Background Numerous studies have examined prognostic factors for survival of breast cancer patients, but relatively few have dealt specifically with 10+-year survivors. Methods A review of the PubMed database from 1995 to 2006 was undertaken with the following inclusion criteria: median/mean follow-up time at least 10 years; overall survival and/or disease-specific survival known; and relative risk and statistical probability values reported. In addition, we used data from the long-standing Eindhoven Cancer Registry to illustrate survival probability as indicated by various prognostic factors.Results 10-year breast cancer survivors showed 90% 5-year relative survival. Tumor size, nodal status and grade remained the most important prognostic factors for longterm survival, although their role decreased over time. Most studies agreed on the long-term prognostic values of MI (mitotic index), LVI (lymphovascular invasion), Her2-positivity, gene profiling and comorbidity for either all or a subgroup of breast cancer patients (node-positive or negative). The roles of age, socioeconomic status, histological type, BRCA and p53 mutation were mixed, often decreasing after correction for stronger prognosticators, thus limiting their clinical value. Local and regional recurrence, metastases and second cancer may substantially impair long-term survival. Healthy lifestyle was consistently related to lower overall mortality. Conclusions Effects of traditional prognostic factors persist in the long term and more recent factors need further follow-up. The prognosis for breast cancer patients who have survived at least 10 years is favourable and increases over time. Improved long-term survival can be achieved by earlier detection, more effective modern therapy and healthier lifestyle.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy increased the risk of developing SMN or CVD to a similar extent as smoking. Subdiaphragmatic radiotherapy strongly increases the risk of SMNs but not of CVD, whereas chemotherapy increases the risks of both SMNs and CVDs. Prolonged follow-up after chemotherapy is needed to reliably compare the late complications of radiotherapy and chemotherapy after 20 years.

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The observed improvement in survival of breast cancer patients during the last three decades is impressive. The peak in breast cancer incidence is not yet in sight considering the recent trends in exposure to known risk factors and improved diagnosis. The combination of increasing incidence and improved survival rates implies that the number of prevalent cases will continue to increase considerably in the next 10 years.

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Background The use of remdesivir has demonstrated a significant reduction in the time to recovery in patients with COVID-19. However, the impact on mortality is still controversial. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether there is a specific subgroup of patients in whom an active antiviral therapy also reduces the mortality. Methods Patients admitted for >48 h in our hospital for a SARS-CoV-2 confirmed or suspected infection from February 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The primary outcome of the study was mortality at 30 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of mortality. Results In total, 2607 patients (438 receiving remdesivir and 2169 not) were included with a median (IQR) age of 65 (54–77) years and 58% were male. Four hundred and seventy-six were admitted to the ICU (18.3%) and 264 required invasive mechanical ventilation (10.1%). The global 30 day mortality rate was 10.7%. Pre-admission symptom duration of 4–6 days and ≤3 days was associated with a 1.5- and 2.5-fold increase in the mortality rate, respectively, in comparison with >6 days and treatment with remdesivir was independently associated with a lower mortality rate (OR = 0.382, 95% CI = 0.218–0.671). The analysis showed that the major difference was among patients with shorter pre-admission symptom duration (<6 days). Conclusions Patients with ≤3 days and 4–6 days from symptom onset to admission are associated with a 2.5- and 1.5-fold higher risk of death, respectively. Remdesivir was associated with 62% reduced odds of death versus standard-of-care and its survival benefit increased with shorter duration of symptoms.

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Peripheral primitive neuro-ectodermal tumours (PNET) of the cervix are very rare. Here, we report the clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and genetic features of a case of a PNET located in the cervix. Hysterectomy revealed a cervical tumour. On microscopic examination, a vaguely lobular arrangement of uniformly appearing neoplastic cells, with round to oval nuclei, distinct nuclear membranes and a clear, moderately glycogen-rich cytoplasm was seen. Cells stained positive for LEU 7, S 100, monoclonal NSE and particularly for MIC2. Neurogenic differentiation was also seen by electron microscopic examination. The genetic hallmark of PNET, a 22q12 rearrangement was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridisation experiments, supporting the diagnosis. Awareness of the existence of primary PNET of the cervix is important to avoid confusion with other tumours of the cervix.