Pain and Anxiety Levels of Patients Undergoing Tissue Expansion After Mastectomies: A Case Series Study.

The tissue expansion process is done after mastectomies to increase the submuscular space in preparation for the placement of permanent breast implant. The process is often believed to be painful by patients who are often intimidated by the prospect of mechanically stretching out their skin and muscle. This study aims to quantify the pain experienced by patients and determine the different pain management techniques used.

A randomized Phase II study of veliparib with temozolomide or carboplatin/paclitaxel versus placebo with carboplatin/paclitaxel in BRCA1/2 metastatic breast cancer: design and rationale.

Veliparib is an orally administered poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor that is being studied in Phase I-III clinical trials, including Phase III studies in non-small-cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Tumor cells with deleterious BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are deficient in homologous recombination DNA repair and are intrinsically sensitive to platinum therapy and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. We describe herein the design and rationale of a Phase II trial investigating whether the addition of veliparib to temozolomide or carboplatin/paclitaxel provides clinical benefit over carboplatin/paclitaxel with placebo in patients with locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer harboring a deleterious BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutation (Trial registration: EudraCT 2011-002913-12, NCT01506609).

Vertical Mastectomy Incision in Implant Breast Reconstruction After Skin Sparing Mastectomy: Advantages and Outcomes.

Background: The type of since skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) incision directly impacts the final aesthetic and functional results of reconstruction. Different incisions are used for SSM depending on tumor location, previous biopsy scars, breast weight, and ptosis degree. A vertical scar is less visible to the patient, reminiscent of a mastopexy, and patients may not have the stigma of mastectomy.

Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Using Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap After Massive Weight Loss.

Background: Because of the correlation between breast cancer and obesity, plastic surgeons may encounter patients requiring reconstructive breast surgery after massive weight loss (MWL). Use of redundant abdominal skin for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap in these patients is a novel concept whose value has not been adequately studied.

Objective: Assess the outcomes of the DIEP technique for breast reconstruction in the massive weight loss population.

The role of toll-like receptors in colorectal cancer progression: evidence for epithelial to leucocytic transition.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed by immune cells, intestinal epithelium, and tumor cells. In the homeostatic setting, they help to regulate control over invading pathogens and maintain the epithelial lining of the large and small intestines. Aberrant expression of certain TLRs by tumor cells can induce growth inhibition while others contribute to tumorigenesis and progression.

Aromatase inhibitors in gynecologic cancers.

The female genital tract is hormonally responsive, and consequently some tumors, which arise within in it, may be treated at least in part, with hormonal manipulation. The range of responses in clinical trials and case reports will be reviewed. Many of these diseases are too rare for clinical trial testing, and in some cases evidence is anecdotal at best.