Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.3
2.4
Journals
Medicina
Sections
Frontiers in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
share announcement

Frontiers in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

A topical collection in Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This collection belongs to the section "Oncology".

Viewed by 21866

Editors

Prof. Dr. Jimmy T. Efird

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
1. VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
2. School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Interests: statistical methods; epidemiological study design; risk modeling; cardiovascular disease; cancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Tithi Biswas

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
1. Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
2. University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH, USA
Interests: breast, esophageal and colorectal cancer; gastrointestinal cancers, general, and thoracic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reducing breast cancer risk through targeted screening, treatment advances, and novel research efforts is the key focus of this Topical Collection on “Progress in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment”. We are also interested in manuscripts aimed at improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients and survivors. In this regard, research topics include, but are not limited to, lifestyle factors and habits such as nutrition, exercise, and weight control, as well as supportive care. 

Of particular interest to this Topical Collection is research pertaining to circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Such research may offer a less-expensive and non-invasive means for predicting disease severity and survival potential in breast cancer patients.  Submissions focusing on evolving therapies (e.g., atezolizumab, nab-paclitaxel, ipatasertib, capivasertib, and bicalutamide) also are welcome. 

Prof. Dr. Jimmy T. Efird
Dr. Tithi Biswas
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • breast cancer
  • TNBC
  • ER-positive tumors
  • HER2-positive tumors
  • inflammatory breast cancer
  • novel therapies
  • breast cancer survival
  • health promotion
  • lifestyle behaviors and habits
  • epidemiology of breast cancer

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022

11 pages, 551 KiB  
Article
Genomic Analysis of Advanced Phyllodes Tumors Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Their Chemotherapy Response: A Retrospective Study Using the C-CAT Database
by Shuhei Suzuki and Yosuke Saito
Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111898 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Phyllodes tumors are rare breast neoplasms with limited therapeutic options and poorly understood molecular characteristics. This study aimed to analyze genomic alterations and treatment outcomes in advanced phyllodes tumors using Japan’s national clinical genomic testing registry (C-CAT database) to [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Phyllodes tumors are rare breast neoplasms with limited therapeutic options and poorly understood molecular characteristics. This study aimed to analyze genomic alterations and treatment outcomes in advanced phyllodes tumors using Japan’s national clinical genomic testing registry (C-CAT database) to identify potential therapeutic targets and predictive markers. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 60 phyllodes tumor cases from 80,329 patients registered in the C-CAT database between June 2019 and August 2024. Comprehensive genomic profiling was performed using multiple platforms including FoundationOne CDx, NCC OncoPanel, and other approved tests. Treatment responses were evaluated according to RECIST criteria, and pathogenic variants were assessed using established databases including ClinVar and OncoKB. Results: The cohort’s median age was 54 years (range: 13–79), with TERT promoter variants (70%), MED12 (52%), and TP53 (50%) mutations being the most frequent alterations. Forty patients received first-line chemotherapy, predominantly anthracycline-based regimens (n = 29). Although not reaching statistical significance, cases with CDKN2A and TERT alterations showed trends toward treatment resistance (OR > 3.0). One patient with a high tumor mutational burden (37/Mb) responded to pembrolizumab. Potential germline variants were identified in two cases (3.3%), involving MSH6 and TP53 alterations. Notably, no cases with CDKN2B alterations demonstrated treatment response (p = 0.09). Conclusions: Our findings suggest distinct molecular patterns in phyllodes tumors compared to other soft tissue sarcomas, with potential implications for treatment selection. The identification of specific genetic alterations associated with treatment resistance may guide therapeutic decision-making, while the presence of actionable mutations in select cases indicates potential opportunities for targeted therapy approaches. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4476 KiB  
Article
Utilizing the Postvascular Phase of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Predict Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis
by Jiuyi Ma, Ying Fu, Xiangmei Chen, Yuxuan Lin, Lan Zeng, Fang Mei and Ligang Cui
Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111780 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 476
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To evaluate the value of the postvascular phase of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating between benign and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 96 suspicious LNs in [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: To evaluate the value of the postvascular phase of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating between benign and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 96 suspicious LNs in the lymphatic drainage area of the breast from 90 patients with BC. All LNs were assessed by conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS following intravenous Sonazoid injection. All LNs underwent puncture biopsy, and pathological results were obtained. The correlations between US and CEUS indicators of LNs and LN metastasis (LNM) were analyzed. Results: Of the 96 LNs, 66 were metastatic. Overall, 80.00% (24/30) of the benign LNs exhibited relative hyper-enhancement in the postvascular phase, whereas 96.97% (64/66) of the metastatic LNs exhibited relative hypo-enhancement (p < 0.001). This CEUS finding was highly predictive of metastasis, with a sensitivity of 96.97%, specificity of 80.00%, positive predictive value of 91.43%, negative predictive value of 92.31%, and accuracy of 91.67%. The mean postvascular phase intensity (MPI) was significantly lower for malignant (median MPI, 12 dB) than for benign (median MPI, 75 dB) LNs. The postvascular phase was more sensitive, specific, and accurate than conventional US or the vascular phase of CEUS for the diagnosis of LNM, with an area under the curve of 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.99). Conclusions: Qualitative and quantitative indicators of the postvascular phase of CEUS provide a reliable diagnostic approach to differentiate benign and metastatic LNs in patients with BC. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 7794 KiB  
Case Report
Secretory Carcinoma of the Breast with Apocrine Differentiation—A Peculiar Entity
by Anca Evsei, Adelina-Lucretia Birceanu-Corobea, Mihai Ghita and Narcis Copca
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060924 - 1 Jun 2024
Viewed by 828
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Secretory carcinoma of the breast is an uncommon histological subtype of breast cancer. There is little research on this entity and only a few larger studies, which lack consensus. We aim to report a particular apocrine differentiation in this [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Secretory carcinoma of the breast is an uncommon histological subtype of breast cancer. There is little research on this entity and only a few larger studies, which lack consensus. We aim to report a particular apocrine differentiation in this subtype and ponder upon the clinical outcome of this case. Case presentation: We report the case of a 72-year-old female patient who presented to our hospital with a suspicious breast tumor. Core biopsy and mastectomy showed a low-grade breast carcinoma, a secretory subtype with apocrine differentiation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed both the secretory nature and the apocrine nature of the tumor cells. Surgical excision was considered curative and the patient is under long-term surveillance for any recurrences. Conclusions: There is very little research on the clinical behavior of secretory carcinomas with apocrine differentiation. The clinical outcome is unknown and, unfortunately, besides surgery, no other adjuvant treatments have shown efficacy. Further studies on long-term clinical progression are required for this rare entity. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 344 KiB  
Review
Breast Cancer Screening and Prophylactic Mastectomy for High-Risk Women in Romania
by Claudiu Ioan Filip, Andreea Cătană, Eniko Kutasi, Sara Alexia Roman, Mariela Sanda Militaru, Giulia Andreea Risteiu and George Călin Dindelengan
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040570 - 30 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2179
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality within oncology. Risk factors, encompassing genetic and environmental influences, significantly contribute to its prevalence. While germline mutations, notably within the BRCA genes, are commonly associated with heightened breast cancer risk, a spectrum of [...] Read more.
Breast cancer remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality within oncology. Risk factors, encompassing genetic and environmental influences, significantly contribute to its prevalence. While germline mutations, notably within the BRCA genes, are commonly associated with heightened breast cancer risk, a spectrum of other variants exists among affected individuals. Diagnosis relies on imaging techniques, biopsies, biomarkers, and genetic testing, facilitating personalised risk assessment through specific scoring systems. Breast cancer screening programs employing mammography and other imaging modalities play a crucial role in early detection and management, leading to improved outcomes for affected individuals. Regular screening enables the identification of suspicious lesions or abnormalities at earlier stages, facilitating timely intervention and potentially reducing mortality rates associated with breast cancer. Genetic mutations guide screening protocols, prophylactic interventions, treatment modalities, and patient prognosis. Prophylactic measures encompass a range of interventions, including chemoprevention, hormonal inhibition, oophorectomy, and mastectomy. Despite their efficacy in mitigating breast cancer incidence, these interventions carry potential side effects and psychological implications, necessitating comprehensive counselling tailored to individual cases. Full article

2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022

18 pages, 814 KiB  
Systematic Review
Prognostic Tools for Older Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Sydney M. Record, Tori Chanenchuk, Kendra M. Parrish, Samantha J. Kaplan, Gretchen Kimmick and Jennifer K. Plichta
Medicina 2023, 59(9), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091576 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1744
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and older patients comprise an increasing proportion of patients with this disease. The older breast cancer population is heterogenous with unique factors affecting clinical decision making. While many models have been developed [...] Read more.
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and older patients comprise an increasing proportion of patients with this disease. The older breast cancer population is heterogenous with unique factors affecting clinical decision making. While many models have been developed and tested for breast cancer patients of all ages, tools specifically developed for older patients with breast cancer have not been recently reviewed. We systematically reviewed prognostic models developed and/or validated for older patients with breast cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in 3 electronic databases. We identified original studies that were published prior to 8 November 2022 and presented the development and/or validation of models based mainly on clinico-pathological factors to predict response to treatment, recurrence, and/or mortality in older patients with breast cancer. The PROBAST was used to assess the ROB and applicability of each included tool. Results: We screened titles and abstracts of 7316 records. This generated 126 studies for a full text review. We identified 17 eligible articles, all of which presented tool development. The models were developed between 1996 and 2022, mostly using national registry data. The prognostic models were mainly developed in the United States (n = 7; 41%). For the derivation cohorts, the median sample size was 213 (interquartile range, 81–845). For the 17 included modes, the median number of predictive factors was 7 (4.5–10). Conclusions: There have been several studies focused on developing prognostic tools specifically for older patients with breast cancer, and the predictions made by these tools vary widely to include response to treatment, recurrence, and mortality. While external validation was rare, we found that it was typically concordant with interval validation results. Studies that were not validated or only internally validated still require external validation. However, most of the models presented in this review represent promising tools for clinical application in the care of older patients with breast cancer. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1745 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Fused Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Using Unenhanced MRI and Abbreviated Post-Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Patients with Breast Cancer
by Kyeyoung Lee, Yeo Jin Jeong, Ki Seok Choo, Su Bong Nam, Hyun Yul Kim, Youn Joo Jung, Seung Ju Lee, Ji Hyeon Joo, Jin You Kim, Jin Joo Kim, Jee Yeon Kim, Mi Sook Yun and Kyung Jin Nam
Medicina 2023, 59(9), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091563 - 28 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1369
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To determine the percentage of breast cancers detectable by fused diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and abbreviated post-contrast-enhanced MRI. Materials and Methods: Between October 2016 and October 2017, 194 consecutive women (mean age, 54.2 [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: To determine the percentage of breast cancers detectable by fused diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and abbreviated post-contrast-enhanced MRI. Materials and Methods: Between October 2016 and October 2017, 194 consecutive women (mean age, 54.2 years; age range, 28–82 years) with newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer, who underwent preoperative 3.0 T breast MRI with DWI, were evaluated. Both fused DWI and abbreviated MRI were independently reviewed by two radiologists for the detection of index cancer (which showed the most suspicious findings in both breasts), location, lesion conspicuity, lesion type, and lesion size. Moreover, the relationship between cancer detection and histopathological results of surgical specimens was evaluated. Results: Index cancer detection rates were comparable between fused DWI and abbreviated MRI (radiologist 1: 174/194 [89.7%] vs. 184/194 [94.8%], respectively, p = 0.057; radiologist 2: 174/194 [89.7%] vs. 183/194 [94.3%], respectively, p = 0.092). In both radiologists, abbreviated MRI showed a significantly higher lesion conspicuity than fused DWI (radiologist 1: 9.37 ± 2.24 vs. 8.78 ± 3.03, respectively, p < 0.001; radiologist 2: 9.16 ± 2.32 vs. 8.39 ± 2.93, respectively, p < 0.001). The κ value for the interobserver agreement of index cancer detection was 0.67 on fused DWI and 0.85 on abbreviated MRI. For lesion conspicuity, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.72 on fused DWI and 0.82 on abbreviated MRI. Among the histopathological factors, tumor invasiveness was associated with cancer detection on both fused DWI (p = 0.011) and abbreviated MRI (p = 0.004, radiologist 1), lymphovascular invasion on abbreviated MRI (p = 0.032, radiologist 1), and necrosis on fused DWI (p = 0.031, radiologist 2). Conclusions: Index cancer detection was comparable between fused DWI and abbreviated MRI, although abbreviated MRI showed a significantly better lesion conspicuity. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1536 KiB  
Review
The Molecular and Genetic Interactions between Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk
by Ghada M. A. Ajabnoor
Medicina 2023, 59(7), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59071338 - 21 Jul 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4128
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is considered the leading cause of death among females worldwide. Various risk factors contribute to BC development, such as age, genetics, reproductive factors, obesity, alcohol intake, and lifestyle. Obesity is considered to be a pandemic health problem globally, affecting millions [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) is considered the leading cause of death among females worldwide. Various risk factors contribute to BC development, such as age, genetics, reproductive factors, obesity, alcohol intake, and lifestyle. Obesity is considered to be a pandemic health problem globally, affecting millions of people worldwide. Obesity has been associated with a high risk of BC development. Determining the impact of obesity on BC development risk in women by demonstrating the molecular and genetic association in pre- and post-menopause females and risk to BC initiation is crucial in order to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of BC disease. In epidemiological studies, BC in premenopausal women was shown to be protective in a certain pattern. These altered effects between the two phases could be due to various physiological changes, such as estrogen/progesterone fluctuating levels. In addition, the relationship between BC risk and obesity is indicated by different molecular alterations as metabolic pathways and genetic mutation or epigenetic DNA changes supporting a strong connection between obesity and BC risk. However, these molecular and genetic alteration remain incompletely understood. The aim of this review is to highlight and elucidate the different molecular mechanisms and genetic changes occurring in obese women and their association with BC risk and development. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
A Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Schedule with a Simultaneous Integrated Boost for Breast Cancer: Outcomes including Late Toxicity and Health Quality
by Zuleyha Akgun, Aydin Cakir, Esra Sağlam, Sertac Demirel, Abdullah Igci and Serkan Keskin
Medicina 2023, 59(4), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59040675 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2734
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term adverse effects on the physical appearance and overall well-being of breast cancer patients who receive hypofractionated radiotherapy as whole breast and simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) treatment, utilizing intensive modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc [...] Read more.
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term adverse effects on the physical appearance and overall well-being of breast cancer patients who receive hypofractionated radiotherapy as whole breast and simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) treatment, utilizing intensive modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), or a hybrid therapy approach. Material/Methods: This investigation involved administering hypofractionated SIB-VMAT therapy to individuals diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Treatment was carried out over a three-week period in which a total dose of 48.06 Gy was given to the entire breast and 54 Gy was given to the tumor bed. Data on skin toxicity and cosmetic outcomes were analyzed both during the acute phase and during the three-month and five-year follow-up periods after treatment. Results: A total of 125 patients treated between December 2014 and December 2016 were included in the study. The data of these patients with at least 5 years of follow-up were analyzed. Conclusions: Considering these long-term results, hypofractionated SIB-VMAT can be considered a viable treatment choice, even for patients with unfavorable conditions. Full article

2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023

14 pages, 1067 KiB  
Review
Molecular Pathways Related to Sulforaphane as Adjuvant Treatment: A Nanomedicine Perspective in Breast Cancer
by María Zenaida Saavedra-Leos, Euclides Jordan-Alejandre, Jonathan Puente-Rivera and Macrina Beatriz Silva-Cázares
Medicina 2022, 58(10), 1377; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58101377 - 1 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3710
Abstract
Because cancer is a multifactorial disease, it is difficult to identify the specific agents responsible for the disease’s progression and development, but lifestyle and diet have been shown to play a significant role. Diverse natural compounds are demonstrating efficacy in the development of [...] Read more.
Because cancer is a multifactorial disease, it is difficult to identify the specific agents responsible for the disease’s progression and development, but lifestyle and diet have been shown to play a significant role. Diverse natural compounds are demonstrating efficacy in the development of novel cancer therapies, including sulforaphane (1-isothiocyanate-4-(methylsulfinyl)butane), a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables that promotes key biological processes such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and suppression of key signalling pathways such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in breast cancer cells. However, one of the primary challenges with sulforaphane treatment is its low solubility in water and oral bioavailability. As a consequence, several investigations were conducted using this component complexed in nanoparticles, which resulted in superior outcomes when combined with chemotherapy drugs. In this study, we discuss the properties and benefits of sulforaphane in cancer therapy, as well as its ability to form complexes with nanomolecules and chemotherapeutic agents that synergize the antitumour response in breast cancer cells. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

4 pages, 264 KiB  
Editorial
On the Frontiers of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Current and Future Directions in a Rapidly Changing Field
by Jimmy T. Efird, Charulata Jindal and Tithi Biswas
Medicina 2022, 58(8), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58081026 - 31 Jul 2022
Viewed by 2092
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) represents a medically heterogeneous group of malignancies, with differing biological and genetic makeups [...] Full article
Back to TopTop