bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract A35: Characterization of the genomic landscape of osteosarcoma metastasis
Authors: Koehne Amanda L. , Sayles Leanne C. , Breese Marcus R. , Vaka Dedeepya , Sweet-Cordero Alejandro
Published: May 2016

Early metastasis to the lungs is a cardinal feature of osteosarcoma (OS), and complications from metastatic disease remain the most common cause of cancer-related death. Despite the prevalence of metastasis in OS, the pathogenesis is poorly understood. We have established a collection of 16 patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from human OS tumors, both from the primary site as well as metastasis. Our collection includes 9 diagnostic biopsies from primary site tumors, 2 primary tumor resections, 3 lung metastases, and 1 ascites fluid metastasis. Gene expression analysis of an initial set of 5 PDX models (3 metastases, 2 primaries) has been completed. A more extensive analysis of all 16 models by RNAseq and WGS is currently underway. Preliminary gene expression analysis identified a significant number of genes differentially expressed between metastatic samples and non-metastatic samples. This list included genes associated with cell adhesion and motility such as MEGF10, genes associated with endochondral ossification and bone remodeling such as RANKL, and genes associated with deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) such as COL21A. Another candidate gene, ENPP1, is responsible for mineralization of the ECM and has been implicated in breast cancer metastasis to bone. We have validated differential expression of a number of these genes in independent samples of metastatic OS. We are currently using small hairpin RNA (shRNA), CRISPR, and overexpression vectors to knockdown, silence, and overexpress ENPP1 and other candidate genes in OS cell lines. Using in vitro migration and invasion assays as well as intravenous injection and orthotopic mouse models, we are characterizing the contribution of candidate genes to the metastatic propensity of OS.

Citation Format: Amanda L. Koehne, Leanne C. Sayles, Marcus R. Breese, Dedeepya Vaka, Alejandro Sweet-Cordero. Characterization of the genomic landscape of osteosarcoma metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research: From Mechanisms and Models to Treatment and Survivorship; 2015 Nov 9-12; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(5 Suppl):Abstract nr A35.
Abstract P1-12-08: Factors associated with delays in chemotherapy initiation among patients with breast cancer
Authors: Losk K , Vaz Duarte Luis I , Camuso K , Lloyd M , Kadish S , Hirshfield-Bartek J , Cutone L , Golshan M , Lin N , Bunnell C
Published: May 2016

Background: National guidelines endorse time-dependent quality metrics for breast cancer care. We examined factors associated with delays in chemotherapy initiation at an NCI designated comprehensive cancer center.

Methods: We identified 523 patients who received post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy between January 2011 and December 2013 at our center. We defined 28 days from last definitive surgery (LDS) to chemotherapy as the target timeframe, and unacceptable delay in chemotherapy initiation (UCD) as more than 42 days from LDS. Multivariate regression models were used to identify factors associated with UCD and the impact of Oncotype testing in HR+ patients.

Results: Median days between LDS and chemotherapy initiation was 34 (IQR 15), with 30% of patients starting within 28 days of LDS and 23% having UCD (Table 1). Tumor characteristics such as subtype and stage affected UCD; patients with HR+ or HER2+ tumors were more likely to be delayed compared to those with TNBC. Patients with stage I disease were more likely to be delayed as well as patients undergoing mastectomy or mastectomy with reconstruction. Patients whose pathology sign-out was more than 10 days post-operatively were more likely to be delayed. A higher proportion of UCD was found in HR+ patients (31%) who received an Oncotype recurrence score compared to those who did not (20%).

Table 1: Factors associated with delays in chemotherapy initiation N% DelayOdds Ratio95% CITotal52323  Age<4068191.00.5-2.340 to 49165161.0--50 to 59150252.01.1-3.660 to 69113282.51.3-5.070+27374.11.4-12.3RaceWhite424221.0--Non-White79271.50.8-2.7Missing20251.10.4-3.3InsurancePrivate419211.0--Public104321.60.8-2.9StageI208211.0--II243281.30.8-2.1III72110.30.1-0.7Tumor SubtypeHER2-/HR-105151.0--HR+HER2-264242.11.1-4.2HER2+154272.01.0-3.9Surgery TypeLumpectomy265161.0--Mastectomy89292.51.3-4.5Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction169313.31.9-5.6Pathology Sign-Out (>10 days)No331191.0--Yes192322.01.3-3.2Post-Op ComplicationsNo506221.0--Yes17412.20.7-6.6Clinical trial considerationNo435231.0--Yes88240.90.5-17

Conclusions: This study provides insight into populations that may be at risk to experience delays in chemotherapy initiation, directing interventions to improve the timeliness of care.

Citation Format: Losk K, Vaz Duarte Luis I, Camuso K, Lloyd M, Kadish S, Hirshfield-Bartek J, Cutone L, Golshan M, Lin N, Bunnell C. Factors associated with delays in chemotherapy initiation among patients with breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-12-08.
Abstract P2-05-03: Whole genome transcriptome analysis of sequential breast to brain metastasis uncovers new signalling pathways and druggable targets
Authors: Varešlija D , Fagan A , Buckley P , Farrell M , Hill A , Young L
Published: May 2016

The occurrence of brain metastasis (BM) in breast cancer (BC) is currently on the rise across all molecular subtypes with 10-30% reported incidence. The need to uncover the mechanisms underlying this clinically devastating complication is apparent, and in the current study we sought to identify BC cell mediators of BM.

In our cohort of metastatic patients (n=196) we found that BM developed in 13% of the cases. Despite the previous reports of negative ER status being a risk factor for BM, the ER+ve patients accounted for 42% of all diagnosed BM. To elucidate the gene alterations required for successful colonisation of the brain we undertook RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of sequential breast to brain metastasis of known receptor status (n=7).This study presents the first whole transcriptome next-generation RNA-seq analysis of resected BM and their matching primary breast tumours.

We identified 500 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (< 0.05, fcThreshold >±1.5), accounting for those that were both upregulated and downregulated in BM compared to the primary. Analysis of protein-coding genes identified collective ER-specific metastatic pathways. Additionally, common functional pathways altered included ECM, cell adhesion and neuronal differentiation. Our analysis of the BM transcriptomic landscape and verification in cell line models that preferentially metastasise to the brain has unravelled a complex network of driver genes, cooperating with stromal derived factors, responsible for the organ-specific behaviour of the metastatic cells. Genes such as ANTRX1, THBS2, FAP, VCAN and TIMP2 were found to be part of the invasion and migration network that drives the extravasation of the BM cells. Furthermore, an EMT stemness signalling network driven by ANTRX1and WNT pathway driven RUNX was prominent in the cells acquiring the ability to migrate to the brain. Additional work is being carried out on uncovering the adaptations that re-activate the dormant brain metastatic cells and the contribution of the neuronal niche in the facilitating the colonisation by the MBC.

This study highlights the requirement of unique gene sets for the invasion, migration and colonisation to the brain and that functional characterisation of the DEGs will enable the identification of novel molecular targets for prevention and treatment of breast cancer BM.

Citation Format: Varešlija D, Fagan A, Buckley P, Farrell M, Hill A, Young L. Whole genome transcriptome analysis of sequential breast to brain metastasis uncovers new signalling pathways and druggable targets. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-05-03.
Abstract A07: Exploring the distribution of environmental cancer risk by air toxics using geographic information systems
Authors: Rice LaShanta J. , Emrich Christopher T. , Brandt Heather M. , Ingram Lucy Annang , Hardin James W. , Wilson Sacoby M. , Halbert Chanita Hughes
Published: May 2016

We examined environmental cancer risk disparities in Metropolitan Charleston by determining the variability in cancer risk and outcomes geographically by racial and socioeconomic characteristics.

We mapped total cancer risk from the 2005 National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) and five-year (2006-2010) cancer outcomes (incidence and mortality) from the South Carolina Central Cancer Registry. Data were georeferenced to the 2000 Decennial United States Census tract boundaries in Metropolitan Charleston (i.e. Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester County). A Spearman's rank-order correlation was run to determine the relationship between cancer risk or cancer outcomes and characteristics of environmental justice (percent (%) Black, poverty, and low-income). Correlations were performed in SPSS 22.0. Bivariate choropleth maps were created in ArcGIS 10.2 to represent the geographic associations between cancer data and environmental justice variables.

Our findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between cancer risk and five-year cancer incidence (rs = -1.90, p = .040). Cancer risk was positively correlated with % Black (rs = .324) and % poverty (rs = .474), yet negatively related to % income (rs = -.542). Bivariate maps showed that 80% of the tracts with high cancer incidence/high percent Black population were simultaneously high cancer mortality/high Black population tracts. None of the high incidence or high mortality tracts had simultaneously high cancer risk.

Findings from this study have implications for reducing place-based environmental cancer disparities. With a better understanding of patterns of risk, public health professionals can tailor interventions and develop community-based environmental health programs that will inform policies to reduce cancer inequities.

Citation Format: LaShanta J. Rice, Christopher T. Emrich, Heather M. Brandt, Lucy Annang Ingram, James W. Hardin, Sacoby M. Wilson, Chanita Hughes Halbert. Exploring the distribution of environmental cancer risk by air toxics using geographic information systems. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A07.
Abstract A45: Racial differences in psychosocial barriers to initiate prostate cancer treatment information seeking
Authors: Guerreso Heather , Johnson Jarrett , Ross Levi
Published: May 2016

Purpose: All men diagnosed with prostate cancer must undergo the complex process of treatment decision-making. Research indicates that most men are not prepared to fully interact with the information environment when they are initially diagnosed. The reasons behind this lack of preparedness are not fully understood. More information is needed about psychosocial facilitators and barriers to information gathering before appropriate interventions can be developed. The purpose of this research was to explore the different types of psychosocial assistance that men might need to help them begin gathering treatment information. Methods: A purposive sample of 63 African-American and Caucasian men treated for or actively monitoring localized prostate cancer (Stage T1 or T2) was recruited to participate. All recruitment was completed via cancer registries, newspaper ads, and word-of-mouth. All participants completed a 30-45 minute self-administered survey on a laptop or touchscreen computer. Data collected included: (1) demographic information and (2) information about their self-reported levels of (a) confidence, (b) confusion, (c) worry, (d) comfort, (e) ease, and (f) organization during their initial searches for treatment information. All men received a $25.00 honorarium for participating. Results: The mean age of participants was 64.17 years. Participants were between six months to 10 years post prostate cancer diagnosis (mean = 5.21 years, SD= 3.23). At the initial search for treatment information, the majority of men (82.5%) were not confident they knew all of the right information to look for and were not confident they could find answers for all of their questions (79.3%). When psychosocial barriers were compared by race, one significant relationship was found. A greater proportion of African Americans (19.2%) found the initial information gathering process more difficult than their Caucasian counterparts (13.5%) (p < .05). Conclusions: Knowing what to look for and where to find answers is a common problem for both African American and Caucasian prostate cancer patients. Interventions need to be developed that make initial searches for information easier for African-American men.

Citation Format: Heather Guerreso, Jarrett Johnson, Levi Ross. Racial differences in psychosocial barriers to initiate prostate cancer treatment information seeking. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A45.
Abstract A53: Revisiting the importance of a culturally integrated liver cancer education program among Asian Americans
Authors: Juon Hee-Soon , Kim Frederic , Lam Patrick
Published: May 2016

Background: Asian Americans are at high risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Culturally integrated liver cancer educational program has increased HBV knowledge which leads to HBV screening, vaccinations, and treatment, which reduce cancer health disparities from HBV infection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of culturally integrated education program on HBV knowledge as opposed to a stand-alone video education program.

Methods: Asian American adults were recruited from community-based organizations (Study 1) and from Pan Asian Volunteer Health Clinic (Study 2) in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area. 441 participants in Study 1 received the 30-minute intervention program including power point presentation with Q & A, role play video, and distribution of photonovel. In Study 2, 276 participants watched the 10-minute video presentation without any interaction with the staff. Both intervention programs focus on general knowledge of the HBV, the importance of vaccinations, and follow-up for those infected. All participants completed baseline survey after signing the informed consent. Then they received two different education programs either a culturally integrated program or a video presentation. After the education program, they completed a post-education survey. The outcome measures were correct answers to knowledge questions related to HBV infection, including the modes of HBV transmission (10 questions) and sequelae of chronic HBV (7 questions). Paired sample t-test was used.

Results: The culturally integrated education program was more effective than the video education. It increased their knowledge of HBV infection appreciably (4.18 vs 1.31 for mode of transmission, p<.001; 2.06 vs. 0.69 for sequelae, p<.001). In the pretest, less than one fourth of the participants had the correct answer to two questions: (1) eating food that had been pre-chewed by an infected person; and (2) breast feeding from an infected mother. Only one third knew that HBV is significantly more contagious than HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion: This study suggests that it is very critical to implement the culturally integrated education program to reduce liver cancer health disparities among Asian Americans.

Citation Format: Hee-Soon Juon, Frederic Kim, Patrick Lam. Revisiting the importance of a culturally integrated liver cancer education program among Asian Americans. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A53.
Abstract B16: IL-10 promoter polymorphisms are associated with prostate cancer risk in African Americans
Authors: Abbas Muneer M. , Mason Tshela , Ricks-Santi Luisel , Apprey Victor , Kittles Rick , Ahaghotu Chiledum , Dunston Georgia
Published: May 2016

Background: African American men have the highest rates of prostate cancer (PCa) worldwide and immunogenetic studies suggest emerging evidence that prostate inflammation may contribute to prostatic carcinogenesis. Since genetic susceptibility is an etiological factor in PCa, we hypothesize that sequence variants in the promoter region of the IL-10 gene that regulate pro inflammatory cytokines, may modify individual susceptibility to this disease.

Methods: four SNPs in the promoter regions with allele frequency differences between Europeans and West Africans were genotyped using pyrosequencing in 538 unrelated men enrolled in a PCa genetic association study at the Howard University Hospital between 2000-2004.

Results: SNP rs12122923 was found to have the strongest association using the dominant (p=0.048) and the log additive (p=0.029) genetic models. rs1800871 was found to be associated with PCa using the log additive model(p=0.057). However, after adjusting for age, both SNPs became insignificantly associated with PCa.

Conclusions: This study showed an association between IL-10 promoter SNP variation and PCa. This supports the hypothesis that genetic variation in the inflammatory process can contribute to prostate cancer susceptibility. Research supported in part by NIH/NIGMS/MBRS/SCORE grant # S06GM008016.

Citation Format: Muneer M. Abbas, Tshela Mason, Luisel Ricks-Santi, Victor Apprey, Rick Kittles, Chiledum Ahaghotu, Georgia Dunston. IL-10 promoter polymorphisms are associated with prostate cancer risk in African Americans. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B16.
Abstract B25: Triple-negative breast tumors exhibit distinctive patterns of expression and subcellular localization of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6
Authors: Ford DeJuana , Hire Rupali , Howerth Elizabeth , Bennett Briana , Lea Krissean , Hood Jillian , Davis Melissa
Published: May 2016

African-American women of all ages have higher breast cancer mortality rates than Caucasian women, despite lower breast cancer incidence among African-American women over 40. While differences in socioeconomic status and access to healthcare may play a role in this disparity, the disproportionately high occurrence of aggressive, triple-negative breast tumors in African-American women suggests a biological link between ancestry and breast cancer prognosis. Interestingly, both African ancestry and breast tumor aggressiveness are associated with distinct transcript and protein expression levels of Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) and its binding partner, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP6), and we have previously observed higher levels of IGFBP6 transcript and protein expression in African-American and Yoruba (African) HapMap cell lines when compared to Amish cell lines. To gain a better understanding of potential mechanisms underlying these associations, we have investigated the expression and subcellular localization of these proteins and their transcripts using qPCR and immunofluorescence (IF). Our qPCR data indicate lower IGFBP6 transcript expression in breast cancer cells relative to normal cells, with lower transcript levels in the ER positive breast cancer cells than in triple negative cells. Conversely, our IF data revealed higher levels of IGFBP6 protein in ER positive breast cancer cells than in triple negative breast cancer cells, suggesting that breast tumor subtypes may be associated with unique patterns of transcript and protein regulation in these genes. We also observed a distinctive pattern of IGFBP6 subcellular localization in the triple-negative cells in which aggregates of this protein are localized at the edge of the nucleus, and co-localized with IGF-II. We hypothesize that IGF-II will be more dispersed throughout the nucleus following si-RNA knockdown of IGFBP6. Taken together, these data suggest the possibility of a subtype-specific IGF-II/IGFBP6 complex in triple negative breast cancer. Further studies will assess how this complex may promote tumor aggression in triple-negative breast tumors by inhibiting IGFBP6's IGF-independent, pro-apoptotic qualities within the nucleus and/or prolonging the half-life of IGF-II, thus promoting cancer cell growth.

Citation Format: DeJuana Ford, Rupali Hire, Elizabeth Howerth, Briana Bennett, Krissean Lea, Jillian Hood, Melissa Davis. Triple-negative breast tumors exhibit distinctive patterns of expression and subcellular localization of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B25.
Abstract B38: Behavioral and clinical correlates of hepatocellular carcinoma among residents of South Central Texas: A case-control study
Authors: Ramirez Amelie G. , Muñoz Edgar , Long-Parma Dorothy , Holden Alan E.C. , Treviño Allen M. , Phillips Timothy D. , Pollock Bradley
Published: May 2016

Latinos in South Texas (STX) are disproportionately diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and Latinos in the U.S. The aims of this study were to characterize behavioral and clinical risk factors contributing to HCC incidence in our STX population.

Methods: Controls and cases (104:51) were recruited from Bexar and 5 surrounding counties. Blood and urine samples were obtained from each subject and tested for liver function, Hepatitis B and C exposure, and blood/urine aflatoxin levels. Demographic and lifestyle data were obtained via questionnaire. Chi-squared and t-test analysis was utilized to determine bivariate case-control differences.

Results: In bivariate analyses, HCC cases were older (57.3 vs. 49.7, p<0.001), and more likely to be male (OR = 8.44, p<0.001) or Latino (OR=2.17, p=0.045). HCC cases were also more likely to use alcohol (p<0.001) or smoke (p<0.001). They also were less likely to use aspirin (p=0.003) or statins (p=0.049) and less likely to engage in physical activity (p=0.038). Finally, HCC cases were more likely to have abnormal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p< 0.001 for both), and higher levels of serum aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) (p=0.014).

Conclusions: Findings confirm bivariate relationship between HCC incidence and risk factors in the general population.

Citation Format: Amelie G. Ramirez, Edgar Muñoz, Dorothy Long-Parma, Alan E.C. Holden, Allen M. Treviño, Timothy D. Phillips, Bradley Pollock. Behavioral and clinical correlates of hepatocellular carcinoma among residents of South Central Texas: A case-control study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B38.
Abstract B70: Characteristics, risk perception, and predictors of oral cancer knowledge among drag racers and their fans
Authors: Osazuwa-Peters Nosayaba , Hussaini Adnan S. , Sujijatarat Nanthiya , Ganesh Rajan , Snider Matthew , Devin Thompson , Varvares Mark A.
Published: May 2016

Objective: Interventions for oral head and neck cancer prevention and early detection can be more effective if the higher risk individuals are targeted. The aim of this study was to characterize smoking and alcohol use, and describe predictors of oral cancer knowledge and risk perception among a predominantly African-American population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 13-14, 2013 among drag racers and fans in East St. Louis. Items were combined to form knowledge and risk perception scales, and outcome of interest was oral cancer knowledge level. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA assessed bivariate associations between variables. Logistic regression analysis measured predictors of oral cancer knowledge.

Results: Three hundred and four participants completed questionnaire; 72.9% African Americans. Smoking rate was 26.7%; mean knowledge score 4.60 ± 2.52; and only 6.6% scored ≥ 9 out of 17 knowledge questions. Crude measures showed an association (p < .05) between oral cancer knowledge and sociodemographic variables (age, race, sex, educational status, marital status). In final adjusted regression model, only race and educational status remained predictors of oral cancer knowledge. Compared to other races, African Americans were three times more likely to have low oral cancer knowledge (95% CI = 1.47 – 6.49) and those with a high school diploma or less were five times more likely to have low oral cancer knowledge compared to college graduates (95% CI = 1.78 – 13.89).

Conclusion and Relevance: There is a high smoking rate among drag racers and fans, but oral cancer knowledge is very low, especially among African Americans and those with limited education. Understanding predictors of oral cancer knowledge is important in future design of educational interventions specifically targeted towards this high-risk group.

Citation Format: Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Adnan S. Hussaini, Nanthiya Sujijatarat, Rajan Ganesh, Matthew Snider, Thompson Devin, Mark A. Varvares. Characteristics, risk perception, and predictors of oral cancer knowledge among drag racers and their fans. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B70.
Abstract B92: The effectiveness of a prostate cancer handout for African American men
Authors: McCauley DeCoria , Young Mary Ellen , Hardt Nancy
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore consumer reaction to a revised handout previously created for African American men (UF IRB02 Protocol #2013-U-0757) in order to prepare for widespread publishing and distribution. The population of interest in this particular study is African American men as they are the most at risk for prostate cancer. African American men between the ages of 20 and 70 will be given patient education materials on prostate cancer prepared for men with lower literacy levels. After being given time to review the materials, they will participate in an interview to determine how well they understood the information in the patient education materials. Their feedback will guarantee the development of appropriate material to provide to the African American male community; and inform the general population on how members of a special/minority population feel about the primary cancer found in men, prostate cancer.

Citation Format: DeCoria McCauley, Mary Ellen Young, Nancy Hardt. The effectiveness of a prostate cancer handout for African American men. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B92.
Abstract C13: What strategies may be effective to address erectile dysfunction following treatment of prostate cancer in men of color?
Authors: Jeames Sanford , Imholte Shelley
Published: May 2016

Men of color in the United States continue to experience significant gaps in health conditions and mental health treatment options for cancer, diabetes and heart disease as compared with other ethnic groups. This is not a new issue, but rather a continuing problem that has plagued both the health and mental healthcare industry for decades. While all racial ethnicities are worthy of attention; African American men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED) after treatment of prostate cancer in a mental health setting are the focus of this work. Reports of ED among African American men are far more common in medical settings and in these settings men in general and African American men in particular are rarely assessed for mental or emotional distress related to ED. In order for change to be possible to address mental health disparities in African American men, providers (urologists, oncologists, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors) must begin to acknowledge their own race in communication with this population to develop a therapeutic alliance. Clinicians skilled in cultural variations may not be skilled in discussions of sexuality and clinicians skilled in sexual concerns may not be skilled in discussions of culture and the impact of ethnicity on overall well-being. If strategies are not employed and tested the mental health disparities in African American men are sure to increase. In the present day, race relations are in grave danger of regressing into a history that has been challenged to change for centuries. The under-served are truly being under-served in this way due to the disproportionate numbers of clinicians, and perhaps more importantly; the lack of clinicians in training that are not taught to take ownership or create a relationship that invites differences rather than avoid it. The reason for this particular position and condition has been chosen is because of the relevance to current relations and history; along with the dire need to address sexuality in minority populations. Moreover, stereotypes of African American men as sexually “aggressive” and “weak” if they show emotions outside of aggression further stifle the exploration of etiologies of ED in this population. If strategies are not employed and rigorously tested mental and sexual health in AA will be rendered impotent.

Citation Format: Sanford Jeames, Shelley Imholte. What strategies may be effective to address erectile dysfunction following treatment of prostate cancer in men of color? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C13.
Abstract C30: Disparities in colorectal cancer survival among Puerto Rican Hispanics
Authors: Gonzalez-Pons Maria , Torres Mariela , Soto-Salgado Marievelisse , Marcano-Bonilla Lorena , Cruz-Correa Marcia
Published: May 2016

Background: Ethnic/racial disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) survival have been well documented. In Puerto Rico (PR), CRC is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women. This study reports the 5-year relative survival of Puerto Rican Hispanic (PRH) CRC patients compared to other US racial/ethnic groups and estimates the mortality hazard ratio by sex, age, and tumor stage at diagnosis.

Methods: CRC incidence data from subjects >50 years was obtained from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003. CRC incidence and mortality data for US Hispanics (USH), non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic black (NHB) during the same period were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. One-, three- and five-year relative survival rates were calculated using the life tables from the population of PR and SEER. In addition, a Cox proportional hazards model was employed to assess mortality hazard ratio by sex, age and tumor stage at diagnosis.

Results: A total of 76,444 subjects with incident CRC were analyzed (NHW n=59,686; NHB n=7,700; USH n=5,699; PRH n=3,359). Overall and stage-specific five-year survival rates differed by race/ethnicity. NHW had the highest overall survival rates. When comparing 5-year relative survival according to stage at diagnosis, PRH with regional CRC had the lowest five-year survival rates (59.3%; 95% CI: 53.5-65.0) when compared to NHW (69.4%; 95% CI: 67.9-70.9), NHB (61.2%; 95% CI: 56.9-65.8), and USH (65.1%; 95% CI: 59.9-70.1). Furthermore, PRH were the only racial/ethnic group in which a more marked survival advantage is was observed among females (66.0%; 95% CI: 60.6-71.2) compared to males (60.3%; 95% CI: 54.6-65.9). After adjusting by sex, age and stage at diagnosis, NHB (RR=1.27; CI 95%: 1.22-1.32) and PRH (RR=1.28; CI 95%: 1.09-1.28) had nearly the same relative risk of death from CRC, compared to NHW.

Conclusions: Our findings establish baseline survival data for CRC in PRH. The observed survival disparities among PRH warrant further investigation evaluating the interplay of molecular, behavioral and/or environmental risk factors affecting this minority population.

Citation Format: Maria Gonzalez-Pons, Mariela Torres, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Lorena Marcano-Bonilla, Marcia Cruz-Correa. Disparities in colorectal cancer survival among Puerto Rican Hispanics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C30.
Abstract C45: A patient navigation model to increase rates of lung-directed therapy with curative intent (LDTCI) in African Americans with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Esnaola Nestor F. , Bryant Debbie C. , Cartmell Kathleen B. , Calhoun Elizabeth , Sterba Katherine , Burshell Dana R. , Hill Elizabeth G. , Wahlquist Amy E. , Knight Kendrea D. , Ford Marvella E.
Published: May 2016

Background: LDTCI (i.e., surgical resection or stereotactic body radiation therapy [SBRT] in patients who are not surgical candidates]) is the standard of care for patients with early stage NSCLC. Unfortunately, African Americans with early stage, NSCLC are significantly less likely than their European American counterparts to undergo resection.

Purpose: This presentation will describe the design of an NIH/NIMHD-funded, NCORP-sponsored, cluster-randomized trial testing the effectiveness of a barriers-focused, protocol-driven patient navigation intervention on increasing rates of LDTCI in African Americans with early stage, probable/proven NSCLC.

Design: The trial is currently being conducted at 13 study sites across the United States. The investigators developed an electronic, web-based version of the NIH/NCI Patient Navigation Barrier Checklist. Patient navigators at each intervention site use the electronic Checklist to identify patient barriers to care and guide their interactions with patients. The navigators then enter the data from these interactions into a secure, web-based electronic data management system.

Results/Conclusions: Most of the African American patients at the study sites are ineligible for study participation due to advanced stage at diagnosis. Of the 2,529 patients who have been pre-screened for study eligibility to date, only 43 (1.7%) were determined to be African American with likely/proven stage I-II NSCLC. Of this number, 34 (79.1%) were consented for the study, and 29 are currently enrolled. During this presentation, the investigators will present de-identified case examples of barriers experienced by patients and the strategies used by the navigators to overcome these barriers. Plans are underway to add study sites to increase the denominator of potentially eligible participants.

Citation Format: Nestor F. Esnaola, Debbie C. Bryant, Kathleen B. Cartmell, Elizabeth Calhoun, Katherine Sterba, Dana R. Burshell, Elizabeth G. Hill, Amy E. Wahlquist, Kendrea D. Knight, Marvella E. Ford. A patient navigation model to increase rates of lung-directed therapy with curative intent (LDTCI) in African Americans with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C45.
Abstract C57: Obesity induced leptin-tumor stroma crosstalk in breast cancer: A link to cancer health disparity
Authors: Lanier Viola D. , Milner Joy , Harbuzariu Adriana , Bowen Diane , Gonzalez-Perez Ruben Rene
Published: May 2016

Breast cancer cells can change tumor stromal cells by promoting growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Obesity is a risk factor of breast cancer, which is characterized by high levels of leptin. African American women show the highest incidence of obesity, most aggressive breast cancer, and highest mortality rate. Adipocytes and breast cancer cells synthesize leptin, which is a survival, pro-angiogenic, and proliferation factor for cancer cells; and also could affect tumor stromal cells [i.e, endothelial (EC) and fibroblasts]. Activated stromal cells could further contribute to the production of a tumor supportive extracellular matrix; thus, creating an ideal environment for the growth of cancer cells. We previously reported that leptin induces the expression of oncogenic and angiogenic factors (i.e, Notch and VEGF/VEGFR-2) in cancer cells and also a VEGFR-Notch axis in EC. However, the mechanisms by which leptin affects fibroblasts to promote cancer progression are not completely understood. We hypothesize that leptin induces Notch expression and activity that increase fibroblast proliferation and activation. Fibroblast cells (mouse embryonic NIH/3T3 stem and human cells) were challenged with leptin (0.6, 1.2, 6.2 nM) and inhibitors of Notch (DAPT). Notch proteins and mRNA, and leptin receptor (Ob-R) expression and fibroblast activation markers were determined after treatments. Our findings show that leptin induces Notch expression, proliferation and activation of embryonic fibroblast stem cells. This data further sustains the notion that high levels of leptin found in obese patients could contribute to tumor stroma activation and cancer development. Novel therapies targeting leptin signaling could be a new strategy for breast cancer prevention and treatment, which could be more relevant for obese African American breast cancer patients.

Citation Format: Viola D. Lanier, Joy Milner, Adriana Harbuzariu, Diane Bowen, Ruben Rene Gonzalez-Perez. Obesity induced leptin-tumor stroma crosstalk in breast cancer: A link to cancer health disparity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C57.
Abstract C81: Variations in receipt of curative-intent surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across states in the United States
Authors: Sineshaw Helmneh M. , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Flanders W Dana , Osarogiagbon Raymond Uyiosa , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: May 2016

Background: Previous studies reported substantial racial and socioeconomic disparities in receipt of curative-intent surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the US. We examined variation in receipt of curative-intent surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across states in the US. We also examined whether black/white disparity in receipt of curative-intent surgery varies by state.

Methods: Patients with stage I or II NSCLC diagnosed in 2007–2011 were identified from 38 population-based cancer registries compiled by the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). We calculated percentage for receipt of curative-intent surgery in each state. Adjusted risk ratios (RRs) were generated using modified Poisson regression to control for sociodemographic (e.g., age, sex, race, insurance) and clinical (e.g., grade, stage, tumor size) factors. NH whites and patients in Massachusetts used as reference for comparisons.

Results: Receipt of curative-intent surgery for early-stage NSCLC varied substantially by state, ranging from 52.2% in Wyoming to about 75% in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Utah. In a multivariable analysis, the likelihood of receiving curative-intent surgery for early-stage NSCLC patients was significantly lower in all states but seven states/registries and ranged from 7% lower in California (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89–0.97) to 25% lower in Wyoming (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59–0.95) compared with patients in Massachusetts. Receipt of curative-intent surgery was lower for NH black than NH white patients in all states though statistically significant in only two states (Florida, Texas) after accounting for differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Conclusions: Receipt of curative-intent surgery for early-stage NSCLC substantially varies across states in the United States, with the rate of receipt for both NH white and NH black patients generally lower and racial disparity higher in southern states.

Citation Format: Helmneh M. Sineshaw, Xiao-Cheng Wu, W Dana Flanders, Raymond Uyiosa Osarogiagbon, Ahmedin Jemal. Variations in receipt of curative-intent surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across states in the United States. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C81.
Abstract C90: Working to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020
Authors: Bason Maurice L.
Published: May 2016

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase survival for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative - The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival by 2020. Together, we can Wage Hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics and better treatments and increase chances of survival.

Citation Format: Maurice L. Bason. Working to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C90.
Abstract C93: LUNA: Latinos United for a New Awakening
Authors: Sifontes Viviam
Published: May 2016

LUNA is a nonprofit organization created by a breast cancer survivor approximately 10 years ago when she found herself navigating the oncology system on her own and in a language that was not her primary one. LUNA stand for Latinos United for a New Awakening and represents what every Latino survivor expresses when given the remission diagnosis after her cancer treatment is completed and is filled with so many uncertainties and hope. LUNA started offering a support/social group where women in particular gather to support each other as they went through their cancer treatments. Soon after, word of mouth brought more women and their relatives with other challenges that LUNA decided to tackle-in as the opportunities presented themselves. With the generous assistance of in-kind sponsorship from organizations such as Moffitt Cancer Center, Cultural Dynamics Specialist, LLS, TBCCN and Morton Plan Hospital, LUNA is recognized as the leading agency of its kind. Two other support groups in two different counties have been added to the list of our programs including as our newest addition. All of our services are free to our clients and offered in Spanish and LUNA is fully run by volunteers. This makes this organization extremely unique. Every year we service approximately 25 women and in the last 6 years we have educated and offered support of some kind to over 400 Latino women.

LUNA's mission is to provide emotional support and health education to cancer survivors from the Latin communities of West Central Florida. LUNA seeks to fill an unmet need in our community, that is provision of support, education, memorable culturally relevant social events, and outreach for cancer Latino cancer survivors/patients, their relatives and friends.

Citation Format: Viviam Sifontes. LUNA: Latinos United for a New Awakening. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C93.
Abstract C94: Arkansas Cancer Coalition: Mechanisms to advance the implementation of the Arkansas Cancer Plan
Authors: Karanja Miriam
Published: May 2016

ENDING CANCER FOR EVERYONE

The Arkansas Cancer Coalition's mission is to facilitate and provide partnerships to reduce the human suffering and economic burden from cancer for the citizens of Arkansas.

USING EVIDENCE TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES

Making evidence-based practices in prevention, early detection and care available to all Arkansans can dramatically reduce the burden of cancer in our state. Here are just a few examples of programs that address the cancer continuum in Arkansas:

Annual Arkansas Cancer Summit

Arkansas Cancer Plan Grants

Coalition Engagement

Quarterly Meetings

Trainings

To address this major public health problem, the Arkansas Cancer Coalition developed the Arkansas Cancer Plan--A Framework for Action (ACP). This ambitious plan updated in 2007 and endorsed by a wide range of stakeholders and partners, established 26 broad goals in the strategic areas of: prevention, screening and detection, treatment, disparities, research, workforce development, survivorship, palliative care, professional education, surveillance, and evaluation.

The poster describes the implementation of the ACP through two main mechanisms in terms of their foci and partnerships, and shares lessons learned as they engaged underserved communities. First, grantees were invited to participate in implementation efforts that are perceived to take more than one year to implement. Second, competitive grantees were established to achieve short-term objectives of the ACP.

Citation Format: Miriam Karanja. Arkansas Cancer Coalition: Mechanisms to advance the implementation of the Arkansas Cancer Plan. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C94.