Medicinal, Psychological, and Health Research Journal (MPHRJ)

Abstract Introduction: Post mastectomy radiotherapy significantly improves locoregional control and survival in breast cancer patients but may lead to late complications such as fibrosis, cardiopulmonary toxicity, and lymphedema, which adversely affect long term quality of life. Identifying patients at higher risk is essential for personalized survivorship care. This study aims to determine predictive factors for late radiotherapy induced complications in post mastectomy breast cancer survivors.

Material and methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2025 at hospitals affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and included 73 post-mastectomy breast cancer survivors. The study evaluated predictive factors for late radiotherapy-induced complications using demographic, clinical, surgical, oncologic, and dosimetric variables, along with treatment-related characteristics and late toxicity outcomes.

Results: Among 73 post mastectomy survivors, late complications were common, particularly skin fibrosis (30.14%) and shoulder limitation (28.77%). Severe toxicity (CTCAE ≥2) occurred in 35.62% and was associated with higher BMI (P = 0.004), smoking (P = 0.037), mean heart dose (P = 0.001), and lung V20 (P = 0.002). Lung V20 predicted severe events (AUC = 0.84; cut off = 20.57%; sensitivity = 84.62%; specificity = 72.34%).

Conclusion: Late radiotherapy induced complications remain prevalent in post mastectomy breast cancer survivors. Elevated BMI, smoking, and higher cardiopulmonary dose parameters—particularly lung V20—were associated with severe toxicity. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing radiation planning and addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce long term morbidity and improve survivorship outcomes.

Abstract Introduction: Colorectal cancer surgery outcomes are influenced not only by tumor characteristics but also by the patient’s nutritional and inflammatory status. Serum albumin, a widely available biomarker, reflects both physiological reserve and systemic inflammation and has been linked to postoperative prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of preoperative serum albumin levels in predicting survival after colorectal cancer surgery.

Material and methods: This observational analytical study was conducted in 2025 at hospitals affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. A total of 85 colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical resection were enrolled using convenience sampling. Demographic characteristics, clinical variables, tumor features, preoperative serum albumin levels, and postoperative survival outcomes were collected and analyzed to evaluate the prognostic value of albumin.

Results: Among 85 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) was present in 36.47%. Lower albumin was associated with higher BMI (P = 0.041) and advanced tumor stage (P = 0.032). Patients with low albumin had shorter survival (24.83 ± 9.71 vs 33.47 ± 11.26 months; P = 0.006) and higher mortality (35.48% vs 16.67%; P = 0.047). Hypoalbuminemia independently predicted mortality (HR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.29–4.73; P = 0.006) with good ROC performance (AUC = 0.80).

Conclusion: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with poorer survival after colorectal cancer surgery and remained an independent predictor of mortality. These findings highlight the importance of assessing nutritional and inflammatory status before surgery. Serum albumin, as a simple and accessible biomarker, may assist clinicians in identifying high risk patients and improving preoperative risk stratification.