MARIA CECILIA MATHIAS-MACHADO

Dr. MARIA CECILIA MATHIAS-MACHADO


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 October 2022 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MMMARIA CECILIA MATHIAS-MACHADO
MARIA CECILIA MATHIAS-MACHADO
VJVictor Hugo Fonseca de Jesus
Victor Hugo Fonseca de Jesus
LOLeandro Jonata de Carvalho Oliveira
Leandro Jonata de Carvalho Oliveira
MNMarina Neumann
Marina Neumann
Renata D'Alpino PeixotoRenata D'Alpino Peixoto
Renata D'Alpino Peixoto
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are malignant mesenchymal tumors arising from the intestinal pacemaker cells of Cajal. They compose a heterogenous group of tumors due to a variety of molecular alterations. The most common gain-of-function mutations in GISTs are either in the KIT (60–70%) or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) genes (10–15%), which are mutually exclusive. However, a smaller subset, lacking KIT and PDGFRA mutations, is considered wild-type GISTs and presents distinct molecular findings with the activation of different proliferative pathways, structural chromosomal and epigenetic changes, such as inactivation of the NF1 gene, mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), BRAF, and RAS genes, and also NTRK fusions. Currently, a molecular evaluation of GISTs is imperative in many scenarios, aiding in treatment decisions from the (neo)adjuvant to the metastatic setting. Here, we review the most recent data on the molecular profile of GISTs and highlight therapeutic implications according to distinct GIST molecular subtypes.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MDMauro Daniel Spina Donadio
Mauro Daniel Spina Donadio
MMMARIA CECILIA MATHIAS-MACHADO
MARIA CECILIA MATHIAS-MACHADO
DSDanielly Scaranello Scaranello Nunes Santana
Danielly Scaranello Scaranello Nunes Santana
Renata D'Alpino PeixotoRenata D'Alpino Peixoto
Renata D'Alpino Peixoto
Cancer during pregnancy is a rare but complex clinical scenario that affects approximately 0.1% of pregnant individuals and is associated with increased maternal morbidity. With the trend of delayed childbearing, the incidence of pregnancy-associated cancers is expected to rise. Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), although rare in pregnancy, present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their hormonal activity, histological diversity, and limited data on management in the gestational context. Objectives: This manuscript reviews the current evidence on the diagnosis, staging, and management of NENs during pregnancy, focusing on maternal–fetal safety, therapeutic limitations, and multidisciplinary care strategies. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using relevant case reports, retrospective studies, clinical guidelines, and expert consensus documents addressing cancer in pregnancy and NEN-specific management. Results: Pregnancy complicates the evaluation and treatment of NENs due to overlapping symptoms, contraindications to standard imaging and systemic therapies, and unreliable biomarkers such as chromogranin A and 5-HIAA. Most systemic therapies for NENs, including somatostatin analogs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, are contraindicated or lack safety data in pregnancy. Surgical interventions and supportive care require careful planning. Decisions regarding pregnancy continuation or termination must be individualized and supported by a multidisciplinary team. Conclusions: The management of NENs during pregnancy demands a highly individualized approach, coordinated among oncology, maternal–fetal medicine, and supportive care teams. Given the paucity of robust data, future research is essential to establish evidence-based guidelines and improve outcomes for both mother and fetus.