Showing 20 results for Chemotherapy
Ahmad Tamaddoni, Hassan Mahmodi Nesheli, Mohammad Kazem Bakhshandeh Bali,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (1-2010)
Abstract
Background: Central Nervous System (CNS) relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia was significantly decreased due to the use of new chemotherapyeutic agents, Intrathecal chemotherapy and cranial irradiation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of intrathecal (IT) CNS chemotherapy alone versus combination of IT chemotherapy with cranial irradiation for prevention of CNS relapse.
Methods: From 1998 to 2008 ninety eight cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) admitted in Amirkola Children Hospital were enrolled in this study. The chemotherapy regimen was on the basis of protocol of BFM-79. CNS prophylaxis consisted of intrathecal Cytarabin or Methotrexate, in addition to cranial irradiation for patients more than 3 years old. We assessed the incidence of CNC relapses over 10 years of CNS prophylaxis regimen.
Results: From ninety eight cases, 53 were females and 45 were males. Twenty six were below 3 years old and seventy two were above 3 years old (p<0.05). For 10 years of study for the 72 cases who were more than 3 years old and had received prophylactic cranial irradiation CNS relapse did not happen. Among the 26 cases below 3 years old who didnot receive prophylactic cranial irradiation CNS relapse for one case happened (3.8%) (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results show that the combination of prophylactic CNS irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy is effective in prophylaxis of CNS relapse in ALL.
Akinsegun Akinbami, Abiodun Popoola, Adewumi Adediran, Adedoyin Dosunmu, Olajumoke Oshinaike, Philip Adebola, Sarah Ajibola,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (1-2013)
Abstract
Background: Full blood count has been shown to predict disease severity and mortality risk in cancer patients. This study aimed to highlight the degree of derangements of full blood count parameters and provide mean values in pre-chemotherapy breast cancer patients compared with apparently normal control subjects.
Methods: This was an unmatched case-control study among breast cancer patients attending Oncology clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and the nurses of the institution as control. A total of 4.5 mls of blood was collected from each participant into EDTA bottle for full blood count analysis, done on the same day of collection.
Results: A total of 100 histologically diagnosed, consenting, pre-chemotherapy patients of the clinic (cases) and 50 nurses of the institution as controls were studied. Anemia was found in 58%, 43% and 20% of cases compared with 38%, 36% and 2% of controls using PCV< 36%, 30-36% and 30%, respectively. The mean MCV, MCH, MCHC (82.62±7.48 fl, 26.01±2.78 pg, 30.73±4.06 g/l respectively) of cases were lower than the controls (85.36±5.74 fl, 27.24±1.90 pg, 31.81±0.8 g/l, respectively and RDW of cases (15.61±3.53) was higher than the control (14.24±0.75). The mean WBC counts, neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages of cases (6.96±7.22, 54.75±13.1% and 38.19±12.70%, respectively) were higher than the controls (5.47±1.57, 44.39±8.78% and 8.82±15.97%, respectively). The mean platelet count of cases 291.51±103.38 was also higher than the controls (222.82±57.62).
Conclusion: Breast cancer patients presented with deranged full blood count pattern, consequent to the disease compared with the controls.
Mohsen Vakili-Sadeghi, Mohammadhasan Omranpour,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (1-2013)
Abstract
Background: Solid tumors may occur in 3% of the patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this paper, we presented a case of CML following treatment of colon cancer.
Case Presentation: A 25 year old man was diagnosed of adenocarcinoma of rectosigmoid treated with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Following relapse, he received florouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan during the next year. Then he developed BCR-ABL positive CML. With Imatinib 400 mg/day, he achieved hematologic response but died because of progressive colon cancer.
Conclusion: This article emphasizes that there is a possibility for etiologic correlation between CML and chemotherapeutic agents in solid cancers.
Reza Safaei-Nodehi, Javad Esmaili, Ramazanali Sharifian, Shafieh Movaseghi, Sayeh Parkhideh,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (2-2017)
Abstract
Background: The primary objective of this study was to assess BMD change in Iranian females with breast cancer.
Methods: A sample of 73 female breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy either alone or followed by radiotherapy between March 2013 and February 2016 were considered for this study. Bone mineral density (BMD) change was evaluated by measuring z-score of lumbar spine, femoral neck (right and left side) as well as biochemical measurements. With respect to WHO categorization for the treatment of osteoporosis, patients were categorized as normal BMD, osteopenic and all analysis was done separately.
Results: In women with normal BMD, lumbar spine and femoral neck (right side) z-score decreased significantly by 15.7 and 39%, respectively (p<0.05). In osteoporosis group, there was no BMD change in any of the lumbar or femoral neck z-scores. However, in osteopenic patients, femoral neck BMD decreased significantly by 40.9% after 8 months (p=0.003). The level of all measured biomedical markers such as Ca, Alb, P and vitamin OHD decreased significantly in a follow-up visit in both osteoporosis and normal BMD.
Conclusion: Our results revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy led to unfavorable effects on lumbar spine and femoral neck means z-score during 8 months. Also, unfavorable changes in biochemical markers appeared in all groups.
Mostafa Taherkhani, Soleiman Mahjoub, Dariush Moslemi, Ahmad Karkhah,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (7-2017)
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have suggested the importance of oxidant/antioxidant status in initiation and progression of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress markers in breast cancer patients before and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy with adriamycin and cytoxan (AC). Also, in this study the effect of age and the stage of disease on oxidative stress markers were compared and evaluated.
Methods: This study included 60 women with newly diagnosed stage II-III breast cancer who underwent chemotherapy with AC as the therapy-first strategy after surgery. Serum samples were obtained before treatment and after the third chemotherapy. Then, serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as lipid peroxidation marker were analyzed. Moreover, the effects of the subject’s age and clinical disease stage were investigated.
Results: A concurrent significant increase in MDA (p<0.001) and a significant decrease in TAS (p<0.001) were also observed after 3 cycles of AC chemotherapy. In addition, some changes were found in the status of oxidative stress markers which were associated with age and clinical disease stage.
Conclusion: Our data indicated that chemotherapy with AC increase the oxidative stress in breast cancer patients. The present study indicated that higher stages of the breast cancer are associated with significant increases of oxidative stress markers.
Norjis Ahmadi, Soleiman Mahjoub, Reza Hajihosseini, Mostafa Taherkhani, Dariush Moslemi,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (1-2018)
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common serious disease around the world. The trace elements have a vital role in the metabolism and chemotherapy may change the level of metal ions. Due to the ambiguity of the existence in this regard, the study examined the trace element serum levels in women with breast cancer before and after chemotherapy .
Methods: Sixty patients were studied undergoing specialist. First sampling was taken before chemotherapy (after 4 weeks of surgery) and second sampling was taken after the completion of 3 courses of chemotherapy, approximately 9 weeks after the first chemotherapy. The patients took Adriamycin 60mg/m2 Cytoxan 600mg/m2. Serum zinc and iron levels were measured using standard spectrophotometric method. Measurement of serum copper was done by atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Results: Serum zinc and iron levels in women after chemotherapy significantly decreased (p<0.001), however, the serum level of copper increased but was not significant (P=0.676).
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate significant decrease in zinc and iron levels in breast cancer patients after 3 courses of Adriamycin and Cytoxan chemotherapy. Prescribing zinc supplements can be useful after chemotherapy
Fatemeh Sayyadi, Saeed Mahdavi, Ali Akbar Moghadmnia, Dariush Moslemi, Atena Shirzad, Mina Motallebnejad,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (1-2020)
Abstract
Background: Candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections in immunosuppressed patients. The condition is usually treated with local and systemic antifungal agents. Given the antifungal properties of propolis, it appears this natural resin material can be effective in treating this infection. The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the effect of Iranian propolis with those of routine antifungal agents on Candida species isolated from the oral candida lesions of patients with cancer, who had undergone chemotherapy, and a standard strain of Candida albicans.
Methods: A total of 23 samples were collected from the oral cavities of patients with colorectal cancer, who had undergone chemotherapy with 5-fu. The fungal species were determined based on the results of culture in C. albicans chromagar medium, formation of the germ tube and formation of vesicles. The MIC of aqueous extract propolis (AEP) and ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and amphotericin B (AMP-B), fluconazole (FL) and nystatin (NYS) were compared.
Results: A total of 23 oral C. albicans samples were isolated. The MICs of FL and AMP- B were similar and less than those of EEP, AEP and NYS (P<0.001). In addition, the MIC of AEP was higher than EEP (P<0.001). The MIC of AMP- B on the strains isolated from the patients was more than that of the standard strain (P=0.012).
Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Iranian propolis exhibited antifungal activity, with a greater effect of the EEP compared to the AEP.
Fatemeh Pakmanesh, Daryoush Moslemi, Soleiman Mahjoub,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (6-2020)
Abstract
Backgrounds: Chemotherapy for treatment of breast cancer uses some drugs to target and destroy the cancer cells. However, most of antineoplastic treatments are non-specific and the innate cells will be damaged. In this study, the effect of Adriamycin/Cytoxan (AC) chemotherapy on status of antioxidant enzymes and Se levels in breast cancer patients was evaluated.
Methods: A prospective study, includes 50 breast cancer patients treated with AC chemotherapy (Adriamycin 60 mg/m2, Cytoxan 600 mg/m2) from July 2016 until March 2017. First sampling was obtained before chemotherapy and the second, after 3 cycles of the intervention. Antioxidant enzyme activities (Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Glutathione Reductase and Superoxide Dismutase) and Selenium (Se) levels in serum were measured by spectrophotometry and atomic absorption methods, respectively. Age, BMI, familial history, stage and grade of cancer, tumor site, type of surgery, Estrogen, Progesterone and HER2 receptors, were recorded from each patient. Paired-t test was employed for comparing the data before and after chemotherapy. Age and disease stages were compared by independent t-test.
Results: After 3 courses of chemotherapy, a significant decrease was observed in antioxidant enzymes and also Se (P<0.001). These studied indices were not significant in different age groups (≤48, >48) and stages of disease (early, advanced).
Conclusions: Our findings show that the AC chemotherapy in the breast cancer patients result in drastic changes in oxidant/antioxidant system of the body, specially reduction of Se levels and antioxidant enzymes activities. However, it seems that these changes are not necessarily dependent on the age and disease stage.
Pegah Farokhi, Alireza Sadeghi, Azadeh Moghaddas, Mitra Heidarpour, Saman Dinari,
Volume 12, Issue 0 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background: Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pancreas is a rare tumor and associated with poor prognosis. The diagnosis and optimal management of patients is still a matter of debate and not well-defined. Limited chemotherapy protocols, radiotherapy and surgical resection of the tumor were proposed for the management of patients suffering from SCC of the pancreas.
Case Presentation: In this report, we introduced a 57-year-old man who was diagnosed with SCC of the pancreas along with liver metastasis. The patient underwent surgical resection and several adjuvant systemic chemotherapies including fluorouracil and taxane based regimens which were led to the 13- month overall survival.
Conclusion: Although, the patients died from underlying tumor, the survival time before death was one of the longest time/period reported.
Atefe Khani, Ali Eishy Oskuyi, Rahim Asghari, Hamid Reza Khalkhali, Hamdollah Sharifi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (2-2022)
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy inducing nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the significant side effects of anti-cancer treatment, and its full prevention is a potential challenge. This study was done to specify the effect of olanzapine in this setting.
Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial study, olanzapine was compared with a placebo in combination with dexamethasone and granisetrone in patients with cancer. Patients in the intervention group received dexamethasone , granisetron and olanzapine. Patients in the control group received a placebo instead of olanzapine. Overall, acute nausea and vomiting prevention were the primary and secondary end points; complete response (no nausea,no vomiting) in the delayed period of chemotherapy was the third end point. Response to treatment was evaluated by the Functional Living Index Emesis (FLIE) questionnaire completion in the first, the third and the fifth of chemotherapy.
Results: Percentage reduction in mean±SD nausea and vomiting in the overall phase (0-120 hours) of intervention group compared to the control group respectively were 29.94±2.06, 69.75±2.32 [(57.93% reduction (p<0.001)]. For the acute phase (0-24 hours) were 26.08±2.36, 51.85±2.24 [(47.21% reduction (p<0.001)], for the delayed phase (24-120 hours), were 31.26±2.57, 67.91±2.12 ,[(55.11% reduction;(p<0.001)] respectively.
Conclusion: Olanzapine, along with dexamethasone and granisetron, significantly reduced vomiting and nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy. No adverse event of olanzapine was observed in the patients.
Maryam Nabati, Ghasem Janbabai , Mohammadreza Najjarpor, Jamshid Yazdani,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death among breast cancer survivors. Several chemotherapy drugs may cause cardiovascular toxicity. Our study aimed to assess the late effects of chemotherapy on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in a group of female breast cancer survivors.
Methods: Our study was a case-control study consisted of 60 breast cancer survivors who had undergone chemotherapy for more than 5 years and a control group of 49 women without breast cancer. All patients underwent echocardiography and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), pulse-Doppler early transmitral peak flow velocity (E wave), early diastolic (e'), and left atrial (LA) diameter were calculated.
Results: The mean LVEF and GLS were reduced in chemotherapy group (51.63±7.93% vs. 55.37±3.50%, P=0.002 and -17.99±3.27% vs. -19.25±2.27%, P=0.025). Also, the chemotherapy group had a larger left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter than the control group (1.74±0.44cm/m2 vs. 1.58±0.22cm/m2, P= 0.011). Logistic regression analysis showed among the different cardiovascular risk factors, chemotherapy had an association with decreasing LVEF.
Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors might have an excess risk of having subclinical LV dysfunction over time. These findings present the potential benefits of echocardiographic assessment in breast cancer survivors.
Leila Mousavi Seresht, Marjaneh Farazestanian, Zohreh Yousefi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background: Low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia could be cured in the case of appropriate management with single-agent chemotherapy. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate versus Actinomycin-D in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia to analyze the most effective agent.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on the medical record of 170 cases with the diagnosis of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia from 2012 to 2019 to evaluate the response rate of single-dose weekly-methotrexate versus biweekly-Actinomycin-D.
Results: Single agent chemotherapy was required in 170 patients with final risk score of less than 7. Among the 100 cases under weekly-methotrexate therapy, 29 patients were required second-line chemotherapy with Actinomycin-D and combination therapy which means complete remission of 71% with methotrexate, in comparison with 78.5% in the other group. Resistance was mostly seen in patients with documented choriocarcinoma in histology who had not received timely diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion: Individualized decision in the management of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia cases, based on histology, HCG, and history is the corn stone in successful treatment.
Shahrzad Sheikhhasani, Aghdas Abdolrazaghnejad, Azam Sadat Mousavi, Setareh Akhavan, Narges Zamani, Elham Feizabad,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Background: Methotrexate (MTX) and actinomycin D (ActD) have been used as first-line chemotherapy agents in the treatment of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Although low-risk GTN is considered a curable disease, its reported primary remission rates of 49 to 93% reflect the difficulties of treatment and different factors influencing it. Hence, this study aimed to determine the remission rates and related factors of single-agent chemotherapy resistance in low-risk GTN patients.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients with diagnosed low-risk GTN who received either MTX once a week (IM, 30mg/m2) or ActD once every two weeks (pulsed IV, 1.25mg/m2). Then, the patients were followed-up until complete remission or single-agent treatment failure to assess resistance rate and related factors.
Results: Eighty-four patients were included in the study (18 patients were receiving MTX and 66 patients were receiving ActD). 85.7% of all participants achieved complete remission after first-line chemotherapy (72.2% in MTX vs 89.4% in ActD). There was a significant association for higher tumor size (P=0.046), the occurrence of metastasis (P=0.019), and pretreatment β-HCG levels (P=0.005) with resistance to treatment.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated higher tumor size, the occurrence of metastasis, and pretreatment β-HCG levels have been associated with increased resistance to first-line chemotherapy agents.
Nur Aklina Ramli, Salfarina Iberahim Sal Salfarina, Hasmah Hussin, Ahmad Arif Che Ismail,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background: Cancer-related anaemia is one of the main burdens in oncology, although the available data on its prevalence and treatment options such as blood transfusion are often contradictory. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anaemia and the requirement for packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion among women with breast cancer (BC) and to determine the associated factors for chemotherapy-induced anaemia (CIA).
Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in Kelantan involved 104 newly diagnosed female BC patients from 2015 to 2016 who underwent chemotherapy. For statistical analysis, chi-square was used to compare between CIA and non-CIA groups. In addition, simple and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the association of the CIA.
Results: Our study revealed that 34.6% (n=36) of patients had mild anaemia, and 59.6% (n=62) had normal haemoglobin at pre-chemotherapy. The prevalence of anaemia increased from 40.4% to 77% at the end of our study. About 30.8% of patients received PRBC transfusion during chemotherapy with mean haemoglobin before the first transfusion of 7.9 g/dl. CIA was observed in 54.8% of cases. There was no significant association between CIA concerning the patient characteristic, cancer characteristic, or cancer treatment.
Conclusion: We concluded that a significant proportion (40.4%) of BC patients was anaemic even before chemotherapy, with the red blood cell requirements up to 30.8% throughout chemotherapy. A larger prospective study is needed to determine the predictors for the CIA and subsequently improve patient management.
Fatemeh Pakmanesh, Soleiman Mahjoub, Nahid Neamati, Daryush Moslemi,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background: Recently the carcinogenic and toxic effects of some heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) through the mechanism of oxidative stress have been reported. Due to the various consequences of chemotherapeutic treatments on body hemostasis, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Adriamycin 60 mg/m2 and Cytoxan 600 mg/m2 (AC) chemotherapy on the serum levels of Cr, Pb, and the percent α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition.
Methods: This study was performed on 50 patients with breast cancer at two separate sampling times, the first at the initiation of chemotherapy and the last at the end of three courses of the AC chemotherapy treatment. Serum levels of Cr and Pb were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The percent DPPH inhibition (% I) and also the effect of age and stage of the disease on the mentioned variables were evaluated. Statistical comparison of the obtained results before and after chemotherapy was performed using paired sample t-test. Intra-group evaluation of age and disease stages was done using an independent sample t-test.
Results: A significant decrease was observed in the percent DPPH inhibition after 3 courses of chemotherapy (p<0.001). Cr and also Pb were significantly higher in patients with breast cancer after AC chemotherapy (p<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results, AC chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer is associated with higher levels of Cr and Pb, which can eventually lead to worsened oxidative stress status in affected patients. However, it seems that these changes do not necessarily depend on age and the stage of the disease.
Danial Fazilat-Panah, Mohammad Hassan Emranpour, Babak Peyroshabany, Sara Rasta, Maedeh Alsadat Fatemi, Zeinab Nazari, Yavar Rajabzadeh,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Small cell carcinoma of cervix (SCCC) is a rare disease. SCCC is highly invasive and prone to distant metastatic spread and lymph node involvement. Here we aim to present a patient and her treatment.
Case Presentation: We report 47-year-old patient with history of breast cancer manifesting with abnormal vaginal bleeding diagnosed with SCCC. Patient underwent radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Then, she received adjuvant chemoradiation postoperatively.
Conclusion: Small cell carcinoma of cervix is an aggressive form of cervical cancer with poor prognosis. Optimal treatment remains unsettled.
Dariush Moslemi, Sahar Latifi, Mohammad Mehdizadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Oral candidiasis is the most common infection of oral mucosa caused by Candida albicans. A common predisposing factor for candidiasis is immune system suppression in specific diseases such as AIDS and various cancers. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Kefir probiotic products on the count of C. Albicans in the saliva of chemotherapy patients.
Methods: In this single-blinded clinical trial, 50 patients were selected who have signed informed consent forms. Patients aged 20-60 years with colon or breast cancer who received the same chemotherapy regimen were included and those with a history of radiation therapy, underlying diseases, using antibiotics, anti-fungal and GCSF medicines were excluded. Matched patients in test and control groups received 100 ccs Kefir probiotic and mineral water, respectively at a specific daily time for five weeks. Blood and saliva samples were collected in five steps. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21 and the significance level was set at p< 0.05.
Results: In saliva samples, the count of C. Albicans in the test group dropped significantly (p<0.05), while there were no significant differences between test and control groups in blood samples (p>0.05). Comparing the follow-up sessions, in the test groups, WBC and Neutrophil, and in the control groups, WBC count and hematocrit showed significant differences (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, using probiotic products daily over a short-term period drops the count of oral C. Albicans. Therefore, Kefir probiotic products can be used as an additional treatment for chemotherapy patients.
Tejaswi Pullakanam, Murugan Mannangatti, Alamuri Ramesh, Pradeep Kumar B, Ramakrishna Nekkala, Payala Vijayalakshmi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Drugs used in chemotherapy specifically target and kill the cancer cells during the breast cancer treatment. However, the majority of anti-cancer therapies are non-specific, which will harm the innate cells. Our research work assessed the impact of chemotherapy with adriamycin/cytoxan (AC) on the influence of antioxidant enzymes and hematopathological profiles in the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.
Methods: 40 breast cancer patients treated with AC chemotherapy (Adriamycin 60 mg/m2, Cytoxan 600 mg/m2) between July 2020 and March 2021 are part of this prospective study. The first sample was taken prior to chemotherapy, the second after the intervention's three cycles, and the third after the intervention's last cycle. Spectrophotometric technique was used to evaluate the amounts of antioxidant enzymes in serum samples. Patients’ demographic variables, clinical features, biochemical andhematogical parameters data were noted. The data was compared before and after treatment using the Paired-t test.
Results:55% of the patients were detected with carcinoma on left breast and majority was in Grade 3 clinical stage 37.5%. Most of the patients express estrogen and progesterone receptors 72.5%. Our findings demonstrated that a significant decrease in the mean values of antioxidant enzymes MDA, NO, TAS, CAT, GPx, GR, SOD and GST along with hematological parameters after three cycles of AC treatment in breast carcinoma individuals. The p-value is < 0.05.
Conclusion: Our research demonstrates that the body's oxidant/antioxidant system, particularly reduction levels and antioxidant enzyme activity, is drastically altered by AC chemotherapy in breast carcinoma individuals.
Kamran Mohammadi, Mohammad Gertasi, Mortaza Raeisi, Haleh Bodagh, Razieh Parizad, Asma Yosefzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy regimens with anthracyclines, widely used in treating breast cancer and lymphoma, are associated with significant cardiac toxicity. While previous studies have primarily focused on left ventricular (LV) function, limited research exists on right ventricular (RV) function. This study aimed to evaluate RV echocardiographic function in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Methods: A cohort of 72 breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline treatment at Ghazi Tabatabai and Madani Hospitals from April to March 2022 participated in this study. Echocardiography was performed before treatment initiation, 15 days after the second chemotherapy session, and 15 days after the final session. Cardiotoxicity levels were calculated using SPSS V22 software with inferential statistical methods, including repeated measures analysis and the Friedman test.
Results: RV-free wall strain remained stable 15 days after the second treatment session compared to baseline but showed a statistically significant decrease 15 days after the final session (P = 0.044). The prevalence of abnormal RV-free wall strain increased significantly during the final assessment (P = 0.037). Tumor regression grade (TRG) also demonstrated significant changes over time (P = 0.003). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) increased significantly throughout the study (P = 0.035), while no significant changes were observed in other parameters such as LVEF, E/E', LAVI, or TAPSE.
Conclusion: Anthracycline-based chemotherapy leads to a decline in RV-free wall strain over time, highlighting the importance of monitoring RV function alongside LV function during treatment. Advanced echocardiographic techniques, including strain imaging, may help detect subclinical RV dysfunction earlier.
Sahar Karimi, Mehrnaz Vaez, Amir Aria, Azadeh Moghaddas,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Medication errors are a significant cause of adverse events in cancer patients. The study aimed to investigate unintentional medication errors during chemotherapy regimen prescription.
Methods: During the six months’ follow-ups, 201 adult patients admitted to outpatients’ chemotherapy ward of Omid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran were examined. An information checklist by the aim of data gathering including patients' demographic information, laboratory data, medications history, chemotherapy drug doses and protocol of administration, pre-medications drugs, and supportive treatment was prepared. The data was compared by standard guidelines and data were presented in percent and frequency.
Results: Among the enrolled patients, 327 errors were identified. Sixty-five percent of patients were females and the mean age of patients was 49.2±2.8 years old. Gastrointestinal and breast cancers were among the most frequently reported cancers. The highest frequency of errors (67.27%) was attributed to the prescription of pre-medication drug administration primarily in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Medication errors in selection and volume of infused serums (20.18%) and in adjusting the dosage of chemotherapy regimens (10.39%) were the most observed errors.
Conclusion: This study highlighted the important areas to improve cancer management at the medical center. By addressing these challenges and implementing necessary changes, the center can enhance the quality of care provided to cancer patients, ensure adherence to international standards, and improve patient outcomes.