bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract PO-093: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from peripheral blood is detectable among Ghanaian breast cancer patients
Authors: Ahuno Samuel T. , Edusei Lawrence , Titiloye Nicolas , Adjei Ernest , Clegg-Lamptey Joe-Nat , Yarney Joel , Wiafe-Addai Beatrice , Awuah Baffour , Vanderpuye Verne , Duggan Maire , Wiafe Seth , Nyarko Kofi , Aitpillah Francis , Ansong Daniel , Ahearn Thomas , Kwarteng Alexander , Abubakar Mustapha , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Ha Gavin , Figueroa Jonine D. , Polak Paz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Cancer incidence is rising and mortality rates are high in Africa, where access to molecular pathology is limited. Analysis of cancer-related mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) that is shed into the bloodstream by tumor cells could be transformative to the African continent and provide new molecular insights. Using samples collected from the Ghana Breast Health Study we tested whether whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of cfDNA could detect ctDNA and identify somatic alterations that drive breast cancer. We selected 15 breast cancer patients (median age 49.5 years) with duplicated plasma samples. Pathologic grade, age, and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 were available for the majority of patients (&gt;80%). cfDNA extraction and WGS at 30x and 0.1x was performed. ichorCNA software was used on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) read counts to estimate the ctDNA fraction and predict copy number alteration profiles. High depth 30x cfDNA-WGS analysis showed that all 15 breast cancer patients had 1% ctDNA or greater (median[IQR] 3.96%[2.22%-8.13%]). There was high concordance between estimated ctDNA fraction using 0.1x and 30x WGS (Pearson r = 0.9). Copy number profiling showed extensive amplification and deletion of multiple chromosomal regions containing important cancer genes (such as MYC, PIK3CA, TERT, and GATA3). Of the four patients classified as HER2 positive based on IHC, two had increased ERBB2 copy number (50 and 3 copies, respectively). Our data provide evidence that ctDNA-based genomic studies are possible and ctDNA analysis could be a tool for future molecular oncology studies in Africa for cancer etiology, surveillance and clinical trials.
Citation Format: Samuel T. Ahuno, Lawrence Edusei, Nicolas Titiloye, Ernest Adjei, Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey, Joel Yarney, Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, Baffour Awuah, Verne Vanderpuye, Maire Duggan, Seth Wiafe, Kofi Nyarko, Francis Aitpillah, Daniel Ansong, Thomas Ahearn, Alexander Kwarteng, Mustapha Abubakar, Montserrat Garcia-Closas, Gavin Ha, Jonine D. Figueroa, Paz Polak, on behalf of the Ghana Breast Health Study Team. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from peripheral blood is detectable among Ghanaian breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-093.
Abstract PO-112: Survey on purview, composition and logistical issues concerning provision of home care services among providers affiliated to a non-governmental organization
Authors: Arora Rahul D. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background This survey, which was conceptualized and completed during a month long posting with an NGO specializing in provision of "specialist home care", was born out of a felt need to understand the structure and nature of medical care being provided, under the aforementioned umbrella designation. Methods A questionnaire was administered to doctors, nurses, social workers and volunteers during the monthly audit. Results 43/45 considered Home care services to be a part of generalist palliative care. All respondents agreed that dispensing essential drugs was an integral component of home care. 31/45 agreed upon the need to obtain a local physician liaison in the management of important medical issues. 32/45 expressed agreement that Pediatric palliative care required specialist input. 43/45 agreed on the need to carry a stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and pulse oximeter at the time of each visit. 43/45 agreed that subcutaneous injection and therapeutic paracentesis can be performed safely at home. 42/45 agreed that prescription stamped by a registered medical practitioner should be provided to all patients prescribed essential narcotic drugs. 34/45 preferred the presence of a doctor during the visit.
37/45 agreed that the presence of a doctor was essential towards ensuring effectiveness of the services provided. 25/45 agreed that measurement of vitals is an important component of a home care visit. 36/44 agreed that the average duration of a home care visit should be 30-45 minutes. 9/44 respondents agreed that the maximum time spent at the patient's place should be 15 minutes. 21/45 agreed with the statement that Travel can constitute upto 50 percent of the time during a single day. 20/43 agreed that Travel should not constitute more than 25 percent of the total time allotted for a particular day. 12/45 agreed that the frequency of visits should be kept at a maximum of two times per month. Conclusions Guidelines, governing home care are need to address the dual issues of maximum time that can be spent during travel and the limit of time permissible at a patients home. There should be a clear directive on the frequency of visits, in order to provide a more professional slant to these services.
Citation Format: Rahul D. Arora. Survey on purview, composition and logistical issues concerning provision of home care services among providers affiliated to a non-governmental organization [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-112.
Abstract PO-113: Survey aimed at understanding caregiver attitudes towards components of an effective home care service
Authors: Arora Rahul D. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Home care teams ensure that essential palliative medicine services are available at the Patient's doorstep. The complexities accompanying the duties of a caregiver in provision of holistic palliative and end of life care in these circumstances are underlined by the existence of psychological issues such as caregiver burden and distress, unique to this population. Re-dressal of these psychological constructs, which have the potential to impact the family's perception of effectiveness of services is an important responsibility of the home care service provider. Methods A questionnaire based upon themes of purview, scope and composition of Home care services was administered during a visit undertaken as part of month long posting in a Non-governmental organization. Caregiver opinion on issues such as frequency, timing and duration of visits and preferences in addition to important domains of patient care were sought. Results A total of 9 caregivers provided their consent for the interview. There was a reasonable degree of resonance with the idea that the Home care team should stock essential drugs, general agreement that the services being rendered were essential to the patient and their caregivers, acceptance that the frequency of visits remain once a week, due acknowledgement of the central role of the accompanying doctor and importance of a social worker during the visit. Majority (8/9) of those interviewed, agreed that the Home care team should be lead by a doctor, while, a similar number concurred that affilation to an NGO provided a more human face to the endeavour. However, there was a lack of consensus on the appropriateness of weekend visits, optimum time spent per visit (limiting the total duration of interaction with the patient and family to a maximum of 15 minutes had only 3 takers), acceptability of maintaining a drug diary and need for the same doctor to accompany the team on consecutive visits. Conclusions Guidelines are yet to address the duties and responsibilities of the Physician providing Home care services. Outreach programmes, which provide an opportunity to impart quality caregiver education, cater to a well defined population and involve the close participation of the Local health functionaries could help build momentum in the right direction.
Citation Format: Rahul D. Arora. Survey aimed at understanding caregiver attitudes towards components of an effective home care service [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-113.
Abstract PO-114: Initiation and adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy among urban, insured American Indian/Alaskan Native breast cancer survivors
Authors: Emerson Marc A. , Achacoso Ninah , Benefield Halei C. , Troester Melissa A. , Habel Laurel A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Disparities in adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) initiation and adherence have been shown by race/ethnicity, however the relationship among American Indian/Alaskan Natives (AIAN) is poorly understood, particularly among the 73% of urban residing AIAN. We evaluated whether AET-initiation and adherence were lower among AIAN than other races/ethnicities enrolled in Kaiser Permanente of Northern California (KPNC) health system. Methods: We identified 23,680 AET- eligible (first primary, stage I-III, hormone receptor-positive breast cancers) patients from 1997 to 2014 and used KPNC’s pharmacy records to identify AET-prescriptions and refill dates. We assessed AET-initiation (≥1 filled prescription within 1-year of diagnosis) and AET-adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC] ≥80%) every year up to 5-years post AET-initiation. Results: At the end of the 5-year period, 83% were AET-initiators and 58% were AET-adherent. Compared to all other races/ethnicities, AIAN women had the second lowest AET-initiation (Black=78.0%, AIAN=78.6%, Hispanic=83.0%, non-Hispanic white [NHW]=82.5%, Asian=84.7%), the lowest AET- adherence by the end of the 1-year and 5-year period (70.3% and 50.8% vs. NHW=76.4% and 58.8%, respectively), and the greatest AET-discontinuation in year period 4 to 5 (13.8% AET-adherence decrease, 64.6% to 50.8%), after AET-initiation. In the multivariable models adjusting for age, socioeconomic and clinical factors, AIAN, Hispanic, and Black women were less likely than NHW women to be AET- adherent although the number of AIAN was small leading to imprecise estimates. At the end of the 5-year period, total underutilization (combining initiation and adherence) in AET-eligible was greatest among AIAN (70.6%), followed by Black (69.6%), Hispanic (63.2%), NHW (58.7%), and Asian (52.3%), underscoring the AET- treatment gap. Conclusion: Our results suggest that AET-initiation and adherence are particularly low for insured AIAN women. Results suggest that interventions are needed, even for urban, insured AIAN women who tend to have greater geographic access and fewer financial issues than their rural counterparts.
Citation Format: Marc A. Emerson, Ninah Achacoso, Halei C. Benefield, Melissa A. Troester, Laurel A. Habel. Initiation and adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy among urban, insured American Indian/Alaskan Native breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-114.
Abstract PO-129: High expression of MKK3 correlates with poor clinical outcomes in African American breast cancer patients
Authors: Yang Xuan , Amgad Mohamed , Cooper Lee A.D. , Du Yuhong , Fu Haian , Ivanov Andrey A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
African American women experience a 2-fold higher incidence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than women of other ethnicities. Previous studies have revealed a higher frequency of inactivating mutations in multiple tumor suppressor genes in African American breast cancer patients as compared to White patients. However, the molecular bases for the survival disparity in breast cancer remain unclear, and no race-specific therapeutically actionable targets have been proposed. To address this clinical need, we took the computational systems biology approach to uncover new potentially druggable genes that contribute in poor clinical outcomes of African American breast cancer patients. Through a comprehensive analysis of gene expression and survival data determined for The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer patient cohort, we found that more than 30% of all protein-coding genes are differentially expressed in White and African American breast cancer patients. The cluster analysis of co- regulated genes combined with the pathway enrichment analysis revealed a strong association of genes upregulated in African American patients with major oncogenic processes including cell cycle regulation, immunodeficiency, and oxidative phosphorylation. We have further identified more than 30 genes whose overexpression correlates with worsened clinical outcomes of African American breast cancer patients but not White patients. Among those genes, the overexpression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3) has one of the most dramatic and race-specific impacts on the survival of African American TNBC patients. We found that MKK3 can promote the TNBC tumorigenesis in African American patients in part by activating the master regulator MYC through protein- protein interaction. Together, this study uncovered new genetic features and molecular mechanisms of breast cancer tumorigenesis. As one example, we discovered new functional connectivity between poor clinical outcomes of African American TNBC patients and activation of the MYC transcriptional program through MKK3 signaling. These findings may open new opportunities for clinical investigations to reduce the survival disparity in breast cancer.
Citation Format: Xuan Yang, Mohamed Amgad, Lee A.D. Cooper, Yuhong Du, Haian Fu, Andrey A. Ivanov. High expression of MKK3 correlates with poor clinical outcomes in African American breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-129.
Abstract PO-130: Molecular profiling of tumor mutations in PR Hispanics with cancer: Moving towards oncology precision medicine
Authors: Hernandez Aida M. Rodriguez , Rodriguez Sariemma Mendez , Torres Gabriela Torres , Correa Marcia Cruz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Molecular profiling techniques such as next-generation sequencing to identify somatic mutations in tumors from oncologic patients allows physicians to have a better understanding of the tumor carcinogenic pathway and thus design therapeutic treatment strategies. The objective of our study was to provide data on the results of a sample of Puerto Rican patients with solid tumors and identify the prevalence of genetic mutations. Methods: We conducted a single-institution clinical study based on results of molecular tumor profiling of 592 known mutations using next-generation sequencing testing (CARIS Life Sciences). Mutations in actionable genes were highlighted as they have current or developing molecular therapies for oncology patients. Results: Tumors from a sample population of 50 Puerto Rican patients were evaluated using CARIS Life Science testing. The median age of our study population was 55 (range 21-84) with 54% (27) males and 46% (23) females.
The primary tumor sites found among the population were in colorectal (n=24), gastric (n=5), breast (n=4), lung (n=3), unknown (n=3) bladder (n=1), bile duct (n=1), pancreas (n=1), endometrial (n=1), ovarian (n=1), Hypopharynx (n=1) kidney (n=1), ovarian (n=1), pancreas (n=1), prostate (n=1), spine (n=1), tongue (n=1), and Tonsillar Pillar (n=1). Mutations were found in multiple signaling pathways: Cell cycle control, Chromatin Remodeling/DNA Methylation, DNA Damage and Repair, G Protein Signaling, MAPK Signaling, PI3K/Akt Signaling, RNA Splicing, and Wnt / β-Catenin Signaling. Discussion: Molecular profiling techniques such as next-generation sequencing has allowed for massive parallel sequencing of the human genome to further study the cancer genome. From this sample population of Puerto Rican patients with cancer, we have found a high prevalence of TP53, APC, and KRAS mutations, with less predominance of EGFR and HRD pathway mutations. Novel therapies targeting specific pathways require understanding the somatic mutation profile to establish precision medicine and improve therapeutic responses.
Acknowledgments: Pan American Center for Oncology Trials
Citation Format: Aida M. Rodriguez Hernandez, Sariemma Mendez Rodriguez, Gabriela Torres Torres, Marcia Cruz Correa. Molecular profiling of tumor mutations in PR Hispanics with cancer: Moving towards oncology precision medicine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-130.
Abstract PO-132: Rosmarinic acid-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Soliman Karam F.A. , Messeha Samia S. , Zarmouh Najla O. , Asiri Abrar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a polyphenolic compound with various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. This study evaluated the effects of RA in two racially different triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. One cell line was derived from Caucasian origin (MDA-MB-231), and another one was derived from an African American origin (MDA-MB-468). The apoptotic effect of RA was performed using An Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit, while the Propidium Iodide Flow Cytometry Kit was used to detect the cell cycle distribution. Gene expression profiling was established using Human Apoptosis PCR array. The results obtained show that RA significantly caused cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects in both cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It was noted that RA induced cell cycle arrest-related apoptosis and altered the expression of many apoptosis-involved genes differently. In MDA-MB-231 cells, RA arrested the cells in the G0/G1 phase. In contrast, RA causes S-phase arrest in MDA-MB-468 cells, leading to a 2-fold increase in the apoptotic effect compared to MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, in MDA-MB- 231 cells, RA significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of three genes: Harakiri (HRK), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 25 (TNFRSF25), and BCL-2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3). In contrast, in the MDA-MB-468 cell line, RA induced a significant transcription activation in three genes, including TNF, growth arrest, and DNA damage-inducible 45 alpha (GADD45A), and BNIP3. Furthermore, RA repressed the expression of TNF receptor superfamily 11B (TNFRSF11B) in MDA-MB-231 cells in comparison to the ligand TNF superfamily member 10 (TNFSF10) and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5 (BIRC5) in MDA-MB-468 cells. In conclusion, the data suggest that the polyphenol RA may have a potential role in TNBC therapies, particularly in African American cells.
Citation Format: Karam F.A. Soliman, Samia S. Messeha, Najla O. Zarmouh, Abrar Asiri. Rosmarinic acid-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in triple-negative breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-132.
Abstract PO-136: MicroRNA-1205 directly binds to FRYL and suppresses aggressive prostate cancer
Authors: Graña-Amat Xavier , Ogunwobi Olorunseun , Naidoo Michelle K. , Levine Fayola 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
High mortality rates of prostate cancer (PCa) are associated with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) due to the maintenance of androgen receptor (AR) signaling despite androgen deprivation therapies (ADTs). Resistance to second generation ADTs leads to the progression to AR-independent neuroendocrine PCa (NEPC), which is observed in nearly 1 in 5 men with mCRPC and is associated with very poor outcome. PCa neuroendocrine differentiation (PCND) is observed in treatment-related NEPC, however, this mechanism is poorly understood. The 8q24 chromosomal locus is an important prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility region containing genetic variants associated with increased PCa incidence and aggressiveness. PVT1 is a gene located within this region that encodes microRNA- 1205 (miR-1205), whose function is largely unknown. We have previously reported that miR-1205 is underexpressed in a cohort of histologically confirmed PCa tissue, when compared to normal tissue and is also underexpressed in vitro in CRPC cells, when compared to non-CRPC cells. We also demonstrated that exogenous miR-1205 significantly inhibited tumor volume in CRPC-derived xenograft male NOD/SCID gamma mice, suggesting that miR-1205 is a tumor suppressor. To understand the molecular mechanism of miR-1205, we demonstrated that miR-1205 directly targets Fry-like (FRYL) by performing an RNA pulldown assay. FRYL is predicted to regulate dendritic branching leading to the hypothesis that FRYL plays a role in PCND. To examine miR-1205 regulation of FRYL in PCND in vitro, LNCaP cells were cultured under androgen deprivation conditions for fourteen days. We observed FRYL mRNA overexpression and a significant reduction of miR-1205 expression in LNCaP-PCND cells when compared to undifferentiated LNCaP cells. To further determine whether this mechanism drives PCND, miR-1205 was inhibited in RWPE-1 and LNCaP androgen-sensitive cells. As a result, FRYL protein expression was increased along with neuroendocrine marker expression when compared to cells transfected with a negative control. To determine whether PCND is driven directly through FRYL activity, FRYL was silenced using an siRNA in PC-3 cells (model of NEPC). Interestingly, knockdown of FRYL did not reveal a decrease of neuroendocrine markers, suggesting that miR-1205 may induce PCND independently of FRYL. Further understanding this molecular mechanism may provide novel insights into overcoming ADT resistance in aggressive PCa.
Citation Format: Xavier Graña-Amat, Olorunseun Ogunwobi, Michelle K. Naidoo, Fayola Levine. MicroRNA-1205 directly binds to FRYL and suppresses aggressive prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-136.