Review
Surgery
A. Fancellu, N. Houssami, V Sanna, A. Porcu, C. Ninniri, M. L. Marinovich
Summary: This meta-analysis compared the outcomes of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The results showed that BCS was associated with lower rates of locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, and all-cause mortality compared to mastectomy. However, caution should be taken due to potential differences in patient selection for the two surgical options.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Majd Kayali, Joseph Abi Jaoude, Mohammed Mohammed, Joanne Khabsa, Arafat Tfayli, Philip Poortmans, Youssef H. Zeidan
Summary: Post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) improves locoregional control and overall survival in breast cancer patients, but the benefit in triple-negative disease patients treated with modern systemic therapy is lower than historical reports. In the BEATRICE trial, PMRT did not show significant improvement in local control for patients with N1 disease. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess the role of PMRT in this patient population.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Shuvadeep Ganguly, Ajay Gogia
Summary: In the KEYNOTE-522 trial, the addition of Pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved pathological complete response rate in early triple-negative breast cancer patients and also improved event-free survival. However, this improvement was predominantly observed in patients who did not achieve a pathological complete response.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jie Bai, Xufeng Yao, Yinghong Pu, Xiaoyi Wang, Xinrong Luo
Summary: This meta-analysis suggests that adjuvant capecitabine-based chemotherapy can improve disease-free survival and overall survival in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer patients. Patients with lymph node negative status and those who receive capecitabine for six cycles or more may benefit the most.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Robert B. Basmadjian, Kristian Chow, Dayoung Kim, Matthew Kenney, Aysha Lukmanji, Dylan E. O'Sullivan, Yuan Xu, May Lynn Quan, Winson Y. Cheung, Sasha Lupichuk, Darren R. Brenner
Summary: Early-onset diagnosis in breast cancer, especially triple-negative subtype, is associated with increased risk of recurrence; however, older early-onset patients (>60 years) have better breast cancer specific survival and overall survival. Additionally, early-onset patients have higher odds of achieving pathological complete response.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Jennifer G. Schopp, Dogan S. Polat, Firouzeh Arjmandi, Jody C. Hayes, Richard W. Ahn, Kirbi Sullivan, Sunati Sahoo, Jessica H. Porembka
Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer is a aggressive subtype of breast cancer with distinct imaging challenges and characteristics that can mimic benign conditions.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
J. Cortes, H. S. Rugo, D. W. Cescon, S-A Im, M. M. Yusof, C. Gallardo, O. Lipatov, C. H. Barrios, J. Perez-Garcia, H. Iwata, N. Masuda, M. Torregroza Otero, E. Gokmen, S. Loi, Z. Guo, X. Zhou, V Karantza, W. Pan, P. Schmid
Summary: The addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 with a CPS of 10 or more.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Lin Jiang, Chao You, Yi Xiao, He Wang, Guan-Hua Su, Bing-Qing Xia, Ren-Cheng Zheng, Dan-Dan Zhang, Yi-Zhou Jiang, Ya-Jia Gu, Zhi-Ming Shao
Summary: In this study, we extracted radiomic features from TNBC patients and constructed a breast cancer radiomic dataset and a TNBC radiogenomic dataset. By analyzing these datasets, we identified a radiomic feature that can predict the recurrence and overall survival of TNBC, and found that peritumoral heterogeneity is associated with immune suppression and upregulated fatty acid synthesis.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Jennifer R. Bellon, Yu-Hui Chen, Rebecca Rees, Alphonse G. Taghian, Julia S. Wong, Rinaa S. Punglia, Ron Y. Shiloh, Laura E. G. Warren, Monica S. Krishnan, John Phillips, Jennifer Pretz, Rachel Jimenez, Stephanie Macausland, Itai Pashtan, Chelsea Andrews, Steven J. Isakoff, Eric P. Winer, Sara M. Tolaney
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the safety of cisplatin with radiation therapy in patients with early-stage TNBC, determining the maximum tolerated dose and recommending appropriate doses for different surgical approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY BIOLOGY PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanjun Hu, Dehong Zou
Summary: This study developed a prognostic prediction model for TNBC patients, consisting of a five-mRNA signature and clinical factors. Patients over 60 years old, with higher pathologic stage (III-IV) and recurrence, showed significantly lower survival rates compared to younger patients with lower pathologic stage and no recurrence. The combined five-mRNA signature and clinical model predicted better survival outcomes than the single clinical model or the five-mRNA signature model.
Article
Oncology
Sanaz N. Ghafouri, Rebecca W. Nayeri, Nicholas P. McAndrew, Sara A. Hurvitz
Summary: When compared to anthracycline-sparing regimens, anthracycline-based regimens for the treatment of early TNBC are associated with shorter event-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival. This association persists even after adjusting for certain high-risk clinical features.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Sixten Harborg, Robert Zachariae, Julia Olsen, Maja Johannsen, Deirdre Cronin-Fenton, Henrik Boggild, Signe Borgquist
Summary: The systematic review and meta-analysis found that overweight is associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival among TNBC patients. The results should be interpreted with caution due to possible publication bias.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zijian Zhou, Beatriz E. Adrada, Rosalind P. Candelaria, Nabil A. Elshafeey, Medine Boge, Rania M. Mohamed, Sanaz Pashapoor, Jia Sun, Zhan Xu, Bikash Panthi, Jong Bum Son, Mary S. Guirguis, Miral M. Patel, Gary J. Whitman, Tanya W. Moseley, Marion E. Scoggins, Jason B. White, Jennifer K. Litton, Vicente Valero, Kelly K. Hunt, Debu Tripathy, Wei Yang, Peng Wei, Clinton Yam, Mark D. Pagel, Gaiane M. Rauch, Jingfei Ma
Summary: Deep learning based on multiparametric MRI can potentially predict TNBC patients' pCR status in the breast early during NAST.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xueqiong Xun, Jun Ai, Fuhui Feng, Pan Hong, Saroj Rai, Ruikang Liu, Baowen Zhang, Yeming Zhou, Huiyong Hu
Summary: This meta-analysis found that the use of Bevacizumab in patients with triple-negative breast cancer and HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer may increase the incidence of serious adverse events, indicating a need for caution in its usage.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jose P. Leone, Noah Graham, Julieta Leone, Sara M. Tolaney, Bernardo A. Leone, Rachel A. Freedman, Michael J. Hassett, Carlos T. Vallejo, Eric P. Winer, Nancy U. Lin, Nabihah Tayob
Summary: This study developed a tool called "ESTIMATE-TN" to assess the risk of breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM), non-BCSM, and all-cause mortality in non-metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. The tool allows input of patient and tumor characteristics and provides a nonparametric estimate of cumulative risks using Gray's subdistribution method.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Harenthri Devy Alagir Rajah, Caryn Mei Hsien Chan, Yek-Ching Kong, Li-Ping Wong, Ros Suzanna Bustaman, Gwo-Fuang Ho, Kelly Ming-Ying Lai, Cheng-Har Yip, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: This study conducted focus group discussions with cancer survivors in Malaysia, revealing that emotional distress stemmed from both direct and indirect stressors, with women highlighting needs related to altered physical appearances, fear of recurrence, and lack of practical support. While emotional support mainly came from informal sources such as family and religion, formal emotional support from professional counsellors and cancer support groups was lacking. These unmet needs provide insights for actionable changes to improve emotional wellbeing in settings with limited cancer survivorship services.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Mee-Hoong See, Siamala Sinnadurai, Lee-Lee Lai, Keh-Ling Tan, Mei-Sze Teh, Li-Ying Teoh, Suniza Jamaris, Rozita Abdul Malik, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: Immediate breast reconstruction is associated with younger age, recent calendar years, Chinese ethnicity, higher education level, and invasive ductal carcinomas. Although it is linked to a higher risk of short-term local surgical complications, it does not cause delays in initiation of chemotherapy, recurrence, or mortality after breast cancer. These findings are important for shared surgical decision-making and improving access to immediate breast reconstruction in middle-income settings.
Letter
Oncology
Edward Christopher Dee, Michelle Ann B. Eala, Melvin Lee Kiang Chua, Freddie Bray, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Soo-Peng Teoh, Yee-Yin Hoo, Raul Murillo, Maria Zuluaga, Audrey Tsunoda, Dorothy Lombe, Richard Sullivan, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are ill-prepared in managing cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few countries have accessible documents to ensure continuity in cancer care, and most publications focus on cancer treatment while neglecting early detection, diagnosis, and supportive care. Consensus guidelines from professional societies are more common than national-level guidelines formulated by government agencies.
ECANCERMEDICALSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
C. S. Pramesh, Rajendra A. Badwe, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy, Christopher M. Booth, Girish Chinnaswamy, Anna J. Dare, Victor Piana de Andrade, David J. Hunter, Satish Gopal, Mary Gospodarowicz, Sanjeeva Gunasekera, Andre Ilbawi, Sharon Kapambwe, Peter Kingham, Tezer Kutluk, Nirmal Lamichhane, Miriam Mutebi, Jackson Orem, Groesbeck Parham, Priya Ranganathan, Manju Sengar, Richard Sullivan, Soumya Swaminathan, Ian F. Tannock, Vivek Tomar, Verna Vanderpuye, Cherian Varghese, Elisabete Weiderpass
Summary: Rethinking is crucial to address the challenges in cancer care in low- and middle-income countries. The top priorities in cancer research for these countries are reducing the burden of advanced disease, improving treatment access and affordability, enhancing quality and implementation research, leveraging technology for better cancer control. Collaboration and commitment are essential for success.
Article
Biology
Haomin Yang, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy, Judith S. Brand, Elham Hedayati, Felix Grassmann, Erwei Zeng, Jonas Bergh, Weiwei Bian, Jonas F. Ludvigsson, Per Hall, Kamila Czene
Summary: Breast cancer patients may have increased risks of arrhythmia, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease after treatment. Specific treatments and drugs are associated with these risks.
Article
Oncology
Michelle Ann B. Eala, Edward Christopher Dee, Ophira Ginsburg, Melvin Lee Kiang Chua, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: This commentary highlights the financial toxicities linked to cancer in low- and middle-income countries, specifically in Southeast Asia. It discusses interventions at various levels that can help alleviate financial toxicity in the region and in similarly resourced parts of the world.
Article
Oncology
Noorulain Fnu, Wai-Chee Kuan, Yek-Ching Kong, Ros Suzanna Bustamam, Li-Ping Wong, ShriDevi Subramaniam, Gwo-Fuang Ho, Hafizah Zaharah, Cheng-Har Yip, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: Limited evidence exists on the financial experiences of cancer survivors in Malaysia. This study explored the out-of-pocket costs, financial impact, and coping strategies of cancer survivors in Malaysia's pluralistic health system. The study found that cancer therapies, supportive care, complementary therapies, non-medical costs, and loss of household income were major themes related to cancer costs. Coping mechanisms included changing treatment decisions, continuing work despite illness, and seeking financial assistance from third parties.
ECANCERMEDICALSCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Edward Christopher Dee, Janine Patricia G. Robredo, Michelle Ann B. Eala, Patricia N. Suanes, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yek-Ching Kong, Mahmoud Danaee, Ranjit Kaur, Muthukkumaran Thiagarajan, Hafizah Zaharah, Mustafa Sener, Harenthri Devy Alagir Rajah, Nur Aishah Taib, Karuthan Chinna, Cheng-Har Yip, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: This study developed and validated a dual-language needs assessment tool for women with breast cancer through two phases of design and testing. The tool demonstrated good reliability and validity, and can be used to guide the establishment of evidence-based cancer survivorship services in Malaysia as well as other multi-ethnic and/or low-and-middle-income settings.
Article
Rehabilitation
Wai-Chee Kuan, Yek-Ching Kong, Ros Suzanna Bustamam, Li-Ping Wong, Yin-Ling Woo, Nur Aishah Taib, Gwo-Fuang Ho, Hafizah Zaharah, Cheng-Har Yip, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: The study aimed to understand the impact of cancer on the sexual well-being of patients in a middle-income setting with limited supportive care services. Through focus group discussions with 102 patients, three major themes emerged: loss, adjustments, and unmet supportive care needs. Changes in physical appearance and childbearing abilities negatively affected self-confidence and body image, especially in females. It was found that sexual healthcare services including counseling and clinical management of sexual dysfunction should not be overlooked in low- and middle-income countries.
SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Chin Vern Song, Cheng-Har Yip, Nur Aishah Mohd Taib, Mee Hoong See, Li Ying Teoh, Evelyn M. Monninkhof, Marniza Saad, Cuno S. P. M. Uiterwaal, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: This study in Malaysia examined the adherence to treatment guidelines and its impact on survival rates in breast cancer patients. Results indicated that patients who followed the guidelines had higher survival rates, with older patients showing lower adherence.
JCO GLOBAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yek-Ching Kong, Merel Kimman, ShriDevi Subramaniam, Cheng-Har Yip, Stephen Jan, Soe Aung, Mai Trong Khoa, Corazon A. Ngelangel, Htun Lwin Nyein, Suleeporn Sangrajrang, Jitraporn Tanabodee, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: This study investigates the patterns of out-of-pocket spending on complementary medicine among cancer patients in middle-income countries in southeast Asia. The findings suggest that expenditures on complementary medicine are associated with adverse financial outcomes.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Li-Ping Wong, Yek-Ching Kong, Nanthini Thevi Bhoo-Pathy, Shridevi Subramaniam, Ros Suzanna Bustamam, Nur Aishah Taib, Gwo-Fuang Ho, Hafizah Zaharah, Matin Mellor, Yin-Ling Woo, Cheng-Har Yip, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: Receiving a cancer diagnosis brings intense emotional distress to most patients, with family history impacting their emotional reactions. While majority of patients see the importance of having family members present during the breaking of bad news, some choose to face it alone to lessen emotional impact.
JCO ONCOLOGY PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Nur-Nadiatul-Asyikin Bujang, Yu-Jie Lee, Siti-Anis-Suraya Mohd-Zain, Junita-Harizon Aris, Fitri-Amalina Md-Yusoff, Zailiza Suli, Muhammad-Radzi Abu-Hassan, Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
Summary: The study found that while most participants were willing to be screened, the actual uptake of iFOBT was low. Factors such as knowledge of colorectal cancer risk factors, perceived susceptibility to the disease, and doctor's recommendation were positively associated with willingness to be screened. On the other hand, being elderly and having a negative perception toward iFOBT were negatively associated with willingness to be screened.
JCO GLOBAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Albrecht Stenzinger, Arndt Vogel, Ulrich Lehmann, Angela Lamarca, Paul Hofman, Luigi Terracciano, Nicola Normanno
Summary: Cholangiocarcinomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with distinct genomic alterations. Next-generation sequencing is a powerful tool for identifying gene variants and guiding personalized treatment for patients with cholangiocarcinomas. Understanding the use of NGS in molecular profiling is crucial for healthcare professionals to optimize treatment outcomes.
CANCER TREATMENT REVIEWS
(2024)
