bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time delay barriers in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer in Nepal.
Authors: Dulal Soniya , Paudel Bishnu D. , Neupane Prakash C. , Acharya Bibek , Acharya Sandhya Chapagain , Shilpakar Ramila , Paudel Bishal , Acharya Albira , Thapa Rameej Revanta , Martin Michael Gary 
Published: May 2020

e19085 Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers represent a major health challenge worldwide including in Nepal where patients (pts) often present with advanced disease and outcomes are poor. The purpose of this study was to quantify and to determine the causes of delay in diagnosis and treatment of GI cancer pts in Nepal. Methods: An IRB-approved cross sectional study was performed in pts with GI cancers at safety net Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. All diagnosed consenting pts, both in- and out-pts, were enrolled. Pts were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire from July 2018 to June 2019. The caregivers were allowed to answer on behalf of illiterate pts. Diagnosis delay was defined as days from first symptoms to pathological diagnosis. Patient delay was defined as days from first symptoms to first medical consultation. Treatment delay was defined as days from diagnosis to surgery and/or treatment by medical/radiation oncologist. Differences in median times to delay were compared with two-tailed t-tests (Prism 8.0) based on the identified potential causes of delays. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 53.5 (22-77) years and 62% were males; 46% were farmers, 29% were housewives, and the rest had various occupations. 73% were outpatient at diagnosis. 46% had gastroesophageal cancer (gastric – 38%; esophagus – 8%) and 54% had colorectal cancer (left sided colon - 23%, right sided colon -13%; rectum 18%). No patients with anal or small bowel cancer were identified. 84% presented with Stage III/ IV disease. 68% were illiterate, 89% had a history of self-medication prior to first medical consultation, 74% were from rural areas with limited healthcare facilities and 79% were unaware of causes of GI cancers. Only self-medication was associated with delays in diagnosis and patient delays (Table). Conclusions: Self-medication rather than seeking help from medical professionals led to significant delays in the diagnosis of GI cancers in Nepal. Reasons for these decisions will be explored in future studies and may be amenable to efforts such as lay navigation. [Table: see text]
Chronic opioid therapy among a high-risk cancer survivor population.
Authors: Salz Talya , Lavery Jessica A. , Lipitz-Snyderman Allison , Boudreau Denise , Moryl Natalie , Gillespie Erin F. , Korenstein Deborah 
Published: May 2020

e19107 Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are at increased risk of opioid dependence, due to exposure to opioids during treatment, history of tobacco and alcohol use, and substantial pain after treatment. Chronic opioid therapy (COT) is a risk factor for dependence, and rates of COT vary widely between populations of cancer survivors. We hypothesized that COT use is greater among HNC survivors than among those who never had cancer. Methods: We used SEER-Medicare to identify adults ≥66 years diagnosed with HNC between 2008 and 2015. HNC survivors were matched 1:3 at date of diagnosis on age, sex, comorbidity, and region with cancer-free controls. Survivors and controls had complete coverage with fee-for-service Medicare Parts A, B, and D for each year after matching. Survivors and controls with no COT in the year prior to matching date and were followed for COT use through 2016. The presence of claims for opioid dispensings over ≥90 consecutive days (COT) was calculated for each year after cancer diagnosis among survivors alive at the start of each year and for controls. We computed odds ratios (OR) for COT use for HNC survivors compared to matched controls in each year after matching date, using a hierarchical logistic regression model accounting for matching and repeated measurements across years. Results: The population of HNC survivors declined from 5,107 in the year after diagnosis to 604 in Year 6. Among HNC survivors, COT use remained relatively steady each year after diagnosis. (Table). For the first 5 years after matching date, rates of COT among HNC survivors exceeded that of controls, with the difference between survivors and controls declining each year (OR 4.36 for Year 1, OR 2.60 for Year 2, OR 2.18 for Year 3, OR 1.85 for Year 4, and OR 1.35 for Year 5, all p-values < 0.05). By Year 6, rates of COT use did not differ between HNC cases and controls. Conclusions: In the first year after diagnosis, HNC survivors have more than 4 times the odds of COT use compared to cancer-free controls. Cancer-associated COT use declines over time. Strategies for appropriate pain management for HNC survivors should balance the risk of opioid dependence, particularly in the early years after diagnosis, with the benefit of improved comfort and function. [Table: see text]
ELderly Functional Index (ELFI): Validation of a self-reported measure of functional status in cancer patients.
Authors: Soo Wee-Kheng , King Madeleine , Pope Alun , Steer Christopher B. , Devitt Bianca Alix , Chua Susan Li Ling , Parente Phillip , Davis Ian D. , Darzins Peteris 
Published: May 2020

e19126 Background: Functional assessment of oncology patients can be challenging and is often not performed, or is undertaken by the clinician with minimal direct input from the patient. The ELderly Functional Index (ELFI) is a 12-item composite measure of self-reported functioning in cancer patients. ELFI is derived from four scales from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) suite: Physical, Role and Social Functioning, and Mobility. This study validated ELFI in patients attending oncology clinics. Methods: For evaluation of validity and internal consistency, 621 cancer patients (31% aged >70 years) fully self-completed the ELFI, cognitive functioning (CF) and emotional functioning (EF) scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30, ECOG-performance status (ECOG-PS), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). For evaluation of test-retest reliability, 278 participants self-completed ELFI, CF, EF, ECOG-PS and Global Rating of Change one week later. Results: ELFI demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.93, p< 0.001) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.90, p< 0.001). Hypotheses regarding convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed (multitrait-scaling). ELFI was better than its component scales and other function measures at differentiating between participants with different function and frailty scores (known-groups validity, Table). Exploratory factor analysis provided empirical support to the structural validity of ELFI. Strong correlation was observed between ELFI, function and frailty scores. Conclusions: ELFI is a validated patient-reported outcome measure of functional status. ELFI captures broader dimensions of functioning compared to ECOG-PS or IADL. As a composite measure, ELFI has enhanced statistical efficiency, reducing the sample size required to detect a given effect. ELFI could be used as a clinical trial endpoint to assess the functional domains of HRQOL. [Table: see text]
Treatment patterns in men with metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) in the United States (US).
Authors: Ke Xuehua , Lafeuille Marie-Hélène , Romdhani Hela , Kinkead Frederic , Francis Peter St. John , D'Andrea Denise , Ryan Charles J. , Freedland Stephen J. 
Published: May 2020

e19131 Background: Given recent advances in treatment options for mCSPC, this study assessed US real-world treatment patterns of mCSPC patients over time. Methods: The Optum Clinformatics Extended DataMart was used to identify men with ≥2 claims for PC, ≥1 claim for metastasis, ≥1 castration sensitivity (CS) indicator (CS diagnosis code [dx]; castration and no prostate-specific antigen [PSA] rise; or hormone/castration naive for ≥18 months [mo] before metastasis). Index (idx) date was the 1st metastasis dx date on or after 1st PC dx and from 2015-2018. Patients were excluded if they had a pre-idx castration-resistance (CR) indicator (CR dx; castration within ≥90 days pre-idx or with PSA rise; or a claim for a drug solely recommended for metastatic CRPC). mCSPC period (F/U) was defined as time from idx until CR (i.e., any post-idx CR indicator or initiation of abiraterone acetate [ABI] or docetaxel [DOC] ≥12 mo after post-idx androgen deprivation therapy [ADT] initiation or ≥12 mo post-idx for those with no ADT) or end of data. mCSPC treatment patterns in F/U were assessed overall and in patients with idx years (yrs) in 2015-2016 and in 2017-2018, separately. Descriptive statistics were used: n (%) for binary and mean [SD] for continuous variables. Results: In the 2,825 mCSPC patients identified (age: 75 [9] yrs; F/U: 10.9 [9.0] mo), 43% were in the 2015/16 cohort (age: 75 [9] yrs; F/U: 15.8 [10.2] mo); and 57% were in the 2017/18 cohort (age: 75 [9] yrs; F/U: 7.2 [4.7] mo). The most common first-line (1L) mCSPC therapy was ADT only (Table), but patients in the 2017/18 cohort had fewer ADT only as 1L (43% vs. 52%) and more 1L ABI (10% vs. 4%) compared to the 2015/16 cohort. About 4% (2015/16: 5%; 2017/18: 3%) of patients received second-line (2L) mCSPC therapies, with ABI (74%) and DOC (25%) as the main 2L therapies observed. In patients receiving 2L mCSPC therapies, the 2017/18 cohort had more 2L ABI (81% vs. 68%) and fewer 2L DOC (19% vs. 30%) compared to the 2015/16 cohort. Conclusions: A large proportion of men with mCSPC were untreated/deferred treatment or were treated with ADT only, highlighting unmet needs in this patient group. As additional therapies for mCSPC become available, this trend is expected to improve, as supported by more recent treatment patterns. [Table: see text]
Predictive value of bother by side effects of treatment prior to protocol therapy for early treatment discontinuation in clinical trials.
Authors: Zhao Fengmin , Peipert John , Lee Ju-Whei , Hong Fangxin , Ip Edward , Gareen Ilana F , O'Connell Nathaniel , Carlos Ruth , Mayer Ingrid A. , Miller Kathy , Partridge Ann H. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Stewart A. Keith , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Thomas Mary L , Weiss Matthias , Sparano Joseph A. , Cella David , Gray Robert James , Wagner Lynne I. 
Published: May 2020

e19132 Background: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General has an item about patient tolerability of treatment: “I am bothered by side effects of treatment” (GP5). We examined the predictive value of this single item for early treatment discontinuation in clinical trials. Methods: GP5 level prior to protocol therapy (rated using a 5-point Likert scale) and treatment start/end dates and off treatment reason data at each treatment phase were drawn from five phase III clinical trials conducted by ECOG-ACRIN. In the present analysis, GP5 was dichotomized as 0 = “Not at all”/“A little bit” and 1 = “Somewhat”/“Quite a bit”/“Very Much”. Early treatment discontinuation was defined either as receiving less than protocol specified cycles of treatment when maximum cycles specified in the protocol (E1A06 induction, E1912 induction, E1609 induction, E1105 induction, E5103 adjuvant), analyzed using logistic regression via odds ratio [OR]), or treatment cessation for reasons other than progressive disease or death when treatment continued until progression or intolerability (E1A06 maintenance, E1912 maintenance, E1609 maintenance, E1105 maintenance), analyzed using Cox proportional hazard model via hazard ratio [HR]. Results: GP5 prior to treatment was significantly associated with early discontinuation of E1A06 maintenance, E1609 maintenance, E1912 maintenance, and E1912 induction. No significant association was found for other therapies examined in the study. Conclusions: High GP5 level prior to treatment is associated with higher likelihood of early treatment discontinuation in patients who have received previous treatment. The limited predictive value of GP5 for treatment naïve patients is more limited, serial on-treatment assessment should be considered in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT00602641 . [Table: see text]
EUROQoL-5D as a valid patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) tool to predict health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and survival in patients with hematological malignancies.
Authors: Cordoba Raul , Pascual Adriana , Martinez-Peromingo Javier , Hormigo Ana-Isabel , Askari Elham , Diaz-Aizpun Carola , Llamas Pilar , Perez-Albacete Marta , Jarana Maria , Bonillo Miguel-Angel , Cruz Susana , Pardo Alberto , Herrero Antonio , del Olmo Marta , Arcos Javier 
Published: May 2020

e19141 Background: Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement (PROM) is the way to collect not only Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) but also symptoms. EUROQOL-5D is a PROM tool explored widely in patients with cancer, although is not specific for cancer patients. The primary end-point of this project is to analyse the significance of impairments in EUROQOL-5D domains in overall survival of patients with hematological malignances, and the utility to incorporate as a PROM tool in a daily clinical practice. Methods: Patients with hematologic malignancies attended at Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital were assessed with EUROQOL-5D prior to receive any therapy. Self-reported health status stated as better, equal or worse was recorded at the time of assessment. Other variables such as age, sex, diagnosis and ECOG was collected to analyze their impact in survival. Results: From January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, 390 consecutive patients were included. Median age was 72 years (range 18-92), 194 (49.7%) were female, with a diagnosis of lymphoma in 257 (65.9%) and myeloma in 70 (17.9%), and ECOG 0-1 in 78.2% of patients. With a median follow-up of 10.5 months (range 0-32 months), we registered 72 events for overall survival. In the univariate analysis, age > 76 years (AUC 0.739, Likelyhood Ratio 3.321, p < 0.0001), ECOG 2-4 (OR 11.161, 95% CI 5.276-23.610, p < 0.0001), impairment in EUROQOL-5D domains such us mobility (OR 2.896, 95%CI 1.406-5.967, p = 0.003), self-care (OR 3.959, 95%CI 1.732-9.050, p = 0.001) and usual activities (OR 3.190, 95%CI 1.573-6.467, p = 0.001), but not pain/disconfort nor anxiety/depression were identified as prognostic factors for shorter survival. Self-reported health status (OR 3.975, 95%CI 1.845-8.565, p < 0.0001) was also a prognostic factor for survival. Impairments in EUROQOL-5D were also prognostic in patients with ECOG 0-1 (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only ECOG 2-4 and self-reported health status remained with statistical significance. Conclusions: EUROQOL-5D is a valid tool to be incorporated as a PROM tool in pacients with hematological malignancies. Impairments in mobility, self-care and usual activities will identify a poorer prognosis group that would need closer monitoring.
Improved outcomes among breast cancer patients with more frequent mammography screening.
Authors: Liu Ying , Gordon Aliza , Eleff Michael , Barron John , Chi Winnie 
Published: May 2020

e19146 Background: Guidelines for optimal frequency of screening mammography (annual, biennial, never/choice of patient) vary by professional society, due to mixed or insufficient evidence regarding its benefits and harms. Little evidence exists on the impact of screening frequency, rather than any screening, on health outcomes. In this study, we measured differences in cancer stage at diagnosis, treatment rendered, mortality, and cost of treatment for women with different numbers of screenings prior to breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: Utilizing administrative claims, we identified 25,492 women aged 44 or older with various numbers of mammographic screening ≥ 11 months apart during the four years prior to their incident breast cancer diagnosis from 2010 to 2018. Outcomes were assessed during the six months following diagnosis. Regression models were used to compare women with differing numbers of mammograms (0, 1, 2, 3, or 4/5), adjusting for demographic characteristics and baseline comorbidities. Results: More screenings were associated with less advanced cancer at diagnosis, higher rates in lumpectomy and radiation, lower rates in mastectomy and chemotherapy, lower costs and mortality within 6 months post diagnosis (Table). Results were similar in a subgroup with only women aged 44-49 at diagnosis (not shown). Conclusions: Increased frequency of screening mammography is associated with earlier breast cancer stage at diagnosis, less toxic and invasive treatment, lower mortality, and lower cost, including for women under age 50. [Table: see text]
Utilization of liquid biopsy in a large community oncology practice.
Authors: Patel Dipen , Le Thuy , Staszewski Harry 
Published: May 2020

e19150 Background: Analysis of tumor cell free DNA, or liquid biopsy, is emerging as a useful adjunct to tissue biopsies in advanced solid tumors. These tests may reduce the need for repeating invasive biopsies, and may be performed serially with minimal risk to patients.The purpose of our study is to document how liquid biopsies are being used in a large, diverse community based practice in Long Island, NY and how often the results lead to changes in treatment. The aim is to derive guidelines within the practice for appropriate use of liquid biopsies going forward. Methods: The practice electronic medical record (EMR) was retrospectively examined for the first 100 patients with solid tumors who had a specimen sent to a commercial laboratory for a liquid biopsy. The EMR was also reviewed to establish the treatment regimens each patient was receiving prior to the liquid biopsy, as well as any changes to the regimen based on liquid biopsy results. Results: This analysis was based on 100 patients: 11 out of 100 patients (11%) were excluded due to loss of follow up and 89 out of 100 (89%) patients were included, 59% female and 41% male. 11 out of 100 patients (11%) were not found to have any tumor alterations on liquid biopsy. The most prevalent cancers were lung (40.4%), ovarian (17.0%), breast (6.4%), colon (5.3%) and prostate (5.3%). Treatment was changed 43% of the time after liquid biopsy results were obtained and there was no change in 57% of the time see Table. This change was irrespective of type of cancer, gender, or types of current regimen. Conclusions: Liquid biopsy has proven to be a useful adjunct to molecular testing of tumor tissue in a large community oncology practice, but ongoing examination of our results should better define its optimal use. [Table: see text]
Opioid safety among high-risk cancer survivors.
Authors: Salz Talya , Mishra Akriti A. , Gennarelli Renee L. , Lipitz-Snyderman Allison , Boudreau Denise , Moryl Natalie , Tringale Kathryn Ries , Korenstein Deborah 
Published: May 2020

e19169 Background: To mitigate risks of opioid-related harms, ASCO’s pain management guidelines for cancer survivors recommend that opioids be used in conjunction with other pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches. The guidelines also recommend caution when prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines concurrently. We evaluated these 2 metrics of safe prescribing as applied to chronic opioid therapy (COT) among older survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) and lung cancer (LC), two growing populations with high pain burden and prevalent risk factors for opioid-related harms (e.g., opioid use during treatment, history of substance use, distress). Methods: Using SEER-Medicare, we identified opioid-naïve adults diagnosed 2008-2015 with HNC or LC. We restricted analyses to survivors with ≥1 COT episode (≥90 days) occurring ≥1 year after cancer diagnosis and ≤120 days prior to hospice entry or cancer-related death (survivorship period). We report 2 opioid safety metrics during the survivorship period: 1) the proportion of survivors with non-opioid pain management (≥1 dispensing for a non-opioid, non-benzodiazepine pain medication or ≥1 claim for pain management procedure) concurrent with the first 90 days of the first COT episode and 2) the proportion of survivors with 0 dispensings for benzodiazepines within the first 90 days of the first COT episode. Results: Among opioid-naïve HNC (N = 5,500) and LC (N = 21,090) patients, 306 HNC (5.6%) and 927 LC survivors (4.4%) received COT during follow-up. Median duration of first survivorship COT episode was 5.2 and 4.9 months for HNC and LC, respectively. 64% of HNC survivors received non-opioid pain management concurrent with their first COT episode; 55% received an analgesic and 24% underwent a procedure. 75% of LC survivors received non-opioid pain management concurrent with their first COT episode; 67% received an analgesic and 35% underwent a procedure. 79% of HNC and 81% of LC survivors did not receive benzodiazepines during the first COT episode. Conclusions: Among older survivors of LC and HNC, less than 6% receive COT. However, of those, one-half of HNC survivors and more than a third of LC survivors receive guideline-discordant care by using COT without other pain management strategies or while using benzodiazepines. To minimize opioid-related harms, efforts should focus on improving safe COT prescribing practices for survivors. [Table: see text]
Real-world practice patterns and barriers to quality care in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Authors: Hussein Maen A. , Patel Taral , Ellipeddi Pavani , Farris Breanne , Crawford Rebecca R , Carter Jeffrey D. , Sapir Tamar , Wang Eunice S. 
Published: May 2020

e19172 Background: For AML patients who are ineligible for intensive induction, novel therapies have greatly improved treatment options, though practice challenges individualizing care have hindered effective integration. In a quality improvement (QI) program conducted in 3 community oncology systems, we assessed practice patterns and barriers involving the use of novel therapies for AML. Methods: We surveyed 15 hematology team members to assess barriers to quality AML care and audited electronic medical records (EMR) of 100 patients across 3 community oncology centers. EMR demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment selection were reviewed. To address suboptimal guideline-aligned care, teams participated in audit-feedback sessions to develop action plans for resolving identified gaps. Results: The EMR audit demonstrated a lack of documentation for clinically important metrics necessary for individualized treatment selection and monitoring, including performance status and testing for targetable biomarkers (Table). Additionally, there was low documented use of novel therapies, such as venetoclax and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), and no documented use of FLT3 or IDH inhibitors. Further, the audit revealed low adherence to guideline recommendations for frontline regimens – notably, 33.3% patients with FLT3 or IDH mutations (n = 15) were receiving low dose cytarabine alone, and 50% patients with a documented performance status of 3+ (n = 2) received intensive induction therapy. Survey findings indicated very low or low confidence in aligning practice with guidelines (20%), identifying patients who are not candidates for intensive induction (27%), and ordering/interpreting molecular tests (33%). Appropriate treatment selection (47%) and integration of molecular testing (27%) were reported as top challenges for individualized AML care. During audit-feedback sessions, teams identified improved collaboration with hematopathologists, assessment of patient mutational status, and patient engagement in treatment planning as actions they plan to integrate. Conclusions: These findings reveal important performance gaps in individualized AML care in community settings, which may inform future QI initiatives. [Table: see text]