scholarly journals Fast quantification of extracellular vesicles levels in early breast cancer patients by Single Molecule Detection Array (SiMoA)

Author(s):  
Carlo Morasso ◽  
Alessandra Ricciardi ◽  
Daisy Sproviero ◽  
Marta Truffi ◽  
Sara Albasini ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Preliminary reports suggest that extracellular vesicles (EVs) might be a promising biomarker for breast cancer (BC). However, the quantification of plasmatic levels of EVs is a complex task. To overcome these limitations, we developed a new, fast, and easy to use assay for the quantification of EVs directly in plasma based on the use of Single-Molecule Array (SiMoA). Methods By using SiMoA to identify CD9+/CD63+ EVs, we analyzed plasma samples of 181 subjects (95 BC and 86 healthy controls, HC). A calibration curve, made of a serial dilution of lyophilized standards from human plasma, was used in each run to ensure the obtainment of quantitative results from the assay. In a subgroup of patients, EVs concentrations were estimated in plasma before and after 30 days from cancer surgery. Additional information on the size of EVs were also acquired using a Nanosight system to obtain a clearer understanding of the mechanism underlying the releases of EVs associated with the presence of cancer. Results The measured levels of EVs resulted significantly higher in BC patients (median values 1179.1 ng/µl vs 613.0 ng/µl, p < 0.0001). ROC curve was used to define the optimal cut-off level of the test at 1034.5 ng/µl with an AUC of 0.75 [95% CI 0.68–0.82]. EVs plasmatic concentrations significantly decreased after cancer surgery compared to baseline values (p = 0.014). No correlation was found between EVs concentration and clinical features of BC. Conclusion SiMoA assay allows plasmatic EVs levels detection directly without any prior processing. EVs levels are significantly higher in BC patients and significantly decreases after cancer surgery.

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-46
Author(s):  
Akram Sajadian ◽  
Maryam Mazloom ◽  
Maryam Basiri ◽  
Shahpar Haghighat ◽  
Esmat Hashemi

Introduction: The incidence of breast cancer poses a variety of physical and psychological stresses to the patients and their families, especially husbands. The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiety, depression, and quality of life of husbands of breast cancer patients before and after cancer treatment. Methods: In this descriptive study, we recruited husbands of breast cancer patients (n = 142) under treatment at the Breast Cancer Clinic of the ACECR. The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and SF-36 before and after completion of their wives’ treatments. Results: The husbands had significantly lower anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.002) following their wives’ treatment However, their sexual satisfaction had declined at the posttreatment period. The mean scores on three dimensions of quality of life, i.e., physical functioning, general health perception, and mental health, were also declined after the treatment. Most of the husbands had more physical problems after the treatment of their spouses. Conclusion: It is necessary for health and medical organizations to provide extensive educational services and behavioral interventions to the patients and their families at different stages of diagnosis and treatment.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chizu Nakamura ◽  
Masatoshi Kawase

Abstract Objectives: Cancer patients who suffer from existential difficulties, including fear of death, isolation, or loss of human relationships, try to accept these fears by exploring the meaning of their life. In particular, earlier psychological intervention for patients prevents them from psychosocial maladjustment afterwards. Therefore we have developed the Short-term Existential Group therapy Program (Short-term EGP) for cancer patients focusing on relief of existential or spiritual suffering and/or pain. This study aims to statistically evaluate the effects of this program on breast cancer patients within the first year after cancer diagnosis.Methods: 31 patients completed our research program. A ninety-minute therapeutic group session was held once a week for five weeks. We performed the above assessments three times: just before and after the intervention, as well as a month after the end of intervention. Outcome assessment included measures of spiritual well-being (SELT-M), Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) and Profile of Mood States (POMS).Results: The SELT-M “Overall QOL” scores were significantly increased after intervention, and these scores were maintained a month after intervention, particularly in those with high MAC “Hopelessness” scores. Subscales of the SELT-M scores were significantly increased after intervention, and these scores were maintained up to a month after interventionSignificance of Results: We observed that the Short-term EGP intervention was effective in helping patients relieve their existential distresses. Some of the treatment effects were observed to be maintained a month after end of the intervention. In addition, Short-term EGP is particularly effective for those patients who feel hopelessness after cancer diagnosis.Trial registration The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the Department of Psychology of Kyoto Notre Dame University (H22-3,14-008).


2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (13) ◽  
pp. 4003-4011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette Christie ◽  
Gwendolyn P. Quinn ◽  
Teri Malo ◽  
Ji-Hyun Lee ◽  
Xiuhua Zhao ◽  
...  

EDIS ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha C. Monroe ◽  
Barbara F. Shea

FCS8829, a 4-page fact sheet by Martha C. Monroe and Barbara F. Shea, is intended for breast cancer patients who are preparing for their lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery. It helps patients understand what to expect before and after surgery. Includes information on understanding medical procedures and coping physically and psychologically. Also features quotes and experiences from other breast cancer patients. Published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, April 2007.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heba F. Taha ◽  
Ola M. Elfarargy ◽  
Reham A. Salem ◽  
Doaa Mandour ◽  
Amira A. Salem ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Introducing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in a breast cancer patient may be associated with changes in estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth hormone receptor 2 (HER2) status. Method In our prospective cohort study, we evaluated the impact of change in estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth hormone receptor 2 (HER2) on the prognosis of breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). We investigated 110 patients with locally advanced breast cancer for ER, PR and HER2 status of their lesions before and after NCT. Result For hormone receptor status (HR) (which include ER, PR) of the residual tumor of the patients after receiving NCT, 12 (10.9%) of them changed from HR (+) to HR (−) and 15 (13.6%) changed from HR (−) to HR (+). For HER2 status after NCT, 8 (7.3%) patients changed from HER2 (+) to HER2 (−) and 9 (8.2%) patients changed from HER2 (−) to HER2 (+). Triple negative (TN) tumor phenotype changes occurred in 17 (15.5%) patients. Patients for whom the HR status changed from positive to negative had poor prognosis for both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in univariate survival analysis. Conclusion Changes in ER, PR, HER2 status and tumor phenotype in breast cancer patients after NCT had a negative prognostic impact and were associated with a poor prognosis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Treweek ◽  
Viviane Miyakoda ◽  
Dylan Burke ◽  
Frances Shiely

Abstract Background: Randomised trials support improved decision-making through the data they collect. One important piece of data is the primary outcome – so called because it is what the investigators decide is the most important. Secondary outcomes provide additional information to support decision-making. We were interested in knowing how important patients and healthcare professionals consider the outcomes (especially the primary outcome) measured in a selection of published trials. Methods: The work had three stages: 1. We identified a body of late-stage trials in two clinical areas, breast cancer management and nephrology. 2. We identified the primary and secondary outcomes for these trials. 3. We randomly ordered these outcomes and presented them to patients and healthcare professionals (with experience of the clinical area), and we asked them to rank the importance of the outcomes. They were not told which outcomes trial authors considered primary and secondary. Results: In our sample of 44 trials with 46 primary outcomes, 29 patients, one patient representative and 12 healthcare professionals together ranked the primary outcome as the most important outcome 13/46 times, or 30%. Breast cancer patients and health care professionals considered the primary outcome to be the most important outcome for 8/21 primary outcomes chosen by trialists. For nephrology, the equivalent figure was 5/25. The primary outcome appeared in a respondent’s top 5 ranked outcomes 151/178 (85%) times for breast cancer and 225/259 (87%) times for nephrology even if the primary wasn’t considered the most important outcome. Conclusions: The primary outcome in a trial is the most important piece of data collected. It is used to determine how many participants are required, and it is the main piece of information used to judge whether the intervention is effective or not. Our study found that in the view of patients and healthcare professionals, teams doing trials in breast cancer management and nephrology got their choice of primary outcome wrong 70% of the time.


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