Temporal trends, spatial and spatiotemporal clusters of cervical cancer mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2021.

Cervical cancer, despite being preventable through primary and secondary prevention strategies, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the temporal, spatial, and space-time patterns of cervical cancer mortality in Brazil. An ecological study was conducted using temporal, spatial, and space-time analysis techniques, using death certificates with cervical cancer as the underlying cause or associated condition among females in Brazil from 2000 to 2021.

Newborn pulse oximetry screening coverage in a nationwide complex survey sample: An assessment of a congenital heart disease early detection program at the regional level in Brazil.

Objectives: To estimate the coverage of newborn pulse oximetry screening (POS) in Brazil, as well as identifies associated factors and the proportion of positive screening results.

Methods: Coverage was estimated based on the most recent National Health Survey (2019). Adjusted marginal prevalence ratios were estimated via poisson regression model with robust variance.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy boost as an alternative to brachytherapy for cervical cancer: A scoping review.

Purpose: This scoping review aims to evaluate the evidence for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) boost as a potential alternative for brachytherapy (BCT) in treating cervical cancer.

Material And Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases. Studies investigating SBRT boost in cervical cancer patients who were either contraindicated for or refused BCT were included.

Artificial Intelligence and cancer: Profile of registered clinical trials.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides due to advancements in processing algorithms and data availability. Recent years have shown a resurgence in AI, driven by breakthroughs in deep machine learning. AI has attracted particular interest in the medical sector, especially in the field of personalized medicine, which for example uses large-scale genomic and molecular data to predict individual patient treatment responses.

Association between body composition phenotypes and treatment toxicity in women with cervical cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Objective: To identify whether there is an association between body composition phenotypes and toxicity to chemoradiotherapy in women with cervical cancer.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study that included 330 adult patients with cervical cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy. Computed tomography images were used to assess skeletal muscle index (SMI) and radiodensity (SMD), total adipose tissue index, and visceral adipose tissue index.

Efficacy, safety of and adherence to adjustable compression wraps in the control phase of breast cancer-related lymphedema: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy, safety, and adherence to using adjustable compression wraps (ACWs) for upper limb volume control in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Design And Setting: Randomized controlled trial at a reference hospital for breast cancer treatment in Brazil.

Participants: Women in control phase of the breast cancer-related lymphedema.

IKZF1 and BTG1 silencing reduces glucocorticoid response in B-cell precursor acute leukemia cell line.

Introduction: Secondary genetic alterations, which contribute to the dysregulation of cell cycle progression and lymphoid specialization, are frequently observed in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). As IKZF1 and BTG1 deletions are associated with a worse outcome in B-ALL, this study aimed to address whether they synergistically promote glucocorticoid resistance.

Methods: Small interfering RNA was used to downregulate either IKZF1, or BTG1, or both genes in the 207 B-ALL cell line.

Single-cell resolution characterization of myeloid-derived cell states with implication in cancer outcome.

Tumor-associated myeloid-derived cells (MDCs) significantly impact cancer prognosis and treatment responses due to their remarkable plasticity and tumorigenic behaviors. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA-sequencing data from different cancer types, identifying 29 MDC subpopulations within the tumor microenvironment. Our analysis reveals abnormally expanded MDC subpopulations across various tumors and distinguishes cell states that have often been grouped together, such as TREM2+ and FOLR2+ subpopulations.

Frequency of HLA-A*02:01 in the Brazilian population and its impact on uveal melanoma systemic treatment.

Uveal melanoma is a rare malignancy originating from extracutaneous melanocytes on the uveal layer of the eyes. The incidence varies depending on the ethnic and racial global distribution, as uveal melanoma is more frequently diagnosed in non-Hispanic White subjects when compared with Hispanic, Asian, or Black individuals. Despite all the local effective management of uveal melanoma, roughly 50% of the cases will develop distant metastases.

Exploring factors and trends in place of death by cancer: a population-based study in Brazil.

Background: The place of death profoundly affects end-of-life care quality, particularly in cancer. Assisting individuals at home enhances support, privacy, and control, reducing healthcare costs. This study seeks to elucidate factors associated and trends in place of death by cancer in Brazil.

Improving access to cancer clinical research in Brazil: recent advances and new opportunities. Expert opinions from the 4th CURA meeting, São Paulo, 2023.

Clinical research is the cornerstone of improvements in cancer care. However, it has been conducted predominantly in high-income countries with few clinical trials available in Brazil and other low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). Of note, less than one-third of registered clinical trials addressing some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers (breast, lung and cervical) recruited patients from LMIC in the last years.

Multilevel analysis of social determinants of advanced stage colorectal cancer diagnosis.

The advanced stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) may be related to individual factors, socioeconomic conditions, and healthcare service availability. The objective of the study was to analyze the prevalence of advanced stage CRC at the time of diagnosis and its association with individual, contextual, socioeconomic, and healthcare service indicators. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing cases of malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum in individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 99 years, diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 in Brazil (n = 69,047).

Harms and benefits of mammographic screening for breast cancer in Brazil.

Introduction: In the absence of evidence on the effect of mammographic screening on overall mortality, comparing the number of deaths avoided with the number of deaths caused by screening would be ideal, but the only existing models of this type adopt a very narrow definition of harms. The objective of the present study was to estimate the number of deaths prevented and induced by various mammography screening protocols in Brazil.

Methods: A simulation study of cohorts of Brazilian women screened, considering various age groups and screening interval protocols, was performed based on life tables.

Intestinal P-gp activity is reduced in postmenopausal women under breast cancer therapy.

Intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity plays a crucial role in modulating the oral bioavailability of its substrates. Fexofenadine has commonly been used as a P-gp probe, although it is important to note the involvement of other drug transporters like, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1. In vitro studies demonstrated an upregulation of P-gp protein in response to exposure to pregnancy-related hormones.

The prognostic role of PD-L1 expression and the presence of polyomavirus in Merkel cell carcinoma cases.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) comprises a rare malignant primary skin tumor presenting neuroendocrine differentiation. Recently, agents blocking the programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed cell death protein ligand 1 pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) have demonstrated objective and durable tumor regressions in patients presenting advanced MCC. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and histopathological characteristics of MCC patients, also assessing the prevalence of PD-L1 expression and Merkel cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV), as well as their prognostic roles.

Factors influencing COVID-19 mortality among cancer patients: A Brazilian multi-institutional study.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of cancer patients with COVID-19, exploring factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective cohort study methodically extracted and curated data from electronic medical records (EMRs) of numerous healthcare institutions on cancer patients diagnosed with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between May 2020 and August 2021, to identify risk factors linked to extended hospitalization and mortality. The retrieved information encompassed the patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including the incidence of prolonged hospitalization, acute complications, and COVID-19-related mortality.

Cost Evaluation Analysis of Genetic Testing and Tailored Adjuvant Imatinib in Patients With Resected High-Risk GI Stromal Tumors: The Brazilian Perspective.

Purpose: Mutations of the gene are the molecular hallmark of most GI stromal tumors (GISTs). Imatinib has revolutionized GIST treatment. Adjuvant imatinib for 3 years is the standard of care for high-risk resected GIST.

Complex physical therapy employing self-adjusting garment (ReadyWrap®) in breast cancer-related lymphedema cases in Brazilian women: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-adjusting compression garment (ReadyWrap®) in reducing (phase 1) and maintaining (phase 2) upper limb volume in women presenting breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Methods: This study will comprise a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial concerning women with breast cancer-related lymphedema undergoing treatment at a public cancer treatment reference hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Clinical Cancer Research in South America and Potential Health Economic Impacts.

Background: Increased global cancer incidence rates have led to a growing demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as basic and clinical research on the subject. The expansion of clinical cancer trials beyond the borders of highly developed countries has aided the arrival of these assessments in South American countries. In this context, this study's objective is to highlight clinical cancer trial profiles developed and sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and conducted in South American countries from 2010 to 2020.

CDKN2A/CDK4 status in Brazilian patients meeting clinical criteria for hereditary melanoma: a cross-sectional descriptive trial.

Background: Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer, and its incidence has increased worldwide. About 10% of cases are classified as hereditary melanoma (HM). CDKN2A and CDK4 are the major high-risk genes.

Exploring biomarkers and prognostic factors in uterine carcinosarcoma: An insight into L1CAM, CDX2, p53, and MSI status.

Background: Uterine Carcinosarcomas (UCS) are a rare type of cancer composed of an admixture of high-grade carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Clinicopathological prognostic factors in UCS are well established, but studies that approach the impact of biomarkers in this unusual disease are scarce. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of a panel of prominent biomarkers in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) using an immunohistochemical characterization with four biomarkers.