• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.4005-4012
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• 2014

Background: This study investigated the utilization of both problem and emotion focused coping strategies and their association with aspects of quality of life among Turkish women with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: The convenience sample consisted of 228 patients in all disease stages. The data were collected using the brief COPE, QOL-Cancer patient tool, sociodemographic sheet, and medical variables were gathered from patients' medical charts. Results: Findings reveal that quality of life is moderately high for this group of cancer patients, despite some specific negative facets of the illness and treatment experience. Acceptance, emotional support and religion were the most frequently used problem-focused coping strategies and self-distraction, venting and behavioral disengagement were the most frequently used emotion-focused coping strategies reported by patients. Overall quality of life and, particularly, psychological and spiritual well-being scores of younger patients were lower. Patients reported using significantly more problem-focused coping than emotion-focused coping, and more problem-focused and less emotion-focused coping predicted greater quality of life. Problem-focused coping was related to patients' physical and spiritual well-being and emotion-focused coping was related inversely with psychological and social well-being. Conclusions: Coping strategies are influential in patient quality of life and their psychosocial adaptation to ovarian cancer. Psycho-oncology support programs are needed to help patients to frequent use of problem-focused coping and reduce emotion-focused coping strategies to improve overall quality of life.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3533-3536
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• 2014

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the world. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) at treatment endpoint in cancer clinical trials is widely considered to be increasingly important. The aim of this review was to provide a literature-based assessment of the validity, reliability and responsiveness of breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments in women breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The databases consulted were Medline, PubMed, and Embase. The inclusion criteria required studies to: (1) involve use of HRQL measures; (2) cover women with breast cancer under standard treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy); (3) involve the validity, reliability, or responsiveness of HRQL; (4) deal with validation of breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments. Results: A total of 16 studies were identified through the literature search that met the 4 inclusion criteria. Some seven instruments were assessed among these 16 studies: EORTC QLQ-BR23, FACT-B, FACT-ES, HFRDIS, LSQ-32, QLICP-BR, and SLDS-BC. EORTC QLQ-BR23, FACT-B, LSQ-32, QLICP-BR, and SLDS-BC are more general breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments. FACT-EB is the endocrine subscale combined with FACT-B in order to measure the side effects and putative benefits of hormonal treatment administered in breast cancer patients. HFRDIS is the HRQL measure focusing on hot flash concerns. Conclusions: This paper provides an overall understanding on the currently available breast cancer-specific HRQL instruments in women breast cancer patients.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.189-195
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• 2008

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the factors of occurrence of amenorrhea and the severity of climacteric symptoms in breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy. Method: Women diagnosed with breast cancer without metastasis or recurrence, had surgery followed by chemotherapy, and had menses at the time of surgery were recruited from S hospital located in Seoul. A total of 99 women aged 31 thru 55 years participated and filled out a structured questionnaire including the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast plus Endocrine Symptom when they visited the clinic for follow-up. Result: In 88 women amenorrhea occurred within an average of 2 months since beginning chemotherapy, and menstruation was resumed in only 11 women. About 98% of women aged over 40 experienced a cessation in menses thus age was an apparent factor of amenorrhea (Exp(B)=.76, p<.05). Presence of chronic disease (${\beta}=.25$, p<.05) and body weight change (${\beta}=.30$, p<.01) were significant factors influencing the severity of climacteric symptoms. Conclusion: Nurses need to have clinical evidences of menstrual changes due to breast cancer treatment. Information about premature menopause and climacteric symptoms should be provided according to women's health conditions so that they cope better during their survival.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1155-1162
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• 2014

Background: Despite mixed survival data, the utilization of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) for the prevention of a contralateral breast cancer (CBC) has increased significantly over the last 15 years, especially among women less than 40. We set out to look at our own experience with CPM, focusing on outcomes in women less than 40, the sub-population with the highest cumulative lifetime risk of developing CBC. With an extended follow-up, we hoped to demonstrate differences in the long-term disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) among groups who underwent the procedure (CPM) versus those that did not (NCPM). Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all breast cancer patients less than age 40 diagnosed at Mount Sinai Medical Center between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2010 (n=481). Among these patients, 42 were identified as having undergone CPM, while 195 were confirmed as being CPM-free during the observation period. A univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: The CPM group had a significantly higher percentage of patients who were diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 (95.2% vs 40%, p=0.0001). The CPM group had significantly smaller tumors (0-2cm.: 41.7% vs 24.8%, p=0.04). Among the entire group of patients, the overall five- and 10-year DFS were 81.3% and 73.3%, respectively. CPM was significantly associated [HR 2.35 (1.02, 5.41); p=0.046] with 10-year OS, although a similar effect was not observed for five-year OS. Conclusions: We found that CPM has increased dramatically over the last 15 years, especially among white women with locally advanced disease. In patients less than 40, who are thought to be at greatest cumulative risk of secondary breast cancer, CPM provided an OS advantage, regardless of genetics, tumor or patient characteristics, and which was only seen after 10 years of follow-up.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.428.1-428.1
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• 2002

Gemcitabine demonstrated modest activity in locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer with difficulty early diagnosis and poor prognisis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil(GF) combination theraphy and epirubicin. cisplatin. and 5-fluorouracil(ECF) combination theraphy for the patients with locally advanced or metaststic pancreatic cancer. Between January 1996 and December 2001. (omitted)

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3325-3328
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• 2016

Background: There are limited studies on oncoplastic breast conserving surgery in Asian women. We aimed to determine the applicability and safety of oncoplastic surgery, highlighting the specific circumstances when it will be most useful and compare our preferred technique with the worldwide practice of oncoplastic approaches. Materials and Methods: Breast cancer patients who underwent oncoplastic breast conserving surgery at a single institution from 1st May 2014-31st March 2015 were included. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics and the type of oncoplastic surgery performed were collected. Results: Nineteen breast cancer patients were identified. 42.1% of patients had grade I ptosis. The indications for surgery included a large tumor to breast size ratio (52.6%), multifocal/multicentric lesions (36.8%) and asymmetric breasts (10.6%), averting a mastectomy in 89.4%. Round block was the commonest technique in 63% of patients, in contrast to the inverted T pattern most frequently used in renowned institutions in the West. Mean and median tumor size and weight of specimen were 29.4/25mm (11 - 75mm) and 77g/64g (10 - 246g) respectively. Re-excision rate was 10.5%. Complete mastectomy was performed for one patient. One patient developed wound dehiscence which was treated conservatively. Cosmetic outcome was rated as excellent/good by 94.7% of patients. The patients remained clinically well after a median 16 months follow up. Conclusions: Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery is useful in a specific subgroup of Asian patients with a relatively small breast volume and minimal ptosis. Round block was the commonest technique in our series, in contrast to the worldwide utility of oncoplastic techniques. It is oncologically safe and has good cosmetic outcomes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7701-7705
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• 2015

Background: Thyroid hormones (TH) are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which plays an important role in cell growth, differentiation, development and other aspects of metabolism. It is believed that an active hypothalamic-pituitary axis increases the susceptibility of thyroid dysfunction during systemic chemotherapy. In order to investigate the relation between thyroid function and chemotherapy the present study was designed to investigate TH in breast cancer patients receiving at least three cycles of chemotherapy. The levels of TH were measured at the baseline and before each cycle of chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Blood samples for estimation of TH levels were collected from 80 (pre-menopausal-40; post-menopausal-40) breast cancer patients just before they were undergoing - $1^{st}$, $2^{nd}$, $3^{rd}$ and $4^{th}$ cycle of chemotherapy. The serum was separated and $T_3$, $T_4$ and TSH levels were determined by chemiluminescence method. Results: $T_3$ and $T_4$ were found significantly decreased and TSH was found significantly increased after $1^{st}$ (p<0.001), $2^{nd}$ (p<0.0001) and $3^{rd}$ cycle of chemotherapy (p<0.0001). The variation of $T_3$ levels (decreased) and TSH levels (increased) was found more in post-menopausal (p<0.0001) women then in pre-menopausal women after $3^{rd}$ cycle of chemotherapy as compared to baseline (p<0.001). Conclusions: TH were remarkably altered after each cycle of chemotherapy leading to decline in thyroid function of breast cancer patients. Further, the results also indicated that post-menopausal women were more prone towards decline in thyroid function then pre-menopausal women. The present study proposes the monitoring of TH after each cycle of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8483-8488
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• 2014

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-induced mortalities in Iranian women, following gastric carcinoma. The survival of these patients depends on several factors, which are very important to identify in order to understand the natural history of the disease. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 313 consecutive women with pathologically-proven diagnosis of breast cancer who had been treated during a seven-year period (January 2006 until March 2014) at Towhid hospital, Sanandaj city, Kurdistan province of Iran, were recruited. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for data analysis, and finally those factors that showed significant association on univariate analysis were entered in a Cox regression model. Results: the mean age of patients was $46.10{\pm}10.81$ years. Based on Kaplan-Meier method median of survival time was 81 months and 5 year survival rate was $75%{\pm}0.43$. Tumor metastasis (HR=9.06, p=0.0001), relapse (HR=3.20, p=0.001), clinical stage of cancer (HR=2.30, p=0.03) and place of metastasis (p=0.0001) had significant associations with the survival rate variation. Patients with tumor metastasis had the lowest five-year survival rate (37%)and among them patients who had brain metastasis were in the worst condition (5 year survival rate= $11%{\pm}0.10$). Conclusions: Our findings support the observation that those women with higher stages of breast malignancies (especially with metastatic cancer) have less chance of surviving the disease. Furthermore, screening programs and early detection of breast cancer may help to increase the survival of those women who are at risk of breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2002

Central Cancer Registry of Korean National Cancer Center in 1999 reported that mortality from lung cancer is higher than mortality from stomach cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma in Korean male. Lung cancer is classified into small cell cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and NSCLC patients account for $70\%$ of the whole lung cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel and cisplatin combination in Korean patients with NSCLC. All patients who had received the combination therapy of docetaxel and cisplatin for histologically confirmed NSCLC in Ajou University Hospital between 2000. $2\~2001$. 4 were retrospectively evaluated for the responses and toxicities of that combination therapy. Nineteen patients were treated with docetaxel 75 $mg/m^2$ on Day 1 and cisplatin 25 $mg/m^2$ on Day 1-3 every 4 weeks. The response for combination regimen was evaluated by CT scans after 2 or 3 cycles of treatments. Seventeen patients were evaluated for the responses and the 19 patients far the toxicities. Among the 19 patients (14 men and 5 women), there were one patient $(5.3\%)$ with stage I disease, 4 patients $(21.1\%)$ with stage III disease, and 14 patients $(73.1\%)$ with stage IV disease. Of the 17 patients who were evaluable for response, complete response (CR) was not observed in any patient while partial response (PR) was observed in 5 patients $(29.4\%)$. The overall response rate (CR+PR) was $29.4\%$. Stable disease (SD) was observed in 11 patients $(64.7\%)$ and progressive disease (PD) in 1 patient $(5.9\%)$. The toxicities were graded by NCI (National Cancer Institute) Common Toxicity Criteria for the evaluable 70 cycles. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 53 cycles $(76\%)$. Four patients were hospitalized due to febrile neutropenia. The combination chemotherapy of docetaxel and cisplatin was effective as NSCLC treatments, however, the regimen must be administered carefully due to its hematological side effects.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.76-84
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient education provided by the pharmacist for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the hospital. One time patient medication teaching including verbal instruction and written materials were provided by a pharmacist for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy on the first or second day of hospitalization. After providing medication teaching by a pharmacist a written survey was performed in order to measure the patient's satisfaction with the medication teaching and to evaluate the effectiveness of the patient medication teaching. This one-time patient medication teaching by a pharmacist was provided for 44 solid and hematological cancer patients (23 male, 21 female). The results of 27 written surveys completed by the cancer patients revealed that almost all cancer patients $(96.3\%)$ felt that medication teaching is a must in order to understand and accept the chemotherapy by cancer patients. In addition, almost all patients $(92.6\%)$ stated that they were extremely satisfied with the medication teaching provided by the pharmacist. The levels of understandings on the chemotherapy.