OBJECTIVE:This randomized clinical trial evaluated the possibility of not draining the axilla following axillary dissection.METHODS:The study included 240 breast cancer patients who underwent axillary dissection as part of conservative treatment. The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they were subjected to axillary drainage. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01267552.RESULTS:The median volume of fluid aspirated was significantly lower in the axillary drainage group (0.00 ml; 0.00 – 270.00) compared to the no drain group (522.50 ml; 130.00 - 1148.75). The median number of aspirations performed during conservative breast cancer treatment was significantly lower in the drainage group (0.5; 0.0 - 4.0) compared to the no drain group (5.0; 3.0 - 7.0). The total volume of serous fluid produced (the volume of fluid obtained from drainage added to the volume of aspirated fluid) was similar in the two groups. Regarding complications, two cases (2.4%) of wound dehiscence occurred in the drainage group compared to 13 cases (13.5%) in the group in which drainage was not performed, with this difference being statistically significant. Rates of infection, necrosis and hematoma were similar in both groups.CONCLUSION:Safety rates were similar in both study groups; hence, axillary dissection can feasibly be performed without drainage. However, more needle aspirations could be required, and there could be more cases of wound dehiscence in patients who do not undergo auxiliary drainage.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the adherence rates to adjuvant hormone therapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Methods: Breast cancer patients with early invasive disease who are being treated with adjuvant hormone therapy for at least 6 months in a private oncology service were evaluated for adherence rates. Data collection was done using the RedCap software. The MMAS-8 scale was used to assess adherence to treatment, dividing patients into three groups as follows: low (<6 points), medium (6–8 points), or high adherence (8 points). Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed for the three adherence groups. Results: From June to December 2021, a total of 60 patients were recruited. The median age was 60.3 years, and 23.3% were premenopause. About demographic statistics, 80% have a college degree, 35% live alone, and 30% have comorbidities. About breast cancer, 50% were in stage I, 50% received chemotherapy, 10% received HER2 blockade, and 26 patients (43.3%) used letrozole. Analyzing adherence, 45% had low/medium adhesion and 55% had high adhesion. There was no association between adherence rates and demographics, clinical and pathological characteristics, except for ECOG Performance Status (PS). All patients with PS ECOG 1 had low/medium adherence (p=0.036). More patients who live alone had low or medium adherence, whereas more patients who live together had high adherence. There was no difference in the type of hormonal treatment and adherence. Conclusion: Preliminary results show high adherence in only 55% of patients, lower than reported in previous studies. This result draws attention because it can compromise survival. We will continue the recruitment of patients in the private service and start in the public service to assess the rate of adherence in a larger population and the relationship with demographic characteristics.