Our Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a drug called apatinib mesylate in breast cancer patients who underwent a radical mastectomy, which is a surgery to completely remove a breast. The study was conducted from December 2018 to August 2020 and included 90 patients. Half of them were treated conventionally after surgery, while the other half received apatinib mesylate.

The main goal of the study was to assess how well the disease was controlled with the treatment (disease control rate or DCR). Other factors were also considered, such as side effects and how the treatment affected the immune system.

The results showed that apatinib mesylate worked better than the conventional treatment in controlling the disease, with a DCR of 86.67% compared to 42.23%. However, all patients who received apatinib mesylate experienced side effects, including headache, dizziness, high blood pressure, hand-foot syndrome, low platelet count, tinnitus, fatigue, anemia, oral pain, and a low white blood cell count. Some patients had to pause or stop the treatment or reduce the dose because of these side effects.

The study also found that apatinib mesylate affected certain types of immune cells differently than the conventional treatment. One week and four weeks after surgery, the levels of certain immune cells (CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and natural killer cells) were lower, and the level of another type of immune cell (CD8+) was higher in the group that received apatinib mesylate compared to the conventional treatment group.

In conclusion, apatinib mesylate showed potential as a treatment after radical mastectomy due to its high DCR, fewer side effects, and improved immune recovery. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these results before it can be used widely in the clinic.

FAQs

  1. What is apatinib mesylate and how does it benefit breast cancer patients who have undergone a radical mastectomy?
  2. What were the side effects experienced by patients who received apatinib mesylate treatment?
  3. How does apatinib mesylate affect the immune system compared to conventional treatments?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to discuss with their healthcare provider the potential benefits and side effects of adjuvant treatments such as apatinib mesylate. It is important to weigh the benefits of controlling the disease against the potential side effects and impact on the immune system. Patients should communicate any discomfort or side effects they experience during treatment so that adjustments can be made as needed. Additionally, patients should follow up with their healthcare provider regularly to monitor their response to treatment and overall recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy are those with early-stage breast cancer who have a large tumor or multiple tumors in the breast, tumors that are close to the chest wall or skin, tumors that are not responding to other treatments, or those with a high risk of recurrence. Additionally, patients with inflammatory breast cancer or certain genetic mutations may also be recommended for a radical mastectomy.

Timeline

Before radical mastectomy:

  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies to confirm breast cancer diagnosis.
  • Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare team and decides to undergo radical mastectomy.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and preparations for surgery.

After radical mastectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the affected breast tissue and lymph nodes.
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and limited arm movement after surgery.
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  • Patient may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected arm.
  • Patient may receive adjuvant treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
  • Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and monitoring to check for any signs of cancer recurrence or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a radical mastectomy and why is it recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of undergoing a radical mastectomy?
  3. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a radical mastectomy?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after a radical mastectomy?
  5. How will a radical mastectomy impact my quality of life, physical appearance, and emotional well-being?
  6. What follow-up care and monitoring will be needed after the surgery?
  7. Can you explain the results of the study on apatinib mesylate in breast cancer patients who underwent radical mastectomy?
  8. What are the potential side effects of apatinib mesylate and how can they be managed?
  9. How does apatinib mesylate work in controlling the disease compared to conventional treatments?
  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies on apatinib mesylate that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Lin S, Zang M. Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Aug 10;2022:4022282. doi: 10.1155/2022/4022282. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35990841