International Journal Of Breast Cancer[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Guardians of Sensation: Evaluating Metformin's Power Against Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy.
Nasrolahi H, Mosalaei A, Andalibi S … +7 more , Omidvari S, Ansari M, Mohammadianpanah M, Ahmadloo N, Sadeghian S, Karimzadeh A, Mohammad Hosseini E
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40880725 · Full text
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating complication of cancer treatment, particularly with agents like paclitaxel. Effective preventive measures for CIPN are limited. Metformin, an...
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating complication of cancer treatment, particularly with agents like paclitaxel. Effective preventive measures for CIPN are limited. Metformin, an antihyperglycemic agent with neuroprotective properties, has shown promise in preclinical studies; however, its clinical utility in preventing CIPN remains underexplored. This study evaluates the preventive effects of metformin on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients. A randomized, controlled study was conducted involving 60 breast cancer patients receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy. Patients were assigned to an intervention group receiving metformin (500 mg twice daily) or a control group without metformin. Peripheral nerve function was assessed using nerve conduction studies (NCSs), measuring sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, and distal latency (DL). Clinical neurological symptoms and adverse effects of metformin were monitored throughout the study. Of the 60 enrolled patients, 47 completed the study (26 control and 21 intervention). The incidence of CIPN was lower in the metformin group compared to the control group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Metformin was well-tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal side effects being the most common adverse events. No significant differences between the groups were observed in SNAP amplitude, CMAP amplitude, or DL. Metformin may modestly reduce the incidence of CIPN in patients receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy, although the observed effect was not statistically significant. Given its safety profile and potential neuroprotective benefits, metformin warrants further investigation in larger, multicenter trials to confirm its role in CIPN prevention.
Androgen Receptor and Tumor-Associated Neutrophil Expression Across Breast Cancer Subtypes: Associations With Clinicopathological Characteristics.
Moghimi M, Vadoudi S, Amirian M … +6 more , Ahmadi F, Amirian MB, Khodadadi K, Mansouri R, Mahjani M, Gohari S
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40734715 · Full text
This study is aimed at evaluating androgen receptor (AR) and tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) expressions in different breast cancer subtypes and their relationship with tumor differentiation, stage, and other clinicopa...
This study is aimed at evaluating androgen receptor (AR) and tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) expressions in different breast cancer subtypes and their relationship with tumor differentiation, stage, and other clinicopathological markers. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 breast cancer patients at Stages I-IV. Tumor tissues were assessed using immunohistochemistry for ER, PR, HER2, AR, and Ki67, along with TAN evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Associations between AR, TAN, and other clinical variables were analyzed using chi-square, -tests, and logistic regression. AR was expressed in 70.2% of tumors and was significantly associated with ER positivity (OR = 74.31, < 0.001), PR positivity (OR = 6.8, = 0.01), and better differentiation (OR = 0.1 for poorly differentiated tumors, = 0.035). AR positivity was highest in Luminal A/B subtypes (82%) and lowest in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (20%; OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.3). In contrast, TAN positivity was observed in 45.6% of cases and was most frequent in TNBC (67%; OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 0.9-15.3) and poorly differentiated tumors (71.4%). TANs were inversely associated with PR positivity (OR = 0.21, = 0.014) and showed a significant association with vascular invasion ( = 0.047). No significant associations were found between AR or TAN expression and metastatic status or neural invasion. AR is a defining marker for HR-positive breast cancers and may serve as an indicator of lower tumor grade and differentiation status. TANs, however, are linked to more aggressive phenotypes, especially in TNBC, suggesting a role in driving tumor progression. This highlights the potential for AR and TAN expression patterns to refine patient stratification across breast cancer subtypes.
CCL18 and EGF May Serve as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Human Breast Cancer.
Bellah SF, Sonia FA, Ferdous MR … +2 more , Durojaye OA, Islam MR
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40692603 · Full text
Breast cancer (BRCA) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. CCL18 and EGF are implicated in tumor biology; however, their roles in BRCA remain partly defined. This study investigates their expre...
Breast cancer (BRCA) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. CCL18 and EGF are implicated in tumor biology; however, their roles in BRCA remain partly defined. This study investigates their expression profiles, immune associations, prognostic relevance, epigenetic regulation, and molecular networks. Expression data from TCGA, UALCAN, and GSCA were analyzed to compare CCL18 and EGF levels in BRCA and normal tissues. Immune infiltration was assessed using TIMER, while survival analyses were performed via Kaplan-Meier plotter and TCGA subcohorts, including menopausal status. Promoter DNA methylation was examined using UALCAN. Gene correlation networks and protein-protein interactions were assessed using UALCAN and STRING. CCL18 was significantly upregulated in BRCA tissues, while EGF showed no consistent increase compared to normal tissue. Both genes were strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration. High CCL18 and EGF expression was associated with reduced relapse-free survival in BRCA. Promoter regions of both genes exhibited reduced DNA methylation, supporting their elevated expression in tumors. Interaction analyses revealed distinct immune- and signaling-related gene and protein networks. CCL18 shows strong prognostic and immunological relevance in BRCA, while EGF appears to play a broader oncogenic role. Hypomethylation of both genes may drive their aberrant expression and involvement in tumor progression.
Development and Validation of the Socio-Ecological Scale for Identifying Delays in Treatment for Breast Cancer Patients.
Jabeen S, Zakar R, Fischer F
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40687510 · Full text
The study was aimed at measuring the factors contributing to the delayed presentation of breast cancer patients within the socio-ecological context by developing a scale. The study objectives were measured by developing...
The study was aimed at measuring the factors contributing to the delayed presentation of breast cancer patients within the socio-ecological context by developing a scale. The study objectives were measured by developing the items on the basis of a 5-point scale named the Socio-Ecological Scale for Breast Cancer Patients (SES-BCP). The dimensionality of the measure and internal consistency were determined by collecting data from 350 breast cancer patients from five main hospitals in three main cities (Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad) in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A multistage sampling technique was employed, and sociodemographic factors were kept in consideration. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied for the factor structure in the study by using a structural equation model. With the distinctive five factors of the SES-BCP, a total of 51 items were confirmed in the final scale with sound psychometric properties, providing a multidimensional view of the study that helps in the early detection and cure of disease. It can be concluded that this scale is a valuable addition to assess the underlying factors of delayed presentation in patients with breast cancer in the context of the socio-ecological model in Pakistan.
Breast Disease Patterns Among Patients Presenting for Mammography in a Major Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Five-Year Descriptive Retrospective Study.
Angmorterh SK, Benjamin MB, Oppong RK … +12 more , Agyemang PN, Angaag NA, Kekessie KK, van de Venter R, Nsor-Atindana J, Yarfi C, Angmorterh PM, Aboagye S, Amoussou-Gohoungo MM, Inusah A, Dzefi-Tettey K, Kortei NK
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40626282 · Full text
The practice of mammography has transitioned from analog to digital with improved accuracy and significant changes to findings. This study was aimed at investigating the current patterns of breast diseases among women pr...
The practice of mammography has transitioned from analog to digital with improved accuracy and significant changes to findings. This study was aimed at investigating the current patterns of breast diseases among women presenting for mammography at a major hospital in the Volta region of Ghana. This descriptive retrospective study reviewed 508 mammography and complimentary breast ultrasound reports conducted between October 2019 and May 2023. Because they were incomplete and had essential patient data missing, 28 reports ( = 28) were excluded. Data extracted from the reports included patients' age, clinical indication, breast density, imaging impression, and BI-RADS classification for each breast. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26, and results are presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study involved 480 women, aged 40-86 years (mean = 54.6 ± 10.1). The distribution of the breast densities of the women was as follows: almost entirely fatty ( = 79, 16.46%), scattered areas of fibroglandular density ( = 226, 47.08%), heterogeneously dense ( = 145, 30.21%), and extremely dense ( = 30, 6.25%). There was a statistically significant association between age and breast density ( < 0.01). While 30 (6.25%) of the women presented for screening, 450 (93.75%) presented for diagnostic mammography. Breast pain ( = 189, 39.38%), breast lump/mass ( = 155, 32.29%), and suspected breast cancer ( = 47, 9.79%) were the most common clinical indications. The study recorded a total of 960 BI-RADS classifications of which 261 (27.19%) were negative and 699 (72.81%) were positive. Most of the positive findings ( = 521, 74.54%) were BI-RADS 2 and 3. Both benign and suspicious for malignancy or highly suggestive of malignancy lesions were common across women aged 40-50 years. There was a statistically significant association between age and BI-RADS classification ( < 0.01). This study showed that most of the women presented for diagnostic mammography. Attendance for screening mammography was poor among women presenting for mammography at the hospital; hence, women should be encouraged through health education and other campaign strategies to undergo screening mammography more regularly to facilitate more timely detection and diagnosis of breast diseases. A third of the women in our study had dense breasts. The vast majority of the women had positive findings, but the majority of these findings were indicative of benign breast diseases.
One Week Hypofractionated Adjuvant Radiation for Early Breast Cancer Patients Treated at a Tertiary Cancer Centre in South India: A Comparative Dosimetric Study of Forward Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (F-IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).
Gopal A, Prem Kumar ML, Chitrala P … +7 more , Kauser H, Krishnam Raju A, Sudhakar Kumar V, Cheera S, Arun PV, Sresty NVNM, Deleep Kumar G
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40620442 · Full text
This study is aimed at comparing the forward IMRT (F-IMRT) and VMAT techniques in the adjuvant treatment of left-sided breast cancer using hypofractionated radiation over 1 week with deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) v...
This study is aimed at comparing the forward IMRT (F-IMRT) and VMAT techniques in the adjuvant treatment of left-sided breast cancer using hypofractionated radiation over 1 week with deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) via the Elekta Active Breathing Coordinator (ABC) system. Treatment plans for 26 patients receiving 26 Gy in five fractions (5.2 Gy/fraction), followed by a 10-Gy electron boost in five fractions, were analyzed. The boost phase was excluded from the comparison. F-IMRT and VMAT plans were evaluated for dose to 95% of the volume, conformity index (CI), mean left lung dose (MLLD), left lung V8 Gy, mean heart dose (MHD), heart V1.5Gy and V7Gy, mean right breast dose (MRBD), and mean right lung dose (MRLD). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. PTV coverage was similar in F-IMRT and VMAT arms (95.83% vs. 95.38%), but CI was significantly improved with VMAT (1.31 vs. 1.04). F-IMRT significantly reduced MLLD (4.55 Gy vs. 5.95 Gy) and left lung V8Gy (18.78% vs. 25.87%) when compared to VMAT. MHD was lower with F-IMRT (1.79Gy vs. 2.47Gy), with significantly reduced heart V1.5Gy (21.6% vs. 54.4%) when compared to VMAT, with V7Gy not different (5.04% vs. 5.79%) between F-IMRT and VMAT. F-IMRT also resulted in lower MRBD (0.62 Gy vs. 2.4 Gy) and MRLD (0.38 Gy vs. 1.8 Gy) when compared to VMAT. F-IMRT provides comparable target coverage to VMAT while significantly reducing radiation exposure to the heart, lungs, and contralateral breast for left-sided breast cancer treatment with DIBH and hypofractionation over 1 week. Given its dosimetric advantages, F-IMRT should be the preferred technique to enhance patient safety and minimize long-term toxicities.
Awareness of Breast Cancer Among Male and Female High School Students in Southern Ghana.
Dedey F, Nsaful J, Nartey E … +7 more , Brownson KE, Sefogah PE, Bankah E, Oppong-Mensah T, Ampah EA, Commeh ME, Clegg-Lamptey JN
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40589791 · Full text
In Ghana, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing with disproportionately high mortality rates. Awareness about the disease process is critical for achieving early diagnosis of breast cancer in countries without a n...
In Ghana, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing with disproportionately high mortality rates. Awareness about the disease process is critical for achieving early diagnosis of breast cancer in countries without a national screening program. Targeting adolescents in school will help to inculcate good health seeking behaviors with widespread reach. This study assessed the baseline knowledge in high school males and females as an important first step to inform the development of appropriate educational interventions to address identified gaps in student knowledge about breast cancer. A multisite cross-sectional study was carried out in 14 high schools in two regions in southern Ghana to assess the baseline student knowledge of breast cancer. Self-administered questionnaires were used covering the following four domains: (1) general breast cancer knowledge, (2) breast cancer symptoms, (3) risk factors for breast cancer, and (4) breast self-examination/screening for breast cancer. For each domain of knowledge tested, the total score was categorized as adequate knowledge (≥ 50% of questions answered correctly) or inadequate knowledge (< 50% of questions answered correctly). Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with each of the knowledge domains. Stata 14.0 was used for the statistical analysis, and a < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Nine thousand seven hundred sixty-seven students from 10 coeducational and 4 girls-only schools participated with 68% of respondents being female. The mean student age was 16.9 ± 1.2 years. Eighty-four percent of the students demonstrated adequate general knowledge on breast cancer and 54% demonstrated adequate knowledge of breast cancer symptoms. However, only 34% and 21%, respectively, received a score of adequate knowledge in regard to breast cancer risk factors and BSE/breast cancer screening. After combining all domain scores to evaluate overall breast cancer knowledge, less than half (47%) of the students received an adequate breast cancer knowledge score. Females and the girls-only schools had statistically significant adequate levels of knowledge of breast cancer. The overall knowledge of breast cancer among senior high school students in southern Ghana is inadequate especially on knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, breast self-examination, and breast cancer screening. Breast cancer educational activities should be incorporated into the national school health curriculum in senior high schools across the country to ameliorate this knowledge gap, with special emphasis on risk factors and breast self-examination. Adolescent males should be included in breast cancer education.
Bilateral Primary Breast Cancer With Discordance in Molecular Subtypes: A Case Report.
Rao Y, Zhan Q, Li H
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40589790 · Full text
Molecular subtype is a crucial prognostic factor for bilateral breast cancer and plays a key role in guiding treatment decisions. Several studies have confirmed that the expression patterns of hormone receptor and human...
Molecular subtype is a crucial prognostic factor for bilateral breast cancer and plays a key role in guiding treatment decisions. Several studies have confirmed that the expression patterns of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 are generally consistent in synchronous bilateral primary breast cancer. Discordance in the receptor expression status is commonly associated with poorer prognosis in synchronous bilateral breast cancer. However, there is currently limited literature reporting such cases. This article presents a case of synchronous bilateral primary breast cancer with discordant molecular subtypes and reviews relevant literature.
The Impact of Breast Density Notification on Anxiety in South Australian Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Screening.
Bhattacharjee A, Walsh D, Dasari P … +5 more , Hodson LJ, Edwards S, White SJ, Turnbull D, Ingman WV
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40321173 · Full text
The purpose was to investigate the impact of breast density notification on anxiety using the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tool in South Australian women undergoing breast cancer screening. A survey-based cr...
The purpose was to investigate the impact of breast density notification on anxiety using the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tool in South Australian women undergoing breast cancer screening. A survey-based cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted in women attending breast cancer screening at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Breast/Endocrine outpatient department ( = 100). The women had participated in a previous study assessing their general knowledge of breast density and had indicated they wanted to know their own breast density. Breast density was assessed using Volpara software, and the participants were notified by letter. The STAI tool was administered with an additional question asking how participants felt after being told their breast density. State and trait anxiety levels were compared between those receiving notification of dense breasts and those notified of nondense breasts. State anxiety scores were not different between women notified they had dense breasts ( = 34, mean state anxiety ± SD; 36.65 ± 13.03) and those who had nondense breasts ( = 66, 35.17 ± 13.60, = 0.51). Severe trait anxiety was observed in 8 of 34 (23%) and 13 of 66 (20%) women in the dense and nondense groups, respectively, and there were no significant differences. Qualitative analysis of 122 coded responses revealed the majority of reactions to breast density notification were positive or neutral, with 17% being negative. Notification of dense breasts was not associated with elevated anxiety when compared to the notification of nondense breasts. Breast density notification approaches need to be considerate of the significant proportion of women with severe underlying anxiety.
Psychometric Validation of the Bangla Version of the Breast Cancer Fear Scale Among Female University Students in Bangladesh.
Rahman MA, Hossen MM, Chowdhury MEH … +5 more , Anu FA, Islam T, Rahman MS, Kundu S, Howlader MH
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40309312 · Full text
Research suggests that fear of cancer could be a significant predictor influencing participation in cancer screening. However, no tools have been validated to measure breast cancer fear among women in Bangladesh, while t...
Research suggests that fear of cancer could be a significant predictor influencing participation in cancer screening. However, no tools have been validated to measure breast cancer fear among women in Bangladesh, while the Breast Cancer Fear Scale (BCFS) has been extensively examined in Western contexts. Thus, this study intends to validate the Bangla version of the BCFS among female university students aged (> 18) years, given the urgent need for a culturally relevant tool to evaluate fear associated with breast cancer screening practices in this population. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among female university students in Bangladesh. Participants were aged > 18 years, able to read Bangla, and had no personal or familial history of cancer or chronic illnesses. Data were collected via an online survey using a random sampling method, resulting in 456 eligible participants after data cleaning. The BCFS was translated into Bangla following the standard forward-backward translation process. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to evaluate the structure of the scale factor. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity were also assessed. The results showed that the mean age of the participants was 22.91 (SD: 1.12). The Bangla version of the BCFS showed a single-factor structure, high internal consistency (Cronbach's = 0.939), and good test-retest reliability ( = 0.53, < 0.001). The CFA results are consistent with the EFA findings, confirming that the scale is a good fit for the one-factor structure. The loadings range from 0.679 (Fear1) to 0.920 (Fear4) in the total sample, indicating that the items are significant indicators of the latent construct. The BCFS demonstrated an acceptable model fit, with RMSEA values below the 0.08 cutoff and SRMR values well below the 0.05 threshold across all samples. Additionally, the GFI, AGFI, NFI, TLI, and CFI values were all above the recommended thresholds, indicating a high fit for the model. The Bangla version of the BCFS has proven to be a powerful and reliable tool for gauging the multifaceted nature of breast cancer fear among Bangladeshi women, particularly female university students. This culturally tailored instrument holds the potential to shed light on the psychological barriers that hinder breast cancer screening.
Quality of Life Assessment of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Janabi S, Gharaibeh L, Aldeeb I … +1 more , Abuhaliema A
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40224722 · Full text
Breast cancer patients are subjected to many hardships during chemotherapy which negatively affects the patient's quality of life. The current study was conducted to identify aspects with low scores and produce untoward...
Breast cancer patients are subjected to many hardships during chemotherapy which negatively affects the patient's quality of life. The current study was conducted to identify aspects with low scores and produce untoward effects on the quality of life. The results of the study showed that the social functioning domain achieved high quality of life mean score of 76.68 ± 32.94 while emotional functioning attained 38.18 ± 29.61. The most apparent symptoms detected were insomnia and fatigue followed by pain and loss of appetite. Regarding EORTC-BR45, higher score and better quality of life were observed in the body image domain with a mean score of 60.72 ± 37.19, while the future perspective domain achieved low quality of life of 35.41 ± 42.9, and the most obvious symptom for patients was upset by hair loss. The results of the study showed the impact of chemotherapy on the lives of patients and highlighted the aspects that need greater focus by healthcare providers in Jordan. In addition to providing treatment, emotional and psychological support are necessary to improve the quality of life for these women.
Exploring the Potential of Mitochondria-Targeted Drug Delivery for Enhanced Breast Cancer Therapy.
Ghazizadeh Y, Sharifi-Ardani SE, Tajik N … +2 more , Mirzaei R, Pourahmad J
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 40224721 · Full text
Breast cancer stands as the utmost prevalent malignancy in women, impacting the epithelial tissue of the breast and often displaying resistance to effective treatment due to its diverse molecular and histological feature...
Breast cancer stands as the utmost prevalent malignancy in women, impacting the epithelial tissue of the breast and often displaying resistance to effective treatment due to its diverse molecular and histological features. Current treatment modalities may exhibit decreasing efficacy over time and can lead to disease progression. The mitochondria, a crucial organelle responsible for cellular metabolism and energy supply, stand highly sensitive to both heat and reactive oxygen species, presenting an assuring target for photodynamic and photothermal therapies (PTTs) in cancer cure. The employment of nanodrug carriers for combination deliveries holds promise in addressing challenges related to drug degradation and off-target toxicity. By circumventing the reticuloendothelial system, nanocarriers bolster the drug's bioavailability at the intended site and ensure controlled codelivery of multiple drugs, thereby maintaining the normal pharmacokinetic features and the regular pharmacodynamic characteristics of different therapeutic mechanisms. The precision and efficacy of this innovative technology have revolutionized drug delivery, substantially enhancing treatment effectiveness. In the pursuit of targeting mitochondrial modifications in cancer cells, various combination therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), PTT, and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) have been explored. These therapies have improved the efficiency of mitochondria-targeted cancer treatment due to their advantageous properties of minimal toxicity, noninvasiveness, reduced drug resistance, and a safer profile. Our review article provides an exhaustive overview of alterations in the mitochondrial environment in BC, their impact on BC development, potential mitochondrial targets for BC treatment, nanotherapeutic approaches for targeting mitochondria, and the limitations of these approaches.
Enhancing Skin Cancer Diagnosis Through Fine-Tuning of Pretrained Models: A Two-Phase Transfer Learning Approach.
Eliwa EHI
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 39996140 · Full text
Skin cancer is among the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, and early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient survival rates. Traditional diagnostic methods, often reliant on visual exami...
Skin cancer is among the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, and early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient survival rates. Traditional diagnostic methods, often reliant on visual examination and manual evaluation, can be subjective and time-consuming, leading to variability in accuracy. Recent developments in machine learning, particularly using pretrained models and fine-tuning techniques, offer promising advancements in automating and improving skin cancer classification. This paper explores the application of a two-phase model using the HAM10000 dataset, which comprises a wide range of skin lesion images. The first phase employs transfer learning with frozen layers, followed by fine-tuning all layers in the second phase to adapt the models more specifically to the dataset. I evaluate nine pretrained models, including VGG16, VGG19, InceptionV3, Xception (extreme inception), and DenseNet121, assessing their performance based on accuracy, precision, recall, and 1 score metrics. The VGG16 model, after fine-tuning, achieved the highest test set accuracy of 99.3%, highlighting its potential for highly accurate skin cancer classification. This study provides important insights for clinicians and researchers, demonstrating the efficacy of advanced machine learning models in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting clinical decision-making in dermatology.
Labels, Language, and Other Strategies to Improve Communication About Lower Grade Forms of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast: A National Delphi Survey.
Lyons MS, Chaput G, Finelli A … +4 more , Kupets R, Hong NL, Wright FC, Gagliardi AR
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 39996139 · Full text
This study is aimed at generating consensus among women who had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and healthcare professionals on how to improve communication about low-risk forms of DCIS and reduce affected women's diagno...
This study is aimed at generating consensus among women who had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and healthcare professionals on how to improve communication about low-risk forms of DCIS and reduce affected women's diagnosis-related confusion and anxiety. We conducted a two-round online Delphi survey with affected women and professionals from across Canada. They rated items sourced from prior research and key informant interviews on a 7-point Likert scale. We retained items rated 6 or 7 by ≥ 80% of panelists. Thirty-seven panelists (17 women, 20 professionals) completed Round 1 and 94.6% of those completed Round 2. Of 42 items rated, 18 were retained, 13 discarded, and 11 did not achieve consensus to retain or discard. Women and professionals agreed on 3 language approaches (use plain language, distinguish DCIS from invasive breast cancer, specify the risk of recurrence and spread) and 9 other strategies to help discuss DCIS (e.g., use visual aids, provide or refer women to culturally tailored DCIS-specific information, ensure physicians can access interpreters). Based on rating and comments, women were more enthusiastic than professionals about referring to abnormal cells rather than DCIS and scheduling longer or follow-up visits to address concerns. To disseminate these findings, panelists recommended public awareness campaigns for women and continuing education and professional society endorsement for physicians. These findings address gaps in prior research that recommended changing the DCIS label, but had not fully explored label preferences, or identified other ways to improve and support communication about DCIS.
Reactive Axillary Lymphadenopathy Among Different COVID-19 Vaccines: A Retrospective Study in Breast Sonography.
Huang PC, Chen CH, Chien CH … +2 more , Chen CH, Chen CY
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 39991115 · Full text
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, reactive lymphadenopathy after vaccination is a major concern in breast sonography, especially for patients with a history of breast cancer. The state-of-the-art l...
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, reactive lymphadenopathy after vaccination is a major concern in breast sonography, especially for patients with a history of breast cancer. The state-of-the-art literature on clinical and sonographic findings either examines a small volume of cases or limited types of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. This study is aimed at providing vast clinical information to facilitate breast sonographic examination for participants who underwent recent SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Among different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the Asian Taiwanese population, reactive axillary lymphadenopathy was investigated through breast sonographic findings and clinical data analysis. The sample included participants with recent vaccination by different brands approved in Taiwan, such as the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 (AZ) vaccine, Moderna mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine, and Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 (BNT) vaccine. A total of 291 participants received the AZ vaccine, 154 received the BNT vaccine, 222 received the Moderna vaccine, and 422 were nonvaccinated during the study period. The incidence rate for axillary reactive lymphadenopathy was 10.9, 21.3, 21.4, and 0.6, respectively. No incidence of malignancy was reported during the 6-month follow-up period. The AZ vaccine, which is a virus-vector vaccine reported a lower incidence rate than mRNA vaccines. We also found lymphadenopathy may last for more than 1 month after vaccination in this study. The study results provide additional supporting information for the management suggested by the recently updated revision of the Society of Breast Imaging guideline pertaining to lymphadenopathy diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related ipsilateral lymphadenopathy and screening of mammograms.
Hydroxytyrosol, a Component of Olive Oil for Breast Cancer Prevention in Women at High Risk of Cancer.
Puri A, Yin Z, Granados-Principal S … +8 more , Ensor J, Guzman L, Rosato R, Zhao H, Wong S, Wang L, Patel T, Chang JC
Int J Breast Cancer · 2025 · PMID 39882028 · Full text
This study evaluates the effects of hydroxytyrosol (HT), a component of olive oil, on mammographic breast density reduction. We explored effects of HT on Wnt -catenin and other pathways involved in cancer stem cell renew...
This study evaluates the effects of hydroxytyrosol (HT), a component of olive oil, on mammographic breast density reduction. We explored effects of HT on Wnt -catenin and other pathways involved in cancer stem cell renewal, DNA repair, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Twenty-five milligrams per day oral dose of HT was given for 12 months in pre- and postmenopausal women at increased risk of breast cancer. Out of 51 patients enrolled, 41 completed the study. The annualized percent decrease in maximum mammographic volumetric breast density (max VBD%) between baseline (BL) and end of treatment (EOT) was analyzed. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and multiplex analysis was performed on the breast biopsies to compare the BL with EOT samples. Max VBD% showed a nonsignificant change; however, in women 60 years or older, the max VBD% decrease was significant (3.7%, = 0.0391), especially in those with high BL mammographic density. Using RNA-Seq, 3330 unique transcripts were identified ( < 0.05). Mitotic telophase/cytokinesis and DNA damage were upregulated, whereas Wnt, Notch, and oxidative stress-induced senescence pathways were downregulated ( < 0.05). These pathways were confirmed by NanoString nCounter where significant decrease in proliferative genes (RELA and CDK4) and Wnt pathway (R-HSA-195721 and R-HAS-201681) was observed ( < 0.05). HT reduced breast density only in women over 60 years, especially in those with high BL breast density. HT also reduced proliferation and affected the Wnt signaling pathway. This study lays the foundation for future larger studies in exploring a natural compound with well tolerability and overall nontoxic profile for chemoprevention of breast cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02068092.
Effectiveness of TachoSil as Sealant in Lymphatic Leakage of Breast Cancer With Axillary Dissection.
Khan A, Albinsaad L, Alessa M … +6 more , Aldoughan AF, Alsalem AJ, Almukhaimar NK, Alghamdi AA, Alsahlawi WA, Alahmary BA
Int J Breast Cancer · 2024 · PMID 39781267 · Full text
This study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of TachoSil in controlling lymphatic leakage in breast cancer patients undergoing axillary dissection. By examining its ability to reduce postsurgical lymphatic drainag...
This study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of TachoSil in controlling lymphatic leakage in breast cancer patients undergoing axillary dissection. By examining its ability to reduce postsurgical lymphatic drainage, the study will assess its impact on complications like seroma formation, recovery time, and overall patient outcomes, including quality of life and reduced healthcare costs. Breast cancer patients treated in the Department of Surgical Oncology at King Abdulaziz Medical City were enrolled to receive either TachoSil or undergo drain placement after axillary dissection. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to observe the difference in lymphatic drainage volume over time considering other covariates, such as age, sex, family history, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and stage. The TachoSil group showed significantly lower lymphatic drainage volumes at 24 h (106.5 ± 11.3) than the control group (141.7 ± 13.0) ( < 0.001). There were no significant differences in lymphatic drainage volume at 3 days ( = 0.176) and 7 days ( = 0.091). However, at 10 days, the TachoSil group exhibited significantly lower lymphatic drainage volume (19.9 ± 6.1) than the control group (44.5 ± 9.2) ( < 0.001). Repeated measures MANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in lymphatic drainage over time, with a moderate effect ( < 0.001). The findings suggest that TachoSil sealant effectively reduces early postoperative lymphatic drainage volume and maintains lower drainage rates up to 10 days following axillary dissection in breast cancer patients. The use of TachoSil sealant may have potential benefits in reducing the incidence of complications associated with lymphatic drainage and improving patient outcomes.
Effectiveness of a Breast Cancer Educational Conference Targeting Healthcare Workers in Honduras.
Prathibha S, Zuniga M, Bejarano S … +8 more , Duarte F, Antunez M, Molina AZ, Hoven N, Marmor S, Witt J, Hui J, Tuttle TM
Int J Breast Cancer · 2024 · PMID 39735718 · Full text
Previous studies have demonstrated that many healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack the appropriate training and knowledge to recognize and diagnose breast cancer at an early stage. As a resu...
Previous studies have demonstrated that many healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack the appropriate training and knowledge to recognize and diagnose breast cancer at an early stage. As a result, women in LMICs are frequently diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer (Stage III/IV) with a poor prognosis. We hosted a 1-day breast cancer educational conference directed towards healthcare workers in Honduras. We conducted pre- and postcourse (1-2 months later) assessments that evaluated knowledge of screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer specialists at the University of Minnesota and Honduras developed a 12-question assessment tool in Spanish. A total of 157 people attended the course, and 86 completed the precourse knowledge assessment. The overall percentage of correct responses was 70% in the precourse assessment. Postcourse knowledge assessments were completed by 94 participants. The overall percentage of correct responses was 80% in the postcourse assessment and was significantly higher than precourse assessment scores ( < 0.0001). For the individual domains of screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the postcourse knowledge assessment scores were significantly improved as compared with the precourse scores ( < 0.0001). In this study, we found that a 1-day, in-person breast cancer educational course directed towards healthcare workers in Honduras resulted in improved breast cancer knowledge assessment scores. Future research and implementation strategies will include training healthcare workers throughout Honduras and determining the impact of these educational interventions on the late-stage presentation of breast cancer.
Challenges and Innovations in Breast Cancer Screening in India: A Review of Epidemiological Trends and Diagnostic Strategies.
Weerarathna IN, Luharia A, Uke A … +1 more , Mishra G
Int J Breast Cancer · 2024 · PMID 39639925 · Full text
The intricate terrain of breast cancer (BC) in India is examined in this review, which also looks at screening techniques, geographical differences, epidemiological trends, and obstacles to early diagnosis. BC has a majo...
The intricate terrain of breast cancer (BC) in India is examined in this review, which also looks at screening techniques, geographical differences, epidemiological trends, and obstacles to early diagnosis. BC has a major impact in India, especially on women. The research examines data from 2014 to 2024 and finds that, although overall cancer rates are declining, there has been a noticeable increase in BC cases. While obstacles including late-stage diagnosis and restricted access to treatment contribute to lower survival rates in India compared to Western countries, regional variations underscore the need for customized screening measures. The analysis of screening methods highlights the particular difficulties that Indian women encounter, such as the limitations of mammography in a country whose breast density is higher. The review presents cutting-edge technologies like breast exams and computer-aided detection and examines alternative techniques like ultrasonography. The importance of healthcare spending on screening uptake is highlighted by the regional inequality discussion, and mobile screening camps have emerged as a workable way to get around access and cost issues. The relevance of patient education and awareness in the Indian context is emphasized in the review's conclusion. The lack of adequate health resources and sociocultural obstacles, such as the fear of cancer, highlight the necessity of early detection campaigns and thorough education programs. With a knowledge of the difficulties and achievements in BC screening procedures, this narrative review hopes to make a significant contribution to the larger conversation about managing BC in the particular setting of India.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Shortens the cfDNA Telomere Length in Breast Cancer Patients.
Peker Eyüboğlu İ, Koca S, Çelik B … +6 more , Güllü Amuran G, Uğurlu MÜ, Alan Ö, Akın Telli T, Yumuk PF, Akkiprik M
Int J Breast Cancer · 2024 · PMID 39574517 · Full text
Cancer is a genetic disease that affects people worldwide, and breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Studies have been conducted on molecular parameters to predict tumor behavior and develop therapeutic strat...
Cancer is a genetic disease that affects people worldwide, and breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Studies have been conducted on molecular parameters to predict tumor behavior and develop therapeutic strategies. Telomeres, which are at the end of chromosomes, have been studied for their relationship with breast cancer, but more research is needed to understand their role in the disease. Circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) is DNA that is free in the bloodstream and is considered a promising target for early cancer detection, treatment response monitoring, and prognosis assessment. This study is aimed at comparing cfDNA telomere length of breast cancer patients and healthy individuals and analyzing the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on telomere length in cfDNA. Blood samples were collected from 33 breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy before and after treatment. The quantitative PCR method is used to measure the average telomere lengths. This study found that the telomere length of cfDNA in breast cancer patients before and after treatment is significantly shorter than in the control group. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is found to shorten the cfDNA telomere length, especially in the treatment-responsive group. Our study suggests that telomere length in cfDNA may be a useful biomarker for predicting therapy response and possible reoccurrence of the disease in breast cancer patients.
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