bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and function of CTLA4 in melanoma.
Authors: Seliger Barbara , Maio Michele , Cuaia Ornella , Calabro Luana 
Published: March 2020

e20040 Background: The definition of co-inhibitory molecules negatively interfering with immune responses has provided novel targets for therapeutic intervention. These include CTLA4, which directly binds to CD80 and CD86 on T cells leading to a down-regulation of immune responses. Recently, anti-CTLA4 antibodies have been established, which were able to stimulate T cell responses and anti-tumour immunity in vitro and cause objective responses in melanoma patients even months later after clinical progression. Since CTLA4 was found to be expressed on tumour cells, which might explain the distinct anti-tumour immunity of CTLA4 in tumour patients, the aim of this study was determine the expression and function of CTLA4 in 60 human tumour cells of distinct origin. Methods: qPCR, Western blot, cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression of CTLA4. Cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of CTLA4+tumor cells was determined by XTT and soft agar colony formation, while CTL-mediated lysis was determined by standard chromium release assay. Results: Expression analysis revealed n extremely heterogeneous and tumour-specific CTLA4 mRNA expression in the tumour cell lines tested with the highest frequency (85 %) and expression levels in melanoma. In contrast, only low constitutive CTLA4 surface expression levels, but high levels of intracellular CTLA4 protein were found. Immunohistochemical analyses with seven distinct anti-CTLA4 antibodies showed a heterogeneous staining pattern in selected melanoma cell lines analysed. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of CTLA4 expression different CTLA4 expression models were established in melanoma and subjected to functional analysis. High levels of CTLA4 expression caused a down-regulation of their cell proliferation as well as a reduced anchorage independent growth. However, CTLA4 expression did not affect the immunogenicity of tumour cells as determined using co-culture assays of CTLA4+tumour cells with either HLA-matched PBMCs or melanoma antigen-specific CTL. Conclusions: In conclusion, CTLA4 is expressed in melanoma cells and reveals non-immunogenic functions by modulating the growth properties, rather than inhibiting T cell responses.
Biochemical and immunologic markers in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with chemotherapy and dendritic cell vaccine.
Authors: Samoylenko Igor , Zabotina Tatiana , Mikhaylova Irina N. , Chkadua George Z. , Korotkova Olga V. , Vikhrova Anastasia S , Nazarova Valery V , Kharkevich Galina , Demidov Lev V. 
Published: March 2020

e20042 Background: The purpose of this sub study was to identify peripheral blood biomarkers associated with the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy with dendritic cell vaccine in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM). Methods: Patients (pts) with low disease burden achieved disease control after two cycles of chemo (cisplatine, vinbalstie, DTIC) were randomized dendritic cell vaccine (DC) or three cycles of chemo. Vaccination schedule consisted of 5 subcutaneous injections of dendritic cell (DC) vaccine (2×106 cells pulsed with autologous lysate) with 14 days intervals. S100B level, LDH level, and peripheral blood lymphocytes immune phenotype were assessed before treatment, after two cycles of chemo and after each vaccination cycle. Results: 104 pts were included in the study, 30 pts were randomized to DC arm, 29 pts were randomized to continue chemo. In pts with rapid disease progression baseline serum S100b level was significantly higher compared to patients with objective response or stable disease (0.874±1.15 mcg/L vs. 0.361±0.66 mcg/L, P=0.002). Similar results were found for baseline serum LDH level (559.8±469.7 U/L vs. 412.5±184.4 U/L, P=0.005) and serum S100b level after 2 cycles of chemo (0.688±0.855 mcg/L vs. 0.187±0,29 mcg/L, P<0.001). Contrary, baseline CD3+HLA-DR+ and CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes levels after 2 cycles of chemo were significantly higher in pts with disease control (11.9±8.9% vs. 8.9±5.3%, P=0.047 and 14.4±8.3% vs. 11.3±5.5%, P=0.036 respectively).In pts randomized to DC arm following markers were associated with long lasting objective response or stable disease course (>6 months): lower baseline S100b level (0.133±0.120 mcg/L vs. 0.445±0.406 mcg/L, P=0.014), lower S100b level after 2 cycles of chemo (0.105±0.095 mcg/L vs. 0.255±0.154 mcg/L, P=0.048), higher proportion of active CD8+lymphocytes prior to vaccination (74.7±3.6% vs. 51.7±14.2%, P=0.05); and more prominent increase of NK-cells CD3-CD16+CD56+ from baseline (increase in 76.5%±41.12% vs. 4.5±28.8%, P=0.01). Conclusions: Biochemical and immunological markers may be helpful when selecting patients with metastatic melanoma for immunotherapy with dendritic cell vaccine.
Socio-demographic and psychological features in Moroccan patients with cancer: A prospective multicentric large cohort study.
Authors: Errihani Hassan , Amzerin Mounia , Kharmoum Saoussane , Zidouh Ahmed , Benider Adellatif , El Kadi Abir , El Fakir Samira , Mrabti Hind , Nejjari Chakib 
Published: March 2020

e20516 Background: To explore socio-demographic features and functional dimensions in patients included in a large Moroccan cohort study. Methods: This is the first Moroccan study which was designed to evaluate the quality of life in cancer patients. It is a prospective multicentric cohort study (the 10 existing centers). Patients with breast, cervical, lung or colorectal cancer were included during 2009. EORTC QLQ C30, BR23, CX24 and LC13 questionnaires were used after a transcultural validation. Results: Over 12 months, 2903 patients were included. Breast cancer was the most common (50.4%). Socio-demographic features: The average age at diagnosis was 52.7 years old. Most of them were women (75%). All of patients were Muslims. 75.1% were married. 60% were illiterate. 20% of patients were professionally active and 59.3% were housewives. 27.2% came from rural towns. The socioeconomic status was 65.8% low and 32.4% intermediate. 71.4% of patients had no social welfare. To get to the oncology centers, 77.8% of patients used public transportation while only 0.6% of total cases came in ambulances. The average distance was 150 kilometers. Psychosocial dimensions: For all types of cancer, functional dimensions were noticeably deteriorated with the stage. The lowest scores were observed in lung cancer, whereas the highest ones were for breast cancer. (Emotional function 62.54 vs. 53.05 professional function and leisure 74.14 vs. 42.22 cognitive activity 83.25 vs 26.93 social activity 86,17 vs. 77.69 p<0.001). The financial problems score was higher in lung cancer (68.34). The future perspective was the most affected dimension in QLQ BR23 questionnaire (score40.51), while in QLQ CX24, the sexual enjoyment was the most impacted dimension (score 52.1). Conclusions: In the Moroccan culture, the social relationships the social relationships offset the negative impact of cancer on other functional dimensions. Social activity scores were the less affected. Financial issues are the major concern, resulting in a negative impact on the quality of life of our patients. Finally, over a period of one year, the scores of reported dimensions were significantly improved by the cancer treatment.
The relationship between performance status and sleep quality in cancer patients.
Authors: Velinova Silviya , Kazlauskaite Rasa , Aguirre Roxana , Zarei Khosrow , Hussein Lily Parhad , Rogowski Wendy , McDunn Susan H. , Lad Thomas E. 
Published: March 2020

e20544 Background: Poor sleep is common, and is linked to impaired cognitive, psychological, and physical functioning and a lower quality of life. The purpose of this study is to measure quality of sleep in cancer patients and determine the relationship between quality of sleep and performance status. Methods: Patients with cancer (n=139) were recruited at the public hospital between November 2011 and January 2012 and asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) questionnaires. Twenty patients repeated the questionnaires after 3 months. For the purpose of this study PSQI global score >5 was considered insomnia. PS score 0-1 was considered good, and PS 2-4 was considered poor. Results: The mean age of participants was 55±11 years, 56% were women, 78% were ethnic minority, 77% had advanced cancer, and 71% were undergoing cancer treatment. Among all patients, 73% reported good PS. Median PSQI score was 7 (IQR 4; 11) and 62% had insomnia. Sleep medication was used by 25%. Patients with poor PS had worse PSQI score (Mann-Whitney test, p< 0.0001), and 7.34 (95%CI 2.11-25.49) higher odds of insomnia (p=0.0002) compared to patients with good PS.(Table1) No significant correlation was found between insomnia and gender, ethnicity, primary tumor type, tumor stage, or treatment status. Conclusions: The incidence of insomnia among cancer patients is high. There is a higher incidence of sleep disturbance and worse sleep quality among patients with poorer performance status. [Table: see text]
Potential use of Pain Vision as an objective method to evaluate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Authors: Tanabe Yuko , Shimizu Chikako , Hirakawa Akihiro , Nara Eriko , Noguchi Emi , Kodaira Makoto , Yamamoto Harukaze , Yunokawa Mayu , Yonemori Kan , Tamura Kenji , Fujiwara Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2020

e20557 Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting adverse event, but no objective method exists to evaluate CIPN in an easy-to-use and reproducible manner. Pain Vision (PS-2100; Nipro Co., Osaka, Japan) (PV) was developed to quantitatively evaluate peripheral neuropathy using minimum threshold electric current (mTEC) by painless stimulus. PV has been reported useful in evaluating diabetic neuropathy and neuropathic pain induced by other causes. We investigated the usefulness of PV as an objective method to evaluate CIPN. Methods: Breast and ovarian cancer patients, who were intended to receive adjuvant chemotherapy including paclitaxel (PTX), were enrolled in a clinical study to explore SNPs related to CIPN (UMIN000005294). CIPN was prospectively evaluated at baseline, mid-treatment after receiving a total PTX dosage of 480mg/m2 and three weeks following treatment completion using NCI-CTC (v4), FACT-Neurotaxane (FACT-Ntx) and mTEC as measured by PV. Correlations between changes of mTEC readings and NCI-CTC or FACT-Ntx were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results: Ninety-four women were enrolled in this study between April 2011 and December 2012, 15 patients had not reached the post-treatment evaluation point at time of this analysis. Median age was 50 years (range, 27-78) and the incidence of CIPN was 99%. No patient had CIPN at baseline. Mid-treatment and post-treatment CIPN grades were 0/1/2/3=9/70/15/0 and 3/41/30/5 using NCI-CTC while median mTEC readings at baseline, mid-treatment and post-treatment points were 7.8 (4.9-19.9), 8.6 (5.1-17.8) and 9.7 (5.3-22.4)μA, respectively. In baseline and post-treatment comparisons, median mTEC reading changes were significantly correlated with every NCI-CTC grade (median mTEC changes for grades 1/2/3=0.39/0.36/0.64; p=0.003/0.019/0.004) and FACT-Ntx questionnaire item nine, “I have trouble feeling the shape of small objects when they are in my hand” (median mTEC change of 0.14; p=0.049). Conclusions: PV may be potentially useful as an objective method to evaluate CIPN, in particular sensory dominant CIPN, but further study is necessary. Clinical trial information: 000005294.
Bowel obstruction with stage IV cancer: The benefit of introduction of formal palliative care service.
Authors: Kukar Moshim , Groman Adrienne , Satchidanand Yashodhara K. , Alvarez-Perez Amy I. , Dunn Kelli B. , Francescutti Valerie 
Published: March 2020

e20573 Background: Patients with stage IV cancer and bowel obstruction (BO) present a complicated management problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of introduction of an organized palliative care service in the management of this complex disease process. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute with stage IV cancer and BO after the institution of formal palliative care service (PS) in 2009. This cohort was compared to a group prior to 2009 (No Palliative care service Group; NPS). The two groups were compared with respect to demographics, comorbid conditions, DNR status, laboratory parameters, medical, surgical management, length of stay and disposition status. Results: 28 patients were identified in PS group as compared to 40 patients in NPS group. The 2 groups were similar in terms of age, gender, race, comorbid conditions, primary site of cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and weight loss. There was a statistically significant difference in the medication regimen provided, as those who had palliative care consults were more likely to receive alternative medications to standard anti-emetics (Table). The palliative care team followed 19/28 patients and 14/19 patients showed improvement in their symptoms (nausea, pain control) in initial 24 hours after the palliative care consult. 50 % ( n=14) of patients in PS group had a formal DNR order in place as compared to 15.4% in NPS group (p<0.001). In 9/14 patients the first discussion regarding DNR was held by palliative care team. A significantly higher percentage of patients were discharged to the hospice care in PS group (42.9% vs. 7.5%, p =0.006). Conclusions: BO in patients with stage IV cancer often poses a dilemma in the choice of surgery versus medical management. Palliative care consults, early in the hospitalization, may help improve symptom management, end of life discussions, better psychosocial support, discharge placements and will eventually translate to shorter length of stay. [Table: see text]
Upper limb function: Comparison of postmenopause women with and without a history of early breast cancer.
Authors: Foroughi Nasim , Lee Mi-Joung , Kilbreath Sharon 
Published: March 2020

e20578 Background: Long term upper limb impairments following early breast cancer treatment are commonly reported in women years following surgery. However, the extent to which the symptoms are related to menopause and ageing, rather than cancer, has not been explored. This study aimed to compare upper limb strength, shoulder forward flexion range of motion (FF RoM), and presence of impairments in post menopausal women with and without a history of breast cancer. Methods: Community–dwelling age and body mass index (BMI)-matched post menopausal women with (n=40) and without a history of early breast cancer treatment (n=40) participated. Women with other types of cancer, metastatic cancer, and significant neurological or musculoskeletal history unrelated to breast cancer were excluded. Peak shoulder muscle strength was assessed using pneumatic resistance machines and FF RoM with a digital inclinometer. Participants completed the Disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. Between groups comparison were made using analysis of co-variance with age and BMI as confounding variables. Results: Upper limb strength (206.22±45.0 vs. 225.36±86.9 Nm/kg, p=0.091) and FF RoM (166.75±7.9◦ vs. 170.14±6.9◦, p=0.259) were not significantly different between the study and the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups on any of the DASH sub scores (pain: 9.18±8.1 vs. 8.62±8.2, P=0.770). Conclusions: Upper limb impairments are often presumed to be a consequence of surgical procedures in women with breast cancer. However, some of the symptoms women perceive years following surgery may be related to the changes due to aging or menopause rather than cancer treatment.
Risk of fatigue with the targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma.
Authors: Iqbal Bilal , Wu Shenhong 
Published: March 2020

e20611 Background: Fatigue is one of the major side effects associated with targeted therapeutic agents in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and has negatively affected the optimal use of these drugs. Currently the risk of fatigue has not been well defined. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) to determine the risk of fatigue in RCC patients treated with targeted therapy. Methods: Databases including PUBMED, Web of Science, and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings up to October, 2012 were searched to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies included prospective RCTs in which a targeted therapy was compared to a control of non-targeted therapy (placebo or interferon) with data available. Incidences and relative risk (RR) were calculated using a random- or fixed-effects model depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: A total of 5,192 RCC patients (targeted therapy: 3023, control: 2092) from 11 RCTs were selected for analysis. The overall incidences of all-grade and high-grade (ie, grade 3 or above) fatigue were 45.4% (95% CI: 33.0-58.5%) and 7.6% (95% CI: 4.1-13.5%) respectively. The incidences varied significantly among different agents (P<0.001). In comparison with overall controls, the targeted therapy did not significantly increase the risk of all-grade (RR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.0-1.35, p=0.055) or high-grade fatigue (RR= 1.01, 95% CI: 0.68-1.50, P=0.95). However, the targeted therapy significantly increased the risk of all-grade fatigue (RR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.40-2.32; P<0.001), but not high-grade fatigue (RR 1.74, 95% CI: 0.91-3.32; P=0.095) when compared to placebo. There was no significant difference between the targeted therapy and interferon in the risk of all-grade (RR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.90-1.14; P=0.90) or high-grade fatigue (RR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.55-1.36; P=0.53). Conclusions: The targeted therapy may significantly increase the risk of fatigue in a magnitude comparable to interferon.
Characteristics and outcomes of advanced cancer patients referred to outpatient supportive care who missed their appointment.
Authors: Delgado-Guay Marvin Omar , Tanzi Silvia , San-Miguel Maria Teresa , Williams Janet L. , Allo Julio , Chisholm Gary B. , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: March 2020

e20612 Background: Supportive Care Outpatient Clinics (SCOC) offer comprehensive care and symptom management to patients with advanced cancer (AdCa). Missed appointments (MA) are frequent but they are no studies on the clinical outcomes of patients who fail to show for consultation. Methods: We determined the frequency of MA, including clinical and demographic data, and reviewed clinic appointment records for 218 consecutive kept (KA) and 218 MA for distinct patients referred to SCOC from January to December 2011. Results: 218/1,352 (16%) AdCa who were referred to our SCOC, missed their appointment. The median age was 57 years (interquartile range 49-67). The mean (range) time between referral and appointment was 7.4 days (0-71) for KA vs. 9.1 days (0-89) for MA (p=0.0062). Age, gender, marital status, and cancer types or stages, and reasons for referral to SCOC were not significantly different between MA and KA patients. African Americans had more MA 49/218 (22%) vs. 31/217 (14%), p=0.06. The reasons for MA were: admission to the hospital 17/218 (8%), death 4/218 (2%), appointment with primary oncologist 37/218 (18%), other appointments 19/218 (9%), visits to emergency room(ER) 9/218(9%), and unknown 111/218(54%). MA patients visited more the ER at 2 weeks 16/214 (7%) vs. 5/217 (2%), p=0.01, and 4 weeks 17/205(8%) vs. 8/217(4%), p=0.06. Median survival for MA patients was 177 days (range:127-215) vs. 253 days (range:192-347) for KA patients (p=0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that MA were associated to the time between referral and scheduled appointment (OR: 1.026/day, p=0.03), referral from targeted therapy services (OR:2.177, p=0.004), living at Texas/Louisiana regions (OR;2.345, p=0.002), having advanced directives (OR:0.154, P<0.0001), and being referred for symptom control (OR:0.024, p=0.0003). Conclusions: AdCa with MA have worse survival and increased ER utilization. We identified AdCa at higher risk for MA who should undergo more aggressive follow up. More research on MA prevention is needed.
Psychosocial impact of parental cancer on Moroccan children: Result of an exploratory study.
Authors: Kharmoum Saoussane , Sbitti Yassir , Amzerin Mounia , Mesmoudi Mohamed , Kharmoum Jinane , Mrabti Hind , Errihani Hassan 
Published: March 2020

e20624 Background: Cancer diagnosis and treatment of a parent has considerable impact on the lives of their children. The aim is to identify whether the diagnosis of parental cancer is associated with an increased risk of psychosocial difficulties amongst children and adolescents in Moroccan population. Methods: At the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, from September to December 2009, 194 Children and adolescents whose parents were diagnosed with a cancer were interviewed. We used a questionnaire covering socio-epidemiological characteristics exploring the disease repercussions to their psychic. Results: There were 52% son and 48% daughters, aged between 10-15 years old (yo) in 26%, 15 - 20 yo in 44% and 20-22 yo in 30% of cases respectively. 67% were studying. Communication difficulties between parents with cancer and their children were observed in 100%. 20% of children were not aware of their parents' cancer. Only the children who were informed about their parents’ cancer were interviewed. All of them had traumatism, initial denial and anguish of loss of the parent. Guilt feelings were present in 90% of cases. 87% of them felt abandoned. The fear of having a stepfather or stepmother was observed in 41.2% of daughters and 12.8% of son, especially when the parent who had the cancer was the mother. Fear of inheriting cancer was seen in 80% of daughters whose mothers were suffering from breast cancer. The process of parentification was benign in 54% and destructive in 23% of cases. Enuresis was present in 30% of cases (20.6% in daughters 9.4% in son). Introversion was seen in 70% of cases. 30% of children noted a regression in their school abilities. Toxic habits appeared in 15% of cases. Conclusions: The result of this transversal study suggests that Moroccan children who have parents suffering from cancer, experiment an important distress. Unfortunately, the Moroccan parents do not use the services of psychological assistance. Thus, we should be vigilant to detect any potential psycho-pathologic disorders and to enable the family to live as normal as possible.