Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42130269›Full record

ArticlePalliative & supportive care2026

A case of recurrent breast cancer with severe hepatic dysfunction: Integrating narrative-based medicine and clinical decision-making.

Kei Yamaguchi, Masahiro Ohara, Kazuo Matsuura, Hiroshi Ishiguro, Akihiko Osaki, Takao Takahashi, Hideki Onishi, Toshiaki Saeki

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Palliative & supportive care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Kei YamaguchiDivision of Breast Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.
Masahiro OharaDepartment of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4174-5052
Kazuo MatsuuraDepartment of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.
Hiroshi IshiguroDepartment of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.
Akihiko OsakiDepartment of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.
Takao TakahashiDepartment of Surgery, Maruyama Memorial General Hospital, Saitama, Japan.
Hideki OnishiDepartments of Psycho-oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2949-2734
Toshiaki SaekiDepartment of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPatients with recurrent breast cancer and liver metastases complicated by hepatic failure have limited treatment options and poor prognoses. Narrative-based medicine (NBM) and shared decision-making (SDM) may support patient-centered decisions even in critical clinical situations.

objectivesTo describe the role of NBM and SDM in guiding treatment decisions for a patient with recurrent breast cancer and diffuse hepatic metastases associated with severe liver dysfunction.

methodsWe present the case of a woman with recurrent breast cancer who developed hepatic failure caused by diffuse liver metastases. Repeated SDM discussions were conducted among the patient, her family, and a board-certified breast oncologist with certification in palliative care. Chemotherapy with eribulin was initiated together with intensive supportive care despite life-threatening organ failure.

conclusionFollowing the initial onset of adverse effects, the patient's liver function improved, allowing continuation of outpatient chemotherapy and fulfillment of her goal of spending meaningful time with family. The patient survived for approximately 5 months after treatment initiation. SIGNIFICANCE OF

resultsThis case suggests that individualized care guided by NBM and SDM may support safe and goal-concordant treatment decisions, even near the end of life. Integration of oncologic and palliative expertise may help align medical interventions with patient values and preferences in complex clinical situations.

Indexed as

Breast NeoplasmsClinical Decision-MakingNarrative MedicineFemaleHumansLiver NeoplasmsMiddle AgedNeoplasm Recurrence, LocalPalliative CareBreast cancerchemotherapynarrative-based medicinepalliative careshared decision-making

Identifiers

PMID42130269
PMCPMC13202394

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.