Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health system

Abstract Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, including Brazil. This study assesses neoadjuvant treatment patterns, the impact of new therapies, and factors determining palliative care for patients who failed initial treatments. A historical cohort study...

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Main Authors: Ana Maria Fantini Silva, Breno Piva, Marco Antônio Prado Nunes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06113-7
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author Ana Maria Fantini Silva
Breno Piva
Marco Antônio Prado Nunes
author_facet Ana Maria Fantini Silva
Breno Piva
Marco Antônio Prado Nunes
author_sort Ana Maria Fantini Silva
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, including Brazil. This study assesses neoadjuvant treatment patterns, the impact of new therapies, and factors determining palliative care for patients who failed initial treatments. A historical cohort study using secondary data from DATASUS (2008–2017) focused on women aged 18–90 with stages II and III breast cancer who received neoadjuvant treatment. Data on chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and anti-HER2 treatment were analyzed. The Palliative Treatment Rate (PTR) was calculated by cross-referencing neoadjuvant treatment records with subsequent palliative care records, indicating cases where the initial curative intent was not achieved. The study included 71,181 patients, with a mean age of 51.5 years. Most were diagnosed at Stage III (85%). Anti-HER2 therapy was introduced in 2013, with 10.5% receiving it. The 5-year PTR decreased from 44% (2008–2012) to 36% (2013–2017). The combination of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and anti-HER2 therapy had the lowest PTR. Logistic regression identified younger age, higher histological grade, Stage III disease, and compromised lymph nodes as factors increasing the likelihood of needing palliative care, while HER2 positivity and hormonal therapy reduced it. Regional disparities were observed, with patients from the Southeast more likely to receive palliative care. Early diagnosis and access to anti-HER2 therapy significantly reduce palliative care needs. Socio-economic and regional disparities in treatment highlight the need for equitable access to diagnostic tools and therapies to improve survival outcomes in Brazil’s public healthcare system.
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spelling doaj-art-d4e01f309fbe4973a5abe32be53022ab2025-08-20T04:01:41ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-06113-7Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health systemAna Maria Fantini Silva0Breno Piva1Marco Antônio Prado Nunes2Health Sciences Graduate Program (PPGCS), Federal University of SergipeComputing Department (DCOMP), Federal University of SergipeDepartment of Medicine (DME), Federal University of SergipeAbstract Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, including Brazil. This study assesses neoadjuvant treatment patterns, the impact of new therapies, and factors determining palliative care for patients who failed initial treatments. A historical cohort study using secondary data from DATASUS (2008–2017) focused on women aged 18–90 with stages II and III breast cancer who received neoadjuvant treatment. Data on chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and anti-HER2 treatment were analyzed. The Palliative Treatment Rate (PTR) was calculated by cross-referencing neoadjuvant treatment records with subsequent palliative care records, indicating cases where the initial curative intent was not achieved. The study included 71,181 patients, with a mean age of 51.5 years. Most were diagnosed at Stage III (85%). Anti-HER2 therapy was introduced in 2013, with 10.5% receiving it. The 5-year PTR decreased from 44% (2008–2012) to 36% (2013–2017). The combination of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and anti-HER2 therapy had the lowest PTR. Logistic regression identified younger age, higher histological grade, Stage III disease, and compromised lymph nodes as factors increasing the likelihood of needing palliative care, while HER2 positivity and hormonal therapy reduced it. Regional disparities were observed, with patients from the Southeast more likely to receive palliative care. Early diagnosis and access to anti-HER2 therapy significantly reduce palliative care needs. Socio-economic and regional disparities in treatment highlight the need for equitable access to diagnostic tools and therapies to improve survival outcomes in Brazil’s public healthcare system.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06113-7
spellingShingle Ana Maria Fantini Silva
Breno Piva
Marco Antônio Prado Nunes
Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health system
Scientific Reports
title Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health system
title_full Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health system
title_fullStr Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health system
title_full_unstemmed Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health system
title_short Incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: an analysis of the Brazilian public health system
title_sort incidence of palliative treatment among breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy an analysis of the brazilian public health system
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06113-7
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