Dr. Garguilo studies breast cancer, especially its early detection and management. He investigates techniques like sentinel lymph node mapping, which helps understand how cancer spreads, and analyzes the roles of specific proteins that can indicate a person's risk for developing breast cancer. His research also extends to atypical cases, such as breast cancer in patients with rare congenital conditions like Poland's syndrome. Dr. Garguilo's work is aimed at providing better treatment options and risk assessments for patients with various breast diseases, helping guide doctors in making informed decisions.
Key findings
In a study involving 478 women, 26% had cancer in their sentinel nodes, but no recurrences were seen in the axilla.
Women without breast issues had significantly lower levels of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins compared to those with benign conditions or breast cancer (P-value < 0.001).
For small tumors (T1a), only 3% showed cancer spread to lymph nodes, indicating potential for avoiding unnecessary surgeries.
In a rare case, only the third documented instance of breast cancer in a patient with Poland's syndrome was reported, providing new insights into cancer risks associated with this congenital condition.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Garguilo study breast cancer?
Yes, Dr. Garguilo focuses on various aspects of breast cancer, including its risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.
What treatments has Dr. Garguilo researched?
He has researched surgical techniques like sentinel lymph node mapping and axillary lymph node dissection, assessing their effectiveness and necessity for different tumor sizes.
Is Dr. Garguilo's work relevant to patients with rare conditions?
Yes, he studies breast cancer in unique cases, including patients with congenital conditions, which can help better understand cancer risks in these populations.
How does Dr. Garguilo's research help doctors?
His findings assist doctors in categorizing patient risks for breast cancer, improving treatment choices, and minimizing invasive procedures.
What can patients expect from sentinel lymph node mapping?
Patients can expect a reliable assessment of whether their cancer has spread, which can lead to less invasive treatment options and fewer side effects.
Publications in plain English
Sentinel node mapping for breast cancer: the operative experience of a breast surgeon in a rural community.
2008
The American surgeon
Davit FE, Gatmaitan P, Garguilo G
Plain English This study looked at a procedure called sentinel lymph node mapping, which is important for understanding how breast cancer spreads, in a rural community. The researchers analyzed 478 women treated for breast cancer from 1999 to 2006 and found that 52 had cancer in their sentinel nodes (about 26%). They also noted that there were some errors in the initial tests, with 11% showing discrepancies compared to final results, but no patients had recurrences in the axilla, meaning the cancer did not come back in that area.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with early-stage breast cancer by improving surgical outcomes and potentially minimizing the need for more invasive surgeries.
Plasma concentration and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in patients with breast disease, breast cancer and at risk of developing breast cancer.
2006
Cancer letters
Somiari SB, Shriver CD, Heckman C, Olsen C, Hu H +6 more
Plain English This study looked at two specific proteins, MMP2 and MMP9, in the blood of women with breast cancer, benign breast conditions, and those at high risk of developing breast cancer. The researchers found that women without breast issues had lower levels of these proteins compared to those with benign conditions, high-risk profiles, or breast cancer, with significant differences at a statistical level (for example, total MMP2 was lower in healthy controls with a P-value of less than 0.001). Understanding these protein levels can help doctors categorize patients based on their risk for breast cancer and potentially guide treatment decisions.
Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and helps them better understand the risk levels for their patients.
Breast cancer in a patient with Poland's syndrome.
2004
The American surgeon
Khandelwal A, O'Hea BJ, Garguilo G
Plain English This study looked at breast cancer in a 71-year-old woman who has Poland's syndrome, a rare condition that affects 1 in 32,000 births. It is notable because only two other cases of breast cancer in people with this syndrome have been recorded before. This research adds valuable information to the understanding of how Poland's syndrome may relate to cancer risks.
Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors and researchers studying breast cancer and congenital conditions.
Axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer: an evolving question?
2000
The American surgeon
Lagares-Garcia JA, Garguilo G, Kurek S, LeBlond G, Diaz F
Plain English This study looked at the treatment of breast cancer, specifically whether a surgery called axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is necessary for patients with small tumors (T1). The researchers found that only 3% of patients with the smallest tumors (T1a) had cancer spread to the lymph nodes, while this increased to 13% for T1b and 25% for T1c tumors. They concluded that patients with T1a tumors might not need ALND to avoid unnecessary side effects and costs, while ALND is important for T1b and T1c cases, though a less invasive method called sentinel lymph node biopsy could reduce the burden.
Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients and their doctors make better decisions about treatment options.
The diagnostic value of computed tomography in a selected case of penetrating thoraco-abdominal injury.
1986
The Journal of trauma
Meyer E, Friedman B, Garguilo G, Efron G
Plain English This study looked at a patient who was injured by a pencil that penetrated their chest and abdomen. A CT scan was used to find out where the pencil went inside the body, showing it had not damaged any organs, and the pencil was then safely removed without any problems. This is important because it highlights how CT scans can help doctors effectively manage unusual injuries involving foreign objects still inside the body.
Who this helps: This helps doctors dealing with penetrating injuries.
Re-examination of human calcitonin radioimmunoassay.
1978
Acta endocrinologica
Argémi B, Hours MC, Even F, Garguilo G, Hollard JM
Plain English This study looked at a hormone called calcitonin in blood samples to understand how to measure it accurately using different methods. The researchers found that they could reliably detect calcitonin at low levels of 60 picograms per milliliter, but the results varied based on the methods used and how the blood plasma interfered with the test. This is important because understanding how to measure calcitonin accurately can improve diagnosis and treatment for conditions related to calcium regulation in the body.
Who this helps: This helps patients with calcium-related disorders and their doctors.