bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth factor and its role in the treatment of patients with soft tissue extremity sarcoma receiving chemotherapy managed at an academic center: A retrospective study.
Authors: Pancholy Neha , Walter Vonn , Drabick Joseph J. , Fox Edward J , Zaorsky Nicholas George , Vasekar Monali K. 
Published: May 2020

e23573 Background: Surgery still remains the mainstay of treatment with curative intent for high grade extremity soft tissue non rhabdomyosarcoma sarcomas (HG ESTS). Adjuvant/neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (CT) is still debatable, but most experts agree about its role in HG-ESTS in combination with radiation (R). Interdigitated CT+R is an attractive method of delivering these modalities of treatment in short time prior to surgery, however safety of using growth factor (GF) while administering CT+R in HG ESTS is largely unknown. We conducted a retrospective study of the toxicities associated with GF administration in this setting at a single institution. Methods: Electronic medical records at one institution were reviewed to identify patients having a diagnosis of extremity STS between October 2017- January 2020. Demographics, details of tumor characteristics, and treatment details were noted. Details of Interdigitated (ID)CRT were noted; the intended CT regimen was doxorubicin/ifosphamide/mesna (MAI) at 100% of the intended dosing. Data regarding the toxicities associated with GF administration were also evaluated in these patients; specifically, the development of febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and pulmonary toxicity were evaluated. Patients who presented with metastatic disease were excluded from this analysis. Results: 22 patients were identified. Median age was 63 years. Of these, 9 patients (40%) were smokers. At diagnosis, 6 patients (27%) had metastatic disease. The most common site of primary disease was the thigh (50%). The most common histology was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (59%). CT monotherapy was administered in 3 patients. RT was administered in 14 patients, out of whom interdigitated CRT was administered in 10 patients. 60% of patients who initiated were able to receive 3 cycles of ID-CRT prior to Surgery. GF was administered in 14 patients who received regimens including CT. Of patients receiving ID-CRT who received GF, 60% completed ID-CRT without delays. No delays occurred due to thrombocytopenia. Febrile neutropenia occured in 22% of patients who received GF. Only 1 patient who received GF suffered prolonged thrombocytopenia. No patients who received GF were noted to have pulmonary toxicity. Conclusions: For adults with HG ESTS, GF administration with ID-CRT does not appear to cause any additional delay in treatment due to prolonged thrombocytopenia or lung toxicity. Inclusion of GF administration in further prospective trials of ID-CRT appears feasible.
Outcome of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy +/- intraoperative radiation therapy in the management of peritoneal sarcomatosis: Real world experience.
Authors: Badran Ahmed ali , Elashwah Ahmed , Elshenawy Mahmoud Abdelsatar , Azzam Ayman , Alshibani Aisha , Alrakaf Reem , AbdelRehem Rania Naguib , Eldali Abdelmoniem , Amin Tarek 
Published: May 2020

e23581 Background: Sarcomas are aggressive malignancy,30-40% of them originate from retroperitoneal space. which makes adequate free surgical margin after surgical debulking mostly not achievable. The addition of Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)+/- Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) may overcome local failure with an overall survival benefit. we studied the outcome of cytoreductive surgery (CRS)+ HIPEC +/- IORT on patients with peritoneal sarcomatosis,at our institute. Methods: Patients with peritoneal sarcomatosis treated with CRS+ HIPEC +/- IORT, in the period between 2011-2016 were included. Results: 24 patients identified;15(62.5%) were males. Median age was 58(31-77). Liposarcoma was the most frequent diagnosis in 50% of them. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was received in 5 patients, while neoadjuvant radiation therapy was received in 3 patients. Cytoreduction completeness score (CC-0/1) was achieved in 19(79.17%), with median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of 11 (3–28). Melphalan was the most commonly used agent for HIPEC chemotherapy, it was used in 16(66.67%) patients. IORT was given in 16(66.67%) patients. 8 patients developed grade III-IV Clavien-Dindo (CD) complications, with one died 5 days post operatively due to pulmonary embolism. Adjuvant chemotherapy was received in 9 patients. After a median follow up of 21 months, the mean, 2 years and estimated 4 years progression free survival was 19.6 months, 30.6% and 15.3% respectively, 13(54.2%) patients developed systemic progression, lung was the most affected site at time of progression in 8/13(61.5%) patients. Local progression occurred in two patients, while both systemic and local progression occurred in one patient. The 3 cases progressed locally underwent redo CRS and HIPEC with average 18 months between the first and redo surgery. The mean, 2 years and estimated 4 years overall survival was 21.2 months, 75.7% and 75.7% respective. In univariate analysis only CC score correlate with PFS, the mean PFS for those patients with CC (0-1) vs (2-3) was 13.7 vs 11.5 months ( p = 0.036). Conclusions: Addition of HIPEC+IORT to surgical debulking in the management of peritoneal sarcomatosis; seems to be safe and may improve local control rate with a questionable survival benefit, a larger cohort with a multicentric study is needed for further evaluation.
Impact of advance care planning on the place of death for cancer patients: A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Orlovic Martina , Riley Julia , Droney Joanne 
Published: May 2020

e24007 Background: Place of death is an important indicator of quality of end-of-life care (EOLC). Most patients do not want to die in hospital and hospital deaths are costly to healthcare organisations. Advance care planning (ACP) includes discussions about where patients want to die. Cancer patients often have a distinct illness trajectory with a clear terminal phase, enabling opportunities for EOLC planning. This work aims to explore the impact of ACP on the outcomes and place of death for cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective decedent cohort study of 10,727 cancer patients with a Coordinate My Care (CMC) record created 2011-2019. CMC is a digital platform that enables patients to record, revise and share their ACP and EOLC preferences with primary, secondary and urgent healthcare providers in London. Logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the relationship between in-hospital death and a range of individual characteristics and EOLC preferences. Results: Only 1% chose hospital as their preferred place of death. Overall, 71% died in their place of preference. Home (42%) was the most common place of death, while 20% died in hospital. The likelihood in-hospital death is positively associated with being older (OR = 1.12, p < 0.1), hospital being the preferred place of care (OR = 2.56, p < 0.001), hospital being the preferred place of death (OR = 2.85, p < 0.001) and if the preferred place of death is not recorded (OR = 1.32, p < 0.001). By contrast, patients who are severely frail (OR = 0.61, p < 0.001), who chose not to be resuscitated (OR = 0.56, p < 0.001) and who have a ceiling of treatment for symptomatic rather than intensive hospital based treatments (OR = 0.40, p < 0.001) are less likely to die in hospital. Conclusions: Most cancer patients prefer out-of-hospital death. Discussing, recording and sharing individual’s EOL preferences leads to better quality EOLC. Patient characteristics influence in-hospital deaths, but EOLC preferences exert stronger impact. Enabling cancer patients to die outside of hospital has positive implications for patients and their families and supports cost-effective use of healthcare resources.
Effectiveness of a medical student-led, advanced care planning intervention in an inpatient cancer population.
Authors: Nguyen Linda , Lo Shelly S. , Adams William , Hutchison Paul J. 
Published: May 2020

e24010 Background: In an effort to provide patients with care that aligns with their values and goals, patients are encouraged to complete advance directives (ADs). While research has shown the benefits of advanced care planning (ACP) sessions, few studies have examined the thematic content of ACP discussions in an inpatient hematology or oncology population. Methods: We enrolled patients admitted to the hematology and oncology unit of an academic medical center who had never completed a power-of-attorney for healthcare form. One medical student 1) helped patients complete a power-of-attorney for healthcare form and 2) performed semi-structured interviews that explored patient's values, beliefs about end-of-life care, and preferences for medical treatments. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through thematic analysis. Subjects completed pre- and post- surveys assessing their knowledge and attitudes about ACP. Results: All 48 patients enrolled in the study completed an advance directive. There was no significant change between pre- and post- intervention surveys evaluating patients’ trust in their physicians or family members to choose the right treatments for them in a life-threatening situation. Similarly, there was no change in patients’ comfort level discussing advance care planning after the interview. 79.2% of patients agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend this ACP conversation to family and friends. 35.5% of patients agreed or strongly agreed that having this ACP conversation made them anxious. In the qualitative arm of the study, analysis suggests that cancer patients are willing to undergo further treatment unless it burdens their loved ones or interferes with quality time spent with family and friends. Motivating factors for patients included their spirituality and ability to fulfill a responsibility in a defined role. Conclusions: An ACP intervention performed by a medical student can increase the number of advance directives among patients admitted to inpatient hematology and oncology units. While this intervention may be anxiety-provoking for patients, it can illuminate the relative value patients place on the quality of their life versus their longevity.
Rate of complete chemotherapy as planned with comprehensive geriatric assessment guided intervention among vulnerable elderly cancer patients: A randomized-open-label study.
Authors: Maikami Manupol , Parinyanitikul Napa , Poovorawan Nattaya 
Published: May 2020

e24021 Background: The Geriatric 8 (G8) is a simplified screening tool to select the appropriate elderly patients for chemotherapy. Vulnerable patients with impaired G8 score might need additional comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) with intervention for individual problem. However, the impact of CGA and therapeutic intervention on rate of complete chemotherapy among these patients is rarely addressed. This study aims to evaluate the benefit of CGA guided intervention. Methods: A single center, randomized, open-label study which included newly diagnosed elderly cancer patients (age ≥ 65) with impaired G8 score (≤ 14) who were designated for chemotherapy. After the enrollment, patients were randomized to 1:1 ratio to receive CGA guided intervention (intervention group) or usual care (control group). The primary end point was the rate of complete chemotherapy at 90-day. Associated factors for complete chemotherapy were evaluated. Results: Between June 2019 and December 2019, 52 patients were randomized (26 patients for intervention group and 26 patients for control group). Mean age was 72 years, 59.6% was female, 40.4% had breast cancer and 51.9% had early stage cancer. With G8 assessment, 55.8% had intermediate (score 11-14) and 44.2% had low (score < 11) impaired G8 score. All baseline characteristics were balanced. Using per protocol analysis, there was no significant difference in rate of complete chemotherapy between groups (61.9% vs 50%, OR 1.63; 95%Cl 0.51-5.23; p = 0.42). Considering subgroup analysis in the intermediate G8 score patients, the intervention group had a significant higher rate of complete chemotherapy than control group (81.8% vs 66.7%, OR 2.71; p = 0.02), but no significant difference in low G8 score group (40% vs 27.3%, OR 1.78; p = 0.58). In univariate analysis, age below 75 years, BMI > 20 kg/m2 and intermediate G8 score showed significant factors for improving rate of complete chemotherapy. Conclusions: This is the first study in south-east Asia using CGA and intervention to improve rate of completion in chemotherapy. Although the CGA and intervention had no significant difference but had tendency to be better in completion rate of chemotherapy than usual care. The intermediate-impaired G8 score subgroup is more likely to benefit from CGA guided intervention for complete chemotherapy as planned.
Post-operative delirium in older patients following cancer related and other high-risk surgeries.
Authors: Elias Rawad , Staff Ilene , Thompson Stephen , Waszynski Christine , Zanchi Jennifer , Dicks Robert 
Published: May 2020

e24024 Background: Older adults are at increased risk for postoperative delirium (POD). This risk might be higher in patients with cancer as underlying malignancy and its complications predispose individuals to develop delirium. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the onset of delirium in this patient population especially as POD is associated with increased risk of rehospitalization, decline in cognitive function, morbidity and mortality. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients aged ≥ 70 years admitted January 2017 through July 2019 to a tertiary care referral center for a high-risk surgery, defined as associated with a mortality risk greater than 1%. Cancer related surgeries (CRS) were identified through cross matching with Cancer Registry. Patients who had delirium assessment in the postoperative setting using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) were included. Chi-square tests of proportion, Wilcoxon Ranked Sum and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 2340 patients were included in this analysis, 315 of whom had (CRS). Overall, the age (median, IQR) of patients at surgery was 76 years (72-80) and the length of stay (LOS) was 7 (4-11) days. Patients receiving CRS were younger (75, 72-79) than those with non-CRS (76, 72-81) (p = 0.022); had a shorter post-operative LOS (4, 2-7 vs. 5, 3-8; p > 0.001), and were less likely to develop POD (7.6% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001). Among patients receiving CSR, those who developed POD were older (78 vs. 74; p = 0.008) and had longer post-operative LOS (14.0 vs. 4.0; p < 0.001). Those having experienced radiotherapy (RT) for cancer within the year before the surgery, were more likely to develop POD (40.0% vs. 6.6% p. < 0.001). Chemotherapy in the year prior to surgery did not increase the risk of POD (6.1% vs. 7.8%; p = 0.721). Among those having non-CRS, a cancer diagnosis did not affect POD. A logistic regression predicting POD indicated that the lower likelihood of POD following CRS was independent of age or gender (OR = 0.40; p < .001); RT within one year prior was independent predictor of higher POD (OR = 5.48; p = 0.003). Our data presentation will include further analysis of POD risk factors. Conclusions: Although older adults receiving CRS were significantly less likely to develop delirium than patients with other high-risk surgeries, it is still important to evaluate POD in this population due to its impact of patients’ outcomes. Further understanding of POD risk factors, such as preoperative RT, would allow the development of targeted interventions that might lessen the risk.
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in older adults with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer undergoing surgery.
Authors: Knight Helen Perry , Qian Carolyn L. , Kaslow-Zieve Emilia R. , Azoba Chinenye C. , Ferrone Cristina R. , Kunitake Hiroko , Fernandez-del Castillo Carlos , Lanuti Michael , Qadan Motaz , Ricciardi Rocco , Lillemoe Keith D. , Franco-Garcia Esteban , O'Malley Terrence A. , Jackson Vicki A. , Greer Joseph A. , El-Jawahri Areej , Temel Jennifer S. , Nipp Ryan David 
Published: May 2020

e24032 Background: Older adults with GI cancer often experience poor surgical outcomes, yet little is known about their PROs, such as physical function, quality of life (QOL), and physical and psychological symptom burden. Methods: As part of a randomized trial of perioperative geriatric care, we prospectively enrolled older adults with GI cancer planning to undergo surgical resection. We asked patients preoperatively to self-report their physical function (ability to perform activities of daily living [ADLs] and instrumental ADLs [IADLs], higher scores indicate better functioning), QOL (EORTC QLQ-C30, higher scores indicate better QOL), symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS], higher scores indicate more severe symptoms, scores > 3 considered moderate/severe [mod/sev]), and depression symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS], higher scores indicate more severe symptoms, scores > 4 represent a positive screen for depression). We used regression models to identify patient characteristics associated with these PROs. We also explored relationships among PROs and surgical outcomes (receiving planned surgery, postoperative readmissions, and survival). Results: We enrolled 160 of 221 (72.4%) patients approached. A minority of patients were independent in all ADLs (5.2%) and IADLs (47.7%). Patients reported an average of 2.56 mod/sev ESAS symptoms, and 27.7% screened positive for depression, with 53.1% reporting at least one comorbidity. The number of comorbidities was significantly associated with impaired ADLs (B = -0.63, P < .01) and lower QOL (EORTC: B = -2.74, P = .03). For surgical outcomes, patients with better physical function were more likely to receive their planned surgery (ADLs: OR = 1.21, P = .02; IADLS: OR = 1.30, P = .03). Higher QOL correlated with greater odds of receiving planned surgery (EORTC: OR = 1.03, P = .06), but this did not reach statistical significance. A higher number of mod/sev ESAS symptoms was associated with greater postoperative readmission risk within 90 days of surgery (HR = 1.13, P = .03). Better physical function was associated with better postoperative survival (ADLs: HR = 0.87, P = .02; IADLs: HR = 0.73, P < .01), and higher depression scores correlated with worse survival (GDS: HR = 1.13, P = .02). Conclusions: Older adults with GI cancer often have baseline functional limitations and a high physical and psychological symptom burden, all of which are associated with worse surgical outcomes. Future work should study whether addressing preoperative PROs could improve older patients’ surgical outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT02810652 .
Clinician perspectives of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) at an academic cancer center.
Authors: Husain Marium , Rogers Sherise C. , Klemanski Dori , Fullmer Michelle , Hreachmack Catherine , Kemper Kathi , Stephens Julie , Desai Payal Chandarana , Lustberg Maryam B. 
Published: May 2020

e24047 Background: Surveys suggest up to 87% of patients with cancer use complementary and integrative (CIM) therapies such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage and mind-body practices. These therapies may assist with symptoms of pain, nausea and anxiety. However, several studies have demonstrated that many clinicians do not inquire about CIM use, which may be due to lack of education and/or limited evidence-based data. We sought to explore the perspectives of clinicians at an academic comprehensive cancer center on the use of CIM therapies. Methods: Physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) who practice medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology and neuro-oncology in a Midwest tertiary comprehensive cancer center were asked to participate in a 9-question online survey which inquired about their personal knowledge and recommendation for 21 different CIM therapies (not all are offered at the cancer center). Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: The response rate for this survey was 24.5% (n = 49). Responders were from the following specialties: hematology (n = 17; 35%); solid tumor (n = 18; 37%); both hematology and solid tumor (n = 8; 16%), surgical oncology (n = 3; 6%); gynecologic oncology (n = 2; 4%) and radiation oncology (n = 1; 2%). Sixty-seven percent were attending physicians and hematology/oncology fellows (n = 33), and 33% were APPs (n = 16). Median age range was 30-39 years (range 20-59). The most recommended CIM therapy for cancer treatment-related effects was massage (80%), followed by deep breathing (55%). The least recommended CIM therapies were traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine (2%), followed by vitamins/minerals and homeopathy (both 6%). Participants requested more education on CBD/CBD oil (59%) and herbs/botanicals (49%). Up to 14% of respondents already had education on five integrative therapies. Conclusions: Hematology/oncology clinicians do not routinely recommend most CIM therapies, except for massage therapy. Efforts should be made to educate clinicians regarding CIM therapies used by patients with cancer as well resources that appraise the efficacy, safety, and potential drug interactions of these therapies. Education could encourage informed decision-making and improved patient-clinician communication and satisfaction.
Safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the management of recurrent clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) in cancer patients.
Authors: Ali Hiba , Ma Weijie , Khurana Shruti , Jiang Zhi-Dong , DuPont Herbert L. , Okhuysen Pablo , Thomas Anusha , Wang Yinghong 
Published: May 2020

e24048 Background: Cancer patients are at a significantly increased risk of rCDI by virtue of a compromised immune function from underlying malignancy, anti-cancer therapy and frequent antibiotic use for opportunistic infections. Furthermore, cancer patients have shown to have a lower response rate to standard oral antibiotics for CDI. Data is limited in regards to the safety and efficacy of FMT in managing rCDI in cancer patients. We aim to describe our experience of the same at a tertiary care cancer center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of cancer patients who underwent FMT for rCDI at the MD Anderson Cancer Center 06/2017-01/2020. FMT was performed through colonoscopy with universal donors’ stool. Baseline clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Our sample comprises 19 patients of whom 12 had solid tumors and 7 hematological malignancies, most of which were stage 4 at the time of FMT. The mean age was 66.5 years. Most patients received proton pump inhibitor, antibiotics and cancer therapy within 3-6 months of FMT. On average, each patient had 3 episodes of CDI, received 4 courses of antibiotic treatments, and required 4 CDI related hospitalizations within 1 year prior to FMT. Majority of the CDI episodes were managed with a combination of antibiotics. Bezlotoxumab was used in 4 cases. 18 patients received FMT once, while one patient was treated with FMT thrice. Clinical response was seen in 74% patients with a median time of 1 day. 5 patients had refractory CDI including 3 recurrent rCDI, and 2 persistent symptoms. Compared to patients with good response, these refractory cases received more frequent antibiotics following FMT (100% vs 43%, p=0.033). Side effects were mostly mild GI complaints in 15.8% patients with no serious adverse events or mortality related to FMT. Conclusions: Our study shows that FMT is a safe and effective treatment for rCDI in cancer patients and provides rapid resolution of symptoms; Subsequent antibiotic use for the management of cancer related complications can negatively affect the efficacy of FMT. [Table: see text]