems, limiting access to supportive and palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. Telemedicine has emerged as a tool to provide care continuity to patients while limiting the risk of contagion. However, implementing telemedicine in resource-limited settings is challenging.

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