bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical activity participation and functional limitations in geriatric cancer survivors.
Authors: Sprod Lisa , Mohile Supriya Gupta , Fan Lin , Janelsins Michelle Christine , Peppone Luke Joseph , Chandwani Kavita Dayal , Morrow Gary R. , Mustian Karen Michelle 
Published: March 2020

9009 Background: Functional limitations (FL) increase with age, as does cancer incidence. Treatments for cancer may exacerbate age-related FL. Physical activity (PA) reduces the risk of recurrence of some cancers and may improve survival. FL may reduce PA participation in geriatric cancer survivors (>65 yrs.) which could increase the risk of recurrence and reduce survival. This investigation describes and compares patterns of PA and FL in geriatric cancer survivors versus those without a cancer history. Methods: Using a national sample of community-dwelling elders (> 65 yrs.) from the 2003 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (N=14,887), we characterized the differences between cancer survivors and those without a cancer history in FL, current amount of PA, and current amount of PA compared to PA one year prior. Respondents rated FL on a 1-5 scale (1=no difficulty, 5=can’t do): stooping, crouching, or kneeling (stoop), carrying objects up to 10 lbs (lift), extending arms above shoulder level (reach), grasping small objects (grasp), and walking ¼ of a mile (walk). Frequency of walking for a least 10 minutes (1-5 rating scale; 1=daily, 5=never), weekly participation in PA, exercise, or sports (yes/no), and time spent doing moderate or vigorous PA (hrs/wk) were reported. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations. Results: Of the 14,887 participants, 2,603 (6%) reported a history of cancer. Compared to those without a cancer history, a greater proportion of cancer survivors reported having difficulty or being unable to stoop, lift, reach, grasp or walk (all p<0.01). Cancer survivors who had more FL were less likely to engage in PA (all p<0.01). Cancer survivors reported a lower frequency of walking at least 10 minutes at a time (p<0.01). Cancer survivors were more likely to decrease PA from the previous year (p<0.01) and spent less time doing moderate (p=0.01) or vigorous activity (p<0.01) than those without a cancer history. Conclusions: Older cancer survivors engage in less PA and are at greater risk of FL than those without a history of cancer. This may lead to reduced independence, a greater risk of cancer recurrence, and reduced survival. Therefore, PA interventions are important in this population.
Correlation of short telomeres (ST) with vulnerability, toxicity, and early death in elderly AOC patients receiving carboplatin: A multicenter GINECO trial.
Authors: Falandry Claire , Horard Béatrice , Alexandre Jerome , Deplanque Gael , Cojocarasu Oana , Salvat Jacques , Legouffe Eric , Cretin Jacques , Meunier Jérome , Maraval-Gaget Raymonde , Micheau-Bonnier Douglas , Gilson Eric , Freyer Gilles 
Published: March 2020

9011 Background: Age induces a progressive decline in the functional reserve and interferes with cancer treatments. As aging is heterogeneous, this decline has to be assessed individually. Telomere attrition leads to tissue senescence. We tested the hypothesis that telomere lenght (TL) could predict pts vulnerability and outcome during cancer treatment. Methods: This study was performed in the “Elderly women” GINECO trial designed to evaluate the impact of geriatric covariates on survival in AOC pts over 70 receiving 6 courses of carboplatin. TL was estimated in duplicate using standard Terminal Restriction Fragment analysis from peripheral blood cells at inclusion and tested for its correlation with geriatric covariates and pts outcomes (TC and tolerance, overall survival: OS). Results: TL (in base pair) was estimated for 109/111 pts (median 5997; extremes [4517-8333]). No significant correlation was found with any pts characteristics. With a cutoff of 5770 bp, TL discriminated two groups with significantly different Treatment Completion (TC) rates: 0.80 (95CI[0.71-0.89]) and 0.59 (95CI[0.41-0.76]), OR=2.8, p=0.02 for long telomere (LT) and short telomere groups, respectively . ST pts were at higher risk of severe adverse events (SAE, OR=2.7; p<0.02) and tended to have more unplanned hospital admissions (OR=2.1; p<0.08). Considering OS, after adjustment on FIGO stage, TL shorter than the median was a nearly significant risk factor of premature death (HR=1.57; p=0.06. Finally, we addressed if TL correlated with our previously validated geriatric vulnerability score (GVS)c including ADL score<6, IADL score<25, albuminemia<35g/l, lymphopenia<1G/L, HADS score£15 as risk factors of poorer survival. Despite no significant correlation with any of these factors, GVS³3) and ST tended to be correlated (OR=2.1; p=0.08). Conclusions: This exploratory study identifies TL as predictive factor of decreased TC, SAE risk, unplanned hospital admissions and OS after adjustment on FIGO stage.
SWOG S0715: Randomized placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine for the prevention of taxane-induced neuropathy during adjuvant breast cancer therapy.
Authors: Hershman Dawn L. , Unger Joseph M , Crew Katherine D. , Moinpour Carol , Minasian Lori M. , Hansen Lisa , Lew Danika , OKane Patricia , Wade James Lloyd , Wong Siu-Fun , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Meyskens Frank L. , Albain Kathy S. 
Published: March 2020

9018 Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, disabling side effect of taxanes that leads to suboptimal treatment and diminished quality of life. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a natural compound involved in tubulin acetylation and neuronal protection. Pre-clinical and phase II studies suggest ALC may be effective for the prevention and treatment of CIPN. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, multi-center, phase III trial comparing ALC (1000 mg TID) vs placebo for 24 wks in women with stage I-III breast cancer undergoing adjuvant taxane therapy was conducted. The primary objective was to determine if ALC prevents CIPN as measured by the 11-item neurotoxicity (NTX) component of the FACT-Taxane scale (low score = worse NTX) at 12 wks. Secondary objectives included change at 24 wks, change in the Trial Outcome Index (TOI), fatigue (FACIT Fatigue) and NTX grade. Patients were stratified by planned treatment, and age (<60, ≥60). Results: 409 patients were evaluable (208 ALC, 201 placebo). No imbalances were observed by age, ethnicity, race, planned taxane treatment, performance status, or stage. The mean FACT-NTX score was 5.2 points lower at 12 wks on ALC and 4.5 points lower on placebo. In a linear regression adjusting for baseline score, planned treatment and age, wk 12 scores were 0.9 points lower on ALC than placebo (95% CI: -2.2 to 0.4, p=.17). At 24 wks, the mean observed FACT-NTX score was lower for ALC (5.3 vs. 3.6). In the multivariate model, wk 24 scores were 1.8 points lower on ALC (95% CI: -3.2 to -0.4, p=.01), representing more self-reported NTX. Grade 3/4 NTX was more frequent in the ALC arm (p=.04). Also at 24 wks, 38% on ALC had >5 point decrease score compared to 28% on placebo (OR=1.57, p=.05), and FACT-TOI scores were 3.5 points lower on ALC (95% CI: -6.5 to -0.4, p=.03). No differences between arms were observed for the FACIT-Fatigue scale or for other toxicities. Conclusions: There is no evidence that ALC has a positive impact on CIPN at 12 wks. However, ALC increases CIPN by 24 wks. Correlative studies are ongoing to explain this unexpected finding. Patients should be discouraged from using ALC and other supplements without proven efficacy.
Phase Ib, multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, sequential dose-escalation study to assess the safety and tolerability of topically applied AG013 in subjects with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) receiving induction chemotherapy (ICT).
Authors: Limaye Sewanti Atul , Sonis Stephen T. , Cilli Fiona , Colevas A. Dimitrios , Brennan Michael , Hu Kenneth , Haddad Robert I. , Murphy Barbara A. 
Published: March 2020

9024 Background: Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant toxicity of ICT in LAHNC. AG013, a mouth rinse composed of a recombinant Lactococcus lactis (sAGX0085) engineered to secrete human Trefoil Factor 1 (hTFF1) and deficient in the gene encoding thymidylate synthase, was investigated in patients receiving ICT (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil +/-docetaxel:PF+/-T). TFFs have wound-healing properties and are protective of mucosal tissues. Methods: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK profile and efficacy of AG013 in attenuating ICT-associated OM, 52 patients (pts) with newly diagnosed LAHNC receiving ICT (24TPF, 1PF) were screened in ICT cycle (Cy) 1 for symptomatic OM (SOM). 25 pts who developed SOM in Cy1 were enrolled into 3 successive groups of at least 7 pts each in the active phase and randomly assigned at the Baseline visit (d1 of ICT Cy2) in a 5:2 ratio to receive AG013 or placebo during ICT Cy2. Dose was escalated in successive groups from 1 x/day (qd) to 3 x/day (tid) and to 6 x/day, resulting in doses of 2 x 1011, 6 x 1011, and 1.2 x 1012 colony-forming units (CFU)/day respectively. Pts were assessed daily from Cy 2 d1 to d14 for OM using WHO criteria. Safety endpoints and PK (mucosal, salivary and blood samples) were assessed. Results: AG013-sAGX0085 could not be detected in blood. Recovered oral live bacterial levels were high immediately after dosing, decreased by 90 minutes post dose, and undetectable at study end. No differences in hTFF1 serum levels were seen. Pts in the placebo group had ulcerative OM (UOM) on nearly 60% of the days vs. 35-40% days in the AG013 group. 29 % pts who received AG013 had 0 or 1 day of UOM vs. at least 2 days of UOM in the placebo group. Pts who received AG013 on any dosing schedule had a lower % of days with OM, fewer unplanned office and emergency room visits compared to pts who received placebo. No differences were noted in mouth and throat soreness, opioid use, or gastrostomy tube placement. Conclusions: Topical administration of AG013 appears safe, well tolerated and effective in reducing the severity and course of OM in patients receiving ICT for HNC.
Effect of chemotherapy and psychosocial distress parameters on perceived cognitive disturbances in Asian breast cancer patients.
Authors: Cheung Yin Ting , Ham Guo Maung Shwe , Chui Wai Keung , Dent Rebecca Alexandra , Yap Yoon Sim , Lo Soo Kien , Ng Raymond C.H. , Chan Alexandre 
Published: March 2020

9041 Background: A qualitative study has revealed that Asian breast cancer patients attributed their post-chemotherapy cognitive disturbances to psychosocial distress. To validate this claim, we aim to examine perceived cognitive disturbances, anxiety and quality of life (QoL) in Asian breast cancer patients and to identify clinical and psychosocial factors associated with perceived cognitive disturbances. Methods: A prospective, observational study was held at the largest cancer center in Singapore. Chemotherapy (CT) and non-chemotherapy (non-CT) receiving breast cancer patients completed self- reported questionnaires to assess the following domains: patients’ perceived impact of chemotherapy on cognitive disturbances (FACT-Cog), health-related QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory). Multiple regression was conducted to delineate factors associated with perceived cognitive impairment. Results: A total of 166 (1:1 CT/non-CT) patients were recruited (age: 54.1±10.2 years; 78.9% Chinese; 53.6% post-menopausal). Most of the CT patients received anthracycline-based chemotherapy (93.1%) and anti-hormonal therapy (69.4%). Comparing to non-CT patients, CT patients experienced more fatigue (QLQ-C30 fatigue scores: 22.2 vs 33.3 points; p=0.005), more significant anxiety (8.6% vs 21.9%; p=0.002), and more cognitive disturbances (FACT-Cog scores: 110 vs 124 points; p<0.0001). Regression model identified chemotherapy, anti-hormonal therapy, emotional functioning and global health status to be strongly associated with cognitive disturbances in Asian breast cancer patients. The interacting effect between anxiety and fatigue, comparing to fatigue alone, was more associated with cognitive disturbances (β=-0.212; p=0.032 vs β=-0.07; p=0.25, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate that Asian breast cancer patients experiencing both fatigue and anxiety are more predisposed to cognitive disturbances. Post-chemotherapy cognitive changes are observed in our patients, and our results suggest that psychosocial factors are impactful to identify cancer patients who are more susceptible to cognitive disturbances.
Patient-related factors influencing time between first signs of breast cancer (BC) and appointment for medical visit (AMV): An international survey.
Authors: Jassem Jacek , Bacanu Florin , Eglitis Janis , Mardiak Jozef , Pienkowski Tadeusz , Kahan Zsuzsanna , Ozmen Vahit , Drobniene Monika , Vrbanec Damir , Semiglazova Tatyana , Stamatovic Ljiljana , Timcheva Constanta , Vasovic Suzana , Zaborek Piotr 
Published: March 2020

9046 Background: Reducing diagnostic delays may improve treatment outcomes in BC. We investigated in various countries patient-related factors influencing time to seeking medical advice for signs of BC. Methods: A total of 4,816 female BC patients from 10 countries were surveyed using a uniform questionnaire translated into local languages. Time between first patient-detected signs of BC and AMV was measured using categorized time scales. Out of 14 original items on a multiple scale measuring BC-related attitudes and behaviors, 5 factors were extracted and used for further analysis: distrust in medical system and success of therapy, disregard of signs, fear of BC, practicing regular breast self-examination and support from friends and family. Results: In the subset of 2,870 patients with self-detected BC who provided complete answers to relevant variables, the mean time to AMV varied in particular countries from 3.4 to 6.2 weeks (grand mean of 4.7 weeks), with 39% of cases with a delay of >4 weeks. Overall, patient attributes that significantly influenced time to AMV were: distrust (p<1E-36), disregard (p=1.26E-30), fear (p=2.65E-16), self-examination (p=1.31E-21), place of living (p=3.5E-3) and education (p=2.73E-3). Multilevel analysis indicated that significant differences among particular countries were only due to slopes of distrust and disregard included in general regression model. The model enhanced with the two abovementioned random effects provided significant improvement in predicting time to AMV. Re-estimation of the model based solely on data from individual countries produced 10 significant equations with varied coefficients for distrust and disregard (see table). Conclusions: Patient-related factors contribute considerably to delay in the diagnosis of BC. Differences between particular countries call for country-specific approaches. [Table: see text]
Validity and reliability of the patient-reported outcomes version of the common terminology criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAE).
Authors: Dueck Amylou C. , Mendoza Tito R. , Mitchell Sandra A. , Reeve Bryce B. , Castro Kathleen M. , Denicoff Andrea , O'Mara Ann M. , Rogak Lauren J. , Clauser Steven B. , Bryant Donna M. , Gillis Theresa A. , Bearden James D. , Siegel Robert D. , Harness Jay K. , Paul Diane B. , Cleeland Charles S. , Sloan Jeff A. , Schrag Deborah , Minasian Lori M. , Basch Ethan M. 
Published: March 2020

9047 Background: Symptomatic adverse events (AE) in cancer trials are reported by clinicians using the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). To integrate the patient perspective into AE reporting, NCI contracted (HHSN261201000043C) to create a patient-reported outcomes companion tool (PRO-CTCAE). We report the validity and reliability of PRO-CTCAE’s 124 items reflecting 78 symptomatic AEs. Methods: English-speaking subjects (n=869; 44% male; median [mdn] age 59; 32% racial/ethnic minority; 34% high school or less; 17% ECOG Performance Status [PS] 2-4) receiving treatment for a range of cancers at 4 NCI-designated cancer centers and 5 sites in NCI's Community Cancer Centers Program completed a web-based survey in clinic including PRO-CTCAE and EORTC QLQ-C30. Pearson correlations were computed between PRO-CTCAE items and QLQ-C30 scales. Differences in PRO-CTCAE item scores between clinician-reported ECOG PS (0-1 vs 2-4) groups were computed. Test-retest reliability of 48 prespecified items was evaluated in a subset (n=79). Results: Correlations in the expected direction were observed for 116/124 PRO-CTCAE items with the QLQ-C30 global health scale (mdn r=-.21; range .08 to -.57). Stronger correlations were seen for PRO-CTCAE items with conceptually related QLQ-C30 domains: fatigue with physical, role and social functioning (-.54 to -.66); anxiety and depression with emotional functioning (-.54 to -.70); and concentration and memory problems with cognitive functioning (-.62 to -.72) [all p <0.001]. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation and diarrhea items strongly correlated with corresponding QLQ-C30 symptom scales (.69 to .79, all p <0.001). Scores for 98/124 PRO-CTCAE items were higher in the ECOG PS 2-4 vs 0-1 group (mdn effect size .3). Test-retest reliability was observed across all tested items (mdn intraclass correlation coeff .77; range .53 to .96). Conclusions: Results demonstrate favorable validity and reliability of PRO-CTCAE in a large, heterogeneous sample of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Further testing in multicenter treatment trials is underway.
Smoking habits of relatives of patients (pts) with cancer.
Authors: Hayran Mutlu , Kilickap Saadettin , Elkiran Tamer , Akbulut Hakan , Abali Huseyin , Yuce Deniz , Kilic Diclehan , Turhal Serdar 
Published: March 2020

9050 Background: We aimed to determine the rate and habitual patterns of smoking, intentions of cessation, dependence levels and sociodemographic characteristics of relatives of cancer patients. Methods: The smoking habits of relatives of cancer pts were evaluated with a questionnaire and Fagerstrom test (FT) of nicotine dependence. FT and a questionnaire form were filled in by the volunteers. The quit rate of the relatives of the cancer pts was compared with the rates declared in the literature. Results: A total of 560 subjects who have relatives of pts with cancer. The median age of those with lower and higher Fagerstrom scores (FS) were 40 years and 42 years, respectively (p<0.001). We found no association between FS and sociodemographic variables, such as the subject's medical status, gender, living in the same house, educational status, family income, closeness and time spent with the cancer pts. Only 2% of the subjects started smoking after cancer was diagnosed in their relative and almost 20% of subjects had quit smoking within the year. Spontaneous quit rates of these subgroup of smokers (20%) was significantly higher than reported self-quit rates (max. ~10%) in the literature (p<0.001). Conclusions: The FS is known to be helpful in determining who would benefit from a cigarette smoking cessation program. We also show here that the cancer diagnosis in a smoker's family motivates this individual to quit smoking and may create a time window for any involved health staff to intervene for help. This study was designed by the Turkish Oncology Group, Epidemiology and Prevention Subgroup. [Table: see text]
3D index calculated from duration and severity of neutropenia and a degree of fever as prognostic factors predicting mortality of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in hematologic malignancies.
Authors: Shirasaki Ryosuke , Akiyama Nobu , Tashiro Haruko , Matsuo Takuji , Yamamoto Tadashi , Oka Yoko , Kawasugi Kazuo , Shirafuji Naoki 
Published: March 2020

9053 Background: Risk stratification of patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) is important to select the suitable therapeutic option. Although the MASCC scoring system is used as a reliable risk-discriminator, the objective evaluation of “burden of illness” has been difficult to be pointed-out. The latest IDSA Guidelines on FN proposes a set of risk factors based on the expert’s recommendations. The present study demonstrates usefulness of newly proposed 3D-index on predicting mortality of chemotherapy-induced FN in hematologic malignancies (HM). Methods: Patients with HM admitted to our hospital between Jan 2008 and Dec 2011 were enrolled, and data from 282 FN episodes in 129 FN patients including 20 infection-associated deaths were retrospectively analyzed to determine useful prognostic factors on the mortality of FN. Correlation between mortality and 59 characteristics including 3D-index were examined by univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. 3D-index is a duration and severity of neutropenia and degree of fever. Total duration of days during neutropenia was not calculate at the time of risk evaluation. 3D-indexes after three and five days from the start of FN were also analyzed. Results: 32 out of 59 characteristics were significantly correlated with mortality by univariate analysis. Among them, 3D-index and 3D-indexes after three and five days were demonstrated as more useful factors (3D-index, p=0.0015; 3D-index after three days, p=0.0030; 3D-index after five days, p=0.0044). And 3D-index after three days over 4000 indicates patients' mortality above 20%, index 2600-4000 15-20% , index 900-2600 10-15%, and index below 900 below 10%, respectively. Conclusions: 3D-indexes after three days were suggested as useful predictors for infection-related mortality during FN. It was suggested that FN patients were categorized into four risk groups according to the value.
Comparison of three different radiation fractionation schedules in the palliation of painful bone metastasis.
Authors: Malik Monica , Jilla Swapna , Sesikeran Nanditha , Naidu K. V. Jagannath Rao , Pamidighantam Suresh , Sunkavalli Venkata Ratnam 
Published: March 2020

9055 Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a single fraction versus two multifractionated regimens in the palliation of painful bone metastases. Methods: Patients with painful bone metastases were randomized into three groups. Group I received a dose of 8 Gy in a single fraction, Group II received 20 Gy in five fractions and Group III patients received 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Pain score, ECOG performance status and analgesic requirement were recorded at baseline and at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks following treatment. Pain score was recorded on a 5-point verbal rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 4 (extremely severe pain). Overall response was defined as decrease in pain score by at least one point. Complete response was defined as achieving a pain score of zero at any point during follow-up. Duration of overall response was defined as the time from initial response till return of pain to its baseline value. Results: 45 patients were included with 15 in each group. Median age was 55 years (range 29-78 years). 17(37.7%) had metastasis in pelvic bones; 17(37.7%) in the spine while the remainder in the appendicular bones. Overall response rates in Groups I, II and III at week 1 were 60%, 53.3% and 60% respectively (p=0.71). At 1 month, overall response rates were 71.4%, 73.3% and 73.3% (p=0.84) and at 3 months; 78.5%, 80% and 80% respectively (p=0.86). The rate of complete response in all the three groups was 20%. Improvement in performance status in Groups I, II and III was seen in 60%, 66% and 80% respectively (p=0.69). Analgesic usage decreased in 86%, 87% and 80% patients in groups I, II and III respectively (p=0.66). Out of the nine complete responders, two sustained the response for less than four weeks, four patients up to eight weeks and remaining three till the end of follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in between the three arms among all the variables compared. Conclusions: All three groups showed equal efficacy in pain palliation, analgesic requirement, improvement in performance status and duration of response. In patients with very advanced disease and short life expectancy, where the treatment goal is to decrease pain, 8 Gy in single fraction is a convenient and cost effective schedule.