Eliana Rocha Martins
Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
ABSTRACT
In the era of precision oncology, prompt and precise assessment of the histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of biopsy and surgical specimens is essential for treating patients with breast cancer. In this article, we give a brief summary of the epidemiology and the challenges associated with its diagnosis, especially in Brazil. We also provided the results of an expert panel meeting in May 2020, a multidisciplinary working group tasked with identifying and debating the challenges and barriers related to the transportation of breast cancer samples through Brazil. Once the issues had been identified, the working group discussed improving the quality and care of breast cancer samples using their professional knowledge and the most recent findings. Recommendations from national and international health organisations (such as the World Health Organisation) and medical societies, and other published material on the topic were included. To mitigate and prevent preanalytical and analytical concerns influencing diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, we present current suggestions to address these difficulties. Drawing on the clinical expertise of professionals now employed in both public and commercial medical facilities in Brazil, we have outlined the key concerns associated with that trip. Four areas include these issues: protocols for the operating room and sample transportation, education, communication, and pathology laboratory procedures. Right now, breast cancer is the most frequent malignant tumour in Brazil and the rest of the globe. To perhaps reduce the issues discovered and enhance the diagnostic and treatment options for patients with breast cancer, a selection of suggestions based on the most recent research and deliberated by the panel of Brazilian specialists are examined. This study was concurrently submitted to and published in Surgical and Experimental Pathology and Mastology journals with permission.
Keywords: Standardized Pathology (SP), Timeline (T), Accuracy (AA), Brazilian Medical Laboratories (BML).
