Prone breast forward intensity-modulated radiotherapy for Asian women with early left breast cancer: factors for cardiac sparing and clinical outcomes

Since December 2009, after breast-conserving surgery for Stage 0–I cancer of the left breast, 21 women with relatively pendulous breasts underwent computed tomography prone and supine simulations. The adjuvant radiotherapy was 50 Gy in 25 fractions to the left breast alone. Four plans—conventional wedged tangents and forward intensity-modulated radiotherapy (fIMRT) in supine and prone positions—were generated. fIMRT generated better homogeneity in both positions. Prone position centralized the breast tissue by gravity and also shortened the breast width which led to better conformity in both planning techniques. Prone fIMRT significantly reduced doses to left lung, Level I and Level II axilla. The mean cardiac doses did not differ between positions. Among the four plans, prone fIMRT produced the best target dosimetry and normal organ sparing. In subgroup analysis, patients with absolute breast depth > 7 cm in the prone position or breast depth difference > 3 cm between positions had significant cardiac sparing with prone fIMRT. Sixteen patients with significant cardiac sparing in prone position were treated using prone fIMRT and the others using supine fIMRT. All patients received a supine electron tumor bed boost of 10 Gy in 5 fractions. No patients developed Grade 2 or worse acute or late toxicities. There was no difference in the number of segments or beams, monitor units, treatment time, or positioning reproducibility between prone and supine positions. At a median follow-up time of 26.8 months, no locoregional or distant recurrence or death was noted.     

Development and implementation of a science training course for breast cancer activists: Project LEAD (leadership, education and advocacy development)

Objective  To develop and implement Project LEAD (leadership, education, and advocacy development), a science course for breast cancer activists.
Population  Students were breast cancer activists and other consumers, mainly affiliated with advocacy organizations in the United States of America.
Setting  Project LEAD is offered by the National Breast Cancer Coalition; the course takes place over 5 days and is offered 4 times a year, in various cities in the United States of America.
Results  The Project LEAD curriculum has developed over 5 years to include lectures, problem-based study groups, case studies, interactive critical appraisal sessions, a seminar by an 'expert' scientist, role play, and homework components. A core faculty has been valuable for evaluating and revising the course and has proved necessary to provide consistent high quality teaching. Course evaluations indicated that students gained critical appraisal skills, enhanced their knowledge and developed confidence in selected areas of basic science and epidemiology.
Conclusions  Project LEAD comprises a unique curriculum for training breast cancer activists in science and critical appraisal. Course evaluations indicate that students gain confidence and skills from the course.     

Comparison of acute skin reaction following morning versus late afternoon radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer who have undergone curative surgical resection

We investigated the relationship between the time of radiotherapy (RT) and treatment outcomes in breast cancer. Patients with pathologic T1–2N0–1 breast cancer who received adjuvant RT in the morning (before 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) were eligible for inclusion in this study. We retrospectively compared the clinicopathologic characteristics, acute skin reaction, and survival outcomes according to the time of RT. The median follow-up duration was 83 months (range, 10–131 months). From the 395 eligible patients, 190 (48.1%) and 205 (51.9%) patients were classified into the morning RT group and the afternoon RT group, respectively. The clinicopathologic characteristics were relatively well balanced between the treatment groups, except for pathologic N-stage (P = 0.0409). Grade 2 or higher acute skin reaction according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria was observed in 39 (9.9%) patients, with a higher frequency in the afternoon RT group than the morning RT group (13.7% vs 5.8%, respectively; P = 0.0088). There was no difference in the failure patterns or survival outcomes between the treatment groups. RT in late afternoon was associated with increased Grade 2 or more skin reaction after RT for breast cancer patients, but treatment outcomes did not differ according to the time of RT. Individualized considerations for treatment should be taken into account to reduce the risk of skin reactions.     

乳腺托架与体膜联合固定在乳腺癌保乳术后放疗中的应用

目的:探讨乳腺托架与体膜联合固定在乳腺癌保乳术后放疗中的应用.方法:选取36例乳腺癌保乳术后患者,用乳腺托架与体膜联合固定,在放疗前应用机载影像系统(on board imager,OBI)获取锥形束CT(cone beam CT, CBCT)图像,用CBCT图像和计划CT图像匹配得出二者间的误差值.结果:左右(X)、头脚(Y)、腹背(Z)3个方向的摆位误差分别为(2.6±0.783)、(3.0±1.027)、(1.6±0.872)mm,摆位误差>5 mm的百分率分别为16.5%、20.7%、9.1%.结论:乳腺癌保乳术后放疗使用乳腺托架与体膜联合固定可以起到很好的固定作用,尤其在Z轴(腹背方向)可明显减少摆位误差,有很好的临床应用价值.     

Medicare fee reductions and the overuse of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy

ObjectiveTo estimate the impact of a large Medicare fee reduction for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on its use in prostate and breast cancer patients.Data Sources/Study SettingSEER‐Medicare.Study DesignWe compared trends in the use of IMRT between patients treated in practices directly affected by fee reductions (for prostate cancer, men treated in urology practices that own IMRT equipment; for breast cancer, women treated in freestanding radiotherapy clinics) and patients treated in other types of practices.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe identified breast and prostate cancer patients receiving IMRT using outpatient and physician office claims. We classified urology practices based on whether they billed for IMRT and radiotherapy clinics based on whether they were reimbursed under the Physician Fee Schedule.Principal FindingsBetween 2006 and 2015 the payment for IMRT delivered in freestanding clinics and physician offices declined by $367 (−54.7%). However, the use of IMRT increased in physician practices subject to payment cuts, both in absolute terms and relative to use in practices unaffected by the payment cut. Use of IMRT in prostate cancer patients treated at urology practices that own IMRT equipment increased by 9.1 (95% CI: 2.0‐16.2) percentage points between 2005 and 2016 relative to use in patients treated at other urology practices. Use of IMRT in breast cancer patients treated at freestanding radiotherapy centers increased by 7.5 (95% CI: −5.1 to 20.1) percentage points relative to use in patients treated at hospital‐based centers.ConclusionsA steep decline in IMRT fees did not decrease IMRT use over the period from 2006 to 2015, though use has declined since 2010.     

Expanding the meaning of ‘being a peer leader’: qualitative findings from a Canadian community‐based cervical and breast cancer screening programme

Engagement of community members to act as peer workers is a key feature of many community‐centred health promotion programmes. However, little is known about their experiences beyond the commonly reported themes of fulfilment through helping people in need and improvement of personal confidence, self‐esteem and self‐care. This gap in the literature is of particular interest given increasing involvement of peer workers in community‐centred programmes addressing health disparities, such as uptake of cancer screening. This paper aims to explore experiences of the peer leaders who worked for the Cancer Awareness: Ready for Education and Screening (CARES) project to promote awareness, knowledge, and uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening among under‐/never‐screened women who belonged to ethnic minority, recent immigrant and low‐income communities in Toronto, Canada. In 2013, three focus groups were conducted with 14 peer leaders to explore their experiences. All were immigrant women between 30 and 50 years of age. All discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used situational maps and analysis to create a visual representation of the data, and to investigate peer leaders experiences. Situational analysis was chosen to bring to light dominant and also silent underlying aspects which define the meaning of being a peer leader. The first level of analysis identified main themes that characterised peer leaders' experience: (i) Helping others (women, friends and family) and themselves by improved self‐confidence, self‐awareness and self‐care and (ii) Redefining professional and social positions through their project activities leading to professional development and networking. The second level of analysis explored the redefining process and identified some peer leaders' negotiations in relation to knowledge (science vs. myth), beliefs (fear vs. assurance) and boundaries (private vs. work). Adding to the literature on the peer workers' experience, the findings are discussed in relation to empowerment of peer workers, training implications and theoretical contributions.     

襄阳市良性乳腺疾病和乳腺癌现况及影响因素分析

目的了解湖北省襄阳市适龄妇女良性乳腺疾病和乳腺癌的流行情况及影响因素,为乳腺相关疾病的防控提供依据。方法襄阳市于2017年对辖区12个市县区的适龄妇女进行乳腺癌筛查并收集了筛查人群的流行病学资料,计算良性乳腺疾病及乳腺癌的检出率,使用Logistic回归分析影响良性乳腺疾病及乳腺癌的因素。结果共有316524名妇女参与了乳腺癌筛查,检出良性乳腺疾病44097例(13.93%),乳腺癌80例(25.27/10万)。良性乳腺疾病的主要危险因素是:年龄30~49岁,以49岁以上妇女为参照,OR=1.26,95%CI:1.21~1.30;文化程度高中及以上,以初中及以下为参照,OR=2.15,95%CI:2.10~2.20;有乳腺癌家族史,OR=1.72,95%CI:1.51~1.96;其他女性生殖系统肿瘤家族史,OR=2.05,95%CI:1.77~2.37;初潮年龄<12岁,OR=1.42,95%CI:1.37~1.48;月经持续时间<4天,OR=1.32,95%CI:1.26~1.39;月经周期<21天,OR=1.21,95%CI:1.01~1.45;月经周期>35天,OR=1.35,95%CI:1.18~1.54;绝经,OR=2.02,95%CI:1.88~2.17;绝经后使用雌激素治疗,OR=1.40,95%CI:1.12~1.75;孕次>3次,OR=1.16,95%CI:1.13~1.19;初产年龄>29岁,OR=1.11,95%CI:1.05~1.18。乳腺癌的主要危险因素:有乳腺癌家族史,OR=10.17,95%CI:3.67~28.17;年龄,随着年龄的增加,乳腺癌的发病风险增高,OR=1.39,95%CI:1.20~1.61;文化程度为高中及以上,以初中及以下为参照,OR=1.83,95%CI:1.11~3.01;而初产年龄<25岁则是乳腺癌的保护因素,OR=0.53,95%CI:0.33~0.84。结论襄阳市乳腺癌和良性乳腺疾病的发病率居于中等水平。积极控制高危因素、定期筛查并及时治疗乳腺相关疾病,有助于降低乳腺癌的疾病负担,提升妇女的健康质量。     

Evaluation of dosimetric variance in whole breast forward-planned intensity-modulated radiotherapy based on 4DCT and 3DCT

This study was performed to explore and compare the dosimetric variance caused by respiratory movement in the breast during forward-planned IMRT after breast-conserving surgery. A total of 17 enrolled patients underwent the 3DCT simulation scans followed by 4DCT simulation scans during free breathing. The treatment planning constructed using the 3DCT images was copied and applied to the end expiration (EE) and end inspiration (EI) scans and the dose distributions were calculated separately. CTV volume variance amplitude was very small (11.93 ± 28.64 cm³), and the percentage change of CTV volumes receiving 50 Gy and 55 Gy between different scans were all less than 0.8%. There was no statistically significant difference between EI and EE scans (Z =–0.26, P = 0.795). However, significant differences were found when comparing the D_mean at 3DCT planning with the EI and EE planning (P = 0.010 and 0.019, respectively). The homogeneity index at EI, EE and 3D plannings were 0.139, 0.141 and 0.127, respectively, and significant differences existed between 3D and EI, and between 3D and EE (P = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). The conformal index (CI) increased significantly in 3D treatment planning (0.74 ± 0.07) compared with the EI and EE phase plannings (P = 0.005 and 0.005, respectively). The V₃₀, V₄₀, V₅₀ and D_mean of the ipsilateral lung for EE phase planning were significantly lower than for EI (P = 0.001–0.042). There were no significant differences in all the DVH parameters for the heart among these plannings (P = 0.128–0.866). The breast deformation during respiration can be disregarded in whole breast IMRT. 3D treatment planning is sufficient for whole breast forward-planned IMRT on the basis of our DVH analysis, but 4D treatment planning, breath-hold, or respiratory gate may ensure precise delivery of radiation dose.     

Cocreation with Dutch patients of decision‐relevant information to support shared decision‐making about adjuvant treatment in breast cancer care

BackgroundTo support patients in shared decision‐making about treatment options, patient decision aids (PtDAs) usually provide benefit/harm information and value clarification methods (VCMs). Recently, personalized risk information from prediction models is also being integrated into PtDAs. This study aimed to design decision‐relevant information (i.e., personalized survival rates, harm information and VCMs) about adjuvant breast cancer treatment in cocreation with patients, in a way that suits their needs and is easily understandable.MethodsThree cocreation sessions with breast cancer patients (N = 7–10; of whom N = 5 low health literate) were performed. Participants completed creative assignments and evaluated prototypes of benefit/harm information and VCMs. Prototypes were further explored through user testing with patients (N = 10) and healthcare providers (N = 10). The researchers interpreted the collected data, for example, creative and homework assignments, and participants'' presentations, to identify key themes. User tests were transcribed and analysed using ATLAS.ti to assess the understanding of the prototypes.ResultsImportant information needs were: (a) need for overview/structure of information directly after diagnosis and; (b) need for transparent benefit/harm information for all treatment options, including detailed harm information. Regarding VCMs, patients stressed the importance of a summary/conclusion. A bar graph seemed the most appropriate way of displaying personalized survival rates; the impact of most other formats was perceived as too distressful. The concept of ‘personalization’ was not understood by multiple patients.ConclusionsA PtDA about adjuvant breast cancer treatment should provide patients with an overview of the steps and treatment options, with layers for detailed information. Transparent information about the likelihood of benefits and harm should be provided. Given the current lack of information on the likelihood of side effects/late effects, efforts should be made to collect and share these data with patients. Further quantitative studies are needed to validate the results and to investigate how the concept of ‘personalization’ can be communicated.Patient or Public ContributionTen breast cancer patients participated in three cocreation sessions to develop decision‐relevant information. Subsequent user testing included 10 patients. The Dutch Breast Cancer Association (BVN) was involved as an advisor in the general study design.     

Women's knowledge about breast cancer risk and their views of the purpose and implications of breast screening--a questionnaire survey

OBJECTIVES: To assess women's knowledge and perception of breast screening, including its benefits and disadvantages, and explore whether demographic and other personal characteristics are associated with accurate knowledge. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of a random sample of 1000 women aged between 49 and 64 years registered with GPs in Oxfordshire. RESULTS: Thirty-six per cent of women knew the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, and the interpretation of numeric risks varied among women. There was an association between inaccurate knowledge and lower formal education (P = 0.05). Forty-five per cent of women believed that screening prevents breast cancer. Women were of the opinion that screening helps early detection, could result in less invasive treatment and reassured them. Sixty-three per cent had no concerns about breast screening. The main causes of concern were that they would not be invited for further screening (exclusively women in their 60s), screening is not offered earlier or more frequently, painful mammography and effects of radiation. A minority of women were concerned that the pressure exerted on the breasts during mammography may itself trigger cancer by displacing and spreading cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Women's knowledge about breast screening was variable and sometimes incorrect, and those with less formal education were more likely to have inaccurate knowledge.     

Barriers of and strategies for shared decision‐making implementation in the care of metastatic breast cancer: A qualitative study among patients and healthcare professionals in an Asian country

BackgroundShared decision‐making has been shown to improve the quality of life in metastatic breast cancer patients in high‐literacy and high‐resource settings. However, limited studies have examined the cultural preferences of metastatic breast cancer patients with shared decision‐making implementation and the barriers encountered in an Asian setting where societal norms predominate and physician decision‐making is at the forefront. This paper aims to identify (1) barriers to practising shared decision‐making faced by healthcare professionals and patients and (2) strategies for implementing shared decision‐making in the context of metastatic breast cancer management in Malaysia.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study involving 12 patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, 16 healthcare professionals and 5 policymakers from surgical and oncology departments at public healthcare centres in Malaysia. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic approach. Nvivo software was used to manage and analyse the data.ResultsFive main themes emerged from the study: healthcare provider–patient communication, workforce availability, cultural and belief systems, goals of care and paternalism versus autonomy. Other strategies proposed to overcome barriers to implementing shared decision‐making were training of healthcare professionals and empowering nurses to manage patients'' psychosocial issues.ConclusionThis study found that practising shared decision‐making in the public health sector remains challenging when managing patients with metastatic breast cancer. The utilization of decision‐making tools, patient empowerment and healthcare provider training may help address the system and healthcare provider–patient barriers identified in this study.Patient or Public ContributionPatients were involved in the study design, recruitment and analysis.     

The psychosocial concerns and needs of women recently diagnosed with breast cancer: a qualitative study of patient,nurse and volunteer perspectives

Objective To qualitatively identify the concerns and needs of Australian women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Background Breast cancer diagnosis can lead to impairment in multiple areas of psychosocial well‐being, including physical, social and emotional functioning. Research has therefore begun to focus on identifying and addressing survivors’ concerns and needs, with most research examining the time of treatment completion. However diagnosis and treatment are also key times of psychological need, and less is known about the psychosocial concerns and needs at these times. Research design Seven focus group interviews were conducted examining three categories of participants: (i) patients diagnosed with early‐stage breast cancer within the past 12 months, (ii) oncology nurses, and (iii) volunteers who work with cancer patients. Sampling was discontinued when informational redundancy was achieved. Setting and participants Thirty‐four participants took part in one of seven focus group meetings held in a hospital patient resource room. Results A wide variety of psychosocial concerns and needs were discussed, and five specific areas of concern were identified: (i) coping with side‐effects; (ii) dealing with self‐concept change; (iii) stress and adjustment reactions; (iv) having to manage others’ unhelpful beliefs, expectations and emotions; and (v) issues with survival and growth. There was a large degree of consistency in the concerns and needs identified by the different group categories. Conclusion In general, the concerns and needs expressed were consistent with survivorship issues previously identified in the literature; however, several new insights were obtained. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Population‐level changes in outcomes and Medicare cost following the introduction of new cancer therapies

ObjectiveTo examine the population‐level impacts of the introduction of novel cancer therapies with high cost in the United States, using immunotherapies in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an example.Data SourcesSurveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data in 2012‐2015 linked to Medicare fee‐for‐service claims until 2016.Study DesignWe examined population‐level trends in treatment patterns, survival, and Medicare spending in patients diagnosed with advanced NSCLC, the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, between 2012 and 2015. We estimated the percentage of patients who received any antineoplastic therapy within two years of diagnosis, including novel immunotherapies. We compared the trends in overall survival and mean two‐year Medicare spending per each patient before and after the introduction of immunotherapies in 2015.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsNot Applicable.Principal FindingsThe percentage of patients treated with any antineoplastic therapy remained the same at 46.7% in 2012 and 2015, whereas the use of immunotherapies increased from 0% to 15.2%. The two‐year survival rate and median survival increased by 3.3 percentage points (95% CI: 2.0, 4.5) and 0.4 months (CI: 0.0, 0.9), respectively, during the same period. The mean two‐year total Medicare spending and outpatient spending per patient increased by $5735 (CI: 3479, 8040) and $7661 (CI: 5902, 9311), respectively, which were largely attributable to the increases in immunotherapy spending by $5806 (CI: 5165, 6459).ConclusionsThe introduction of lung cancer immunotherapies was accompanied by improvements in survival and increases in spending between 2012 and 2015 in the Medicare population. As novel immunotherapies and other target therapies continue to change the clinical management of various cancers, further efforts are needed to ensure their effective and efficient use, and to understand their population‐level impacts in the United States.     

Physician‐related facilitators and barriers to patient involvement in treatment decision making in early stage breast cancer: perspectives of physicians and patients

Objective To identify patients’ and physicians’ perceptions of physician‐related verbal and nonverbal facilitators and barriers to patient involvement in treatment decision making (TDM) occurring during clinical encounters for women with early stage breast cancer (ESBC). Methods Eligible women were offered treatment options including surgery and adjuvant therapy. Eligible physicians provided care for women with ESBC in either a teaching hospital or an academic cancer centre. In Phase 1, women were interviewed 1–2 weeks after their initial consultation. In Phase 2, women and their physicians were interviewed separately while watching their own consultation on a digital video disk. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed. Results Forty women with ESBC and six physicians participated. Patients and physicians identified thirteen categories of physician facilitators of women’s involvement. Of these, seven categories were frequently identified by women: conveyed a rationale for patient involvement in TDM; explained the risk of cancer recurrence; explained treatment options; enhanced patient understanding of information; gave time for TDM; offered a treatment recommendation; and made women feel comfortable. Physicians described similar information‐giving facilitators but less often mentioned other facilitators. Few physician barriers to women’s involvement in TDM were identified. Conclusions Women with ESBC and cancer physicians shared some views of how physicians involve patients in TDM, although there were important differences. Physicians may underestimate the importance that women’s place on understanding the rationale for their involvement in TDM and on feeling comfortable during the consultation.     

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of routine breast cancer screening practices among migrant‐Australian women

Objective: To evaluate breast cancer screening (BCS) practice and explore the relationship between sociodemographic factors and breast awareness (BA), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography in migrant‐Australian women. Method: Secondary analysis was performed on the pooled sample (n=1,744) from five cross‐sectional studies of BCS rates among immigrant‐Australian women, and the associated sociodemographic factors. Results: Only 19% of women participated in routine BA, 27.4% of women in the target group of >40 year presented for an annual CBE, and 60.6% of women in the target group of 50–74 years received a biennial mammogram. Associated sociodemographic factors differed by modality except for length of Australian residency. In multivariable analysis, age, length of Australian residency, marital status, and employment status accounted for more than 50% of the variance in regular BA and CBE. Conclusion: These findings indicate suboptimal BCS rates persist among migrant‐Australian women, and suggest the importance of certain sociodemographic factors in BCS practice. Implications for public health: Further education is required for BA and CBE practice in immigrant‐Australian women, especially for those who have resided in Australia less than 12 years without a partner.