bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of polypharmacy with functional status impairment, frailty, and health-related quality of life in older adults with gastrointestinal malignancy: Results from the Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation (CARE) registry.
Authors: Outlaw Darryl Alan , Dai Chen , Al-Obaidi Mustafa , Giri Smith , Bhatia Smita , Williams Grant Richard 
Published: October 2020

118 Background: The majority of new cancer diagnoses occur in adults greater than 65 years of age. Polypharmacy is a common and potentially devastating problem amongst older adults; however, its prevalence and impact in older adults with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy is poorly understood. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of polypharmacy and its association with functional status impairments, frailty, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with GI malignancy. Methods: The Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation (CARE) registry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is an ongoing prospective cohort study that uses a brief geriatric assessment (CARE survey) in older adults with cancer. We evaluated older adults diagnosed with GI malignancy prior to starting cancer therapy. Our primary outcomes of interest were functional status impairments, including dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), frailty (as defined by a frailty index derived using the principles of deficit accumulation), and HRQoL (assessed via PROMIS 10 global that includes physical and mental scores). Patients were dichotomized into those taking ≥9 vs. < 9 medications. Multivariable analyses examined associations between polypharmacy and the above-listed outcomes, adjusted for age, sex, race, cancer type, cancer stage, and comorbidities. Results: Overall, 357 patients met eligibility criteria; mean age: 70.1 years; primary diagnoses: colorectal (33.6%), pancreatic (24.6%), hepatobiliary (16.2%), gastroesophageal (10.9%), other (14.6%). Patients reported taking a mean of 6.2 medications: 27.7% with 0-3 medications, 48.2% with 4-8 medications, and 24.1% with ≥ 9 medications. Patients taking ≥ 9 medications were more likely to report limitations in ADL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.29, 95% CI 1.72-6.29) and IADL (aOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.59-5.14). Polypharmacy was also associated with frailty (aOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.73-5.41) and lower physical (aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.70-4.69) and mental (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.03-2.91) HRQoL. Conclusions: Independent of comorbid conditions, polypharmacy was associated with functional status limitations, frailty, and reduced HRQoL in older adults with GI malignancy. Further study of specific medications and interactions is warranted in order to reduce the negative consequences of polypharmacy in this growing and vulnerable population.
Variations in recommended surveillance in colorectal cancer survivorship care plans.
Authors: Chodoff Alaina , Smith Katherine Clegg , Shukla Aishwarya , Blackford Amanda L. , Ahuja Nita , Johnston Fabian McCartney , Peairs Kimberly S. , Ngaiza Justinian R. , Warczynski Tam , Nettles Brenda , Stotsky-Himelfarb Eden , Murphy Adrian Gerard , Mayonado Nancy , DeSanto Jennifer , Snyder Claire Frances , Choi Youngjee 
Published: October 2020

13 Background: Survivorship care plans (SCPs) outline pertinent information about a cancer survivor’s treatment and follow-up care. We describe the content of colorectal cancer (CRC) SCPs, completed as part of a randomized controlled trial of SCPs, and evaluate whether follow-up recommendations are guideline concordant. Methods: We analyzed 74 CRC SCPs from an academic and community cancer center. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were calculated for the entire cohort and separately by recruiting site. Follow-up recommendations were compared to American Cancer Society (ACS), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (Table). Results: Content routinely provided in SCPs (>80%) included patient demographics, cancer diagnosis, treatment details (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) as well as treatment-related side effects. SCP content specified less frequently included cancer stage, cancer risk (predisposing conditions), and recommendations for genetic counseling/testing and health promotion. Nearly all SCPs from the community site provided uniform, guideline-concordant follow-up. At the academic site, on average, more than 15 follow-up recommendations were listed for each surveillance modality, except colonoscopy. Among the SCPs that specified the frequency of follow-up care, the rate of guideline-concordant recommendations was 15/42 (36%) for follow-up visits, 29/43 (67%) for imaging, 12/45 (27%) for laboratory and 39/39 (100%) for colonoscopy. Conclusions: SCPs consistently provided information about CRC diagnosis and treatment, but often omitted information about cancer risk, staging and prognosis. There was considerable variation between cancer centers in the follow-up recommendations suggested for CRC survivors. Future work to improve the consistency of SCP follow-up recommendations with guidelines may be needed. Clinical trial information: NCT03035773 . [Table: see text]
Long-term impact of patient navigation (PN) for breast cancer (BCA) screening in an urban academic medical center.
Authors: Phuong Lisa , Anampa Mesias Jesus Del Santo , Lozada Melanie , Makower Della F. 
Published: October 2020

130 Background: PN improves BCA screening rates in underserved women, and decreases health care disparities. However, there is limited data regarding the ability of PN effect sustained change. We evaluated the long-term impact of PN for BCA screening at our institution, by assessing the rate at which women who underwent screening mammogram (SM) in 2017, with the aid of PN, completed subsequent (f/u) SM within guideline-concordant time frames. Methods: Patients (pts) consisted of women seen by our institution’s primary care providers, with referral for SM in the electronic medical record (EMR), but without scheduled appointment, who received PN between June 1 and September 30, 2017, and successfully completed SM in 2017. Pts were identified from the screening navigation database. EMR was reviewed to obtain demographic data, rate of f/u SM, and time from 2017 SM to prior and f/u SM. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analysis. Results: 179 pts completed SM with the aid of PN in 2017. Median age was 58 (range 37-77), 52.5% were Hispanic, 26.8% Black; and 2.8% Asian. Preferred languages were English (70.4%) and Spanish (25.7%). 6 pts had never had prior SM; 30 had no prior SM at our institution. Median time between 2017 SM and prior SM was 29 months (mo) (range 12-104); only 20 pts (11.2%) had a prior SM within 24 mo. 177 pts were eligible for f/u SM in 2018 and 2019 (1 diagnosed with BCA on 2017 SM; 1 died in 2017). 85 pts (48%) completed f/u SM; 68 (39%) completed within 24 mo. Only 2 pts required PN to complete f/u SM. In pts with time to screening data available for both 2017 SM and f/u SM (n = 80), median time to SM improved from 24 to 16 mo (p < 0.01). Decreases were seen in Black (22 to 14 mo, p < 0.01), White (31 to 16 mo, p = 0.03), and Hispanic pts (28 to 18.5 mo, p < 0.01), and in English (22 to 15 mo, p < 0.01) and Spanish speakers (26 to 20 mo, p < 0.01). Conclusions: A single episode of PN for BCA screening had a sustained impact on pts at our institution, leading to improved compliance with future SM. Improvement was seen in pts of diverse races, ethnicities, and language preferences. Focused PN for pts who did not complete f/u SM is planned.
Disparities in advanced-stage breast cancer: The socioeconomic and geographic contributions.
Authors: Clemons Kelli , Forehand William , Xu Hongyan , Zhang Li Fang , Raval Priyanka 
Published: October 2020

134 Background: Socioeconomic disparities in healthcare have been well documented in America, with cancer being a critical area. One in four deaths are caused by cancer, and the effects on different communities are not equal. Clinical observations suggest that poorer socioeconomic circumstances lead to more frequent, later stage diagnoses and worse outcomes. The aim of this project was to quantify the sociodemographic and geographic contributions to disparities in advanced, metastatic breast cancer within the Augusta population and surrounding areas. Methods: Records of patients managed for breast cancer at the Georgia Cancer Center between Jan 2009- Jun 2019 were reviewed. 80 patients who presented with early stage breast cancer (clinical stage I) without positive lymph nodes were compared with 80 patients who presented with advanced, metastatic disease (clinical stage III-IV). Their race, breast cancer characteristics, insurance status, geographic proximity to a mammography site or major healthcare facility, and time interval between diagnosis and treatment were compared. Results: Results show that 73.75% early stage patients had private insurance, while 41.25% late stage patients had private insurance (p value < 0.0001). Results also show that 25.0% of late stage patients had annual mammography screenings, while 77.78% of early stage patients had regular screening for mammograms (p value < 0.0001). 80.6% of patients that received regular mammograms had private insurance, while the remaining 19.4% of those patients had public insurance. No statistical difference was shown in late and early stage presentation based on HER2 and/or triple negative (ER-, PR-, HER2-) status. Conclusions: There is a significant outcome of advanced, metastatic breast cancer in patients that do not have private insurance and in those that do not receive regular mammograms. Our findings support the importance of investing resources into alleviating differences in various socioeconomic populations as they relate to the amount and quality of cancer healthcare available. While the incidence of mortality in breast cancer is decreasing nationwide, disparities in morbidity and mortality will most likely continue unless there is an aggressive effort towards addressing said differences.
Assessing the demographics of fertility preservation discussions in cancer patients.
Authors: Auster Michael E , Janania Martinez Michelle , Blaize Jean-Pierre , Djoufack Djoumessi Lakene Raissa , Warnecke Brian , Pandya Abhishek , Lathrop Kate Ida 
Published: October 2020

135 Background: Young adults undergoing cancer treatment often face increased risk of infertility. Despite current ASCO guidelines recommending prompt fertility preservation education, knowledge about prevalence and barriers to oncofertility care is lacking. This is particularly true for patients in medically underserved and minority communities. This study sought to characterize the utilization of oncofertility counseling in a major Hispanic serving institution. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed at the University of Texas Mays Cancer Center San Antonio and included patients diagnosed with testicular, early stage breast cancer or leukemia/lymphoma between age 18-40 from 2015-2019. Demographic data including ethnicity, race, funding, zip code were collected. Chart reviewed determined if fertility counseling was provided and which patients elected for oncofertility treatments. Results: Of 304 evaluable patients, only 120 had documented fertility discussions. There was no significant difference in the odds of counseling between gender, funding, or race. However, the odds of receiving fertility discussions was higher in non-Hispanic whites compared to Hispanic whites with an odds ratio of 1.94 (P value of 0.032). For those who opted for fertility treatment there was no statistically significant difference between diagnosis, race, ethnicity, or payment status. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates oncofertility discussions occur in a relatively small proportion of eligible patients. Additionally, patients who self -identify as Hispanic were less likely to receive fertility discussions. This study demonstrates that more research is necessary to evaluate the barriers to fertility discussion and treatment, and how these barriers result in decreased oncofertility education in Hispanic young adults with curable malignancies. [Table: see text]
Cumulative incidence of financial hardship in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts): Primary endpoint results for SWOG S1417CD.
Authors: Shankaran Veena , Unger Joseph M. , Darke Amy , Suga Jennifer Marie , Wade James Lloyd , Kourlas Peter , Chandana Sreenivasa R , O'Rourke Mark Allen , Satti Suma , Liggett Diane , Hershman Dawn L. , Ramsey Scott David 
Published: October 2020

137 Background: Despite evidence that rising cancer care costs contribute to “financial toxicity” in cancer pts, no studies, to our knowledge, have prospectively assessed the financial impact of cancer diagnosis (dx) using both self-reported and objective financial measures. S1417CD, led by the SWOG Cancer Research Network and conducted in the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), was the first national prospective cohort study to evaluate time-to-first evidence of major financial hardship (MFH) in pts with newly diagnosed mCRC. We present results of the primary endpoint analysis. Methods: Pts age ≥ 18 within 120 days of mCRC dx receiving systemic treatment completed surveys every 3 months (mo) for 12 mo. MFH was defined as ≥ 1 occurrence of self-reported increase in debt, new loans, selling home, refinancing home, or ≥ 20% income decline during the 12 mo study period. Cumulative incidence (CI) of MFH was estimated to account for competing risk of death. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between pt characteristics with development of MFH. Results: 380 pts (median age 59.9) across 126 clinic sites were enrolled. Most pts were white (78%), male (61%), and insured (98%), with annual income ≤ $50,000 (56%). Cumulative incidence of MFH at 12 mo was 71.5% (95% CI: 65.9%-76.3%), with 24.6%, 52.4%, and 61.8% at 3, 6, and 9 mo; 104 (41%) pts reported ≥ 2 elements of MFH. Age, race, marital status, employment, and annual income (≤ vs. > $50K) were not significantly associated with MFH. In a post hoc analysis, income <$100,000 and total assets <$100,000 were both adversely associated with MFH. Each increase in number of these 2 risk factors from 0 to 1 and 1 to 2 was associated with a 49% increased risk of MFH (p<.001). Conclusions: In a national sample of mCRC pts on systemic tx, financial hardship, most commonly in the form of increased debt, accumulates progressively over time. Nearly 3 out of 4 pts experiencing MFH at 12 mo despite access to health insurance coverage. These findings underscore the need for clinic and policy solutions such as early financial navigation and elimination of cost sharing to protect pts from financial devastation as they continue with tx. [Table: see text]
Effects of a geriatric assessment (GA) intervention on symptomatic toxicity burden reported by older adults with advanced cancer during treatment.
Authors: Culakova Eva , Mohile Supriya Gupta , Xu Huiwen , Patil Amita , Plumb Sandy , Mohamed Mostafa , Pan Zhi , Meng Sixu , Gilmore Nikesha , Wells Megan , Ritterman Rebecca , Magnuson Allison , Ramsdale Erika E. , Peppone Luke Joseph , Loh Kah Poh , Flannery Marie Anne 
Published: October 2020

138 Background: GA evaluates aging-related domains (e.g., function) known to be associated with cancer treatment toxicity. We found that providing a GA summary with management recommendations to oncologists reduces clinician-rated toxicity in older patients with advanced cancer receiving high risk treatment (presented at ASCO2020). Herein, we report on the effects of the GA intervention on symptomatic toxicities measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [PRO-CTCAE]. Methods: In the national cluster randomized clinical trial eligible patients (n=718) had age>70, advanced solid tumors or lymphoma, 1+ GA impairment, and were initiating a new treatment regimen with high risk of toxicity. Severity grade of 24 PRO-CTCAE items was collected on a 0-4 scale at enrollment, 4-6 weeks, 3, and 6 months. Of 24 items, 11 (e.g. fatigue, dyspnea) were classified as core (Reeve 2014). Baseline adjusted method (Basch 2016) was used to determine symptomatic toxicities: if the severity of any item increased after baseline to grade 2 or higher, the patient was classified as experiencing grade ≥2 event (similarly for grade ≥ 3 events). The effects of GA intervention on symptomatic toxicities were assessed using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with random effect for the practice cluster. Results: Mean age was 77 years (range 70-96); 43% female, 87% white; 34% had gastrointestinal and 25% had lung cancer; 27% received prior chemotherapy. 710 patients provided PRO-CTCAE data (366 usual care, 344 intervention), 85.6% reported grade ≥2 and 49.4% grade ≥3 events at baseline. After baseline, compared to usual care, patients in the GA intervention arm reported fewer grade ≥2 overall symptomatic toxicities (76.5% vs. 84.7%) and fewer core symptomatic toxicities (grade ≥2: 71.8% vs. 82.0%; grade ≥3: 46.2% vs. 53.6%). Specifically, less dyspnea and less fatigue was reported in GA-arm (Table). Conclusions: GA intervention resulted in fewer symptomatic toxicities as evaluated by PRO-CTCAE. Clinical trial information: NCT02054741 . [Table: see text]
The association of patient fatigue and outcomes in advanced cancer: An analysis of four SWOG treatment trials.
Authors: Mo Julia , Darke Amy , Guthrie Katherine A , Sloan Jeff A. , Unger Joseph M. , Hershman Dawn L. , O'Rourke Mark Allen , Bakitas Marie , Krouse Robert S. 
Published: October 2020

140 Background: Prior studies have suggested that patient-reported outcomes may be associated with cancer outcomes. We evaluated the association between clinically significant fatigue (CSF) and adverse events (AEs), quality of life (QOL), and overall survival (OS) during cancer treatment. Methods: Four phase II or III chemotherapy trials, two each in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC), were used to compare patients with or without baseline CSF. Baseline CSF was defined as a rating of 2 or greater on the FACT fatigue survey question or an EORTC QLQ-C30 fatigue symptom score of 50% or greater. Change in QOL from baseline, AE rates, and survival were compared according to baseline CSF with linear regression models, equality of proportions chi-squared tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox regression models, respectively, separately for each trial. Results: Of 1,994 participants, 1,907 had complete baseline QOL survey data, with 52% reporting CSF at baseline. Baseline CSF was associated with an increased incidence of grade 3-5 constitutional (16.5% vs 9.4%, p = 0.002 and 13.9% vs 6.3%, p = 0.002) and neurological (11.7% vs 6.1%, p = 0.006 and 9.0% vs 3.9%, p = 0.01) AEs, respectively, in two studies of advanced HRPC. Overall, patients with baseline CSF had significantly lower baseline QOL across all four domains (p < 0.01). Across all four studies, baseline CSF was associated with higher mortality rates, with adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval, p-value): 1.34 (1.14, 1.57, p < .001) and 1.30 (1.02, 1.66, p = 0.03) in NSCLC studies, 1.49 (0.95, 2.35, p = 0.09) and 1.53 (1.12, 2.11, p = 0.008) in HRPC studies. Conclusions: Oncology trial participants with baseline CSF had significantly lower baseline QOL, experienced more adverse events and had poorer survival compared to participants without CSF. We have confirmed previous work indicating that fatigue is an important baseline stratification factor that should be considered in all oncology treatment trials. Consistent with other research, our results indicate that fatigue should be measured and ameliorated wherever possible among advanced cancer patients.
Caregiver-oncologist concordance in patient prognosis, caregiver depression, and caregiver mastery.
Authors: Loh Kah Poh , Culakova Eva , Xu Huiwen , Kadambi Sindhuja M , Magnuson Allison , Flannery Marie Anne , Duberstein Paul , Epstein Ronald M. , McHugh Colin , Nipp Ryan David , Trevino Kelly Marie , Sanapala Chandrika , Canin Beverly , Gayle Arlene Angela , Conlin Alison Katherine , Bearden James , Mohile Supriya Gupta 
Published: October 2020

143 Background: Caregivers of older adults with advanced cancer often have a different understanding of the patient’s prognosis compared with their oncologist. Among patients, accurate prognostic awareness is associated with greater depressive symptoms, except when patients utilize more adaptive coping skills. We examined the relationship between caregiver-oncologist prognostic concordance and caregiver depressive symptoms and explored whether this relationship differed by caregiver mastery, the capacity to cope, adjust, and adapt to problems. Methods: We utilized data from a national geriatric assessment cluster-randomized trial (URCC 13070: PI Mohile) that recruited patients aged ≥70 with incurable cancer considering any line of cancer treatment at community oncology practices, their caregivers, and oncologists. At enrollment, caregivers and oncologists estimated the patient’s prognosis (0-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-5 years, > 5 years); same response was considered concordant. Caregivers completed Ryff’s mastery subscale (range 7-35, higher is better) at enrollment and depression screen (the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 (range 0-6) 4-6 weeks later. To assess the association of prognostic concordance with caregiver depressive symptoms, we used generalized estimating equations in models adjusted for cancer type, study arm, practice sites, and caregiver demographics. We then assessed moderation effect of caregiver mastery on this association. Results: Among 410 caregiver-oncologist dyads, mean caregiver age was 66.5, 75% were female, and 26% were caregivers of patients with lung cancer. Mean mastery score at enrollment was 27.6 (SD 4.7) and 19% screened positive on PHQ-2 at week 4-6. Among dyads who provided response (N = 370), 28% were concordant. Prognostic concordance was associated with higher caregiver depressive symptoms (β = 0.30; p = 0.04). Significant moderation effect was found between concordance and mastery for caregiver depressive symptoms (p = 0.02). Among caregivers with low mastery ( < median), prognostic concordance was associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.68; p = 0.003). Among caregivers with high mastery (≥median), concordance was not associated with depressive symptoms (β = -0.06; p = 0.67). Conclusions: There is a need to study how prognostic understanding might lead to depression in at-risk caregivers. Interventions targeting caregiver prognostic understanding need to consider its relationship with depressive symptoms, while seeking to increase caregiver mastery.