Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ)

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer outcomes vary widely, creating a need for accessible biomarkers that reflect tumor burden and systemic inflammation during chemotherapy. CA15 3 and CRP may provide complementary prognostic and predictive information. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value and predictive utility of CA15 3 and CRP in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Material and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study will be conducted at Shahid Madani Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, using convenience sampling to enroll 70 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Demographic, clinicopathological, and treatment data, along with serum CA15-3 and CRP levels, will be collected and analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: In 70 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, the mean age was 49.8 ± 10.7 years; 80.0% had invasive ductal carcinoma, 70.0% had lymph node involvement, and 18.6% had metastasis. Median CA15-3 and CRP levels were 31.5 U/mL and 8.9 mg/L, respectively.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that CA15-3 and CRP reflect related but non-identical biological dimensions in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. While CA15-3 appears to represent tumor-associated activity, CRP likely captures the accompanying systemic inflammatory response.

Abstract Dysphagia is a frequent and clinically significant complication following esophageal surgery, particularly esophagectomy, and it poses substantial challenges in the postoperative management of critically ill patients. Impaired swallowing after surgery may arise from multiple mechanisms, including anatomical alterations, neural injury, postoperative inflammation, motility disorders, and anastomotic strictures. These factors can disrupt the coordinated physiological process of swallowing and increase the risk of serious complications. In the intensive care unit (ICU), early identification and appropriate management of dysphagia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and prolonged hospitalization. Comprehensive evaluation strategies—including bedside clinical assessment, standardized screening tests, and instrumental diagnostic methods such as videofluoroscopic swallow study and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing—play a crucial role in detecting swallowing dysfunction and guiding clinical decisions. Nutritional management is another key component of postoperative care, as patients with dysphagia often experience inadequate oral intake during the early recovery phase. Early initiation of nutritional support, preferably through enteral routes, helps maintain metabolic stability and supports tissue healing. Multidisciplinary collaboration among intensivists, surgeons, dietitians, and speech language pathologists is fundamental for optimizing patient outcomes. Rehabilitation strategies, including swallowing therapy, postural adjustments, and targeted muscle exercises, can facilitate functional recovery and reduce aspiration risk. In addition, structured ICU protocols and enhanced recovery pathways may contribute to improved postoperative outcomes by promoting safe nutritional progression and coordinated care.